Well, it’s a little over 30 years ago now that Ormond flew his last flight back on 3 July 1977. I remember it well – a bit like the “What were you doing when Kennedy was shot” memories, but I’m not that old.
For those of you that knew or met the gentleman, as I did, I think you’ll agree that he was truly one of a kind. For those that never had the privilege, well you’ll never know quite what you missed.
I recall sitting with him at Duxford whilst he was filling in his Duxford Aviation Society membership renewal. Dithering quite what he should put in the line marked “occupation”, I recall him turning to me and saying, “I think I’ll put Gentleman of Leisure.” Now there’s something I wish I could say now!
I remember my parents worried about me, their 8-9 year old son, spending time with a “middle aged” gentleman so, one day, they popped up to Duxford to meet the man. Ormond, as was his way, charmed them both. My father owned a Vanden Plas Princess 1300 and Ormond was drawing parallels between the walnut dash and seat-back tables in the 1300 to those in his RR Phantom Six! Ormond then took my mother, father and I into the little white caravan Ormond kept at the end of one of the hangars and made us all a nice cup of tea. Needless to say, my folks left understanding just what a bloody nice bloke Ormond was.
Ormond, wherever you are, rest in peace… The same sentiments of course apply to the young lad that died in the same p-51 accident.
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July 18, 2007 at 2:01 pm