RE: ANZAC DAY and Aussies!

Thanks Ja.

I have seen Black Hawk Down. I wasn’t disappointed in the slightest. It has been slagged off over various points of accuracy, but look at the characterisation. They were a bunch of guys who truly believed they were invincible and found they were not. As in all military actions when it comes down to it, you’re not fighting for any high ideal but for each other! There can be no closer bond than that between people who are willing to lay down their lives for each other.

The loss of your friend was indeed a tragedy but your life was obviously enriched by knowing P.O. Smith. He and you will be in my thoughts tonight.

Regards,

kev35

RE: ANZAC DAY and Aussies!

Thanks Ja,

I’m in England and the Commonwealth cemetery I mentioned is at Cannock Chase, in the Midlands. I live about 10 miles away and often go there, either for inspiration for my writing or when I’m feeling down. Walking among the gravestones soon returns your sense of perspective. I find it an intensely moving place.

Incidentally, right alongside the Commonwealth cemetery is the Deutsche Soldatenfriedhof, or German military cemetery. Following the Second World War, all German burials in the UK were moved to a central location. Cannock Chase was chosen as it is a forest apparently reminiscent of those found in Bavaria. There are many Battle of Britain graves there. The German cemetery is also a very moving place and I rarely visit one without the other. If I do go on ANZAC day (health permitting) I’ll take some photos and post them for you. You’ve probably guessed by now I’m very interested in the emotional aspect of confrontation and the different ways in which events are commemorated. For me, the sacrifice of others throughout the generations has shaped the world and the society I’m now priveleged to live in. For that, I will be eternally grateful and in my own small way try to ensure that I live a life worthy of their sacrifice and that, by me at least, they will always be remembered.

Whew! Can someone help me off my soapbox?

Good luck with your project, I sincerely hope things go well for you and look forward to hearing great things of STS in the future.

Regards,

kev35

RE: My Colours!

Ja,

very nice! The minimalist approach on the smaller a/c works well, as does the scheme for the larger a/c. I also like the idea of naming the a/c as well as giving them an individual fleet identity No. Can you tell us what the STS stands for? I presume it’s something transport services?

Regards,

kev35

RE: Hawkinge

Again, I can see both sides of the argument. Would those who fought and died, either at Hawkinge or flying from it, want the airfield to remain as a monument to their tenacity and bravery? Or would they rather see the land used to provide homes for those whose freedom they fought for?

Ashley, I think you might like this next bit….

Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain was Colonel commanding the 20th Maine Volunteer Regiment at Gettysburg in the American Civil War, an action for which he was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor. Many years later, on a visit to Gettysburg, he made the following speech.

“In great deeds something abides. On great fields something stays. Forms change and pass; bodies disappear; but spirits linger, to consecrate ground for the vision-place of souls. And reverent men and women from afar, and generations that know us not and that we know not of, heart-drawn to see where and by whom great things were suffered and done for them, shall come to this deathless field, to ponder and dream; and lo! the shadow of a mighty presence shall wrap them in its bosom, and the power of the vision pass into their souls.”

Whatever happens to Hawkinge, and the many other places like it, it will always be Hawkinge. As long as someone remembers….

Regards,

kev35

RE: Aviation related films?

A classic aviation film was Airport from Arthur Hailey’s novel. Another decent film using the L-1011 was the Ghost of flight 401.

Kelly, I saw that film about the crop sprayer being delivered and the airliner going out looking for it. I think it had Scott Bakula in it but I can’t remember what it was called. (BTW does anyone else think he’s brilliant as Capt. Archer in Enterprise.)

Regards,

kev35

RE: Not Tempsford

Duxford by any chance?

Regards,

kev35

RE: Are warbirds in need of protection

David,

>we are only passing these items on to the next generation<

I dearly wish this was true, and it may be so for many enthusiasts who have truly altruistic motives, but it often seems that those with the money have other motives. Too many people see historic aircraft as an investment opportunity. This is not only true with historic aircraft, it encompasses every area of society. People will pay £100,000 for a Victoria Cross which is never seen by the public again.

I know we would like things to be different but this seems a symptom of the society we live in today.

As for Macdonalds in the background of a Constable, the judges for the Turner Prize may well approve!

Regards,

kev35