Mark.

You know I will be there, and it’s looking ok for bringing Ron down if required. I’ll be at my first ‘Legends’ on Sunday and will most definitely stay for the unveiling. Re 41 Sqdn, could you ask them to do a missing man twice? Once for Johnny and once for Babe. I think it would be a hugely satisfying gesture for both Betty and Ron. As for a padre would Coltishall supply one? It’s just a thought but you are paying a great tribute to two of their fallen, perhaps the RAF would like a small presence there.

This is a fine example of one person’s efforts to repay just a little of the debt we all owe. Thanks to you I’m sure Johnny and Babe would appreciate your efforts in ensuring their memory lives on. It’s also a fine example of what can be achieved through research and also determination. I will be honoured to be at the unveiling.

Is there anything we can do to help you out at this late stage? Would a donation be useful to help cover any shortfall? If there is anything I can do don’t hesitate to ask.

Regards,

kev35

Kab.

Congratulations!!!!!

4,000 posts, that’ll take me about another 2 1/2 years to reach. By which time you’ll be on what? 6,500-7,000?

Don’t think i’m going to catch you. 🙂

Regards,

kev35

Mongu.

Wasn’t it the Manx where, back in the 80’s, Gwyndaf Evans left a trail of pink paint from his Sierra Cosworth on the upper storey of a house? I seem to remember tv footage of it. I ended up perched on the bonnet of his car on Scarborough sea front in the early hours of one morning. I stepped out in front of him as ge was driving to service. One blast on his air horn had me jump out of my skin and landing on his bonnet.

Regards,

kev35

Bomber Command Losses simply states that the a/c took off from Mildenhall at 2130. The crew were all taken prisoner. No indication of where it actually came down.

The crew were…..

Sgt R A Hodgson.
P/O L K S Wilson.
Sgt L W Hatherley.
Sgt E E Harding.
Sgt J McAnnally.
Sgt C F Plummery.

Hope this helps.

Regards,

kev35

Philo.

I believe Moggy’s right. The people who fly at airshows give flight to all our dreams. I see the grace and beauty of a Spitfire in flight, I gaze in awe as a Tornado does a fast pass, I sometimes shed a tear as the BBMF fly past and I think of those gone before. I feel saddened by the deaths of display pilots but for me personally not to attend another airshow would be doing them a grave disservice. They fly these machines so that the history lives on, to pay tribute to those who flew or fought and died in these machines. If we don’t attend, a little bit more of the history dies, and I don’t want any airshow pilot to have died in vain.

So, when I can I’ll go, and marvel at the things I see, be thankful that some of my dreams are given wings, and yes, spare a quiet moment for those who can no longer be there.

Sorry, Philo struck a chord.

Regards,

kev35

I really wanted to go to Coventry today, but my health prevented it. Now I’m glad I didn’t go. I’ve seen two fatal crashes, many years ago, and I found the hardest thing to cope with is the feeling of utter helplessness as someone who gives flight to your dreams comes to grief.

Here’s hoping the pilot makes a good recovery.

Regards,

kev35

Andy.

The pics I’ve posted are taken with a Fuji2800Z which I believe is one of the cheaper digitals. I’m not very good with all this technology so every shot I’ve taken has been on auto. It’s ok with a decent zoom but you have a delay between pressing the button and taking the picture. No good for shots like your 747 sunset or your PIA 744, unless they’re coming straight at you or going away.

I echo everyone else’s sentiments. Your pictures are fine. They encapsulatre a moment that you have witnessed, and without two or three grands worth of equipment.

Here’s a lucky catch of an SN Brussels RJ leaving runway 15 at BHX.

Regards,

kev35

Originally posted by Lancman

I don’t agree that the Friday 13th replica Halifax is valuable, as we’d otherwise not be able to see a Halifax-there’s been one oin hendon for years y’know, albeit a tad manky looking…I’m afraid I lump that half real, half fake, bag of leftovers ‘Halifax’ straight into the same bin as all the fibreglass Spitfires-good for window dressing and making little kids go ‘ooh!’ only.

Sorry Lancman but I have to say this….

The Halifax at Elvington has many visitors, a fair number of them Halifax veterans. Now, if that airframe is good enough to satisfy these veterans, even bring them to tears, then surely that is reason for it to be good enough for you and I. These men are now in their seventies and eighties, the twilight of their years, they risked their lives and many, many of their comrades died, for us. That is one hell of a debt we owe. And if Friday the thirteenth is seen as any sort of recompense then long may she survive. It’s about respect.

Of course there is a Halifax at Hendon. A fine example of a ‘destroyed’ Halifax. Do you think these veterans are happier seeing a rusty relic reminding them of just how many of their comrades died? Or seeing Friday and telling their Grandchildren and Great-Grandchildren that this is the aircraft they flew in? I’m not bothered about whether you consider it a 1/1 scale model, it makes no difference. To the veterans Friday IS a Halifax and that is good enough for me.

I like Moggy’s analogy of aircraft being actors. The costumes they wear should be as authentic to the breed as possible, but not neccessarily to the individual. dhfan talks about retaining their original serial. I think that’s fine. And here I agree with Lancman, PA474 will always remain ‘474, whatever guise she wears. And if by regularly changing markings it pays honour to a particular crew or squadron, that’s great.

Finally, as for kids going ‘ooh’ at a fibre glass Spitfire then that’s great too. If it engenders a spark of interest to the child it may be sowing a seed for a lifetime passion. If nobody’s interested when we’ve all died, what would be the future of historic aviation then?

Regards,

kev35