Odd things seen on the train
Forgive ignorance but was not H2S in service with the heavy bomber force in about 1943?
Indeed it was one of the early aids introduced to increase bombing accuracy langleybastion. A much later Mk H2S was also used in the famous Black Buck 1 raid to the Falklands in 82 as well...
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H2S Mk3G was used in Lancasters
H2S Mk4A Was used in Lincolns
H2S Mk9 was at the heart of the NBS that was installed in the V-Bombers
Variants of the above became various Mk's of ASV used in Coastal Command A/C.
I don't know what was fitted to the Hasting's that were used at BCBS Lindholme after the demise of the Lincoln's.
From photo's, the Hastings look as though they could have been fitted with the scanners and radome's of the ex-Lincoln H2S Mk 4A. But it would have been approaching antique status if it was.
H2S Mk4A Was used in Lincolns
H2S Mk9 was at the heart of the NBS that was installed in the V-Bombers
Variants of the above became various Mk's of ASV used in Coastal Command A/C.
I don't know what was fitted to the Hasting's that were used at BCBS Lindholme after the demise of the Lincoln's.
From photo's, the Hastings look as though they could have been fitted with the scanners and radome's of the ex-Lincoln H2S Mk 4A. But it would have been approaching antique status if it was.
I remember that NBS trainer at Lindholme well Ian. Spent many a happy hour in there bombing fictional Russian targets with names which if you looked carefully you discovered were based on past and existing staff members.
ACAS is a very decent bloke (for an engineer!) and not at all pretentious.
On the matter of 1st class rail tickets, irrespective of the business case, hell would freeze over before tickets such as are permitted by 'the system'.
A while back a friend of mine was on duty in the UK when a crisis struck the capital where he was an attache. His flight was cancelled the nigt of the crisis but he needed to get back to Post and to his family who were holed up in their apartment. He managed to rebook another, and rather convoluted, series of flights back to Post from Manchester. The main leg was Business Class (but cheaper than standard) and he flew through the night and back to the war-torn capital and drove back through road-blocks manned by militia, past bombed streets and burnt-out buildings and vehicles, finally arriving at the sand-bagged Embassy - and a very fraught wife and two rather excited kids.
Roll on reconcilliation of his GPC account (Government Procurement Card). The MOD have sought to invoice his for the entirity of the BC flight as it was done without 'authorisation'. He's pointed out that he was to return on that day anyway; the original flights were cancelled (and refunded) by the airline and his new flights - and the only seats he could get - worked out at about the same cost (but would have costed more by standard class). He's also been questioned by non-SMEs as to why he had to get back 'in such a hurry'. Approaches like this make people throw their hands up in despair. And, I suspect, the nature of this travel and the circumstances that brought it about, would be accepted by even the most dimmest of Daily Mail readers.
On the matter of 1st class rail tickets, irrespective of the business case, hell would freeze over before tickets such as are permitted by 'the system'.
A while back a friend of mine was on duty in the UK when a crisis struck the capital where he was an attache. His flight was cancelled the nigt of the crisis but he needed to get back to Post and to his family who were holed up in their apartment. He managed to rebook another, and rather convoluted, series of flights back to Post from Manchester. The main leg was Business Class (but cheaper than standard) and he flew through the night and back to the war-torn capital and drove back through road-blocks manned by militia, past bombed streets and burnt-out buildings and vehicles, finally arriving at the sand-bagged Embassy - and a very fraught wife and two rather excited kids.
Roll on reconcilliation of his GPC account (Government Procurement Card). The MOD have sought to invoice his for the entirity of the BC flight as it was done without 'authorisation'. He's pointed out that he was to return on that day anyway; the original flights were cancelled (and refunded) by the airline and his new flights - and the only seats he could get - worked out at about the same cost (but would have costed more by standard class). He's also been questioned by non-SMEs as to why he had to get back 'in such a hurry'. Approaches like this make people throw their hands up in despair. And, I suspect, the nature of this travel and the circumstances that brought it about, would be accepted by even the most dimmest of Daily Mail readers.
