Paternal Grandfather: RAF, entered Halton in 1926 on Propulsions apprenticeship, did an attachment to the Fleet Air Arm during the ’30s serving on Carriers. Finished RAF career on 19 sqn Duxford, with Bader, left to run engineering section of flying school. After the war became Technical Director of Channel Airways.

Maternal Grandfather: tried to Join Royal Monmouthshires at 14, lied about his age, was found out and sent home! Joined TA in 1930s, and then went back to Monmouthshires when old enough.
Was one of the only survivor of his regiment in the battle for Crete, was then placed into Black Watch and was in the siege of Tobruk. Following that was selected to join the Paras in North Africa, served for a while and then was selected to join Stirling’s new Raiding Forces. Undertook a RAID on a german airfield behind lines and then had to wait 2 months in enemy territory until the lines caught up.
Following that, he became Secretary to Lord Jellico in N. Africa, (later creator of the SBS) where he acquirred a taste for fine wine and Polo!

Was then posted as a weapons instructor (RSM by this time) to Newcastle upon Tyne whereupon he met and married a Midwife, left the Army at the end of the war and bought a shop in a village outside Neath in Wales…