Paul Bennet's Climbing Test
as told to Mave Sipple
Paul remembers the day in February 1956, when he and 29 other men arrived in Canewdon to take the climbing test.
The test was part of a Chigwell based firm’s training course, preparing the men for the work of fixing aerials and masts. The tower was part of the radar station in Canewdon.
Paul was then just 17 years old.
The coach took them to the tower and they were told to climb. Ten men dropped out. Paul, not wanting to look foolish began to climb the 360 ft. tower.
There was no safety equipment.
The precarious climb up the creaky wooden ladders proved to be quite a challenge for the young man, but he made it to the top, and passed the test.
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