I remember him well. He is in the photo of us lined up to board a C-119 at Thornaby.

Another photographer in a pod (back seat of a Bronco)

Morning Jim. Still no trace of Stevie, then? Sad.
I went to the Westwood site a couple of times last year and even visited 115 one evening. Their new HQ is spot on the site of our old hut, in fact.
You are right: I need a GPS to navigate in Peterborough. Not a pretty sight!

I only just found this thread, a year and a half later! Yes, Jim (Lincoln 7)and I were with 115 ATC at Westwood between 1954 and 1959. Well before bazv’s photo, although I recognise Dave Pittham (who was a young Pilot Officer at our time).

The milk floats sound familiar too, from Horrell’s farm, Jim. I used to hitch a ride with one of their drivers (a Mr Brown I think) and help deliver the milk. And the Coronation TV, the friendly signalman allowing me to spend whole days in his box, and so many other things. But most importantly, from my 1952 spotting log, the Lincolns (in which Jim and I flew with 7 Sqd at Upwood, thanks to the support of F/L Stephens the 115 liaison officer – where is he now?), Washingtons, Oxfords, Mosquitos, Harvards, Martinets ….

Happy days, but maybe my grandchildren will feel the same in 60 years time. I wonder.

Just enough cockpits

Translation as requested by Monsieur Avion:

In 1917, the year he left Blériot, Louis Béchereau joined the Bernard company with Henri Papa, ex-director of the SPAD factory at Juvisy. The latter managed the production of SPADs built by the La Courneuve company. At the request of General Duval of General Air HQ a new 300 HP fighter was specified. A very temporary war company was formed in 1918 to achieve this. It was called the “Four Bs” and included, in addition to Béchereau, Louis Blériot and Adolphe Bernard, supported by Marc Birkigt, engine specialist and founder of the Hispano-Suiza car and engine company.
The aircraft that was produced by the “Gang of Four” was named the SAB1. It first flew on 11 November 1918, Armistice Day.

Still one or two flying in civilian hands. A Mark II, still a bit undressed!

Geneva 2009