I have a question, and before anyone gets the wrong idea, Im NOT trying to poo poo what has to be one of the most amazing and well worth projects around, BUT how can the flight crew gain competency on an aircraft type that the RAF hasnt flown for nearly 20 years? Are there any current Vulcan Instructors around? Bex

Displaying a bit of “can do” is great DB, but also displaying a bit of “Lets be realistic” would be good to :rolleyes: As one who poors time and money into their own aeroplane on a much, much smaller scale , i have every admeration for those who have put their heart and sole into any project, but this is not comercially viable to keep flying even if it ever gets off the ground. i for one was not harping on and have not made any comments about this project in the past, this was a statement that “Airshow Bookings are not forthcoming, be realistic, without a huge sponsor it will not be affordable for most Airshows, and if they are not expecting to raise money from Airshows then how!!!!???

Well, thats basically my question but not in usual in ya face, bull in a china shop Bex method of asking, thanks Blue Max, maybe now we might get a sensible answer……… future reference can I PM u with questions for translation? :dev2: Bex

Scooter.

Would I be alone in thinking you have a slightly strange outlook which you are expressing in this thread?

It doesn’t matter whether it’s ‘Pappy Boyington’ or the lowest thought of member of ground crew, they all achieved something extraordinary. Ordinary men doing extraordinary things is an oft used phrase but is nonetheless very appropriate.

A couple of examples…..

I was undertaking some research for a book about an RAF Squadron in the Middle East. Late one evening i received a phone call. It was from an elderly gentleman who had served with this Squadron and he wanted to relate a couple of experiences he thought I might find useful. So we get the usual stories of desert life, the hardship, the comradeship and some of the funnier occurrences. Eventually, and unbeknownst to me, we came to the subject he wished to speak of, one which it transpired he had never discussed with anyone.

This fine gentleman was a Navigator on the Squadron and the aircraft they flew were Wellingtons. One night they’d been on a raid and returned safely. His best friend and ‘tentmate’ was a rear gunner in another aircraft which had been hit by 20mm shells. Not sure whether it was flak or nightfighters but in the randomness of a black Libyan sky it didn’t matter. This gunner was hit by a 20mm cannon shell which sliced through his abdomen. He was still alive when the aircraft returned but there was nothing anyone could do. The Navigator sat with him until he died. With one hand he held in his friend’s intestines, with the other he held his friend’s hand to comfort him. It was at this point in his story that he simply and starkly said “That was the night I learned that young men who are dying cry for their Mothers.”

This Navigator wasn’t an ace, nor was the gunner, but their efforts and indeed sacrifice are just as important as those of the Boyington’s, Bader’s and Bazalgette’s.

Another incident occurred when I was waiting to look around Sally B at an airshow. I was about 17 at the time, too young and naive to realise the significance of what was about to follow. Ahead of me in the Queue was this very short American in baseball cap and leather jacket. I instinctively realised that this was a former ball gunner. As we left the aircraft this gentleman stumbled to his knees and I rushed to help him up. He thanked me with tears in his eyes. He said not to take any notice of him, and that he’d just got emotional at his reunion with an aircraft type that had carried him through his tour. I’ll never forget what he said next…. “Son, these are tears of joy at being so close to the ship that saved my life, and of sadness at the memory of my friends remains being hosed out of the tail turret.” I know now I would have engaged this gentleman in conversation as much as he would allow. But then I just wished him well and walked away with a tear of my own.

I know Scooter knows this well. Our Aces should be feted, but they are only the tip of the tip of a very great iceberg. One thing I have found in my experience is that all Veterans whether they are well known or just “the little old chap in the Post Office”, all they ever wanted was a simple thank you.

Regards,

kev35

Have to agree with Kev on this one, wasnt just the “Aces”

1 final thing about my friend Jock, during his days on the Typhoon testing, he was replaced oneday by another friend of his, and he then watched his friend loop the Typhoon and they all watched the tail come off. Now, this is why I agree with Kev, not everyone can be an Ace, but also someone has to put their behind on the line for the guys & gals on the front line. Bex

Ok so if has been stated above this lovely lady wont earn her keep from Airshows, forgive me for being a bit slow, but how on earth will she stay in the air then? Coz I dont think the enthusiasts will keep delving into their pockets all the time. Bex

Stormy,
Glad your feeling better, hey dont be ill, its bad for you :p As for the Mr dont worry about it easy mistake to make LoL

Cliff,
The grotty orange overalls have now gone thank heavens, a left over from my former employer I couldnt be bothered to return LoL like everything else I forgot 😎 Got meself a nice Flightsuit OD instead. ANyways Cliff hows ya panels coming along & where u bin hiding recently?

Bex

Its Miss Bex :p The Cranberry is coming along slowly and as she is a full size bird shes keepin me on me toes.

Have a look here http://www.gatwick-aviation-museum.co.uk

http://www.bexwh773.fotopic.net

And also theres a WH773 thread knocking around somewhere.
Anyways Stormy where u bin hiding?
Bex

WOW

Mr Angry,
Thanks for sharing your photos, I had a choice, housework today and my museums open day tomorrow so had to miss out on what looked like an amazing day.
Thanks again

Bex