MOTU October 1965 to January 1966
I was a young navigator on the Maritime Conversion Course at RAF St Mawgan 1965/6.
Pop Gladstone was the MAI(maritime air instructor) on the course, and an inspiration to us all. Obviously we were in awe of such a Coastal celebrity, but learnt a lot from his positive approach to what was going to be our chosen career. I went on to a first tour on Shackletons in Singapore and then as Nav captain at Ballykelly. Pop was an inspiration to a young nav,one felt that when he was at the helm you would be ok, a great feeling for a young and nervous beginner. I learnt a lot about flying from him, and had an enjoyable 31 years flying in the RAF, on Nimrods, C130s, HS125s etc. Never knew his name was John, always known as 'Pop'.
Last edited by middlesbrough; 6th Aug 2017 at 22:10.