LEARNING of the death of Her Majesty, the Queen Mother, I am reminded of the occasion she paid a war-time visit to the RAF Hospital in Ely, Cambridgeshire, to which I had been admitted as a young RAF officer.

Before entering the ward, the nursing staff had indicated (by means of an Elastoplast sticking plaster) to which bed she was expected to call. Ignoring the recommendation, she purposely visited everyone in turn.

The conversation with me was -- "Which Squadron do you fly with?" To which I replied: "The 75 NZ squadron Ma'am." "And where in NZ are you from?" I replied: "I am only flying with them, but come from Bolton in the North."

"I hope you have a speedy recovery, and a quick return to your squadron."

It was a very pleasant occasion, and a happy memory.

T D Newton

(Wing Commander RAF retd)

Lindale Avenue

Heaton, Bolton