interference with my flying training, for this jab. I was advised, because of its strength, to go back to my room and lie down for an hour, so that any adverse effects it might have could wear off. I didn't get as far as my room, probably only about half way there, when my chest began to tighten and breathing became difficult. I turned round and made my way back to Sick Quarters because I felt so ill. On arrival I was gasping for breath and gurgling at the same time. The MO was summoned and, on taking one look at me put me on oxygen, at the same time lying me (now semi-conscious) face down on a bed with my head out over the end. An Orderly fetched a bowl and put it on the floor under my face, the oxygen mask was removed and a jet of oxygen played on to my face instead while I coughed up quantities of green frothy stuff. My lungs had filled with fluid and I was on the point of drowning in my own juices. I was given an antidote injection and, after about half an hour things began to improve. The MO, Fg.Off. Frame, didn't leave me the whole time. I lay there for another hour or more before I had recovered enough for him to let me sit up. By now it was time for afternoon tea in the Mess, so he took me there and had me sit alongside him at the Permanent Staff table and wouldn't let me go back to my room until he was absolutely satisfied that I was OK. Next morning, Sunday, when I went to see him for a check he told me that, if I hadn't been given oxygen I would have very soon died. I had no more hay fever injections.
When we went shopping it was usually to Taunton. Ilminster didn't have the same attraction. Depending on the weather we went either by bus if it was wet, or by train if it was a nice day. It was a pleasant walk to Ilton Halt in fine weather, but the bus stop was nearer the Guardroom. The train was a one-engine, single-carriage affair, one of the old Great Western Railway 'rail motor' trains. It was the prettiest branch line I have ever been on. The sides of the track were covered in blossom and the countryside some of the prettiest in the land. We were not interested in pubs; in any case they were all shut on Saturday afternoons. It was usual for us to do whatever shopping was needed, or have a haircut, and then go into Thornton's café for afternoon tea and cakes before making our way to the bus or train for our journey back to camp. None of us ever went into the Ilton alehouse. We regarded that as strictly for the locals and they respected us for it. Life, off-camp, was very civilised.
I was at Merryfield at the time of the Officers Mess Annual Summer Ball. We students had all heard of such events, but none of us had ever been to one. I found myself involved in the preparations and decoration of the Mess. There was at least a week's spare time hard work involved. I found myself helping with creating a thatched roof over an extra bar in the anteroom and then, on canvas flats, painting a large representation of a castle to adorn the end of the dining-room which, on the night, became the ballroom. On the morning of the ball almost all the walls in the Mess were decorated with trellis interwoven with creepers and fresh flowers. It was a sight to see.
As members of the Mess we were all expected to attend and, quite properly, had the right to invite guests. I invited my parents and booked a room for them at the Shrubbery Hotel in Ilminster. Dignitaries from Taunton and Ilminster, local landowners and farmers, Senior Officers from Flying Training Command, and executives of Westland Aircraft were all invited with their ladies. Officers' ladies, of course, were expected to attend. Unaccompanied Officers were asked to greet guests on arrival and to escort them during the evening.
All guests were received by the Commanding Officer and his lady. Welcome drinks were served but thereafter all drinks had to be paid for. It was an excellent event held on a warm evening. The Mess was full to capacity. Other members of my course met my parents and all went well. There was plenty of excellent food at the 42