TruthspeakerMoggy – You may consider this a formal complaint! have no idea what this character is talking about regarding my ‘unethical conduct’, presumably that it just because I didn’t agree with him! Have just spoken to Keith Delderfield who is writing personally to Mr Williams on behalf of the Foundation, and will be posting imminently.
Contrary to me apologising to Mr Williams, I think that it is he who should apologise, not just to me but to all users of this forum who have clearly been upset by his biazarre behaviour.
TruthspeakerMoggy – You may consider this a formal complaint! have no idea what this character is talking about regarding my ‘unethical conduct’, presumably that it just because I didn’t agree with him! Have just spoken to Keith Delderfield who is writing personally to Mr Williams on behalf of the Foundation, and will be posting imminently.
Contrary to me apologising to Mr Williams, I think that it is he who should apologise, not just to me but to all users of this forum who have clearly been upset by his biazarre behaviour.
TruthspeakerStatement by Dilip Sarkar Re The Douglas Bader Foundation.
In view of certain posts by ‘Kenmojo’, I have this morning spoken to Keith Delderfield, the Operations Director of The Douglas Bader Foundation, who will be posting a statement on this site himself later today with regard to my bone fida, longstanding, association and friendship with Lady Bader and the Foundation. For many years I have answered historical questions regarding Douglas Bader which have been directed to the Foundation, and wrote and produced the only authorised book about Douglas Bader (Group Captain Sir Douglas Bader: An Inspiration in Photographs) – commissioned by Lady Bader to raise the profile of the Foundation (and to which all royalties were donated). End of.
It must be understood that the charity assists amputees, and is not itself involved in historical matters. The charity therefore has no opinion on who did or didn’t shoot down Douglas Bader etc, or, indeed, whether or not Douglas miraculously appeared in Liverpool whilst in German custody. With regard to the latter, and as I made clear to Mr Williams some time ago, I personally have absolutely no interest whatsoever – either way – in this claim.
Had Kenmojo read earlier posts he would see that I had made a firm statement as to why I was no longer participating in this forum. Indeed, I do not intend to post any further responses, because the Bader Foundation’s statement will make the position categorical – Mr Delderfield has likewise read this post in advance of publication and is in full agreement with the content.
Dilip Sarkar MBE FRHistS
http://www.DilipSarkarMBE.co.uk
http://www.VictoryBooks.co.uk
TruthspeakerStatement by Dilip Sarkar Re The Douglas Bader Foundation.
In view of certain posts by ‘Kenmojo’, I have this morning spoken to Keith Delderfield, the Operations Director of The Douglas Bader Foundation, who will be posting a statement on this site himself later today with regard to my bone fida, longstanding, association and friendship with Lady Bader and the Foundation. For many years I have answered historical questions regarding Douglas Bader which have been directed to the Foundation, and wrote and produced the only authorised book about Douglas Bader (Group Captain Sir Douglas Bader: An Inspiration in Photographs) – commissioned by Lady Bader to raise the profile of the Foundation (and to which all royalties were donated). End of.
It must be understood that the charity assists amputees, and is not itself involved in historical matters. The charity therefore has no opinion on who did or didn’t shoot down Douglas Bader etc, or, indeed, whether or not Douglas miraculously appeared in Liverpool whilst in German custody. With regard to the latter, and as I made clear to Mr Williams some time ago, I personally have absolutely no interest whatsoever – either way – in this claim.
Had Kenmojo read earlier posts he would see that I had made a firm statement as to why I was no longer participating in this forum. Indeed, I do not intend to post any further responses, because the Bader Foundation’s statement will make the position categorical – Mr Delderfield has likewise read this post in advance of publication and is in full agreement with the content.
Dilip Sarkar MBE FRHistS
http://www.DilipSarkarMBE.co.uk
http://www.VictoryBooks.co.uk
TruthspeakerIf JDK wants to read my view of Marseille, he will have to await publication of the book – should we find the crash site, that is. Of course we are able to look for it simply because we can, without having to justify why to anyone, let us not forget. It is a pity, however, that General Galland is no longer with us, for he described Marseille as ‘the virtuoso of all fighter pilots’. Did JDK challenge the great General on his statement; somehow I doubt it. JDK may rest assured, however, that whatever I write in my books is supported by firm evidence and analysis, as will any reference, in due course, to Marseille.
Regarding hero worshipping JEJ, not so – clearly you have not read either my ‘Johnnie Jophnson: Spitfire Top Gun’ Parts One or Two. In the latter’s foreword, Chris Johnson, Johnnie’s son, commends my approach for also including the negatives. Lady Bader has said similar regarding my published work in respect of DB, and as a former police detective of 22 years experience I am pretty conversant, it is fair to say, with presenting facts impartially. My view is that, like writing circumstances for Court, all of the evience must be presented for the Court, or in this case the reader, to make up his or her own mind. Anyone remotely familiar with my published work would agree that this is how my work is presented. On a personal level, as a friend I loved Johnnie and knew him well; I miss him still. But he knew that whatever I wrote about him would be warts and all, which is as it should be.
I can’t agree which what I consider to be a rude remark about keeping things on topic. This is a thread with a specific title ‘Operation African Star’; it is not ‘Was Marseille or Snoopy the best fighter pilot’ (frankly I don’t really care who was when it comes down to it!). If you wish to debate that then I think that there should be a new thread. You are right, I have my own web site – and do you know what? I decided against having a forum on it because I wanted to avoid exactly this. As I have said on the Bader thread, I have not involved myself in forums before, and only visited this one because I was personally involved with the Bader thread. The behaviour of many, however, leaves a great deal to be desired, and frankly who needs the hassle? I have avoided forums for this reason, and will resume my previous stance all round. Too much research to do, too many projects ongoing, no time to waste.
