After more than 50 years a former RAF man throws light on a little-known aspect of Newport's post-war life - that there were air force people involved in the shipping business. Mike Buckingham reports.

MILLIONS of tons of RAF supplies from buttons to bombers were despatched in the immediate post-war years from Newport Docks to air force bases worldwide.

Although the number of personnel stationed at the city's docks were few - no more than a dozen - they played a pivotal role in the maintenance of British air power from Gibraltar to Singapore.

"I imagine most people in Newport know about the enormous American facility at Newport which received stores from the United States in preparation for D-Day" Mr Richard Maslen, who in 1953 served with No 2 RAF Movements Unit (Embarkation) stationed at South Dock said.

"But the RAF's post-war activities have almost been forgotten."

The unit's headquarters was at Southampton with Newport as one of its most important outposts.

"The whole range of RAF supplies was sent to bases all over the world.

"Newport was the main centre for South Wales and from there we would go to Cardiff, Barry and Pembroke Dock as required which was about 40 percent of the time."

Nottingham-born Mr Maslen had a hankering for the sea and when compulsory national service loomed had hoped for the Royal Navy.

"But for some reason they decided I was for the RAF.

"Since I would have been called up anyway I signed on for three years as a regular, which meant I received full pay.

"I have very fond memories of Newport and the job."

For the single officer, Flight-sergeant, two corporals and seven airmen the movements units was a 'cushy' posting.

"I actually applied to come to Newport which meant that we lived in digs rather than barracks.

"We put on our uniforms in the morning and went to work on the 'bus just like we would have done in civilian life.

"After work we went back home and changed into civilian clothes and did pretty much what we wanted.

"We had a Standard Vanguard car supplied by the RAF for work purposes and worked closely with Wynn's the Newport-based haulage company.

"The material being moved by sea could be anything from complete aircraft fuselages, vehicles including aircraft refuelling bowsers and smaller vehicles and stores.

"I can still remember the landladies with whom I was lodged.

"There was a Mrs Jewell in Stockton Road, and after her I lodged for a short time with Mrs Wesson in the same area.

"After that I stayed with Mrs Atkins near St Woolos' Cathedral but she died so I went to Mrs Hall on Stow Hill where I shared with two other airmen.

"We made a marvellous social life and included in our circle of friends the young women at the YWCA where we would go for cups of tea and a chat.

"Another pastime was to 'phone up receptionists and make dates.

"There was a wonderful book shop in the middle of town and I used to love it on Saturday nights when people came down from the valleys for a night out.

"I used to play jazz at the RAFA Cub in Park Square and was in Newport until 1956 when I was demobbed."

The movements unit's headquarters was a wooden hut near the coaling quay with the Transporter Bridge as a backdrop.

Heating was a coal-burning stove and the RAF men took turns staying overnight at their workplace one night a week so that stores being shipped out overnight could be checked.

Mr Maslen who now lives in Suffolk said he intended shortly to renew his acquaintance with the docks and the city.

"I don't expect our hut is still standing, but you never know.

"I'm sure some of the landladies who put us up are still with us and some of the Newportonians who made us so welcome.

"I know one tends to view events of fifty or more years ago through rose-coloured glasses but I really had a good time and developed a great affection for Newport and its people.

"At least now people who are interested in that sort of thing will know just a little more about their city's maritime and military past."