Biography

Early life

Patrick grew up in Bognor Regis and then East Grinstead, both in Sussex. He became the youngest member of the British Astronomical Association, aged eleven.

His education would have taken him to Eton then Cambridge University - to read geology - but this was ruled out by a faulty heart which caused Patrick problems between the ages of six and fifteen. As a result, he passed the required exams with the help of a tutor, and was ready with his university place when war broke out! He decided to be economical with the truth about his age and joined the RAF.

During the war Patrick was trained as a navigator and flew in, among others, Wellington bombers. He met his "girl" Lorna while in the RAF but unfortunately Herr Hitler's activities meant she is no longer around, and he remains a reluctant bachelor.

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