Hard Life and Times of My Father Quiz / Test | Mixed UK

Quiz Answer Key and Fun Facts

1. My father was born four days after The Royal Flying Corps and the Royal Naval Air Service had merged to form the Royal Air Force. In which year did these events take place?

Answer: 1918

The Royal Air Force continues to serve Queen and country. In March 2008 the RAF had over 41,000 personnel at various bases throughout the world. Perhaps the finest tribute to the RAF came from Winston Churchill who, after the Battle of Britain was won said, "Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few".

2. In the 1930s my father began a six year apprenticeship to gain a trade in the construction industry. The job involved the use of stretchers and headers. What type of tradesman did he become?

Answer: Bricklayer

A stretcher is the exposed side of a brick and a header the exposed end of the brick, both are used in the various bonds that make up brickwork. An accomplished bricklayer, depending on conditions, could sometimes lay 1000 bricks during a working day.

3. My father was born in York and was always proud to be known as a Yorkshireman. What is the name traditionally given to a man from the county?

Answer: Tyke

Geordie is a regional name for people from Newcastle-upon-Tyne and surrounding area. Cobbler is a friendly term associated with people from Northampton, a major centre for shoemaking in the U.K. Yellowbelly is the regional name given to folk from the English county of Lincolnshire.

4. In 1939 at the outbreak of the second World War, my father volunteered to join the British Army. He became a Sapper. What regiment had he joined?

Answer: The Royal Engineers

In the Royal Engineers, Sappers (Privates) are trained combat engineers who also possess another trade. Whilst serving with the Engineers my father was proud to be Mentioned in Despatches. (A military award for gallantry or otherwise commendable service). He left the Royal Engineers with the rank of Sergeant in 1946.

5. During the fifties my father owned a smallholding in the North Yorkshire countryside. There, he raised Wessex Saddlebacks. What type of animal is a Saddleback?

Answer: Pig

A black pig with a white band around the forepart of the body. The Wessex Saddleback is traditionally regarded as an eating pig, the breed provided bacon and ham with a superb taste. My dad never had sheep or goats at the smallholding. Hens though, were kept in abundance.

6. During the 1960s my father was exhibiting some magnificent chrysanthemum blooms. Where in the U.K. does The Royal Horticultural Society hold its Annual Flower Show?

Answer: Chelsea

The Chelsea Flower Show is a five day event in May each year. The show is held at the grounds of the Royal Hospital Chelsea, London. It is the most famous show of its type in the U.K. and perhaps in the world.

7. In 1968, My father bought his first new motor car, a Ford Cortina. In 1982 Ford (UK) replaced the Cortina with which new model?

Answer: Sierra

The Ford Cortina was a medium sized family car that was very popular with British drivers. It sold in huge numbers during the 20 years of production. The Sierra was slightly larger than the Cortina and proved to be a worthy successor. The Ford Mondeo replaced the Sierra in late 1992. Both the Escort and Fiesta are smaller cars in the Ford range.

8. A favourite time for my father was a day at the races and a bet on the horses. Which of these towns in northern England does NOT have a racecourse?

Answer: Scarborough

One of the most popular events in the British sporting calendar, The English Grand National, is held at Aintree racecourse in Liverpool. The St Leger Stakes, the oldest of the five British classic races is held at Doncaster racecourse. Beverley in the East Riding of Yorkshire is home to a smaller racecourse for flat races. Scarborough although not having a racecourse is home to Oliver's Mount motorcycle racing circuit.

9. Dad always enjoyed a relaxing walk along the river bank, occasionally watching his two sons fishing. What is the main river that flows through the City of York?

Answer: River Ouse

The Ouse tributaries that includes the rivers Derwent, Wharfe and Nidd drain a large area of northern England. The River Ouse has a reputation for occasionally flooding the centre of York causing extensive damage. In the summer, the river is popular with tourists, who enjoy the regular boat trips that may include a visit to Bishopthorpe Palace, home to the Archbishop of York.

10. The story of my dad's life sadly ended in 1978. Who took the song "The Story of My Life" to the top of the British pop charts 20 years earlier?

Answer: Michael Holliday

Although the song written by Burt Bacharach/Hal David was originally recorded by Marty Robbins, it was Liverpool born Michael Holliday who had the U.K. No.1 hit in February 1958. The story of Michael Holliday's life is also short as he died from an overdose of sleeping tablets in 1963 at the age of 38.

Source: Author ykroy

This quiz was reviewed by FunTrivia editor Exit10 before going online.
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Life and Times of My Father Trivia Quiz

After being inspired by the wonderful "Life in a Quiz" series authored by my team mate Bucknallbabe this is my attempt to tell the life and times of my father. I do hope you enjoy the nostalgia.

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