The end of the rainbow.

Fantastic responses from everyone and some really heartwarming moments shared. Geoff and Dan are right, Rememberance is key to much of what we cherish. What Geoff says about planting the seeds for future generations is of paramount importance. We tend to forget just how ‘mortal’ we are until something happens to someone we are close to. To the veterans we remember and honour that mortality was an ever present fact of life. Empty seats in the mess, a dog who no longer has an owner, a wife or sweetheart waiting for the news that their lived one is safe, and the final devastating realisation that they weren’t.

Not an achievement, not even a rainbow, and at the time this incident occurred I was too naive to realise its importance and significance. I have told this story before but that was nearly three years ago now. Back in the early eighties I was at an airshow down south and had the opportunity to clamber inside Sally B for a small fee. In front of me in the queue was a short grey haired chap wearing a leather jacket. Anyway, on leaving the aircraft he stumbled and fell and I helped him up. He was crying. I asked if he was ok, (I cringe at the crass naievety of that question now), he had been a ball gunner in 1944 and in his broad American accent told me he was crying with pleasure at the memories evoked by sight of an aircraft which had carried him safely through his tour, and with sadness at the loss of his best friend ‘whose remains were hosed out of the tail turret’. His words, etched forever in my memory, not mine. I would swap every memory of every airshow and aircraft I have seen to be able to spend one hour in that mans company. To have the chance to ask him the questions which would come easily to my lips now. And to thank him.

Regards,

kev35

Wow, what a great story, Kev.
Thanks for sharing.

I once went to an airshow at Wigram down in Christchurch, here in NZ.
I spoke for about an hour with a retired chap who helps restore the aircraft for the museum.
Turns out he was a Hurricane pilot during WW2 and actually flew off catapults on merchant ships.
I chatted to him for nearly an hour and I wasn’t even scratching the surface with the knowledge and experiences this fine gentleman had to offer.
Just all of the little things you never read about in books I found really fascinating.

Very sad to think that sooner or later these people will be gone forever.

Cheers
Chris

OK, here’s me with my sensible head on.

In my personal life, one of the next goals is to convince the new Ms Yak 11 Fan that I am infact fairly safe in an aeroplane and that she should not be worried about flying with me in spite of how I drive.

You may be surprised at how your driving improves now you have some 3D experience. Better anticipation, more awareness, keener senses.

I didn’t say that happened to me, but . . . .

MH

OK, here’s me with my sensible head on.

Aviation wise the end of the rainbow is getting closer and closer, as many will no doubt know I obtained my JAA PPL in March (April by the time the CAA had finished with the paperwork). I am now in the very fortunate position to have a good friend who owns a few aircraft and has very generously put me on the insurance of his Cessna 172 and arranged for a checkout for me to satisfy the insurance company early this weekend. After that I have to get on with hour building, so it’s highly likely I will be dropping into an airfield near you soon. With a bit of experience behind me I will be undertaking a tailwheel conversion and will be checked out on the newest addition to the fleet, which to me a few years ago is something I could not have dreamed of achieving and something which I am extremely grateful for.
In my personal life, one of the next goals is to convince the new Ms Yak 11 Fan that I am infact fairly safe in an aeroplane and that she should not be worried about flying with me in spite of how I drive.

Fantastic responses from everyone and some really heartwarming moments shared. Geoff and Dan are right, Rememberance is key to much of what we cherish. What Geoff says about planting the seeds for future generations is of paramount importance. We tend to forget just how ‘mortal’ we are until something happens to someone we are close to. To the veterans we remember and honour that mortality was an ever present fact of life. Empty seats in the mess, a dog who no longer has an owner, a wife or sweetheart waiting for the news that their lived one is safe, and the final devastating realisation that they weren’t.

Not an achievement, not even a rainbow, and at the time this incident occurred I was too naive to realise its importance and significance. I have told this story before but that was nearly three years ago now. Back in the early eighties I was at an airshow down south and had the opportunity to clamber inside Sally B for a small fee. In front of me in the queue was a short grey haired chap wearing a leather jacket. Anyway, on leaving the aircraft he stumbled and fell and I helped him up. He was crying. I asked if he was ok, (I cringe at the crass naievety of that question now), he had been a ball gunner in 1944 and in his broad American accent told me he was crying with pleasure at the memories evoked by sight of an aircraft which had carried him safely through his tour, and with sadness at the loss of his best friend ‘whose remains were hosed out of the tail turret’. His words, etched forever in my memory, not mine. I would swap every memory of every airshow and aircraft I have seen to be able to spend one hour in that mans company. To have the chance to ask him the questions which would come easily to my lips now. And to thank him.

