RAFRochford
February 3, 2014 at 10:15 am

BBC Archive…Battle of Britain. Well worth a look.

Hi all;

Just a quick heads-up for those that may not have seen this. I’ve just stumbled across the BBC online archive that has some great stuff that I’ve not seen (or heard) before. There is also a section devoted to the Battle of Britain.

Here’s one example, the documentary “Man Alive” on a 501 Squadron reunion at Kenley first broadcast on 8th October 1969…the very day I was born! Well worth a watch. Linky here..

http://www.bbc.co.uk/archive/battleofbritain/11401.shtml

Also a nice couple of interviews with Keith Park and Hugh Dowding recorded in 1968 and 1969 respectively. Lots of other interesting things to look at and listen to as well. Well worth a look for those like me that may not have seen it.

Regards;
Steve

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By: Arabella-Cox - 11th February 2014 at 18:00

Was this 501 Squadron? If so, then it would be a Hurricane. Makes little or no difference, endurance wise, but I think the story was that he landed somewhere else before going back to his home airfield.

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By: dodo - 11th February 2014 at 17:56

One pilot says he was 5 hours late returning, and his books & records were already pinched
My query is how a Spitfire could fly for 5 hours and not run out of fuel ???
Had he landed in France !!! Or could story be not quite right.
Dodo

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By: RAFRochford - 3rd February 2014 at 19:55

Glad you enjoyed the link. I don’t know how I hadn’t stumbled across this before.

I found the Man Alive documentary fascinating and couldn’t believe it was aired the day I was born. Also interesting that some were quoted as being not much older than I am now…as of 1969 that is.

Some really interesting observations from the ex 501 pilots, mostly with a lot of modesty. I like the reference to Bob Dafforn telling the news paper seller outside the Tube station..”I don’t need to read about the 12 Stukas that were shot down yesterday…because I shot them down!”

The Dowding interview was interesting too, and I couldn’t resist watching John Noakes with the Red Arrows again! :eagerness:

Regards;
Steve

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By: hawker1966 - 3rd February 2014 at 18:29

Thanks for posting Steve, hadn’t seen this before, Ginger Lacy certainly came across as missing the Raf.

And whatever happened to the Program “Man alive”, although i can only just remember it.

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By: AlanR - 3rd February 2014 at 10:50

Indeed, some fascinating clips on there.

Thanks for posting.