Was the pilot on oxygen?

Not many people know that I’m half-German. My granddad was in the Wehrmacht and was killed fighting the Russians. My mum and her brothers and sisters lived in Kiel which was heavily bombed. In one air-raid by the RAF some of mum’s family were killed. After the war my nan married a British soldier and they arrived in the UK.

Should the allies have bombed Dresden? Sometimes I think we didn’t bomb them enough. War is war. That’s not to say we shouldn’t ask ourselves why Dresden was bombed, but remember bombing Dresden and Berlin was the lesser of two evils. We had to win the war.

Could the allies have won without bombing Dresden? We cannot answer that question? Probably? Maybe? And if we could have won by not bombing Dresden, could we have won the war by not bombing this town or that city.

The war is over and done with. But our job is to remember and not forget the reasons why, and yes we have to preserve what little remains.

Familiarity breads contempt. Not only that but the above can only be used as ammunition by those in Whitehall who are looking for cut backs.

Then again, tastes do change. We change. What was “WOW” yesterday is now not so “WOW” today. Solutions?

Perhaps it’s time to ditch The Reds, but replace them with what? Perhaps we keep the name and the colour, but change the aircraft? Also, nine aircraft is too many – not even the American display teams operate that many F16/F18s.

So what is the golden number of aircraft and what aircraft would you operate? Anyone seen the RNZAF display team – flying aircraft not too dissimilar to the Tutor? We have a similar team in the UK – a private, civilian display team that are appreciated and a lot cheaper than the reds.

So instead of bashing the Red Arrows, can anyone suggest ways in which they can be improved?

Was the pilot OK?

E.T.

ET made us cry. It also made us laugh. I remember watching the film in Hull’s ABC cinema (since demolished and replaced with St. Stephen’s shopping center).

When ET died some little child in the audience openly cried; “ET”. We all laughed. Happy memories…

I’ve watched Dad’s Army (the movie) every night for the last two weeks, and I have no idea why?

Not one of the best war films made, but one of the best films that highlight how we felt about keeping calm and carrying on – the spirit of coming together.

If only i can find the TV remote, I might watch something else tomorrow night.

Yes, the writing is on the wall for the UK armed force (sans Trident replacement).

The worst case scenario for the RAF is disbandment. Imagine the ground attack element (Tornado GR4 and Harrier GR7) being taken over by the FAA (with its JSF based on both land and on the two new aircraft carriers being built, though I would imagine that only one will end up being launched),

The Typhoon would be taken over by two or three squadrons within the Air Defence Regiment (ADR) of the British Army, who would also operate the helicopter force (AAC). Imagine all transport (sans tactical) and training being taken over by a consortium of private companies. Result: goodbye RAF.

That said the government have just announced that the SAR fleet will remain in place, which was to be privatised. Maybe…

Regarding the BBMF. It is a memorial, but does it need to fly would be the argument? I would imagine that the argument given to ground the fleet on the grounds that private examples are plenty, which would be placed on display at either Cosford or it‘s current home.

THE BBMF WILL NOT BE SOLD – what ever happens.

I would imagine that the Red Arrows could be reduced in number and replaced with the new Hawk or cheaper replacement.

Regarding base closures. Goodbye Scampton, Lyneham, Cottesmore, which we know about and many smaller aerodromes, such as Weston-on-the-Green, Syerston, Kirton in Lindsey, Church Fenton, Woodvale, as well as one or two major sites might also close. That said, I would imagine that the British Army will probably leave Germany – ending up on one or more former RAF camp.

Whatever happens we will still have nuclear weapons and horses. One is needed to keep us on the top table while the other is needed to keep the Queen entertained during Troop in the Colour.

Unless your prepared to travel or climb the odd mountain, most aviation archaeologists settle for what is buried locally. Also, most postwar wrecks (unless inaccessible) were removed to the point that nothing remains.

Sadly, like the aircrews who flew during the war, substantial wrecks – buried in the countryside or dumped in your local scrapyard are becoming a rarity.