When a Pilot has to go on the Dole - 1968 Style
 

I found an old copy of the Sunday Express whilst tidying out a tea chest at the local scout hut. This article caught my eye so I thought I might share it in case anyone else faces the prospect of selling the Wolsley to save money.

I don't think the size of it fits the new PPRUNE policy so I have uploaded it to Flickr.

Here's the link:

Pilots on the Dole on Flickr - Photo Sharing!

Interesting read, thanks. Pre-dole lifestyle was not that unusual for (upper) middle class in the 1960s. Wonder if Capt Winch is still around?

Also interesting to note that there were cheers from Labour MPs in the Commons when British Eagles demise was announced.

Says who? :confused:

J.

Hansard if you want to check it out.

Hmm... a cursory glance only seems to show a House Of Lords sitting that refers to it. May have to dig a bit deeper.

It was in the House of Commons and I have a copy of the relevant page if I can dig it out from the mountain of papers I have in my attic. The word "cheers" is not used but another word with a similar meaning. I came across this when researching for my book on Glasgow Airport as I found it mentioned in another book on British Eagle/Glasgow and I could not believe that MPs of whatever hue could be capable of finding delight in the loss of peoples livelihoods so I contacted the person who runs one of the two British Eagle websites who confirmed the story but again I wanted the proof. The place I suspect this has come from is how the newspapers reported this.

Not that Wikipedia's a completely reliable source, but it would appear that there was certain acrimony between British Eagle and the then-government over paying duty on it's newly acquired 707s, as well as entrenched opposition from both the state-owned airlines and other independents.