Stanley Lester helped keep British planes in the air against the Germans during the Second World War.

We described in Memory Lane last week how he joined the Local Defence Unit and patrolled the grounds of Christ Church in Oxford, armed with a .22 rifle and a large stick, looking for enemy para- chutists.

The unit's commanding officer was Capt Pakenham, later Lord Longford.

When Mr Lester reached 18, he joined the RAF and travelled to Bournemouth to train as a flight mechanic.

After spells at RAF St Athan, in South Wales, and RAF Shawbury, in Shropshire, he was posted to RAF Hampstead Norris, in Berkshire, to work on Vickers Wellington bombers.

He recalls: "One of my experiences was as an acting rear gunner on a test flight. It was a bit unnerving sitting in the rear of the plane with no ammunition for the guns, but with a fantastic view of Oxford from 10,000ft."

He moved around the country until he and his colleagues were told to report to the Clyde and embark for Gibraltar and Algiers.

"During the trip, 'Jerry' had a go at our convoy, but thankfully he was a poor shot and we arrived safely in North Africa.

"We were told that we could be taking part in the landings at Sicily. Our task was to service Spitfires and Beaufighters."

During their advance in Italy, life was hectic, with a 24-hour on and 24-hour off schedule, but as more squadrons arrived, the pressure eased, and even a cultural visit to the Roman city of Pompeii, near Naples, was possible.

Mr Lester adds: "It was decided that we had worked hard enough and we could come home to Blighty.

"We loaded at Naples docks, crossed to Algiers, then joined a fast convoy to Liverpool aboard the SS Stranthaver. I was then posted to RAF Bicester, where I worked on Mitchells, Bostons and Mosquitoes."

After marrying a "wonderful Cockney girl", he moved to Oxford to prepare for his next posting, to the Far East.

But that was cancelled when he reported to the military hospital in High Street, Oxford, at the University Examination Schools, and was told he had laryngitis.

His final posting, to a transport depot 10 miles from the French capital Paris, lasted nine months before he was demobbed.

Mr Lester, a member of the Oxford branch of the Royal Air Forces Association, would like to contact former colleagues.

Call him on 01865 430107 or write to 30 Cuddesdon Way, Blackbird Leys, Oxford OX4 6SX.