Gaining An R.A.F Pilots Brevet In WW II
Other than gently pointing out that the last place to buy a Swiss watch should be Switzerland
It still looks like new and loses about 6 secs/day.
It's No 25 on this website.
New Fashion Rolex watches Men / Women's watches AAAAAA for sale at cheap discount price, id 242179638- buy and sell online
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Great stories Chugalug. Bringing it all back.
In 1952-3, during Boy Entrants service at Yatesbury, we went to Lynham for 'air experience flights'. These flights were usually in Anson's, but on one such flight in a Hastings, we were given the story of the Benghazi accident when we queried the rear facing seats.
A few years later, I had the 'privilege' of pumping oil in the 'dog kennel' on Beverley's passing through Istres.
In 1952-3, during Boy Entrants service at Yatesbury, we went to Lynham for 'air experience flights'. These flights were usually in Anson's, but on one such flight in a Hastings, we were given the story of the Benghazi accident when we queried the rear facing seats.
A few years later, I had the 'privilege' of pumping oil in the 'dog kennel' on Beverley's passing through Istres.
Remember that the Typhoon and its Sabre engine were rushed into service without the prewar years of development invested in other machinery. Once sorted, both gave great service and for the ultimate Tempest-Sabre story, read The Big Show by Pierre Clostermann. For me the Sabre is the pinnacle of piston engine design. At war's end Flight magazine carried an ad from Napier announcing that the Sabre had been certified for civil operation at 4000bhp takeoff rating, compared with its Service rating of 2200bhp only three years previously. But by then it was clear that turbines were the way to go.
There is a British project to rebuild a Hawker Typhoon to flying condition, based on a WW2 airframe (RB396) and a Sabre engine that may be unused and as it came from the factory. More news at Hawker Typhoon RB396 » Restoration In Florida, Kermit Weeks has two Tempests at his flight museum in Florida, one Centaurus, one Sabre which he hopes to fly one day. Info at the excellent The Hawker Tempest Page which contains a fascinating chapter on the Sabre engine.
Now to Howard Hendrick, the ex-Lancaster 460 Sqn pilot still flying solo at the age of 92. The very helpful Chris Read from the South Australian State Library tells me: The oral history from Howard and Winifred Hendrick is quite extensive, over 5 hours, and there is a typed Transcript of 126 pages with Library customers can access in our Reading Room along with the interview. We're working our way through all the oral histories and your transcript will eventually be available online.
The far side of the world is a bit far to travel even for this thread, but in the meantime Kookabat tells me that he has Mr Hendrick's postal address and will contact him with a view to telling us his story.
There is a British project to rebuild a Hawker Typhoon to flying condition, based on a WW2 airframe (RB396) and a Sabre engine that may be unused and as it came from the factory. More news at Hawker Typhoon RB396 » Restoration In Florida, Kermit Weeks has two Tempests at his flight museum in Florida, one Centaurus, one Sabre which he hopes to fly one day. Info at the excellent The Hawker Tempest Page which contains a fascinating chapter on the Sabre engine.
Now to Howard Hendrick, the ex-Lancaster 460 Sqn pilot still flying solo at the age of 92. The very helpful Chris Read from the South Australian State Library tells me: The oral history from Howard and Winifred Hendrick is quite extensive, over 5 hours, and there is a typed Transcript of 126 pages with Library customers can access in our Reading Room along with the interview. We're working our way through all the oral histories and your transcript will eventually be available online.
The far side of the world is a bit far to travel even for this thread, but in the meantime Kookabat tells me that he has Mr Hendrick's postal address and will contact him with a view to telling us his story.
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Chugalug and FED (#10841 & #10842),
À propos Watches: of late my two ("old" watch (age 73) and "new" (age 43), prone to bad timekeeping and stopping. Daughter took both down to local old jeweller who'd done MOTs on them every few years, to sort out.
That left me watchless. "Buy a cheapo quartz to tide me over - tenner top whack"..... She turns up with a "C****n" (magnificent looking fake chronograph). Stitched leather strap, presentation case, the lot, from local cheap department store.
"You never got this for ten" ... "No, Dad - five !" ... "Don't believe you" ... Shows the bill, it was so. Thought: "Rubbish - but will do me for a few weeks". Set accurately. A week later, spot-on. Another week, spot-on ! Old two fixed, came back, stuffed in drawer and watched (no pun intended) the standby with growing amazement, still always "on the dot".
Reset to Z time March. Still keeps perfect time (I say the BBC set the pips by my watch).
The Age of Miracles is not yet over.
Danny.
À propos Watches: of late my two ("old" watch (age 73) and "new" (age 43), prone to bad timekeeping and stopping. Daughter took both down to local old jeweller who'd done MOTs on them every few years, to sort out.
That left me watchless. "Buy a cheapo quartz to tide me over - tenner top whack"..... She turns up with a "C****n" (magnificent looking fake chronograph). Stitched leather strap, presentation case, the lot, from local cheap department store.
"You never got this for ten" ... "No, Dad - five !" ... "Don't believe you" ... Shows the bill, it was so. Thought: "Rubbish - but will do me for a few weeks". Set accurately. A week later, spot-on. Another week, spot-on ! Old two fixed, came back, stuffed in drawer and watched (no pun intended) the standby with growing amazement, still always "on the dot".
