ancient aviator62 (your #8319),
It certainly takes me back. When you go up that gangway you are allowed to take only what you can personally carry on one trip - there's no going back ! My comfortable life as a Sahib had come to a full stop. When you've had that experience, you appreciate the full force of:
"...
.As up to the gangway we crawl...."
Of course I would like to see the other side of the air mail letter (so long as there's nothing personal on it). But where is the embossed 4-anna stamp on it ? - I assume it's coming from India. Do we know who the artist is ? It's a bit in the style of "Fougasse".
Hard luck on the Sgt-Pilot, but that's how the mop flops.
Ta, Danny.