Suckling turned out a master race of pilots. There was a no female culture to distract the brave aviators from their task, something for which many were grateful. Intrepid, stern jawed and used to dealing with any eventuality thrown into the maelstrom by meteorology, magnet or management; these brave men soldiered on so that they might bring their expertise and well honed instincts for survival to the benefit of other carriers. Other airlines, recognising the training for what it was, leapt into the breach to recruit from the ranks of the Suckling Pilots - true commandoes of the air - brave few survivors of the wrath of a chattering Merlin.
As those who now leave walk down the Cambridge corridor of fame that leads from Marshalls to the main road, saluting those who march up the same dark alleyway to take their places, let us reflect on the excellence of the operation that turned out such paragons of aviation . Men unbroken, undaunted and adaped to go into the war of the skies with the barest of equipment, no food, no sleep, no drink. For the creation of such magnificent survivors, accolades are due!
