'Winkle' Brown story
Thread Starter
'Winkle' Brown story
Just a heads up BBC2 19.00 this evening, Wednesday October 8th., the story of the amazing Winkle Brown.
I think it is a repeat but is still worth watching even if you have seen it before.
I think it is a repeat but is still worth watching even if you have seen it before.
Truly like a Forrest Gump of the air, except he had/has the sharpest of intelligences combined with all the qualities needed to manhandle recalcitrant aircraft through the flight envelope. Well worth watching again, if only they had made it a 3-parter as there was/is more than enough material to fill it!
SHJ
SHJ
Thread Starter
In today's Daily Mail in the Answers to Correspondents column a question was asked 'were Mosquito fighter bombers ever flown from aircraft carriers in a com at role in WW11'.
Well the answer is yes and the pilot was, of course, Captain Eric 'winkle' Brown. Although I don't think he flew combat missions but was the first to land that type on a carrier.
A real hero and a legend.
Well the answer is yes and the pilot was, of course, Captain Eric 'winkle' Brown. Although I don't think he flew combat missions but was the first to land that type on a carrier.
A real hero and a legend.
Mossies embarked
One of my CO's many years ago flew FAA Mosquitoes. The first squadron was formed and started to work-up; however, the project was abruptly cancelled before they embarked. The aircraft had demonstrated its ability to operate successfully onto and off the deck. Someone had measured the aircraft to ensure it would fit down the lifts. Unfortunately, in doing the measurement noone had taken into account the fact that the tips of the props projected beyond the stub wings.
End of project.
That was the story he told me, anyhow.
End of project.
That was the story he told me, anyhow.
Last edited by Schiller; 8th Oct 2014 at 14:22. Reason: Spelign
Quote
Unfortunately, in doing the measurement noone had taken into account the fact that the tips of the props projected beyond the stub wings.
If by "stub wings" you mean the wing to the fold point, if you were to stop the engines with a pair of prop blades horizontal it would increase the clearance required, but stopping with the props at 45 degrees there would be no such problem (judging from the photos).
I was told that DH were unsure if power folding was required until an admiral said "Oh don't worry about that, we've got lots of sailors who can do it!"
Unfortunately, in doing the measurement noone had taken into account the fact that the tips of the props projected beyond the stub wings.
If by "stub wings" you mean the wing to the fold point, if you were to stop the engines with a pair of prop blades horizontal it would increase the clearance required, but stopping with the props at 45 degrees there would be no such problem (judging from the photos).
I was told that DH were unsure if power folding was required until an admiral said "Oh don't worry about that, we've got lots of sailors who can do it!"
427 different types flown
Not a salesman, but there is a DVD titled "A Pilot's Story" detailing his exploits. Google title for availability.
Last edited by megan; 9th Oct 2014 at 03:39. Reason: DVD
He still does get around a bit. The last couple of years he's elected to stop travelling overseas, but he still gives talks in the UK a few times a year - if you ever manage to make one of these talks, it is an impressive and unique experience. His near-perfect memory and engaging speaking style are unparalleled.
G
G
EB.
EB gave a talk in Warwick a couple of years ago. Thoroughly excellent - he's still got a terrific memory. If you get the chance - go. He's just about the last of that generation of pilots.
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Thanks for the heads up, vctenderness. I would probably have missed it otherwise as BBC2 Scotland, in their wisdom, had something else on at that time.
I also found his book a very interesting read, especially the chapters dealing with the immediate aftermath of the war in Germany.
I also found his book a very interesting read, especially the chapters dealing with the immediate aftermath of the war in Germany.
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Met him at Sola Air Show in June 2012. He gave a lecture, and among other things talked about when he flew Arado 234s back to the UK in 1945. Interesting flights, as the engines had a total life of about 25 hours, and nobody knew if they were brand new or had 24h 50min on them..
He signed my logbook and the inside of the baggage hatch on our Tiger Moth, and I got to talk to him in person for a bit. A privilege to be able to talk to the great man. The term "hero" is flogged around quite a bit these days. None more deserving of the title than Winkle.
The fact that he is not Sir Eric is a travesty.
Signing the Moth
Me and the great man
The logbook
He signed my logbook and the inside of the baggage hatch on our Tiger Moth, and I got to talk to him in person for a bit. A privilege to be able to talk to the great man. The term "hero" is flogged around quite a bit these days. None more deserving of the title than Winkle.
The fact that he is not Sir Eric is a travesty.
Signing the Moth
Me and the great man
The logbook
If anybody missed it, EwB was on Desert Island Discs this morning 9:00-9:45. It was consistently brilliant, by turns distressing, hilarious, and moving.
Anybody who missed it - BBC will have it shortly on iPlayer and on MP3 download from the Desert Island Discs website. Don't miss it. Really really, don't miss it.
G
Anybody who missed it - BBC will have it shortly on iPlayer and on MP3 download from the Desert Island Discs website. Don't miss it. Really really, don't miss it.
G
Agreed - well worth downloading. Loved the bit about looping around each of the spans of the Forth Bridge in a Seafire.... and the RAF getting the blame!
Listen or download here
Listen or download here
Last edited by Democritus; 14th Nov 2014 at 12:37.
However, to be fair, he is the most decorated pilot in the history of the Royal Navy, holds several honororary degrees, Distinguished Flying Cross, Commander of the Order of the British Empire - and the entirely earned respect of a great many people like us.
G