"Some
of Len's fondest memories were from his early days
at Wattisham when he worked alongside the fast jets
of the time - Lightnings and later Phantoms. During
this time he also carried out numerous detachments
to other RAF Stations such as Honington, Coltishall,
Northcoates, Waddington, West Raynham and Binbrook.
"In
July 1993 the RAF withdrew from Wattisham, flying
operations transferred over to the Army Air Corps,
and Len became part of the Defence Fire Service (Army).
In the 10 years that Len worked for the DFS(A), he
completed two overseas deployments to Bosnia where
he met and made many friends amongst fellow firefighters
deployed with him from other DFS(A) fire stations.
It was whilst Len was on his third overseas deployment,
to Iraq with Operation Telic, that he became
ill and was airlifted home to hospital.
"It
should be noted that Len, as a civilian firefighter
in the DFS(A), volunteered to go to the Gulf, and
this action speaks highly of his sense of duty and
dedication to the Service.
"Len
was divorced, but from his marriage to Sue, he had
three daughters, Leonie, Naomi and Jennifer, whom
he was very proud of. One of Len's greatest passions
was his football, playing regularly in his youth as
goalkeeper. A lifetime supporter of Ipswich Town FC,
he followed their fortunes through thick and thin.
"As
part of the Fire Service team he will be sadly missed
by all his working and retired colleagues."
