Treadigraph: Great stuff!
Here's John with the B17:
Given that there was no 'manipulation' of these scenes I think one might agree that he pretty much took her as low as you can get! Evidently he insisted on flying alone for those shots.
Eric: This would explain the craft's carmine colour .. if not her gaily painted tail! Also from the 1st Battalion:
A section from the 1st Battalion of The Duke of Wellington's Regiment boarding a Wessex in Cyprus in November 1967
Denissimo! Ah well amico .. these things must be done while they can!
~ ~ ~
Back to John Crewdson's coveralls .. from what I understand these were originally issued to RAF pilots performing at air displays in the 1930's and used as something of a status symbol during the Battle of Britain by those winning a certain number of kills. Evidently quite a number of Crabs puchassed their own coveralls (often in white). It was common to wear the squadron crest on the breast pocket, but this was officially banned from the declaration of war in 1939 for security reasons.
Pilots from 242 Sqn (the first Squadron commanded by Douglas Bader) including one with white coveralls aw well as a few examples of the scarves so loved by ShyTorque!
Trevor Howard playing Air Vice Marshal Keith "The Skipper" Park in movie 'Battle of Britain'