Harry Breeze (Audio)

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.

harrybreeze.wav (738K)

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.

7 Comments

Mum says:

01/11/2006 at 07:03

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

Reply
lesley says:

04/11/2006 at 22:38

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

Reply
- Peter. D, Fraser says:
  
  12/02/2010 at 02:42
  
  Wow what can I say as a gas man who worked with one of the best ( my old boss) for six years, my wife who also worked on the same department sent me this web site, Its a book what we all did from the start to the end of six years on wales gas conversion department. Not just the gas side but the parts that make you smile,I would be more than pleased to tell of the times we all had as we moved from town to town in all of wales.
  
  Reply
  - Rich says:
    
    12/02/2010 at 06:59
    
    Wow, sounds very interesting!
    
    Reply
    - lesley (aka Mum) says:
      
      12/02/2010 at 08:12
      
      Waiting with baited breath!
      At a time when the precious North Sea gas has all but run out and everything has changed,(we drive past the former site of the E.M.Edwards works every week), it is lovely to hear from somebody who remembers my father Harry Breeze, MBE, DFC (Rich’s grandfather)
      
      Reply