Reproduced with the kind permission of the Jamaica Observer newspaper.
The article first appeared in that papers September 19, 1999 edition.

Memories of War (cont’d)

Major Victor Beek

For Major Victor Beek it was more fascination for flying than for actual combat that made him want to participate in World War II.

"In the 1940s, flying was the ‘in-thing’," he explained.

At the time of his selection for ‘air crew’ he was in the middle of his training for a private pilot’s license. His selection, however, would help him realise his dream.

His mentality was tough towards what he was anticipating – being on a battlefield.

"My family is of a military background, so it was a much easier tablet to swallow knowing that I had been selected to go.

"I grew up with an automatic attachment to the Royal Country. And, when the war came I wanted to fight, it is embedded in you to fight for the mother country. I did not fret about dying."

Beek did not actually do combat, as by the time he reached Britain in 1944, no pilots were needed. He, however, did the signals and air guns course.

"You see, I was selected towards the end of the war."

He returned to Jamaica in 1946, and pursued what he always wanted to do: flying. After a few years he started the wing section of the Jamaica Combined Cadet Force.