Section Officer Harvey R.I.P. - Susannah York (merged)

[BEagle]

Susannah York, famous to many of us as 'Section Officer Harvey' in Battle of Britain, sadly passed away today at the age of 72.

A classic of her time. What a great pity.

See Actress Susannah York has died, aged 72 - Telegraph (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/celebritynews/8262216/Actress-Susannah-York-has-died-aged-72.html)

R.I.P.

[Samuel]

Taught to salute for her role by Ginger Lacy, but she never did get it quite right, it was more like a friendly wave. I would have forgiven her though, just for one of those gorgeous smiles.

[Roland Pulfrew]

It would be nice to think that the RAF could provide a flypast at the funeral. Not sure we have much left to do a flypast with........

A sad loss :(, but I, for one, like picture 1 of 5 at BEagle's link.:ok:

[strake]

Oh no, not fair.
If asked, I would have said she was in her late fifties.
Lovely girl. Sod it all...

[Roadster280]

BBC News - Actress Susannah York dies at 72 (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-12200725)

RIP lovely lady. A young 72.

http://web.ukonline.co.uk/york.jsrpages/pics2/2sylbob.jpg

Often remembered for:

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a341/nw969/SYork03.jpg

[GreenKnight121]

Roland... perhaps one of you on that side of the pond could call the BBMF and see if they can manage something?

[Lafyar Cokov]

...as she was an ardent supporter of the CND I'm not sure she'd want a military presence at her funeral - shame really!

[JEM60]

Damn. I was seriously in love with her [in my dreams]when I was a youngster. Beautiful lady.

[BEagle]

Roland, just for you, here is the full picture from the movie Duffy:

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a341/nw969/sy_d.jpg

[Chugalug2]

As yet another smitten by her portrayal of said Section Officer I am greatly saddened by this news. She may have been every aviator's dream of what all Section Officers should look like, but other than that she was a damn fine actress. Her portrayal pointed up what the Battle of Britain pilots always tell us, that without the support of the Ground Crews, Radar Operators, Plotters, Controllers, etc they would never have succeeded in their vital work.
The very sincere tribute to her as a Mum by her her son and daughter in the Beeb story reminds us of the real person that was behind the many that we knew. It also reminds us of the grief that they and all her family now feel. She finally succumbed to this last battle, but Susannah York will forever be associated in the minds of those who celebrate the Royal Air Force and its Finest Hour.
RIP dear lady.

[Yozzer]

I am no more surprised that Susannah gets a PPruNe thread on her death than I am Beagle starting it. However I like many here found her portrayal of a young, emotional and downright sexy young WRAF officer influencial in my hopes and aspirations for joining Britains finest Armed Force. It was recognised a few years ago with the inception of "Staff Rides" that we should not forget our past, traditions and achievements. The film Battle of Britain is one of the few things nowadays that helps to achieve this nostalgia, and Susannahs R&R is for sure an important part, though perhaps second to: "Dont you shout at me Mr Warwick."

RIP

[Babyfactory]

...as she was an ardent supporter of the CND I'm not sure she'd want a military presence at her funeral - shame really!

I seem to recall that she also supported a newspaper campaign (Sunday Independent) protesting the failure of the military covenant, so I wouldn't presume that an acknowledgment from military personnel would be unwelcome, but not necessarily a nuclear one.

[D120A]

How about a formation flypast of civil aircraft, beautifully flown by ex-RAF pilots? Where are you The Blades, for your first training sortie of 2011? :ok:

[Sleeve Wing]

>>Where are you The Blades, for your first training sortie of 2011?<<

There you are, Andy. What an opportunity for some brilliant free publicity too !

Oh, and yes, one in my first deep affections as a young stude as well.

How sad.

[Union Jack]

However I like many here found her portrayal of a young, emotional and downright sexy young WRAF officer influential in my hopes and aspirations for joining Britain's finest Armed Force

A good, if not somewhat convoluted, reason for anyone joining the Navy!:E

Jack

[Sleeve Wing]

Damn, I've been rumbled.
Thx, Jack. Don't tell anyone else !!................

[OS82]

Couldn't salute for toffee though!

RIP.

[BEagle]

1 Mar 2007:

An open letter to Tony Blair
Dear Prime Minister

We the undersigned believe that the military covenant is a cornerstone of our democracy, a mutual obligation between the nation, the armed forces, and every serviceman and woman. It is a common bond of identity, loyalty and responsibility that has sustained the armed forces - and the country - throughout an often difficult history. In practice, this means that governments make the decisions, and the armed forces implement them. In return, the armed forces have:

* the right to expect any war to be lawful;

* the right to have adequate resources to carry out the tasks the politicians demand of them;

* the right to be properly cared for in the event of injury;

* the right to know that, in the event of their death, their families will be looked after properly.

This is a terrible war that has led to hundreds of thousands of Iraqi civilians being killed, maimed or displaced. At best, the legality of the war is dubious. Britain's hard-pressed armed forces have been denied the support they require; in some circumstances, service personnel have paid with their lives because of this failure to make required equipment available.

