Prince William flies C-17 to Afghanistan
Rumour has it that Flt Lt Wales DFC will be flying Harriers on offensive ops in Helmand this weekend
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According to Clarence House (from the DT) “William is determined to do a proper job like his fellow officers. His view is if he in the services he has to step up to the table.”
How exactly? Suggestions?
How exactly? Suggestions?
I am really saddened by the hard time everyone is giving Fg Off Wales. As was said earlier he is damned if he does and damned if he does not.
No one seems to have mentioned the part of the BBC news report that says how he was "honoured", that he travelled back in the aircraft with the body of a soldier killed in action and that he had a private meeting with the relatives when they landed. I am sure they were comforted by the meeting and that is a job I would not want to do for all the tea in China.
I dont think anyone is suggesting that he "operated" the aircraft or that he did the take off, landing or approach. He was probably given a familiarisation tour of the controls and a quick pole under the watchful eye of the Squadron QFI.
I am also sure that his visit to "the front line" would have been much more welcome than any politician who would never agree to be put through any military basic training. I have never met the gentleman, but I am sure he is genuinely interested, rather than showing a "politicians interest" in any topic.
All the stick he has had to take recently from the press and pruners is without any right of reply. I admire the man and am sure that he is an excellent ambassador for his family and our beleagured country.
Rant off - thanks for listening
Shadwell
No one seems to have mentioned the part of the BBC news report that says how he was "honoured", that he travelled back in the aircraft with the body of a soldier killed in action and that he had a private meeting with the relatives when they landed. I am sure they were comforted by the meeting and that is a job I would not want to do for all the tea in China.
I dont think anyone is suggesting that he "operated" the aircraft or that he did the take off, landing or approach. He was probably given a familiarisation tour of the controls and a quick pole under the watchful eye of the Squadron QFI.
I am also sure that his visit to "the front line" would have been much more welcome than any politician who would never agree to be put through any military basic training. I have never met the gentleman, but I am sure he is genuinely interested, rather than showing a "politicians interest" in any topic.
All the stick he has had to take recently from the press and pruners is without any right of reply. I admire the man and am sure that he is an excellent ambassador for his family and our beleagured country.
Rant off - thanks for listening
Shadwell
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Shadwell the Old
A nice point, Sir. Fg Off Wales would be the target of spite from small people whatever he did. At least he is using the experience, albeit rather brief, he picked up at Cranwell. No doubt he will conn a few ships (if we have any left) when he completes his few months with the RN, thus giving matelots a chance to slag him off!
I for one salute him. He has an uneviable position and seems to be a very approachable and clubable sort. I would rather drink with him in the mess that some of the bores one finds there. He recently pitched up at a local pub here, "out east", and spoke to everyone in the bar and not one mobile phone camera was flashed at him! I hope he returns soon.
Pip pip ON
A nice point, Sir. Fg Off Wales would be the target of spite from small people whatever he did. At least he is using the experience, albeit rather brief, he picked up at Cranwell. No doubt he will conn a few ships (if we have any left) when he completes his few months with the RN, thus giving matelots a chance to slag him off!
I for one salute him. He has an uneviable position and seems to be a very approachable and clubable sort. I would rather drink with him in the mess that some of the bores one finds there. He recently pitched up at a local pub here, "out east", and spoke to everyone in the bar and not one mobile phone camera was flashed at him! I hope he returns soon.
Pip pip ON
This is exactly what he should be doing - observing RAF aircraft, aircrew and personnel doing what they do routinely, and not on an unrepresentative and dedicated joyride.
The C-17 wasn't used to get him to a party in Nice, didn't stop off for a low flypast of Balmoral, and the sortie hasn't been presented as legitimate pilot training for the lad.
Absolutely top marks for the visit to Headley Court and the private meeting with the dead soldier's family, too.
