In the little world of recording the history of a single RAF Squadron, I chose my own way of making a contribution. I don’t make much mention of it or why. I respect the demonstrably worthwhile work of professional and amateur alike, whether they make a living at it or not. The deeper and more composed their contributions, the more I respect them.

As for the presence of Messrs Saunders and Sarkar on these forums, it is hardly surprising that both men turned up here. Or Blue Diamond for that matter. But the unavoidable implication of his position is that no published author or collector ought to be posting here. It’s a nonsense to suggest so. This is not an amateur, private board: like it or not, it is the public face of a major Aviation publishing house and its readers, with a lively, valid interest in the whole gamut of aviation history – and at every possible level of expertise from school-child upwards.

If knowledgeable posters working in the field may not post here in good faith, what then? Blue Diamond cannot have it both ways. Note: it is the position as put that is nonsensical. As usual, I make no personal remark about the character, origins or beliefs of the poster of it, which are irrelevant.

On the other hand, sniping, baiting, spite, headkicking, and cyber-bullies are just barely worth the time it takes to give them a brief and terse dismissal. Repeat performances are worth even less: at that point, the Ignore function can rapidly become of commendable utility.

However, there is always room for constructive engagement, even late in the piece. On that note, there’s still a possible entry point, and not too far from Bader: what is Blue Diamond’s thinking behind, eg, his username and quoting the 92 Squadron motto in his signature? Would he (perhaps after a deep deep breath), care to share the connection? He may have done so elsewhere, in which case my apologies for missing it

There may be some who do not know of this Squadron’s history. Reportedly the first “up” on Battle Of Britain Day.
http://www.raf.mod.uk/history/h92.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/No._92_Squadron_RAF

Well said Don, common sense prevails.

In the world of heritage transport preservation I do just that, work for free and no expense account. Doesn’t make me a saint, nor better than anyone else, but does maybe explain my opinion regarding those who make a living out of selling relics as to opposed to conserving/restoring them.

Now there, Ian whoever you are, I have you. I do not, and never have, made a living ‘out of selling relics’. So, as I said in my PM, get your facts right. I am an author, publisher, lecturer and consultant. End of. MBEs and Fellowships, to be fair, are not given to scrap dealers.

And as for being immature, er, I don’t think so; is that what name you get called these days for standing up for yourself?

As for Andy and I arguing, when two people feel so pasionately about something, given that human nature dictates that opinions will always differ, sparks will fly. There are more comments on this thread praising our approach to this debate, and what has come out of it, than mealy-mouthed whinging by people who clearly don’t understand what all this is about.

Isn’t it a strange world in which we live? Take scuba diving, for example. Those who make their living as diving instructors, i.e. teaching for money, are reviled by certain sections of the diving community who seem to think there is something wrong with some making a living out of something the majority see as a hobby. When I was diving I always thought this a bizarre viewpoint, and had no qualms about paying for instruction. Perhaps we should give our books away, Snapper, and not pay the printer!

And anyway, I haven’t been anywhere near a dig for 10 years, not since recovering LZ996 from St Omer in 1996!

Sadly that seems to be the driving force of the main protagonists here, sod ethical excavations just count the pennies. The more this continues, the less respect I have for Messrs Sarkar and Saunders and their ilk.

So, you go to work for free, do you? Andy Saunders and Dilip Sarkar legitimately make a living as professional aviation historians – although by different means. Speaking personally, I research, write, publish. lecture and provide consultancy, and, believe you me, the profit margin is certainly not great – such are the high costs of running such an operation.

How dare you, sir, link my name to unethical work and money being a prime motivator. Such a statement merely serves to prove that you do not know me and are completely ignorant of what I am about. Indeed, if you read the thread you will see that my ‘driving force’ regarding the Casson/Bader matter was integrity.

What is extremely sad, however, is that cowards like ‘Blue Diamond’ are able to hide behind their ‘handles’ and sling mud on forums such as these. If you feel that strongly that you need to bad mouth me so publically, you should have the courage to identify yourself. The fact that you have not makes your comments worthless, and, I daresay, motivated by jealousy, which seems to be why most stones get thrown at those of us who have made our passion our lives.

Dilip Sarkar MBE FRHistS

No honestly Andy! On this particular site, which I found whilst surfing around this afternoon, this chap from up north says that he saw the programme and is convinced that Schlager is his father! As you know, certain aces have attracted such claims over the years, which may or may not be true, so who knows? The way the whole Bader thing has gone over the last 11 years I wouldn’t be surprised at – or dismiss – anything!

Cheers, Dilip