People in Radar – Roy Taylor

Albert Roy Taylor (RCAF)

Roy Taylor poses in front of an exhibit panel at the Secrets of Radar Museum. He’s in the group portrait to his left. (2014)

A. Roy Taylor served as a radar mechanic with the Royal Canadian Air Force during the Second World War. After the Official Secrets Act was lifted in 1991 he was eager to tell his story, and published his memoirs in 2005. He was active with the Secrets of Radar Museum in London, ON. Mr. Taylor passed away in 2015 in his 96th year.

[Adapted from “On Loan to the R.A.F.: Experiences of an R.C.A.F. Mechanic in World War II” by A. Roy Taylor]

Dearest Mum,

I’m just happy we all arrived here in England in one piece. That’s one voyage I wouldn’t wish to repeat. The Leopoldville was not meant for the North Atlantic in the winter. It had hammocks, ceiling fans, and no heat. I’m almost glad I got horribly seasick (we changed course a lot). At least the infirmary had heat.

Training has been good. I’ve learned so much about radio here at Yatesbury. There are a lot more Canadians here than you would expect, but we are the first to do what we do.

I wish our training at No. 1 Manning Depot in Toronto had been more than just learning to march and shine our buttons. They say we’ll be far away from the action, so don’t worry about me being unprepared.

I have leave for the week before we really get down to business. I have asked to visit father’s family in Lancashire and was delighted to find that I got it.

I met an English chap named Ted Gerathy who’s headed to Canada to train. He’s been posted to Mount Hope so I gave him your address and told him to stop by. I hope that isn’t too much of a problem.

There was a problem with the train, so I got in late to Mrs. Liddell’s house and it was raining like you wouldn’t believe. She gave me a nice hot cup of coffee to warm me up before she sent me off to bed. It’s nice to see her after so long.

Roy and his WAAF friend Rosemary

The bombing has been rough here.  The buses can’t run so it’s hard to get around. Tom had some real trouble getting home the other night. The public pool is still open though, and it’s lovely. I spent hours there.

Rochdale is beautiful. The town hall is one of the nicest buildings I’ve seen; to think, its only 50 years old! Everyone has been so welcoming, (a bit too welcoming sometimes). I was invited to a dance by a woman, that didn’t go too well. I think she was just trying to show off the nice Canadian soldier.

Tom’s wife also tried to set me up with one of her friends. To be honest I was more interested in seeing the steam room at the mill than the dances. The sheer size of that machinery is mind-boggling.

I’m going to Liverpool tomorrow to report in before I’m posted to my next destination. Mrs. Liddell and the other cousins send their love. I’ve included a photo of Mrs. Liddell, Tom and I from my birthday. They came up to the station for a visit. I know it’s a month late but I still thought you’d like it.

My love to everyone, Roy

A Second Letter

Dearest Mum,

Thank you so much for the tin you sent me. Me, the lad next to me, and a few of the nursing sisters made a good meal out of it. We had to hide it from the other patients so they wouldn’t get curious. Oddly enough it was the matron that we had to worry about and not the patients. She saw us eating and had a fit. She thought the nurses had raided the kitchen. I cleared it up and she calmed down a bit after that.

I’m healing up well so far. I’m a little sore but that’s to be expected after a surgery, even if it was a minor one. The scar’s not going to be too big so that’s good news.

I have sick leave this week so I went up to visit Hylda and Tom. The other day she said “We know Roy is here. He has his kit scattered all over the house, worse than the beaches at Dunkirk”. I think the two of you would get along very well.

I’m being sent overseas soon, (to the continent, I mean). I just have to wait for the scar and the rest of me to heal enough. It shouldn’t be too long now. Italy or Sicily I think — warmer weather!

Lots of love, Roy.

P.S. I got sick of doing nothing in bed so I started doing some embroidery. I’ve started on a pillowcase with an RAF seal and the RCAF banner below. Keeping up with Lillian, Eileen and Dorothy all those years is finally paying off. Be sure to thank them for me, will you.