Regards,

kev35

For me?

Organising the one & only (so far) reunion of 131 (County of Kent) Sqn. RAF back in April 1992. Twelve pilots & ground staff attended, including one from Australia. None had met since the war, & seeing their pleasure at meeting again was all the reward I needed. It was the first time I had organised anything, so I was relieved it all went so well. Six of the twelve are no longer with us.

Geoff.

I know exactly what you mean Geoff

That was what was so wonderful about the 41 Squadron get together in 86. Helping Peter Cowell get in touch with Don Smith as one had been best man for the other way back when, reading Tom Slack’s book before it got published, being allowed to sit in on the conversations in the Coltishal Officers Club and then having them ask me if they had their facts straight as they knew that at that point, their history was my current events having been immersed in it for so long. Having Peter Cowell and Terry Spencer ‘lean on” the B of B flight pilot to get me into the cockpit of the Spit II. The list goes on and on from that little slice of time. Being allowed in and welcomed into that world was wonderful

Outside of my wedding, and the births of my children and the things involved with family, that photo with the Spit pilots of 41 represents one of the best days of my life. I wouldn’t trade it for anything.

Sadly a number of those guys are gone now too 🙁

Dan

Dan

For me?

Organising the one & only (so far) reunion of 131 (County of Kent) Sqn. RAF back in April 1992. Twelve pilots & ground staff attended, including one from Australia. None had met since the war, & seeing their pleasure at meeting again was all the reward I needed. It was the first time I had organised anything, so I was relieved it all went so well. Six of the twelve are no longer with us.

Being part of our museum – helping to run the place when we’re open, and also being the editor of the museum newsletter/magazine. Looking after Mum full time means I don’t get the chance to go out as much as I would like, but I find the time to do what I can for the museum. A big thank-you to my brother, who ‘mothersits’ for me when I go to the museum, or on a ‘dig’. He wont see this, but thanks anyway bruv.

Seeing young children walking around the museum with their parents or grandparents, leaning of the sacrifices made on their behalf so many years ago, I can only hope a seed of rememberance has been planted that will grow, until they can pass it on to their own children.

Being the editor of ‘Friends of The few’ is a big responsibility. Apart from keeping our members up to date, it also acts as an ‘ambassador’ for the museum. Knowing that the work I put into this has helped the museum gain friends & exhibits gives me a good deal of satisfaction.

Geoff.

Great thread Kev, as always.

Hmm, what have been my rainbows in previous years? In no particular order: gaining my FAA PPL in 93, being accepted for RAFC Cranwell in 91, my first solo in a Venture in 87, first flight in a Chippie 82, meeting Bob Stanford Tuck also in 82… Plenty more, which doubtless will come to me after I’ve had a think about this.

My god, looking at that, how lucky I’ve been. And how much I’ve taken it all for granted.

Future aviation rainbows, well five spring to mind;

1 – Finish my JAR PPL (only about a month to go, weather permitting…)
2 – Take my son on one of Classic Wings’ Drgon Rapides. Pasing on a family tradition of having first flight in a de Havilland… 😉
3 – Solo a Chipmunk
4 – Get my book researched, written and published ready for launch in July 2010
5 – See G-DINT fly again, and know that I helped get her there.

I’m sure I’ll think of more, but god knows those five are enough to be getting on with for now!

Is that jack Wild in P7350’s cockpit? Whatever happens to these old exBBMF pilots? I would have expected to see them flying on the display circuit. One pilot i thought would not disappear is Paul Shenton. What happened to him?

Current Rainbows wanted in order of likleyhood:

2. To help a Walrus fly again (G-RNLI – we care)

Hi James,

If it helps at all there is a pair of Walrus legs for auction at Trademe.co.nz which have come up several times and not had a bidder. The price ain’t bad, not sure what the reserve is though.