It seems to me that some people need to review why they use forums. Surely they are a place for the exchanging of information and ideas, not the provocative argument that certain members clearly revel in (and I can predict with certainty which member will follow up first with a smart response to this post!).
Should anyone be interested in an update re Operation African Star, look on my web site in about a month’s time. http://www.DilipSarkarMBE.co.uk. I can be emailed at [email]info@dilipsarkarmbe.co.uk[/email].
Over and out.
Dilip Sarkar MBE FRHistS
TruthspeakerDilip,
..I’m with JDK on this one ..while undoubtedly a skilled pilot and something of a marksman, I wonder how much of Marseille’s ‘fame’ was down to the German propaganda machine which went into overdrive as the Axis were thrown out of the desert .. while many – like yourself – have undoubtedly been fascinated by Marseille, I also wonder how many are aware that virtually all we ‘know’ about Marseille originates from Fritz Dettmann’s 1944 biography ‘Mein Freund Marseille’ – ‘My Friend Marseille’ …Dettmann was a PK – Propaganda Kompanie – war reporter – his book’s gushing style makes Toliver’s ‘Blond Knight’ look like a serious piece of historical research..Kurowski’s Schiffer bio uncritically regurgitates large portions of Dettman’s text…including the ‘seventeen in a day’ account – the ‘details’ of this story originated from his best friend Stahlschmidt who wrote a letter home the same evening – no wonder one or two have challenged it down the years !! …you should try and check out this volume ..
An excellent contribution, for which many thanks. I am sure that you are right, but having corresponded with Edu Neumann some years ago I was extremely impressed with the high regard in which he and other JG 27 survivors held Marseille. There is obviously something very special about Marseille, quite what I don’t know but definately above and beyond propaganda. Perhaps along this journey we can find out more.
I think with Marseille, and speaking personally, the fascination is not just in the man, but in the whole story of JG 27 operating in the desert, and, indeed, North Africa and the desert itself is equally alluring….
TruthspeakerFor Shortsbro: point taken, though after some of the heavy (sometime dispiriting) content, a little lightness is welcome enough, perhaps? And there is much here that is constructive and of unique interest.
For Allison: You’re entirely welcome – and I agree. That is partly why I persist. Though we can’t expect to agree all the time! Does this mean we have each avoided the silent pit of the mutually elected Ignore? Good!
For Moggy: I’m not sure I fully grasp your navel-gazing point, unless as we are reminded elsewhere, this isn’t a chat room.
But perhaps now, thanks to Saunders and Sarkar, as a large herd of aviation-ilk we have errr…saundered…our way at last to the final groan…errr… green – if not the 19th hole – in this round of the Bader Trophy.
(Groans, off.)
Agreed.
I have always thought forums to potentially be more trouble than they are worth, which is why I don’t contribute to any and had no occasion to visit this one until a couple of weeks ago. Given the level of degeneration, however, I see no point in pursuing this further and will resume my original stance.
The points I wanted to make about Bader and Casson have been made, so there is nothing more to be gained by playing ping-pong and getting wound up over trivia by the misinformed; I’ve got books to write!
TruthspeakerTruthspeaker,
Is this the DVD?
Mike
Yes, that’s the one. Features original newsreel footage of Marseille and interviews with JG 27 vets in 1989.
Firebird I take my hat off to you as I couldn’t find a pic on line, where was that photo?
Cheers
TruthspeakerErm,
Who said I didn’t expect you to respond vigourously or otherwise? I’ve the right to my opinion, you’ve the right to challenge it. I have no problem with that, it’s called free speech. As for turning off PMs, you initiated the exchange, I responded to each message you sent me. Since we had sent each other the same number of messages up to that point I did not see any reason in continuing. I have things to do other than sparring via the web all day.
As I don’t consider the above worth dignifying with a response, please consider this a blank posting!
TruthspeakerWell I didn’t know, given that I aint actually hiding in your computer as was alleged earlier on this thread!!!
TruthspeakerOh come on, you’ve gotta laugh!
TruthspeakerActually I agree, have had my fill of Societies!!!!!
Didn’t mean to upset you this morning about the scrapdealer thing, wasn’t actually aimed at you – you are getting too sensitive!!
TruthspeakerThat would be the GAA, then? We could be gaa-ga…..! Terrible. Actually, reminds me….thats the fourth age of man. First – lager, second aga, third saga…last ga ga. Andy
Actually its G Av Ars!
Dunno why the artists have got an umbrella organisation and we haven’t though. Just shows how fragmented the movement is.
TruthspeakerThank goodness they don’t do accomodation. With Dilip and I getting so pally you never know where it might lead……. 😮 Andy
Don’t get too carried away yet… early days..!!
But I’m up for a beer anytime.
Anyway, we should found the Guild of Aviation Authors, and that would justify a few pints.
TruthspeakerRoll up, roll up ,don’t be shy; who’ll be next to take a shot at these two luverly authors, knock ’em down and you’ll win a prize ,roll up, roll up….
Anyone who sets themself up in the public eye has to accept the ups and downs, and as professionals we of course do. But no one can take pot shots and not expect the target to vigorously respond against what is usually misinformed criticism – as in the case of ‘Blue Diamond’.
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