A great post Moggy.

And to pick up further on Mark’s post, I can only but imagine the thoughts going through the minds of those young bomber crew members on that particular night, or perhaps the next night had word not yet reached them, of the Japanese now entering the war too.

Especially those Bomber Command crews from New Zealand, Australia and perhaps maybe even some were from the USA, who not only were fighting war against the Third Reich, but now knew the sudden position their loved ones and homelands were in after the long perceived and expected onslaught from Japan had finally begun.

It must have caused much stress to them, especially in those early hours after the Pearl attack, hearing of the US fleet being so badly hit, Malaysia being invaded and all the other points of onslaught, and then the sinking in of these facts would lead to that knowing feeling there was nothing they could do but carry on their own little part of the war so far from home.

Brave men, one and all.

If you liked the documentaries, read the book, Battle of Britain by Leonard Mosley. Fantastic look at the making of the film by a man who was there and recorded step by step detail of the trials and tribulations behind the film. It’s fascinating, entertaining, humorous and really eye-opening to read. It’s an amazement the ilm was ever made.

A question for Dave Homewood, Was that a modified Beaufighter? I reckon it would be a bit difficult to be of any assistance to the pilot in a Beau’s narrow cockpit.

I was thinking after I posted that “Did I write co-pilot?”and meant to go back and check. I of course meant passenger. Sorry for the confusion. He was merely riding behind the pilot when they were attacked by German fighters, and was not flying the plane in any capacity. Cheers.

New Zealander Gill Watson flew with the AFC in WWI and became an ace, and rejoined the RAAF in WWII.
http://www.nzfpm.co.nz/aces/watson.htm

I’m also wondering whether New Zealanders Arthur Coningham and Forster Maynard who both became aces in WWI and went on to lead from on high in WWII ever flew in that war (Coningham with the Desert Air Force and Maynard leading the fight to defend Malta before Keith Park took over)

Keith Park also got into a combat situation in his Hurricane according to a small newspaper report but I don’t know the circumstances or outcome (whether he was jumped by Me109’s or whatever, and whether he hit any).

Interesting photos, thanks for sharing them, but geez, is it the polution or the crime rate that now makes it so unsafe and unhealthy to walk down the street in Southend?

What a crock. How can it be unsafe or unhealthy to hold a parade? Ridiculous nonsense.

And as for cost? Blocking a few streets off for a few minutes on a Sunday morning for a parade, well, why does that cost so much? The bean counters should remember the cost of the war in lives, and those that gave their’s to give you the freedom that they’re now taking away.

Insurance? Are they expecting it to turn into a riot? I’m sorry, but these extremes by the law makers seem totally stupid. No wonder so many Poms are now moving to NZ where we enjoy such freedoms you guys are fast losing. End of rant.

This is terribly sad news. It actually brought me to tears reading the many tributes.

Ray was not just one of the best, in my opinion he was THE best display pilot. Certainly the best I have seen anyway. And one of New Zealand’s finest sons.

My sincere condolences to his friends and family

We will remember him forever.

How many real ones are still extant nowadays?