This is the story of how my grandparents met in the RAF, but it's also the story of how two people who decided to join up were the stepping stones for the rest of us.
Barbara Smyth and George on their wedding day, 1955
My grandfather joined the RAF working as a chef as part of his National Service in 1950. After his two years, he found that he missed life in the force, so decided to rejoin and began working in the airmen's mess at RAF White Waltham, a place he loved. In 1952, it was decided that WRAF were now allowed to work alongside the men in the airmen's mess and in 1954, after a time spent at RAF Halton, he returned to find a lady called Barbara Smyth working in the kitchens. From notes he wrote of his life, he describes setting her to work in the stores. She was deeply unhappy working in the kitchens, so she remastered into a clerical post in the orderly room. Before long, after a little persuasion, she agreed to go out with him and in 1955, Leading Aircraftwoman Barbara Smyth married Corporal George Lathwell.
They had an incredible life together which took them wherever the RAF needed, living in Singapore whilst based at RAF Changi, in Cyprus based at RAF Akrotiri and Nicosia, as well as many bases around the UK. They had two children, Shirley and Allan. Shirley, who by this time was used to travelling and not settling in one place for long, became a teacher and taught all over the UK, Germany and Malaysia. Allan followed in his father's footsteps and joined the RAF as an Aircraft Engineer. My grandfather stayed in the RAF until 1977, leaving as a Warrant Officer.
In 2024, I made the decision to join the RAF. On 10 December 2024, I attested into the Royal Air Force. Unfortunately, not long into my basic training, my grandfather passed away, aged 92. I was utterly heartbroken as I had been so desperate for him to see me in my blues. On 5 March 2025, I graduated. Two days later we had his funeral, and I gave the eulogy wearing my No. 1s. We talked about his time in the RAF, his life together with my nan, and all the incredible journeys they had been on.
If it wasn't for the Royal Air Force and the coming together of these two people, we would not exist to tell their story.
AS1 Lydia Latham
George and Barbara at RAF White Waltham
Lydia with her grandmother Barbara.
