That gives me an idea for another memorial……

From the diary of Tadeusz Nowierski:

Making an entry on 10th December, Novi recollects the following:

“This happened even earlier, it must have been back in September (the date has been verified as 27th September) A large group of bombers, about sixty in number, escorted in force by fighters was on the way to bomb Bristol. We met them rather belatedly, because just after they had managed to drop their bombs, they were forming a wide circle and heading towards the south. And so it happened that, not being able to assume an advantageous position of attack, what with the fighters lurking above our heads, we did not go into action. But neither were the Messerschmitt’s keen to pounce on us, despite considerable advantage of height. Only one grouping of Me110’s which, as if closing off this armada, took any visible notice of us. We also devoted a certain amount of our attention to them, which cost them the loss of six of their aircraft being shot down. Thus when we had made our way over Portland from Bristol, the Messerschmitt’s emboldened by our apparent docility, formed a great circle just above the coast. We reached them in a very short time, and before they managed to make one full circle, the squadron launched its attack. All this happened so quickly that it was difficult even to be aware of what was afoot. I was on the right wing, being the last covering aircraft, so I was able best to see from a relatively long distance.
Pilot Officer Miller, a twenty year old marvellous brave young fellow, attacking the first of them, collided with a Messerschmitt, which blew to bits, and unfortunately Miller was killed diving into the sea, his Spitfire ablaze. Moments later there was no circle formation, only single machines diving in a southerly direction, and behind the tail of each of them was a Spitfire discharging its deadly rounds.
Passing one of the Me110s I gave only a short burst at three-quarter lengths ahead, however without apparent result. A moment later there was already someone else sitting on his tail and he quickly sent him crashing.
All this did not last longer than 60 to 70 seconds and the valiant squadron returning home from all directions had sustained a loss of 6 aircraft, that is the equivalent of half its complement of machines. We lost Miller, about whom the British press later devoted a lot of space.
Together with P/O Curchin, we both gave two Messerschmitt’s a long chase almost right up to the French coast, but our good old trusty Spitfires were already out of breath at that altitude. This was one of the most glorious days of the squadron, in spite of the fact that the held record of only one scramble had resulted in the destruction of thirteen machines.

So, it’s worth searching out old local and national press reports. I have none regarding him as yet, but some may turn up in the future. Watch this space…..

I’d invest it and use the interest / earnings, keeping the capital to supply a steady income for whatever projects I thought were worthwhile.

And i’d use it on gathering information, memories, etc, perhaps taking veterans to visit sites / cemeteries, and so on.

Some would, of course, go on aviation itself, and i’d learn to fly, but a million isn’t going to net me a warbird, training and upkeep. Perhaps, if the investments went well, one of the new Fw190’s, but I certainly wouldn’t want the responsibility of a genuine warbird hanging around my neck.

Oh my, it will be his first time overseas since 1945! (He came over to France by Dakota with the advance party in June 44). In France, the locals all wanted him to get on their goats. Unfortunately, as Billy ate everything bar bromide, he was snipped and couldn’t oblige.

Oh, did I mention, Billy is writing a book? Clever bugger him. Mind you, being an Air Commodore, I suppose he has the time.

Ah yes, but being a long running joke for the regulars, it becomes a familiarity, a link, a subconcious drawing into of a family feeling. For example, in 3 years time, when we have all grown up and found something better to do than waste away on this forum, we might hear, from the crowd line:

“Blimey, where’s Janie gone? She’s done this before you know!”

and all those old feelings will come back again. And we’ll smack the ******* who spoke!

MH434 is recognisable by the radio antenna protruding from the underneath of its fuselage you know.

Been waiting since january to slip that in.

(Second time i’ve said THAT today!)

You don’t get off that easily! I’m not flying to Belgium until Saturday morning. Returning Sunday afternoon with hopefully a good supply of pix and video footage of 609 veterans, the new de Selys memorial, and some excellent beer!

BUT. The builders are making me a 609 Squadron office at home, so i’m over at mums – and she has to pay for each minute on the net. Consequently I only coime on here and there from work.

And as for that crack about an egg – is that to do with my smooth skull? I’ll have you know i’m famed for my hairstyle – lots of bald men have copied it. (Incidentally, according to the Working Tax Credit thingy, I am eligible for free wigs from the NHS. Isn’t that cool? I think I should get a mohican, some dreads, and a nice brown manager one for interviews!)

ps – received the tape yesterday, thanks Steve.