I’ve been moved to make contact following the passing of Prince Phillip, whose DoE bronze and silver awards I achieved with Devizes 2397 Air Training Corps squadron were a big part of my success in later life, as was membership of the ATC. They taught a reliance and resilience that served me well, and I remain grateful.

But the thing that really brought the memories flooding back was local shopkeeper Tony Barnes visiting the squadron to ask for volunteers to clear the Devizes section of the Kennet and Avon canal above the Caen Hill locks as part of our DoE. The irony is that Prince Phillip and the Queen would open the Caen Hill locks after traveling through the section I helped clear. Despite owning a house about 50m from their walkabout I missed it, away on holiday with the lady who is now my wife of 30 years