TWO ex-members of the RAF have been reunited after 55 years after one of them placed an article in the Mercury.

Brian Giles, of East Sussex, is back in contact with old friend George Mills, of North Petherton, after seeking him out through the paper.

The pair became close friends when they were stationed at RAF Westonzoyland from 1954 to 1957.

Brian, 77, said they were both in 542 476 Squadron Bomber Command in the trade of servicing recorder in the rank of S.A.C (plus). When planes came in, any faults would be listed and it was their job to make sure they had been seen to.

He said: “He was 18 and I was 20. I’ve been trying to track him down for several years, and decided to go caravanning at Othery and went to Bridgwater to ask if he was on any of the town’s records.

“I knew he must have been there because he married a Bridgwater woman and stayed in Sedgemoor.

“We were transferred to Westonzoyland as the start of a task force for bomb tests on Christmas Island.

“I’ve found it hard to track people down because a lot of information is classified.”

Brian received a call from Ursula Martin, of the Family History Research Service, Bridgwater Gene Pool.

After seeing the article she found George’s details and contacted Brian.

She said: “As a professional researcher I felt I could help them find each other and I’m glad I did!

“I’m happy to announce that George has been reconnected with Brian after more than 50 years and they’re going to have a reunion.”

George, 75, said: “It’s great to speak to him again. We’ve been talking about old times.

“I remember the first time I tried cider and got very drunk. He put a crash helmet on my head so I wouldn’t hurt myself.

“We were the best of friends.”

The reunion on Saturday, August 4, will take place at 2pm at the Castle Club, former Royal British Legion Club, in Bridgwater. Since the article, the pair have found two other RAF friends.