I Think I Prefer the Tinned Variety

H.M.S. Spurwing where my dad was stationed was established at the village of Hastings, near Freetown, in Sierra Leone. These photographs are all in and around Hastings. Hastings, near Freetown, Sierra Leone. Hastings, near Freetown, Sierra Leone. Hastings, near Freetown, Sierra Leone. The road to Freetown from Hastings. The village of Hastings, near Freetown, Sierra Leone.  The village of Hastings, near Freetown, Sierra Leone.   The road to the naval air station at Hastings, near Freetown, Sierra Leone.  The road into H.M.S. Spurwing Hastings Church Hastings Creek  Hastings, near Freetown, Sierra Leone 

My dad, Norman Buckle, was at the Royal Navy air station known as H.M.S. Spurwing near Freetown, Sierra Leone from October 1943 until November 1944. H.M.S Spurwing was actually situated at the village of Hastings about 15 miles east of Freetown. His diary records several visits to Freetown. St George's Cathedral, Freetown, Sierra Leone  Un-named street in Freetown, Sierra Leone  Norman is standing at the back wearing the white hat.  Freetown, Sierra Leone Wilberforce Street, Freetown, Sierra Leone

HMS Spurwing based at Hastings, near Freetown, Sierra Leone. This is a photograph of the playing fields at H.M.S. Spurwing situated at the village of Hastings, near Freetown, Sierra Leone. In his diary, in 1943, my dad wrote: "The first object that catches the eye is the range of mountains from which Sierra Leone takes its name ( Lion Mountain ). The reference to Lion is obscure as there is no visible resemblance, but a possible explanation is that the thunder in the rainy season is like a lion’s roar." Charlie Perry and Dick Treadway, Norman Buckle Norman Buckle is the tall chap on the right; the other two are Charlie Perry and Dick Treadway but it isn't clear from his diary which is which. They are standing outside their accommodation at H.M.S. Spurwing "Mess No. 4". Mess No. 4 This blurry photo is of the interior of "Mess No 4" which was where they were accommodated. Note the mosquito nets. Bathing facilities