Geriaviator,
Tiny quibble:
...variable speed propellor...
Constant-speed prop, surely ? (I had a two-speed job in the Vultee BT-13)
...he would take me low flying on Lake Grassmere. I would fly and he would fire a revolver at the wildlife on the water..
For readers of a nervous disposition, perhaps I should stress that we are not in the UK now. Instructors were a law unto themselves in those days: in our Harvards (AT6As, actually) in the States, ours would play 'tigs' with the wingtips in dual formation while puffing fat "see-gars" in the back.
Studes were discouraged from doing this solo.
...in large bold letters was the word WASTAGE...
Tragic, but true of all wars. As I've said somewhere, you
had to be callous to losses, or you'd "go round the bend".
"Old so-and-so went for a burton last night, hard luck, fancy a beer ?"
Danny.