“Moggy…the thing is, with the seat down, you guys can still do the standing-up business no problem…”

If I’m using my crutches and have had more than three pints which are suddenly bursting to get out………… The last thing I ‘m thinking of is the bloody seat!

“With the seat up, if a woman tries to sit down, she falls into the toilet bowl and gets wet.”

Isn’t it also a trifle cold?

“Or is that just me? :o”

You don’t really expect us to answer that do you?

Regards,

kev35

Andy.

I think the problem lies in the fact that some people perceive them to be painted images rather than photographs. To me they are obviously photographs, numbers 3 and 4 being particularly good. Number two is probably not quite so clear because the photographer wouldn’t have much time to take what is probably the most spectacular shot they’ll ever take. I can’t comment on the photographic processes Damien has described, that’s a language I don’t understand. I do however, understand why Damien suggests the photographers might feel aggrieved at the suggestion the images look like they have been painted.

Regards,

kev35

Steve.

Absolutely agree with you. It’s disgusting. The six hundred thousand you speak of is only half of it though. The British taxpayer is being charged over one million pounds for the officers of the Royal Protection Squad to stay with him in Australia for twelve weeks. And this to provide a holiday for a young man from one of the richest families around. Could this cause a precedent? Perhaps all students taking a ‘gap’ year to travel should put in a request to the British Government, and therefore the taxpayer, to fund the trip for them.

If prince Harry wants to travel for a few months fine. But surely his family should be made to cover the costs? This is not the first time the Royal family has taken advantage of the ‘generosity’ of the tax payer. After part of Windsor Castle was destroyed by fire who footed the bill for restoration? And if you want to visit it now you have to pay for the privelege.

Because of this is it any wonder that many people are beginning to see the Royal Family as an ultra expensive indulgence with absolutely no commonality of thought with the people of whom they are supposed to be the ti-tular head?

The Royal Family is in grave danger of becoming nothing more than an expensive irrelevance.

Regards,

kev35

I think the reason for a lack of replies is the fact that the content of the series didn’t hold much interest for the aviation enthusiast, unless, of course, you are enthusiastic about Sarah Manners too. What bit I saw of it revolved around the sexual escapades of the crew rather than the operation of any airline.

Regards,

kev35

Alastair.

Fancy fooling about with rockets. I thought you’d strap half a dozen to your latest tractor!:D

And before you suggest strapping them to my wheelchair I’ve already had a better suggestion. ‘Pinkie’ Stark, 609 Sqdn Typhoon pilot, suggested I should bolt a Napier Sabre to the front! And take up the option of four 20mm cannons of course. Come in handy round ASDA.

Regards,

kev35

Mike J’s and Transalls comments about the losses encouraged me to have a bit of a deeper look at those operations carried out by Bomber Command on that night. This is what I came up with. Sobering indeed.

The Losses.

408 Sqdn. 1 Lancaster. Op to Acheres. Crew killed.
420 Sqdn. 1 Halifax. ——-“——— Crew killed.
427 Sqdn. 1 Halifax. ——-“——— 5 evaded, 2 POW.
429 Sqdn. 1 Halifax. ——-“——— 1 killed, 1 evaded, 2 POW.
422 Sqdn. 1 Halifax. ——-“——— 1 killed, 4 evaded, 2 POW.
115 Sqdn. 6 Lancasters. Op to Chevreusse. 36 killed,5 evaded, 1 POW.
101 Sqdn. 1 Lancaster. Op to Foret de Cherisy. Crew killed.
76 Sqdn. 1 Halifax. Op to Juvisy. 2 evaded, 5 POW.
78 Sqdn. 4 Halifaxes. ——-“—— 20 killed, 2 POW.
466 Sqdn. 1 Halifax. ——“—— Crew killed.
15 Sqdn. 4 Lancasters. Op to Massy Palaiseau. 17 killed, 3 evaded, 2 POW.
514 Sqdn. 2 Lancasters. ——“—— 4 killed, 6 evaded, 5 POW.
622 Sqdn. 2 Lancasters. ——“—— Both crews killed.
156 Sqdn. 1 Lancaster. Op to Versailles. Crew killed.
158 Sqdn. 2 Lancasters. ——“—— 7 evaded.
166 Sqdn. 2 Lancasters. ——“—— Both crews killed.
431 Sqdn. 1 Halifax. ——“—— Crew killed.
640 Sqdn. 1 Halifax. ——“—— 2 killed, 1 evaded, 4 POW.
138 Sqdn. 4 Halifaxes. SOE Operations. 20 killed, 1 evaded.

Some 459 aircraft were despatched to bomb targets described as communications, rail targets and a road junction at the Foret de Cherisy which was thought to be providing cover for Panzer units and fuel dumps. A further 127 aircraft were despatched on ‘minor’ operations including 24 in support of the Resistance.

Of the 263 crew in the aircraft lost that night, some 174 were killed or died of injuries received. 25 were taken prisoner and 35 manged to avoid capture. The remaining 29 made it back to England with their aircraft. At least four of those aircraft lost were carrying an eighth crewman, possibly pilots on ‘2nd ****ie’ trips.

So, 37 lost out of 586 despatched, somewhere around seven per cent. Doesn’t sound a lot till you look at the figures behind it does it? My admiration for the crews of Bomber Command has just gone up another notch.

Regards,

kev35

Piece of Cake I enjoyed but don’t think it’s the best. A good clean fight was ok and his Great War novels are good. Not read Hornet’s Sting or his new one.

Under an English Heaven is probably the best book I have ever read, and I don’t say that lightly. Picked up his ‘Upon Dark Waters’ today and I’m about to start that.

Regards,

kev35