I served with the RAF from 1946 until 1948, called up under the still applicable wartime regulations. It will be 60 years next month since my demobilisation and return to civilian life.

It was during my service that I first became aware of Hawick and its traditions. Not being a Teri myself, meeting Hawick lads was educational to say the least!

I spent a year at RAF Edzell in Angus and got to know Charlie Milligan from Hawick. 'Chic' has he was known by his mates, was a first-class pianist and played with the station dance band. I even stood in for the drummer on a couple of occasions!

Another Teri to appear on the scene was Jim 'Curly' Hogg, one of the early National Service men. Listening to both of their tales of Hawick was entertaining and informative. Charlie was demobbed before me and Jim some time after. Little did I know at the time that in three short years I would find myself in Hawick, in pursuit of a new career, and very quickly meet up with Charlie and Jim.

Charlie, who was still kept busy as a musician and in great demand all over the town, was now part of the family furniture business, while Jim was working as a motor mechanic with Guthrie's garage.

There was a third Borderer at Edzell. Ian Walker, of Jedburgh, from whom I learnt about the ancient royal burgh. Ian was subsequently made an honorary sheriff substitute for Roxburghshire.
Sadly, all three air force mates have passed away but they have been long remembered.

The RAF has been well staffed by Hawick men and women, some of whom earned decorations for considerable courage and devotion to duty. The heraldic title for the Royal Air Force is "Per Ardua ad Astra" – "Through hardship to the stars." A fitting memento to my former colleagues and to those who served so generously in the past and to today's airmen and women.