Captain Short was an experienced pilot with approximately 2,000 hours in his logbook at the time of his death. He gained his license in 1937. He had 89 hours logged on Halifax aircraft. It must have been an incredible workload flying a Halifax in bad weather with just a Flight Engineer on board. The pilot and Flight Engineer would have been preoccupied wuth flying the aircraft and with no navigator on board the work load becomes even greater. Apparently, an ATA enquiry suggested they should have flown out to sea to avoid the high ground. 61 years later it’s all conjecture. The whole point is two men died carrying out their duties and should be remembered.

The graveyard is mown but just needs a little general tidying around the grave where the mower doesn’t quite reach. The Church is no longer a church and was last in use as a design studio. As regards the wreath, it just felt the right thing to do. Some of the Commercial lads are having a meet at MAN on 10th August and some will come to the Churchyard with me.

I have applied for the Loss and Movement cards and for details of the crew. Have also written to Captain Short’s son so will keep you advised of developments.

Regards,

kev35

I’ll be happy to do that anyway. Always had a soft spot for Tridents. Remember one day back in the early 70’s when it was too bad to land at Heathrow and several turned up at BHX. only wish I’d been interested in taking photo’s then….

Regards,

kev35

Either way I’ll do it. I agree with Grey area that it is robbery, but, it’s the only chance I’ll have of seeing on board. I’ve been on the one at Duxford but it is stuffed with testing equipment and gives no concept at all on what a service aircraft would be like. If I don’t do it now my legs might not manage the stairs in twelve months time. And of course the high price is only representative of the huge costs when the aircraft was in service. It’s a dinosaur, rare as hen’s teeth and damn expensive.

Put me down for definite.

Regards,

kev35