March 2, 2007 at 8:19 am
There have been a couple of queries about the lost bombers site, asking why there aren’t more entries for mosquitos and whether Joe is still adding and updating the site. After speaking to him I can give the following information.
‘When I started to research the lost bombers, years ago, I included the mosquitos that I came across, as time went by I came to realise that technically the mosquito was not classed as a bomber, or as bomber command. They were 100 group and classed as fighter/bomber and bomber support, not command. I decided that I had to draw a line somewhere, so although I kept the entries that I had already researched I did not add any more mosquito entries.
They were a truly formidable aircraft with the ability to do long range missions, quick turn around and off again, and although they do not feature in the site, it does in no way detract from their importance. I just felt that if I included them that I would then need to go on to include all the fighters etc. Quite simply in terms of time left on this mortal coil, it was an impossible task, hence I drew the line at those aircraft classed as bomber command and heavy bombers.’
From the horse’s mouth, so to speak. He is not well at the moment, I don’t see his health improving greatly, but I can’t tell you what an incredible buzz he gets from seeing the amount of people that are using and downloading information from his site. He is simply, one of the old breed of real gentlemen, who puts others before himself and needs no monetary reward just the knowledge that he has helped someone out, and also helped keep the memory of the lost boys alive.
Thanks again for all your lovely comments.
Mrs Fluffy.
By: mhuxt - 2nd March 2007 at 12:08
A good start for Mossie losses (all Mossies) is:
http://www.dehavilland.ukf.net/_DH98%20prodn%20list.txt
Convey my warmest best wishes and deepest thanks to Joe if you would please Mrs. Fluffy.