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Collectables/Automotive-transport/auction-11251923.htm

Cheers
Dave

Hi John.

Dunno what the prob is with my PM link. Never mind.
I’ve sent you a PM.

Cheers
Chris

Chris – email me – John P

Hi Chris

I just tried to send you a private message but you have the link disabled in the profile – send me an email address or enable the private link if you want to.

I live in Brisbane and although I was just in Wanaka I am planning to come over to the North Island soon so we can catch up

Kindest regards
John P

Hi My Rainbows

Surviving Vietnam – a crash,two broken legs etc and total disenchantment with the US political system and the Australian Government that followed them there and everywhere since (like now) as a result (Don’t get excited I still love yanks just NOT your or My leaders) – at least a limp is better than being dead.

Seeing the Warbird movement come of age and blossom as it has – I know it has it’s faults but on balance it is one hell of a sucess –

Getting to see some of the best airshows and museums I could ever imagine on 3 continents and NZ as well as the airshows

Most of all knowing and sharing my interest with people like all of you on this forum – we don’t always have to agree but we do respect and listen

Hi Setter,

I would love to hear your story about Vietnam if you ever want to share.

Anyway, back to the thread subject,

One of my rainbows achieved is simply just joining this forum. Even though I’m over the “other side” of the world, I feel closer to you (mostly UK) people just by sharing a common (and awesome!!) interest.

Cheers
Chris

Cheers
Chris

Hi My Rainbows

Surviving Vietnam – a crash,two broken legs etc and total disenchantment with the US political system and the Australian Government that followed them there and everywhere since (like now) as a result (Don’t get excited I still love yanks just NOT your or My leaders) – at least a limp is better than being dead.

Seeing the Warbird movement come of age and blossom as it has – I know it has it’s faults but on balance it is one hell of a sucess –

Getting to see some of the best airshows and museums I could ever imagine on 3 continents and NZ as well as the airshows

Most of all knowing and sharing my interest with people like all of you on this forum – we don’t always have to agree but we do respect and listen

Aviation wise:

1. First Solo.
2. PPL.
3. Taking my parents flying. Especially as my mum was apprehensive about getting into a ‘small, jolty aeroplane’. Her words, not mine!
And, knowing of their pride. Immeasurable.

Great thread.

Regards,

Paul

I’ve had three rainbows. First, while potentially never ending, really peaked in having a part in getting the 41 Squadron vets to the 86 reunion at Coltishall. Chasing Spit XII stuff is the never ending part.

Second was helping the brothers of a B24 pilot and co-pilot learn about how their MIA brothers lost their lives and participating in memorials for both.

http://www.worldwar2pilots.com/b24intro.htm

Third was tracking down the story of a ID bracelet found on a beach in Belgium that belonged to a KIA 447th BG B17 Pilot.

http://www.worldwar2pilots.com/guynn-01.htm

Not boasting, but things I am really proud of. Being allowed into those worlds was worth more then the gold at the end of the rainbow.

Dan

Well my own personal Rainbow was reached when I was able to pay my terminally ill mum back for all the times she stayed by my sick bed when I was a child. An amazing experience that I will cherish for ever. It sounds corny but whan I was sitting next to her when she was drifting in and out of a Coma I kept thinking to myself “I’m not leaving my wingman”. Sad but true.

Aviation wise, well I think I’m nearly there. Watch this space.

But I would really love to see the B-29 in the UK
I’m with JDK on the Walrus
I still havent had the change to shake a veterans hand and say thank you in public.

And in November another Rainbow begins

Interesting post Kev.

Rainbows achieved:
Personally, (albeit in a very small way) to get two Blenhiem restorations a tiny bit further. I planned on one, after the tragic crash way back when, but it seems that it’s an ongoing comitment. Makes a ‘helper’ realise how much harder it is for those who do the 110% stuff in the middle of vintage aviation.

Current Rainbows wanted in order of likleyhood:
1. To help record Robert Rudhall’s important contibution to UK aviation preservation.

2. To help a Walrus fly again (G-RNLI – we care)
3. To see a Cierva C-30 / Avro Rota fly regularly at displays

Over to the next bod…