As to what he might do do in order to do "a proper job like his fellow officers" and to "step up to the table", then a stint as SDO or Orderly Officer on a wet saturday night at (say) Honington would be a good start. He might then shadow an over-worked JENGO at Kinloss for a week, and an ATCO at Valley for another.
The C-17 wasn't used to get him to a party in Nice, didn't stop off for a low flypast of Balmoral, and the sortie hasn't been presented as legitimate pilot training for the lad.
Absolutely top marks for the visit to Headley Court and the private meeting with the dead soldier's family, too.
As to what he might do do in order to do "a proper job like his fellow officers" and to "step up to the table", then a stint as SDO or Orderly Officer on a wet saturday night at (say) Honington would be a good start. He might then shadow an over-worked JENGO at Kinloss for a week, and an ATCO at Valley for another.
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According to the MOD, Prince William did the following:
"During the flight to Kandahar he sat supervised as a crew member under instruction in the co-pilot seat for a short period of time. He did not operate the aircraft during take-off and landing. He accompanied the crew for training and an understanding of operating strategic transport aircraft into theatre. This enabled him to receive instruction on the aircraft's operations on the flight deck. His previous training at RAF Brize Norton was designed to prepare him for this."
I'm not a Royalist in any way, shape or form but I can't understand the sniping or see that this trip did anything other than good for the RAF. It certainly did not boost this dreadful government or its foolhardy policies; I'm sure those he met in theatre were pleased to see him.
As an aside, a colleague of mine spent time with William when he did a bit of training at Valley last year. He said the prince was completely pro-RAF, down-to-earth and and an impressive individual who fitted in with all ranks. Make of that what you will.....
"During the flight to Kandahar he sat supervised as a crew member under instruction in the co-pilot seat for a short period of time. He did not operate the aircraft during take-off and landing. He accompanied the crew for training and an understanding of operating strategic transport aircraft into theatre. This enabled him to receive instruction on the aircraft's operations on the flight deck. His previous training at RAF Brize Norton was designed to prepare him for this."
I'm not a Royalist in any way, shape or form but I can't understand the sniping or see that this trip did anything other than good for the RAF. It certainly did not boost this dreadful government or its foolhardy policies; I'm sure those he met in theatre were pleased to see him.
As an aside, a colleague of mine spent time with William when he did a bit of training at Valley last year. He said the prince was completely pro-RAF, down-to-earth and and an impressive individual who fitted in with all ranks. Make of that what you will.....
Shadwell the Old,
I totally concur with your comments about Prince William. Short of him marrying a Catholic (or a divorcee) his lot in life is predetermined and it could be many years before he gets to be the Regeant, always holding the cheerful thought that this will be when his father dies. Apart from his charity work, there is probably little that William can sink his teeth into and derive satisfaction (KM notwithstanding); he is probably envious of Harry's brief respite from the media glare whilst Harry rained bombs down on the Talibs.
Having attended some 18 Commonwealth ramp ceremonies in AFG last year, and having found them particularly moving, I don't envy William's few minutes that he spent with the family of the bereaved. I expect also that he was incredibly sincere. How many 24 year olds are ever expected to do that?
Finally - his 'wings'. Two weeks ago the Sunday Times claimed there were rumblings within the RAF about William receiving the Flying Badge without completing the extended practice bleeding of a full course. Well, having spoken to a fair few aircrew in the course of the last few weeks, not one has resented him being awarded - and subsequently wearing - his 'wings'. All I can surmise is that the Sunday Times trawled PPRUNE and claimed that the postings were indicative of RAF vox pop. As has been observed in a number of postings, his 'work experience' with the RAF, indeed with the other services, will stand him in good stead for a life that he can never really call his own and is devoted to the service of others.
Hurrah!
WP
I totally concur with your comments about Prince William. Short of him marrying a Catholic (or a divorcee) his lot in life is predetermined and it could be many years before he gets to be the Regeant, always holding the cheerful thought that this will be when his father dies. Apart from his charity work, there is probably little that William can sink his teeth into and derive satisfaction (KM notwithstanding); he is probably envious of Harry's brief respite from the media glare whilst Harry rained bombs down on the Talibs.
