Given that the latest Erebus eruption appears to have come to end, I just want to slip in a quote from Mahon’s book, because despite his alleged failings, the man could certainly string a sentence together. At pages 83 and 84, Mahon gives his impression of the Chief Pilot’s evidence. The quote might also provide a good indication as to the group of persons who were responsible for the hearing degenerating into a pitched battle:
“Captain Gemmell was then cross-examined, at considerable length, by counsel for other parties. Many criticisms of the flight planning were advanced and it was interesting to see how the witness responded to the detailed and challenging questions which were addressed to him. The answers which he gave were unhesitating and positive. When possible, his answers were monosyllabic, and he seemed to treat the various counsel with thinly veiled contempt.”