The following information has been extracted from
pages 198 - 200 in Chapter 12 of my book,
"Peerless Powditch's", Vol 3, 'Norfolk Vacated' (1989)
- the Chapter of which is accessible on this website, by clicking
Alan Percy William Powditch Notes
Although too young to join any of the "forces", Alan, on reaching their English destination of
Salisbury (Wiltshire), was enlisted in the ''Home Guard' - which was formed in 1940, and
consisted of part-time "soldiers", who were to resist any invasion of Britain.
Alan was often on fire-fighting duties at the top of the tower at Salisbury Cathedral, and on one
occasion even had to take his rifle. One night, whilst up the tower, he watched the southern
night sky glow - only to learn later, that the "glow" had been the aftermath of the bombing of
Southampton.
On 27 February 1945, Alan Percy William Powditch signed three sheets of paper that would
change the "Home Guard" soldier into a full-time soldier in the "Regular Army".
At the Recruiting Centre, in Salisbury, Wiltshire, Alan first put his name and signature to the
statement that he was;-
"...... desirous of volunteering for service in the Army
on a Normal Regular Army engagement of SEVEN years with
the Colours and FIVE years with the Royal Army
Reserve ........"

Later that day, Alan received a NOTICE that he was required to;-
"attend forthwith, or at 2.0 o'clock p.m. on the 27' day
of February 1945 at Recruiting Centre, Salisbury Wilts"
........ for the purpose of appearing before a Magistrate
or Attesting Officer to be attested for His Majesty's
Army, in which you have expressed your willingness
to serve".

Obviously Alan did appear at the Recruiting Centre, for his "Enlistment Paper" proclaims not
only his personal details (date of birth [= March 23rd, 1923] ; Trade or calling [= Storeman
Clerk]; age last birthday [= 21 years] etc), but also bears his signature against the ''Oath to be
taken by Recruit on Attestation", as well as the Magistrate or Attesting Officer's own signature.
Thus it was that towards the end of the Second World War, Alan joined the Regular Army, and
was transferred into the 60th Infantry Battalion - otherwise known as the King's Royal Rifle
Corps.
Alan was a Corporal in the King's Royal Rifle Corps, and was in the position of Wireless
Operator. Whilst in the Corps, he was posted around Europe - being at various times, in Italy,
at the Yugoslavian border, and in Germany.
Around 1946, he returned to England, and was stationed at an Army Camp at Ogbourne
St.George, near Marlborough, Wiltshire.
Alan Percy William Powditch died on 22 September 1977, aged just 54 years old