Accommodation for many of the armed forces and their families back home is, as General Sir Mike Jackson, former chief of the general staff, says, "frankly shaming". Military hospitals in this country have been closed while they have never been more essential, and wounded soldiers evacuated from the battlefield suddenly find themselves on civilian wards and at risk of physical or verbal attack from members of the public.

Servicemen and women are receiving insufficient treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder, and many are desperately ill, out of work, homeless, and even suicidal. We also believe that the Government is failing properly to look after the British widows and the children left behind.

We believe that the military covenant is broken, and that you have neglected the young men and women who carry out your orders in our name. At a time when the country is asking so much of our overstretched forces, it is failing to play fair by them. In this, you have prime responsibility, and you should at the very least meet the families of the bereaved to discuss their concerns. We call on you to reconsider your approach towards our military personnel, to restore the vital covenant, and to deliver to our men and women the just and proper treatment they deserve.

Yours sincerely

Debbie Allbutt, wife of Cpl Stephen Allbutt, 35, of the Queen's Royal Lancers, died 25 March 2003;

Anna Aston, wife of Cpl Russell Aston, 30, of 156 Provost Company, died 24 June 2003;

Roger and Maureen Bacon, father and mother of Matthew Bacon, who died in Iraq in 2005;

Iain Banks, author;

Billy Bragg, musician;

Vince Cable, Lib Dem MP;

Simon Callow, actor;

Sir Menzies Campbell, leader of the Liberal Democrats;

Dominic Cooke, artistic director of the Royal Court Theatre;

Jeremy Corbyn, Labour MP;

George Crabb, formerly flight sergeant, RAF aircrew;

James and Ray Craw, parents of L/Cpl Andrew Craw, 21, of 1st Battalion, Argyle and Sutherland Highlanders, died 7 January 2004;

Andy de la Tour, actor, playwright;

Brian Eno, musician;

Rose Gentle, mother of Fusilier Gordon Gentle, 19, of 1st Battalion, Royal Highland Fusiliers, died 28 June 2004;

Richard, Karen and Catherine Green, parents and sister of Lt Philip Green, 30, of 849 Squadron, died 22 March 2003;

Katharine Hamnett, fashion designer;

Ed Harcourt, musician;

Mike Hancock, Lib Dem MP and member of Commons defence committee;

Nick Harvey, defence spokesman, Liberal Democrats;

Sharon Hehir, wife of Sgt Les Hehir, 34, of 29 Commando Regiment Royal Artillery, died 21 March 2003;

Pauline Hickey, mother of Sgt Chris Hickey, 30, of 1st Battalion the Coldstream Guards, died 18 October 2005;

Bianca Jagger, human rights campaigner;

Carol Jones, mother of Sgt John Jones of 1st Battalion, the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers, died 20 November 2005;

Reg Keys, father of L/Cpl Thomas Keys, 20, of 156 Provost Company, RMP, died 24 June 2003;

Peter Kilfoyle, Labour MP and former armed forces minister;

George and Ann Lawrence, parents of Lt Marc Lawrence, 26, of 849 Squadron, RNAS Culdrose, died 22 March 2003;

Ernie Morton, father of

current serving member of the Parachute Regiment;

Tracy, Tony and Mair Pritchard, wife and parents of Cpl Dewi Pritchard, 32, of 116 Provost Company (volunteers), died 23 August 2003;

Elfyn Llwyd, Plaid Cymru MP;

Janet Lowrie, secretary for Military Families Against the War;

John McDonald, Labour MP;

Natasha McLellan, partner of Matthew Bacon;

Patrick Mercer, Conservative MP and former soldier;

Craig Murray, former British ambassador to Uzbekistan;

Harold Pinter, Nobel laureate and playwright;

Adam Price, Plaid Cymru MP and defence spokesman;

Mark Thomas, comedian;

Arthur Smith, comedian;

Sue Smith, mother of Pte Philip Hewett, 21, of 1st Battalion, Staffordshire Regiment, died 16 July 2005;

Janet Suzman, actress;

Ben Wallace, Conservative MP and former soldier;

Susannah York, actress

Hardly a signatory who was earlier described in a post (since moderated) as: .... some actress who campaigned against what the armed forces stands for...

[phil9560]

Respect anybody ? :=

[Sven Sixtoo]

Support for Servicemen is not inconsistent with opposition to nuclear weapons.

Sven
still serving (just)

[skyfish2]

Well said Phil

[Romeo Oscar Golf]

K Flap,
I don't like nukes very much and I flew with them and was a special weapons instructor and trainer. Whilst I don't support CND I respect the views of those who do..peacefully.(No time for the professional agitator or their hangers on)
Ms York was not in that category and whilst she doesn't qualify for a military flypast, she will always be remembered as the girl next door with a supressed attitude which would always make the young aspiring stud believe he had a chance.
I'm old and I think she was great, youngsters need only to listen to her to realise that many of today's "stars" are little more than chavs, neds or simply tarts.:cool:

[Union Jack]

Support for Servicemen is not inconsistent with opposition to nuclear weapons

Absolutely right, Sven, and not just from civilians. In the early days of Polaris, several submarine commanding officers of Commander's rank either declined SSBN command, or took early retirement, rather than have their finger on the nuclear trigger.

