Grandad's diaries are window into wartime role

Young man wearing glasses and a military uniform. He is looking into the camera with a serious expression and wearing his RAF hat tilted to the side of his head.Image source, Della Judd
Image caption,

John Teague pictured in his RAF uniform

  • Published

The granddaughter of a man who served in World War Two says his diaries have given her a valuable insight into what was asked of young people during that time.

Della Judd, who lives in Milton Keynes, says that by the age of 18, her grandfather John Teague was requisitioning housing and rehoming civilians in London, following the widespread destruction caused by German air raids.

Mr Teague later went on to serve as an RAF wireless operator mechanic at British military bases across Europe.

"He was given serious tasks and so much responsibility at such a young age," she said. "I can't imagine my own 20-year-old son doing something similar, which puts things into perspective."

Mrs Judd said the family not only had his diaries but also letters his parents sent him during the war and a treasured photograph album detailing his experiences.

She said her grandfather was a keen photographer, and among the images was a photograph he took of Prime Minister Sir Winston Churchill, visiting a European air base where Mr Teague was stationed.

Sir Winston Churchill dressed in dark clothing and wearing his distinctive Homburg hat, meeting senior military officials, all in uniform.Image source, Della Judd
Image caption,

Prime Minister Sir Winston Churchill meeting troops at a military base in Europe where John Teague was stationed

Two German soldiers, in uniform, sat looking away from the camera.  More soldiers can be seen in the distance.  Image source, Della Judd
Image caption,

Mr Teague captured many unseen moments of World War Two, including the surrender of German troops

A woman in her 50's with light brown hair looking at a photograph album.  She is wearing a striped blue and white top.
Image caption,

"Grandad's diaries and photograph album are a wonderful reminder of his war effort," Mrs Judd said

"Grandad didn't talk about his experiences in the war until he was much older," Mrs Judd said.

"His diary and the letters he received from his mum and dad have really helped to fill in the gaps.

"They've added layers to what he was like as a person, not only as a grandad."

Black and white photo of John Teague with short hair swept to the side and round glasses. He is smiling at the camera. He is wearing a shirt, tie and jacket.Image source, Della Judd
Image caption,

John Teague served as an RAF wireless operator mechanic

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