Derek attended local schools in the Ealing area,
they have been knocked down and replaced by
housing now. However his original homes
survive and are still occupied.
As a child, Derek had surgery to correct a
squint to one eye. It is ironic that, had
he not had the operation he would
not have qualified as Air Crew.
When he left school, he followed an engineering aptitude,
working for Evershed & Vignoles, who made gauges &
meters and then the Kings Cross Truck Company,
who made transportation/lifting machinery.