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< >Doug gets demob medal, 60 years late! Sixty years to the day after he was demobbed at RAF Pembroke Dock, Douglas Benson has finally got his wartime medal. In a surprise ceremony at Pembroke Dock's Gun Tower Museum, former airman Doug received his 1939-45 War Medal from the RAF's top officer in Wales, Air Commodore Dai Williams. Doug had turned up at the Museum for a quiet Saturday visit, not knowing that his son, Bob, and local ATC squadron commander Mark Davies had laid on something very special. A guard of honour of cadets from No 1574 (Pembroke and District) Squadron, ATC, greeted Doug at the entrance and there was a 'reception committee' inside the Gun Tower. In the RAF Room, beneath models of Sunderland flying-boats which Doug used to service, he was presented with the medal. Eighty-two-year-old Doug, from Oswestry, joined the RAF in 1943 and trained as a radar mechanic. His final posting was to RAF Pembroke Dock, on Sunderland's, and it was from 'PD' that he was demobbed. "I was told I was not entitled to a medal although I had completed four years service, much of it wartime," recalled Doug. "However, when my son, Bob,did some research he found out that I was indeed entitled to the War Medal, and without my knowing he obtained one for me. It was such a surprise to receive the medal." Air Commodore Williams, the Air Officer Commanding Wales, said he was delighted that the RAF could at last ensure that Doug received his medal after his meritorious service. The arrangements were co-ordinated by Flight Lieutenant Mark Davies and the medal bearer was Cadet Katy Reeves. Later Doug and guests enjoyed refreshments at the town's RNA Club.
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