ORAC,
Knew the man. A most pleasant and accommodating chap who wore his uniform proudly.
His words. Crewing up one day, he stopped at the base of the ladder, turned around, and made his apologies to his crew as he could not do this any longer. Cajoling by his crew and then stern words from his captain failed to dissuade him from his decision. Nor could words from S/L Pilots or OC 8.
A ground tour as Station Flight Safety Officer followed as did the appointment to I/C Station Open Day.
As you say, he later went to the Vickers Funbus.
The Station Open Day? An outstanding success with an international and domestic collection of static and flying displays that put RIAT to shame.
His complete candour and honesty in his reasoning why he couldn't continue flying with us was humbling and educating. His decision had been arrived at after many months of anxious deliberation and soul searching, but once made was irreversible.
He got a lot of stick from his fellow flying fraternity, but very little support locally. Fortunately for him, the RAF didn't give up on him.
Shy,
Your post brought a smile to my face
...but I still don't like egg wisks.
Camlobe