Having attended some 18 Commonwealth ramp ceremonies in AFG last year, and having found them particularly moving, I don't envy William's few minutes that he spent with the family of the bereaved. I expect also that he was incredibly sincere. How many 24 year olds are ever expected to do that?
Finally - his 'wings'. Two weeks ago the Sunday Times claimed there were rumblings within the RAF about William receiving the Flying Badge without completing the extended practice bleeding of a full course. Well, having spoken to a fair few aircrew in the course of the last few weeks, not one has resented him being awarded - and subsequently wearing - his 'wings'. All I can surmise is that the Sunday Times trawled PPRUNE and claimed that the postings were indicative of RAF vox pop. As has been observed in a number of postings, his 'work experience' with the RAF, indeed with the other services, will stand him in good stead for a life that he can never really call his own and is devoted to the service of others.
Hurrah!
WP
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Green flash has got it spot on 
You have to feel a lot of sympathy for the chap as I doubt he is "bigging it up" with regards to his piloting skills and those that flew with him when he visited us commented on what a thoroughly nice guy he was.
Those that offer criticisms of him should really take a step back and ask themselves just what they really expect him to do
You have to feel a lot of sympathy for the chap as I doubt he is "bigging it up" with regards to his piloting skills and those that flew with him when he visited us commented on what a thoroughly nice guy he was.
Those that offer criticisms of him should really take a step back and ask themselves just what they really expect him to do
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I think HRH is a good lad with a strong sense of duty who tries hard to do the right thing and should be commended for it.
His biggest problem is the utter cr*p both written and spoken by so-called journalists (and I include the RAF PR in this) who can't be bothered to research a subject properly and/or find it hard to present facts in a logical order and in some depth.
This is a direct result of "dumbing down" to make things easier for the masses. Everything has to be in small bites in case the audience loses concentration.
Years ago I was taught that achievement always closely matched expectations and now we're almost down to the wood. Thank the Lord that we still have a few of the better kind but they're getting to be an endangered species.
Pessimist? Moi?
His biggest problem is the utter cr*p both written and spoken by so-called journalists (and I include the RAF PR in this) who can't be bothered to research a subject properly and/or find it hard to present facts in a logical order and in some depth.
This is a direct result of "dumbing down" to make things easier for the masses. Everything has to be in small bites in case the audience loses concentration.
Years ago I was taught that achievement always closely matched expectations and now we're almost down to the wood. Thank the Lord that we still have a few of the better kind but they're getting to be an endangered species.
Pessimist? Moi?
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Whenurhappy: well said! The guy is showing willing & doing his best within the constraints imposed on him by his family & the government. He probably would love to do much more but can't.
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I think maybe some are a little miffed now the cats out of the bag about how easy the pilots course must be, after all fast jet, rotary and AT qualified in such a short space of time how difficult can it be.........................
There is no inconsistency in supporting HRH's C-17 experience, and applauding the RAF/MoD PR handling of that sortie, while simultaneously questioning the Chinook fiasco and condemning the risibly poor PR handling of that episode.
And I have to say that I've detected something like a 33:33:33 split on the issue of William's Wings between the "He deserves them:The award cheapens them:I don't give a toss" tendencies among those current and retired aircrew I've spoken to.
And I have to say that I've detected something like a 33:33:33 split on the issue of William's Wings between the "He deserves them:The award cheapens them:I don't give a toss" tendencies among those current and retired aircrew I've spoken to.
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fast jet, rotary and AT qualified
Champagne anyone...?
I'd question your stats Jacko. Given that I talk to aircrew everyday and indeed are one I'd suggest the breakdown is more 3:3:94.....
Green Flash - your post reads like a gorblimey from The Sun. Jolly good effort.
Green Flash - your post reads like a gorblimey from The Sun. Jolly good effort.