A historic photograph but unfortunately, for me, its impact is somewhat overshadowed by its similarity to many other photographs that were similarly posed; still, I suppose that is what victory looks like.

And do the Air Historical Branch really have to crib their information from ‘The Bomber Command War Diaries’ by Martin Middlebrook and Chris Everitt?

I don’t see a problem with it, they have used a source and attributed it. It would have been much quicker to reference the book than go through the archives surely. The worse thing would have been if they’d not attributed it.

An interesting photo, thanks for posting.

I think Moggy was referring to the question of originality rather than the actual donation news.

The Shackleton is owned by the RAF Museum, it certainly has NOT been ‘struck off charge’ by them.

Raises a point for me. Are the RAFM owned by the museum or the RAF. Have they anything to do with the Air Force anymore?

No you didn’t criticise them, probably because your not bothered, well I am, I want to see this Country celebrate these events, I can just see the little smile on your face when they wheeled it out 🙂 as for your the last comment, it’s pathetic.

We agree on one point, I’d like these events to be remembered but I happen to think the RAF do their bit pretty well already within the resources they have.

I’m not too fussed either way about the Typhoon. I think the enthusiasts will benefit mostly from the exercise and they already know about the battle. It’s not going to open any more minds beyond the airshows it appears at. Depends what the purpose of the scheme is – if it’s the RAF making a tribute then they’ve succeeded. If it’s about engaging new people with the history of the battle then it doesn’t really do all that much. Maybe a bit of TV and newspaper coverage would spread the message.

Either way, congratulations to them and I hope it brings pleasure and pause for thought to those who see it.

As for you Bruggen, maybe wait and see next time?

Best

Did you know that was in the paint shop Wings? no thought not, well neither did I Wings.

That’s kind of the point isn’t it? You didn’t know so why have a go?

And no, I didn’t know but I didn’t criticise them for not doing something they were actually doing.

Let us know who else should be ashamed of themselves next. Perhaps the navy for not painting their new ships up as HMS Victory or the army for not dressing their soldiers in bright red tunics. 🙂 I’m outraged. How dare they!

🙂

Can I suggest that as we have digressed into matters that are … well … sensitive that the following solution may offer the best solution for either of the film makers in their efforts to bring us, the eager anoraks, remakes of two classic British stiff upper lip war films.

In the case of The Dambusters I suggest that Wesley Snipes be cast as Gibson – that way if the dog’s name is used then it will give the character of Gibson a chance to sentence the perpetrator to an unlimited imprisonment in the guard house, not to mention being stripped of all rank, decorations etc.

For the Bader film Reach for the Leg Strap Wesley Snipes would also be a good choice because he could present the character of Bader as a cheerful, jive talking brutha who don’t take no **** from old honkies like Dowding. Also it would guarantee American box office returns because the sight of this brutha being carried around by his faithful (grumbling batman) in Colditz would at last remove any taboos that still exist in the deepest parts of the deepest South.

I offer this solution to the deep and meaningful problems of proper depiction of historical characters in modern films for the uninformed public.

😀 😀 😀

I shall go now.

What a pointless post.

No it’s a waste of money. The RAF has the BBMF and doesn’t need to paint fast jets in spurious colour schemes when several spits and a couple of hurricanes already fly in memorial.

If they do want to spend several thousand pounds is rather it went to the benevolent fund and help a veteran who needs help rather than keeping a handful of spotters happy at air shows.

So yes, seriously I wouldn’t

Several other aircraft in the RAF Museum collection are already out on loan, including a number at Tangmere (Swift, Hunter, Phantom IIRC)

I knew none of that and I think it’s very positive to hear. Many spreading of the collection without diluting the core can only be a good thing in my opinion. Some of the NRM locos can be found as far north as Scotland. Real potential there I think.