The Optic
Skydozer,
Had the pleasure of flying with and being checked by "The Optic "aka, Glasseye.
We had a few minor differences of opinion back in the 70's. But we both saw each others point of view.
Had some great times with him on overnights and afterwards, many years later, on Fri. evenings, we, with a few other ex PNG guys, would have a fews beers at the Cleveland RSL.
It was there that we learn't from Dick, that at one time, late 40's or early 50's, whilst in the RAAF,he was making an attempt on the record from Perth to Sydney, then to Richmond.
Things were going OK till about Abm. Adl, then a problem appeared that seemed to be major, so he backed off whilst well ahead of the record.
After landing, it was found to be several minor squawks, indicating ,a major one, he could have had the record but he erred on the side of safety, typical of Dick's , AIRMANSHIP!
I along with many others from PNG were at his funeral at Cleveland.
Would your Father, be the Gentleman, Dick's brother that sang a Scottish Lament from the back of the Church, that brought tears to every one's eyes, particlarly all the PNG pilots present, in fact I have tears in my eyes now, just trying to type this post.
I have dug out a few old rosters I still have from PNG.
On Tues. 25th July 1972,
0515 VH - FNG, Lic. Ren. Capt. R. Glassey ( L/R ) Checking , Capt. J. Regan at Pom.
On 24th, July 1972 VH - FNM, 1638 x 2, 1633 x 2, Pom - Lae _ Gka - Lae - Pom. Under the Command of Capt. R Glassey, let me know if you would like some PNG bits about your Uncle,
Cheers,
robroy
Skydozer,
A thousand apologies, I for got to mention in my post that the aircraft that Dick was flying for the record ,was, a DeH. Mosquito.
Cheers
robroy
Skydozer,
Just found this mention of Dick in the copy I have of, "The Ode to Mendi " , By J. Morton & N. Bramley.
Verse 10.
But now our problems are teeny weeny,
As we've been saved by "Fearless Feeney ",
For the " Optic " thought he'd like the scenery,
For two months stay in Mendi.
Cheers again,
robroy
Last edited by robroy; 7th Nov 2004 at 12:10.