Re-Union after 60 Years

A Sunday afternoon in late November saw two former members of 458 squadron meet again after nearly 60 years, thanks to the auspices of the 458 newsletter. It was earlier this year that the newsletter published details about Bob Springall and this was picked up by Brenda Fordham, daughter of Steve Search. After an exchange of e-mails the scene was set for the guys to meet with Steve, his wife May, Brenda and her husband Nigel making the trip from Gloucestershire to Berkshire where co-incidentally they used to live up until 5 years ago. The guys could not believe that for more than 50 years that they had lived within 10 miles of one another and not known it, therefore there was a lot of catching up to do.  This was not the last of the co-incidences as both guys realised they were born within 5 miles of one another in South London in 1922.

Both Steve and Bob are now well into their 90’s but you would not believe it as they animatedly recalled squadron days at Foggia, Italy and the time spent with 458 undertaking anti-submarine duties for Coastal Command, Christmas 1944 and the move to Gibraltar at the end of the war in Europe. Steve had brought a number of photographs and it was a real delight to recognise people from the Squadron re-unions in London during the 1950’s and Anzac Day commemorations at the Cenotaph around the same time.

Time passes very quickly when you are enjoying yourself and after 3 hours it was time for Steve and family to return to Gloucester but now that contact has been made it will not be lost !!.

Thanks to Tony & Ana Springall for this delightful and heart-warming story.