Last edited by Whenurhappy; 17th Oct 2016 at 12:33.
A friend of mine was an Air Cdre and a thoroughly nice chap to boot. He saw the direction the RAF was taking, so decided to PVR...
He was holding some post in Washington at the time and entitled to fly Business / Upper Class or whatever across the pond. But the wretched bean counters told him he'd have to fly economy, because on the day of his flight he would cease to be in the RAF at midnight as his retirement took effect.
"Well, that's just confirmed to me that it's time to leave this sinking ship", he said. Fortunately the airline was made of better stuff and gave him a complimentary upgrade anyway.
Once upon a time, officers of Sqn Ldr and above were entitled to travel First Class on the choo-choo when on business, whether or not in uniform - RHIP as we used to say. But nowadays not even an Air Officer may travel in First Class, I gather...
The excellent Chiltern Railways has the right idea though. They don't have 'First Class' as such, but have a Business Zone on mainline trains which anyone can use for a small supplement of £10, although it costs slightly more (£25) on certain peak time trains. They make the point that you can upgrade to the Business Zone and get large tables for working, the widest seats with more legroom than you’ll find on any train service between Birmingham and London. So Business travel for those who actually need it, rather than a mere perk.
He was holding some post in Washington at the time and entitled to fly Business / Upper Class or whatever across the pond. But the wretched bean counters told him he'd have to fly economy, because on the day of his flight he would cease to be in the RAF at midnight as his retirement took effect.
"Well, that's just confirmed to me that it's time to leave this sinking ship", he said. Fortunately the airline was made of better stuff and gave him a complimentary upgrade anyway.
Once upon a time, officers of Sqn Ldr and above were entitled to travel First Class on the choo-choo when on business, whether or not in uniform - RHIP as we used to say. But nowadays not even an Air Officer may travel in First Class, I gather...
The excellent Chiltern Railways has the right idea though. They don't have 'First Class' as such, but have a Business Zone on mainline trains which anyone can use for a small supplement of £10, although it costs slightly more (£25) on certain peak time trains. They make the point that you can upgrade to the Business Zone and get large tables for working, the widest seats with more legroom than you’ll find on any train service between Birmingham and London. So Business travel for those who actually need it, rather than a mere perk.
Beagle,
One of the things I looked forward to on promotion was the First Class Travel on trains, and I used it until it was killed off - coinciding with my second overseas tour. I then looked forward to Business Class travel to my post - only for that to be canned (along with using airmiles for upgrades...). I deal now with BAEs personnel - some of whom now travel on a BIZJET - they've offered me flights which I cannot accept. Bonkers. And I know that ACAS thinks it's bonkers, too.
One of the things I looked forward to on promotion was the First Class Travel on trains, and I used it until it was killed off - coinciding with my second overseas tour. I then looked forward to Business Class travel to my post - only for that to be canned (along with using airmiles for upgrades...). I deal now with BAEs personnel - some of whom now travel on a BIZJET - they've offered me flights which I cannot accept. Bonkers. And I know that ACAS thinks it's bonkers, too.
Are there any perks left now for senior and/or air officers?
Another friend was a 2* and told me of a forthcoming journey to be made. "What time is your driver coming to pick you up?", I asked, assuming that the journey would be made in a company fast black of some form or other....
Only to be told that these days it's self-drive in you own car and fill in the forms....
I was at a conference in Spain a couple of years ago and found that the RAF senior officer attendees had been required to take an easyJet flight at some inconvenient time of day from Gatwick... Are there no standards these days?
Another friend was a 2* and told me of a forthcoming journey to be made. "What time is your driver coming to pick you up?", I asked, assuming that the journey would be made in a company fast black of some form or other....
Only to be told that these days it's self-drive in you own car and fill in the forms....
I was at a conference in Spain a couple of years ago and found that the RAF senior officer attendees had been required to take an easyJet flight at some inconvenient time of day from Gatwick... Are there no standards these days?
Dont worry, when Putin gets in and we become the People's Democratic Republic of Britain, senior politicians and military officers will be whizzing around in limos in traffic free "Zil lanes"!