Jack

[althenick]

...Another one down from my old School :(

[Tankertrashnav]

The flypast is a nice idea, but anything involving public expenditure just ain't going to happen. I tried to get a single 617 Tornado to overfly a reunion of over 600 V Force aircrew and groundcrew a few years back but MOD vetoed it on expense grounds (617 were up for it, naturally). In the event BoB MF swung by on their way from another display, but I guess it's too early in the year for them, which is a pity.

[Georgeablelovehowindia]

Thank you, althenic, for confirming something which seems to be little known, her teenage years at Marr College. She was 'recent history' in Troon, and just becoming famous when I lived there from 1961-1964. The swimming pool incident must've been prior to that, at her previous school, I suppose.

:ok:

[Terry McCassey]

Don't you yell at me Mr Warwick ! . . . . oops, sorry !

a lovely lady indeed !

[skua]

Another opportunity to watch the lovely Section Officer in BoB at 1100 monday 24th on More4.

[gsxrww]

Another oppurtunity to see her

or on at 20:55 on channel 5+1

[NutLoose]

And she's just about to send Beag's blood pressure through the roof as I type.

[Legalapproach]

I settled down to watch BoB this evening when at about 21:18 SWMBO asked me to put the kettle on. As I missed a few seconds of the film I don't suppose anyone might be able to post a picture covering the missing few frames? Beagle?

[BEagle]

The movie has been available on DVD for about 8 years now......

[Willard Whyte]

... and Blu-ray for more than 3 years.

[Basil]

Couldn't get the OP's URL to work - returned a 404.
These worked:

Family pay tribute to actress Susannah York who has died, aged 72 - Telegraph (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/celebritynews/8262247/Family-pay-tribute-to-actress-Susannah-York-who-has-died-aged-72.html)

Susannah York - Telegraph (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/obituaries/culture-obituaries/film-obituaries/8262228/Susannah-York.html)

[NutLoose]

The film was for "Edited for violence and language" according to the Radio Times, so Christopher Plummers on fire and hands burning went, as did the good afternoon my arse you boch barsteward..........

Ironic isn't it, they will show real people getting blown up and hit on Docusoaps from Afghanistan, but edit a bloody war film....

[500N]

Nutloose

It's a control thing, they can probably get to "films" but not docos.

.

[CoffmanStarter]

BEagle, Nutloose ...

I thought you both might be interested in the pic below. It was sent to me some time back when researching RAF Manston's history. I guess the date of the pic would be mid/late 60's when the Battle of Britain film was being made (noting the film release date was Sep 1969). I went to school in Dover in the 60's and can still vividly remember the aerial scenes being enacted in the skies over East Kent !

http://i1004.photobucket.com/albums/af162/CoffmanStarter/ManstonBattle.jpg

You might also be interested to know that the Jackdaw Inn featured in the film is still going strong ...

http://i1004.photobucket.com/albums/af162/CoffmanStarter/28941757.jpg

In fact I can still remember getting absolutely Bat Faced at the Jackdaw in the company of this Gentlemen Flt. Lt. R.M.D. (Sam) Hall DFC ... who sadly is no longer with us ... and was one of the "few". He was also my Air Cadet CO when I was in short trousers ... but he had decided there was only one way to celebrate my commission ! To this day I still don't know how I got home ... and on which day ! He was a great individual.

http://i1004.photobucket.com/albums/af162/CoffmanStarter/images-1.jpg

Best regards ...

Coff.

[Wander00]

And over Cambridgeshire - as a young fg off in uniform was given unrestricted access to the flight line at Duxford. Alawys have a giggle at the point when they leave the house to go back to the war, and there is a Friedland door chime bell push and an up-an-over garage door!

[Courtney Mil]

Er, what's all this stuff about special weapons all of a sudden? I thought the whole idea about beating an enemy was to have bigger guns and bombs than he had. Never been a bomber pilot, but everyone always told me bigger bombs were better and scarier than little ones.

[Latte tester]

"Don't you yell at me, Mr Warwick!"

Great Lady, then and in recent times

[SOSL]

How sad! Another bright light goes out.

Rgds SOS

[Background Noise]

You might want to check the date of this thread!

[SOSL]

Thanks BGN. Badly timed comment but heartfelt sentiment!

Rgds SOS

[GreenKnight121]

They merged a new thread with an old one, creating much mayhem.

I prefer this Irish lass' version of mayhem.

Imelda May - Mayhem (Live on Craig Ferguson 11-04-2011) [HD 1080p] - YouTube

[LowObservable]

GK - We may not agree on JSF but we are in accord on certain matters.


//meow