A former RAF veteran recently participated in the RAF100 Baton Relay track event at Victoria Stadium and later had the opportunity to visit RAF Gibraltar. 

During the RAF100 Baton Relay event, Mr John Bautista walked a lap of the stadium, holding the baton with members of the RAF currently serving in Gibraltar. Following this he visited RAF Gibraltar to view some of the archives held. 

Mr Bautista joined the RAF in 1945 and trained as a telegraphist. On completion of training, he was posted to Gibraltar for a one year tour but ended up staying a further four years. 

During this time, John deployed as a Radio Officer, and worked onboard ocean-going Salvage Tug Hercules and passenger ferry M.V. Mons Calpe. John eventually returned to the UK in 1952 but two years later, he returned to Gibraltar for rehabilitation purposes. In 1955 John was demobbed and two weeks after this was offered a post as Civilian Radio Supervisor at RAF North Front Gibraltar which he accepted. Now retired, John operates amateur radio from Gibraltar.

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