John
I have read the book from cover to cover in one sitting. I doff my hat to you as a true Crusader...and those that went the distance. It ain't over til the Fat Lady sings and for what it's worth you will leave HKG (one way or the other) in better shape than when you arrived.
From the moment the bullseye was painted you haven't flinched and for that I commend you. I have always maintained that the pilot group in Cathay devours its own. This goes way back to the days of Paddy and his ilk. It is true testimony to the fact that Muppets can fly.
The Swire response was always to the comms they were getting from the front line. Their inability or unwillingness to get further involved is unfortunate. Their inability to second someone into the fray who knows something about the business is tragic. Someone should endow a new Rhodes Scholarship (HKG version) to teach aspiring managers that intestinal fortitude and honour can relieve distressed sleep patterns.
In my mind, Barley will always have a special place on the gunnery range...that of target. He showed a singular regard for his own posterior and a total disregard for people he regarded as fellow aviators. May his retirement be restless, troubled and full of self-doubt.
Is it any wonder so many of our vintage opted out of the office, the sim and into gardening, dog-walking and much neglected family gratification. No, it is not, and that, in my opinion, is due totally to our colleagues. We can all blame the Swire aristocracy but that is too simplistic.
I wish you and Fitzy the very best with the OAA.