GLOUCESTERSHIRE-based RAF Warrant Officer Martin Piddington, a former pupil of Tenby's Greenhill School, has served in Hong Kong, Cyprus and Holland since enlisting 23 years ago - but the action he saw near Stroud last year knocked spots off anything he encountered overseas.

In fact, World War II broke out at the 'secret' location where Martin spent two days on the set of blockbuster movie Pearl Harbour rubbing shoulders with stars like Ben Affleck - and offering a few helpful hints to the director.

The 41-year-old dental administrator, who is based at RAF HQ Personnel and Training Command, made his widescreen debut after seeing an advertisement asking for 'extras' for a Disney production.

Martin was invited to go down to Badminton House, near Stroud, where his picture was taken for the casting director.

"After that I had a costume fitting and a 1940s haircut - the only haircut I've ever been paid for!"

Four RAF personnel joined Martin at Badminton House and when it became known that 'real' Service people were on the set they became a sought-after commodity.

"It became a bit of a standing joke - we ended up being consulted on how to salute and that sort of thing," said Martin, whose colleagues from RAF Brize Norton were also put to work - marshalling Spitfires.

"Obviously they took a few liberties for the film, but we were able to make suggestions about airfield safety that they took on board," said Martin. "Things like who would have done what job and so on."

The airstrip shown in the film ('somewhere in England') wasn't all it seemed as it could only cater for one-way traffic.

"The aircraft could take off, but not land," explained Martin, who conceded that there was clearly a bit of 'Hollywood versus History' at work despite the input of a military advisor.

In the best traditions of Service humour, Martin decided to acknowledge his contribution by turning up with a gold 'directors' star on day two.

"I'm not sure how that went down though," he reflected.

His official role - as a Warrant Officer what else! - with an Eagle Squadron during the Battle of Britain is one that is still earning him a few leg-pulls.

"My mum said she'd be camped out on the pavement waiting for the movie to be screened - and my daughter Emily thinks it's all a bit of a joke," said Martin who, despite his minor role, managed to get photographed with star Ben Affleck before shaking off the stardust.

"He was very approachable, in fact everyone was friendly. At first it was all very strict - no cameras etc., but towards the end of the two days people started asking if they could take some snaps and the director was very laid back."

When not mixing with the glittarati Martin operates from Innsworth, Gloucestershire, where he is responsible for seeing that the right people are in the right place at the right time to meet the Royal Air Force's dental requirement. He enjoys golf, football and volleyball in his spare time.

Martin's parents Douglas and Olive live in Pembroke Dock. He is married to Sandra and has a nine-year-old daughter, Emily.