BB, yes I remember Mackaysk - named after the CI at the time I was there (1970).
Mackaysk rings a bell.
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I never saw it working.
Lindholme was my 1st posting from Boy's Service and we were deliberately moved around to broaden our experience.
I started in ARSF, then I went to the 'Bombing School', where I looked after the Gee-H trainers, and the 'bench sets' in the classrooms, my mate did the H2S Mk4 ones. When we did the monthly calibrations, we each played the pilot to the other one's nav. If we didn't make a dead hit, we re-calibrated. We were probably the 2 best 'trainer bomb aimer's at BCBS. It would have been interesting to try it for real on a Lincoln.
When the EMI guys arrived to install the NBS kit we were 'assisting' them.
The biggest part was a device with 2 negatives about 4' x 4' where light was projected through to a sensor, this simulated the radar signal. The light source/sensor moved around on a 'crab'. We called the whole thing the 'fish fryer'. I dunno if the name stuck.
I was then re-assigned to one of the squadrons to get some a/c time in before going back to Yatesbury for my fitters course. I never saw NBS again 'till I was posted to 214 in 1959.
I remember that NBS trainer at Lindholme well Ian. Spent many a happy hour in there bombing fictional Russian targets with names which if you looked carefully you discovered were based on past and existing staff members.
Lindholme was my 1st posting from Boy's Service and we were deliberately moved around to broaden our experience.
I started in ARSF, then I went to the 'Bombing School', where I looked after the Gee-H trainers, and the 'bench sets' in the classrooms, my mate did the H2S Mk4 ones. When we did the monthly calibrations, we each played the pilot to the other one's nav. If we didn't make a dead hit, we re-calibrated. We were probably the 2 best 'trainer bomb aimer's at BCBS. It would have been interesting to try it for real on a Lincoln.
When the EMI guys arrived to install the NBS kit we were 'assisting' them.
The biggest part was a device with 2 negatives about 4' x 4' where light was projected through to a sensor, this simulated the radar signal. The light source/sensor moved around on a 'crab'. We called the whole thing the 'fish fryer'. I dunno if the name stuck.
I was then re-assigned to one of the squadrons to get some a/c time in before going back to Yatesbury for my fitters course. I never saw NBS again 'till I was posted to 214 in 1959.
Yes, RHIP slipped at the same rate that I advanced civilian grades and the contentiously named EMR.
Not only First Class rail, but service vehicles and drivers. At JHQ I occupied a Gp Capt post and started with a nice car and a service driver, soon changed to grumpy German driver, soon changed to drive yourself, soon changed to drive your own battered little Ford or Opel.
This was of course in parallel with down and down and down grading for quarters. Back in 1961 at RAF Nicosia just about everything was provided on scale. By the time I did my last march-out JHQ 1996 there was not a lot on the inventory to check.
Still the most important RHIP aspect was the salary and the pension, after all is said and done.
Not only First Class rail, but service vehicles and drivers. At JHQ I occupied a Gp Capt post and started with a nice car and a service driver, soon changed to grumpy German driver, soon changed to drive yourself, soon changed to drive your own battered little Ford or Opel.
This was of course in parallel with down and down and down grading for quarters. Back in 1961 at RAF Nicosia just about everything was provided on scale. By the time I did my last march-out JHQ 1996 there was not a lot on the inventory to check.
Still the most important RHIP aspect was the salary and the pension, after all is said and done.
Due to abuses by a small few, here in the USA we have similar travel rules that limit what we can and can not do on military travel: no first class, have to stay at places at the military rate, have to book travel through a contract travel site and get fares at the contract price (even if I can get cheaper, more convenient flights off the internet), have to use my gov't travel card for certain things (folks using the automatic tellers at casinos and strip clubs to get their per diem cash are the latest scandal), have to use small rental cars, have to get multiple approvals for conference hosting, etc. etc.
The good deal boondoggle is getting harder to come by and requires careful planning....
The good deal boondoggle is getting harder to come by and requires careful planning....
