Alan Garratt

ALAN GARRATT was 12 years old when war was declared, but at 14 he was in the Army Cadet Force, which operated from the barracks next to what used to be Pauldens' Stores in the centre of Manchester.  At that time he was working in a factory producing the Rolls Royce 'Merlin' areo-engine. This was the successful engine used in the famous 'Spitfires' during the Battle of Britain.

Alan was a most dedicated army cadet, and his detachment was the Royal Engineers. He said, "I lived, ate and slept the cadets, volunteering for everything, and becoming an instructor in P.T., Map Reading and Drill".

Duties occupied his time five nights per week, plus Sunday mornings, and he became a Lance Corporal after five months, rising to Staff Sergeant before joining the R.A.F. During his service with the cadets Alan volunteered, when still 16 years old, for the Tank Corps, REME, Airborne Services and "anything else that was advertised". However, his attempts to copy his Dad's signature on the consent line of the necessary forms proved unsuccessful, even with the help of his friend.

Even during the air raids on Manchester Alan was involved. He acted as a runner for the local Home Guard, which he says, enabled him to acquire knowledge of all the local pubs in Hulme, both inside and out. We wonder whether he ever met Rob Wilton, who also seemed to spend most of his Home Guard service in a pub.

Alan's home was damaged when bombs fell only 80 yards away. He was involved in all the Manchester raids. When still only 16, and now a sergeant. Alan would take a squad of cadets onto the stage during the interval at cinemas in Manchester, such as the Apollo, News Theatre, Crescent, Popular, Odean and Gaumont, giving drill demonstrations prior to calling for volunteers for the cadets.

A great day arrived when Alan finally joined the R.A.F. at Padgate. He did his "square bashing" at Wilmslow, with further service at Northolt, Cardinoton, Vienna and then back to Britain to Weeton.

In the late 1940's RAF Northolt remained the main 'drome in the British Isles. Heathrow was only just being built. Alan worked as a motor Transport Mechanic with 24 Squadron, RAF Transport Command.  24 Squadron was then responsible for all V.I.P.s flying in or out.  It also was responsible for the (then) King's Flight.

Alan recalls seeing the King and Queen often, also King Faisal (the present King Hussain of Jordan's father) to whom he was presented.

Another VIP Alan met was the late Field Marshall "Bill" Slim, who commanded the British 14th Army in Burma.

Years later, Alan adds that he met Princess Diana... Not that he likes to drop names!

After leaving the RAF Alan went back and finished his apprenticeship at Metro Vickers. But he preferred a commercial career, rising from Driver/Salesman to Area Sales Manager. This was achieved by working with several companies including Findus Frozen Food. Mr. Kipling Cakes, Spillers. Stimorol and Tescos.  He was active in local politics and has used his undoubted skills in this field to promote the Branch.

Following an accident Alan retired early. He has one son, three daughters and seven grandchildren; he cannot see enough of them. 

It is hard to imagine there was ever a time when Alan was not Chairman of the Branch.  Alan became involved in the Branch through his brother, Bob, who was in the Eighth Army.  Assistance was urgently needed and Alan gladly stepped forward.  He has given the job his all and made it his own.  It is not an easy task - the membership doesn't suffer fools gladly. Every meeting is conducted under the gaze of men and women who have seen it all and they can spot a wrong 'un a mile away. However, Alan is a man who believes in high standards and he has never flinced from setting the pace himself. There can be little doubt that without his devotion and foresight, the Branch would have folded many years ago. Behind the scenes, Alan has worked tirelessly to enlist support from outside agencies, arrange events and secure the long-term interests of the members.  His devotion to duty has been exemplary. 

Alan lives modestly in retirement.  If you were to visit him at home, you would see walls emblazoned with mementoes of service, photographs of the veterans groups he has helped and above all, family.  His fund of stories is limitless and invariably turns to the exploits and fine qualities of others. Privately, he is a man with enormous generosity of spirit, passionate in the support of a remarkable range of good causes, determined to see that none of them ever get sold short. 

Although Alan does not claim to be a poet, he once forwarded a contribution to the Manchester Veteran for publication.  Alan did not know the author but the poem is most commonly credited to Leo Piggott and was written in 1931.  It encapsulates Alan's attitude to life.

In 2002, the National Eighth Army Veterans Association was disbanded.  Only a handful of Branches kept going but - guess what - the Manchester Branch was among them.  We are proud that its Chairman was Alan Garratt.  We know that his brother Bob would be proudest of all.