Bernard Crowhurst (in green) and George Baker who haven't seen each other since 1954

by Thom Morris

They hadn’t seen each other since 1954... so after 58 years it was an emotional reunion for two former Army buddies.

Bernard Crowhurst, 78, from Stone, managed to track down George Baker in Nottingham by ringing every George Baker in the area until the right one answered the phone.

Now the pair have met up at Bernard’s home on Kirby Road.

Grandfather-of-two Bernard said: “We started in the Army back in late 1952 and we boarded a ship in Southampton to Korea because the war was still going on.

“We went all round though, through the Bay of Biscay, the Suez Canal.

“We got as far as Singapore and the war finished.

“We weren’t sure what was going to happen to us and we stayed there for a couple of months and thought we might end up in the Malayan jungle as it was still going on there, but we were sent to Hong Kong.

“There was still a risk of it being reclaimed by the communist bloc.

“We came back in 1954 as civilians and it took us three days and two nights to get back.

“I remember when we were taxiing to leave there was a plate missing off the wing and they’d left the fuel cap off, so if we hadn’t noticed that, I wouldn’t be here talking to you today.”

The pair last saw each other in Goodge Street transit centre.

Bernard added: “I’d been thinking about him and trying to get in touch.

“Not being computer literate, a friend of mine got me a list of names as I knew he was in the Nottingham area and over the course of a few nights I’d try the numbers and on the fourth try I got him.

“He’s known as David back home, but I told a couple of stories and he soon remembered.”

Grandfather-of-10 George said he was shocked to hear the voice on the end of the telephone.

The 78-year-old said: “It was still the same old voice and a bit of a shock to hear after 58 years.

“It’s been a pleasure to come down and see him and we’ve had a lovely two days.”