tags:Family
Harry Breeze (Audio)
April 1st, 1991, by Rich.
On April 1st 1991 (during the easter vacation of my first year at University) I took my computer to my grandparents house with the intention of getting a digital audio recording. I captured several short conversations including this one of my grandfather, Harry Breeze, discussing his early career.
The transcript is as follows:
My name is Harry Breeze, I was born on the 5th of August 1914, at 35 Manningham Road, Anfield, Liverpool.
I went to Anfield Road School until I was 10 when the family moved to Wallasey (1924). I attended Somerville Council School, and I went to Oldershaw Grammar School leaving at the age of 16 to join my father in his contracting business.
On completion of my apprenticeship I worked for a small firm in Birkenhead, before starting with Wallasey Gas and Water department.
From 1942 to 1946 I served with the Royal Air Force completing two tours of operation on 77 and 35 Pathfinder Squadron, as a Navigator. I was de-mobbed in 1946 with a rank of Flight Lieutenant, and with the award of a DFC.
[...] Fortunately my Dad was a good DIY man (even before DIY had been invented) and he had shored up the space under the stairs with planks of wood in anticipation of a visit from Mr Hitler or some of his emissaries. At that time Dad was working for the Gas Board and therefore in a reserved occupation, so instead of going off to war as he really wanted to, he did his work and then was in the Home Guard in his spare time. [...]
The first pic of Dad is the one I had beside my bed all through the war. I was so proud of him
The second was taken in 1945, just after he was awarded his DFC… notice the medal ribbon with the diagonal (purple & white) stripes.
Thanks for posting this, Rich
Despite the date of this posting, I can confirm that its contents are a true record of Harry Breeze’s early career.
He went on to pipeline Wales for North Sea Gas, and later converted all homes in Wales to receive it… and was awarded an MBE for his efforts
[...] ’stranger’ who carried me that night was, in fact my father who had just been given compassionate leave to come home to see his newborn son… just days [...]