Memories of Fleet Air Arm at Testwood Training Squadron

Hugo Du Plessis was at boarding school prior to and at the beginning of the war, but returned home to join the local Home Guard that had been formed by his father who was a local councillor. Hugo was then called up and joined the Fleet Air Arm in January 1942. Following a period of training in Scotland he was posted to the Testwood Training Squadron, Southampton. This enabled him to visit his family home near Lymington and was able to observe what was happening in the Forest during the war and its effect on the local estates and population. His narrative provides a window on what it was like to live in this area during the war years and its aftermath.

All material is © 2019 New Forest National Park Authority.

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Interviewed by: Colin Gibson
Transcription by: John Martin
Checked by: John Martin
Audio Editor: Cosmic Carrot