Interesting topic. Ambrose, for his D-Day book did rely heavily on transcripts held by the Eisenhower Centre. This is a fact he does admit. The Airborne trooper throwing himself out the door on June 6th wouldn’t have given a damn about the experiences of the TCG pilots, he had enough on his mind. It was hard enough getting into the aircraft laoded as they were with personal weapons, kit, grenades and the joy of their lives, the infamous leg bag. There only thought would be to get down safely and in the right place. The weight problems mentioned would, I imagine, considerably alter the handling characteristics of the aircraft. In turn, the TCG crews had to contend with the ever present threat of collision, navigation to the correct DZ and flak. I think allegations of cowardice should never be cast by someone who had the great good fortune not to be there. I think many of the TCG crews were veterans of operations in Italy and therefore had some experience.

Is it right for the TCG crews to sue Ambrose’s estate? Probably not, but if the allegation that Ambrose called someone leaving a message apologising for errors in his work, why didn’t he issue an apology in the next edition of his book?

The essential point is that the TCG crews did their best to get the airborne troops to the correct DZ’s and the Airborne troops did their best on the ground. That is all anyone can reasonably be expected to do. Without the efforts of all involved on June 6th, we may not even be sat here discussing this.

Regards,

kev35

Dave,

that means you must be really old 🙂 …………

Regards,

kev35

I doubt if BA would honour a museum pledge if there was a chance of making more money from the airframes. I could see them doing a deal whereby it was written into any sales or leasing contract that at the end of their useful life, the Concordes would have to be given to museums.

Regards,

kev35

PII,

If you don’t mind, ask him how the galsses and the bottle of brandy idea came about, and how many glasses are still unturned?

Other than that I would say to you enjoy the experience of meeting him for it is both a privelege and an honour.

regards,

kev35

There’s a Trident in 70’s BA colours at Cosford. It’s opened up from time to time for people to walk through. I know it’s not really helping the original poster but does anyone know whether the Trident still survives at BHX?

Regards,

kev35

The Wrong Place?

Can someone please tell me whether I am in the right place? I thought I was in the Airliner World forum. Silly of me I know but the fact that Airliner World is WRITTEN IN GREAT BIG LETTERS as you enter the site kind of made me think people might be discussing Civil Aviation. Mind you, I’d settle for aviation being discussed civilly.

So, perhaps someone can direct me to a forum populated by people who are grossly immature, anally retentive and downright ignorant please?

Maybe they’ll be discussing airlines and airliners…………………

Regards,

kev35

I don’t get all this new fangled gadgetry, I can still remember when a phone was two cups joined by a piece of string. Adding all this gadgetry to mobile phones makes them even more tempting targets for thieves and muggers. There was some statistic being bandied about a few months ago about the percentage of schoolchildren who had had their mobiles stolen and it was astronomical. I own a mobile, I think they’re a useful tool, but I’ll stick with my 30 quid trium and my £5 of calling credit every three months.

Regards,

kev35