Then there was the another time at 615 Gliding School (no pretentious Squadrons in those days) when we were happily launching our high performance training gliders into the air (Kirby Cadet Mk IIIs) when a lonely Tri Pacer appeared in the circuit. Despite lots of red lights at him from the ground he carried out his perfect approach onto our long runway. After touchdown he was approached from many directions by the yellow Landrovers and their irate drivers wanting to know why he had landed without permission at an active gliding site which had clear (in those days) crosses on the end of each runway. The cockpit door opened and a voice came from the French registered aircraft “Eez zees Biggin ‘ill?”
After much taking down of registration numbers/pilot’s details and telephone calls to Customs it was decided to send him on his way. "Biggin 'ill is just two 'ill 'ops in that direction" our CO offered in 'is perfect London French! The pilot then declared zat, “ze batterie eez plat!” So the CO, an engineer, decided that he would swing the propeller to get him going. After several swings the engine had not started. At that point a voice from the wingtip (our CFI) said, “George, I think you are swinging it the wrong way!”
George had been used to swinging the older (non American) engines! Long may he rest.