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Oddest thing I've seen on a train was in 2009. Having been out for a few years during a buoyant time for business I had purchased a first class season ticket for BeardRail. The previous week, I had "accidentally" flashed said first class season ticket in front of an old friend who had just made SO1. His response was to decant my precious ticket into an RAF issue plastic rail wallet holder - neatly emblazoned with a smart looking roundel.
So, I was sitting in first class, minding my own business on Mr Branson's finest, season ticket ready for inspection on the table in front of me, when Bob Ainsworth (then Labour Minister for Defence) pours himself into the seat opposite and opens a briefcase stuffed full of pink files. All in full view of myself and anyone else who cared to happen by.
He glances at me, directing his eyes to the visible roundel on my pass and then back at me, before getting up and going to the next carriage to help himself to free crisps and nutty. In front of me, in all its glory is a SECRET file on the expansion of the TA. Bob returns, and in-between mouthfuls of crisps answers a phone call, the subject of which quite obviously concerns plans to cut Army regular numbers, but most importantly, to hide this until after the looming election.
We arrive at my stop, where on passing Bob, I tap the top file in his briefcase with my finger. The case lid is slammed shut immediately, a look of ruddy consternation on Bob's face.
I met my friend a week later and told him the tale, whereupon he informed me that as part of the on-going savings measures, all senior officers had just been forbidden from travelling first class.
I almost choked on my latte.
So, I was sitting in first class, minding my own business on Mr Branson's finest, season ticket ready for inspection on the table in front of me, when Bob Ainsworth (then Labour Minister for Defence) pours himself into the seat opposite and opens a briefcase stuffed full of pink files. All in full view of myself and anyone else who cared to happen by.
He glances at me, directing his eyes to the visible roundel on my pass and then back at me, before getting up and going to the next carriage to help himself to free crisps and nutty. In front of me, in all its glory is a SECRET file on the expansion of the TA. Bob returns, and in-between mouthfuls of crisps answers a phone call, the subject of which quite obviously concerns plans to cut Army regular numbers, but most importantly, to hide this until after the looming election.
We arrive at my stop, where on passing Bob, I tap the top file in his briefcase with my finger. The case lid is slammed shut immediately, a look of ruddy consternation on Bob's face.
I met my friend a week later and told him the tale, whereupon he informed me that as part of the on-going savings measures, all senior officers had just been forbidden from travelling first class.
I almost choked on my latte.
Are there any perks left now for senior and/or air officers?
Another friend was a 2* and told me of a forthcoming journey to be made. "What time is your driver coming to pick you up?", I asked, assuming that the journey would be made in a company fast black of some form or other....
Only to be told that these days it's self-drive in you own car and fill in the forms....
I was at a conference in Spain a couple of years ago and found that the RAF senior officer attendees had been required to take an easyJet flight at some inconvenient time of day from Gatwick... Are there no standards these days?
Another friend was a 2* and told me of a forthcoming journey to be made. "What time is your driver coming to pick you up?", I asked, assuming that the journey would be made in a company fast black of some form or other....
Only to be told that these days it's self-drive in you own car and fill in the forms....
I was at a conference in Spain a couple of years ago and found that the RAF senior officer attendees had been required to take an easyJet flight at some inconvenient time of day from Gatwick... Are there no standards these days?
Easyjet is about par for the course these days. Had to do a quick trip out to the Med recently on an ops issue. Had to get there pronto and Easyjet was only option in a realistic timeframe and even that was questioned.
That said, the most apoplexy inducing thing I've encountered was one of my SNCOs being told to submit a business case to go on an op tour as directed by Manning!
What business was the family in?
This is Golfito leaving Port Antonio in 1962 taken from, IIRC, Matina.
The island on the left was once owned by Errol Flynn as was The Titchfield Hotel on high ground on the right. We used to have a drink and swim at The Titchfield in their fresh and salt water pools.
p.s. Sorry about the MN hijack of thread . . Trains and bloats and planes . . .
As late as 1975 a Regiment J.O. of my acquaintance was posted out to Hong Kong. He dug up the non-rescinded Q.R. which gave him ( and his family) the choice of means of travel.
Six weeks by ship.
!
Six weeks by ship.
!