Reset to Z time March. Still keeps perfect time (I say the BBC set the pips by my watch).
The Age of Miracles is not yet over.
Danny.
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Geri (#10846),
..."The far side of the world is a bit far to travel even for this thread"...
No it isn't ! - our cybercrewroom stretches round the globe !
..."but in the meantime Kookabat tells me that he has Mr Hendrick's postal address and will contact him with a view to telling us his story"...
Just show the young lad this Thread, and how to get on to it, and his story will come tumbling out without further prompting ! We haven't got so many "Gainers" here that we can afford to let another slip off the hook.
Danny.
..."The far side of the world is a bit far to travel even for this thread"...
No it isn't ! - our cybercrewroom stretches round the globe !
..."but in the meantime Kookabat tells me that he has Mr Hendrick's postal address and will contact him with a view to telling us his story"...
Just show the young lad this Thread, and how to get on to it, and his story will come tumbling out without further prompting ! We haven't got so many "Gainers" here that we can afford to let another slip off the hook.
Danny.
I am always disappointed when I look in a high class jewellers window and see watches, of which the names were the pinnacle of the art of watchmaking, going clonk, clonk, clonk, as a quartz crystal vibrates.
Anybody can knock those up.
Anybody can knock those up.
harrym:
"A posthumous AFC would have been more appropriate".
I could not agree more but I have a vague memory of being told that AFCs cannot be awarded posthumously. It was a long time ago but perhaps one of our medal experts could comment?
"A posthumous AFC would have been more appropriate".
I could not agree more but I have a vague memory of being told that AFCs cannot be awarded posthumously. It was a long time ago but perhaps one of our medal experts could comment?
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Watches
When we excited pupils were issued with our watches at 2 ANS, everybody was exclaiming "I gotta Omega" "I gotta Longines". When I looked at mine oh dear never heard of them.......International Watch Co.??????????
We were told to check our watches rates. Well everybody else's watches with their fancy names seemed fair to average. Mine didn't seem to have a rate, it was always correct. Eventually I decided to do a long time test plus 6 seconds after 11 weeks. Then Mr Sandys did not want us any longer and he wanted his watch back.
Never seen or heard of IWC since but Google them and you'll be surprised.
We were told to check our watches rates. Well everybody else's watches with their fancy names seemed fair to average. Mine didn't seem to have a rate, it was always correct. Eventually I decided to do a long time test plus 6 seconds after 11 weeks. Then Mr Sandys did not want us any longer and he wanted his watch back.
Never seen or heard of IWC since but Google them and you'll be surprised.
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Pom Pax (#10850),
Excerpt from my Page 150, #2993:
"...When I was on my feet again, the first priority was a new watch. This was not straightforward. They were very scarce, and to ensure that they went only to deserving characters, you had to get a Certificate of Authorisation from a magistrate to begin with. A modest "bung" to the Clerk helped things along, I had my "chitty", and I presented myself at the "West End Watch Company" which had been warmly recommended to me. I spotted a small "military" style "Bijou", very plain, in a massive stainless steel case. It was ticketed at Rs150. That was quite a lot - about five month's salary for an Indian doctor - or a week of my pay. It would be about £12 then, say £600 today.
Well, I thought, I'll start at Rs100 and see how far down we can get (the shop was a cut above a bazaar stall). To my surprise, the salesman wouldn't shift - it was take it or leave it. "What is the world coming to?" I thought, but finally had to capitulate. I had to have a watch - and he knew it. I shelled out the Rs150 with very bad grace. It was about three years before I found I was running around with a Longines on my wrist. It is there yet, and will be with me to the end, I trust..."
Cheers, Danny.
Excerpt from my Page 150, #2993:
"...When I was on my feet again, the first priority was a new watch. This was not straightforward. They were very scarce, and to ensure that they went only to deserving characters, you had to get a Certificate of Authorisation from a magistrate to begin with. A modest "bung" to the Clerk helped things along, I had my "chitty", and I presented myself at the "West End Watch Company" which had been warmly recommended to me. I spotted a small "military" style "Bijou", very plain, in a massive stainless steel case. It was ticketed at Rs150. That was quite a lot - about five month's salary for an Indian doctor - or a week of my pay. It would be about £12 then, say £600 today.
Well, I thought, I'll start at Rs100 and see how far down we can get (the shop was a cut above a bazaar stall). To my surprise, the salesman wouldn't shift - it was take it or leave it. "What is the world coming to?" I thought, but finally had to capitulate. I had to have a watch - and he knew it. I shelled out the Rs150 with very bad grace. It was about three years before I found I was running around with a Longines on my wrist. It is there yet, and will be with me to the end, I trust..."
Cheers, Danny.
Danny:-
I'm surprised that you weren't politely yet firmly shown to the door with directions to the bazaar, Danny! You weren't dealing with any old hobbledehoy, I'll have you know, but a proud employee of the Société des Montres West End SA of Geneva, who introduced the Incabloc anti shock system of Mr Braunschweig.
Of course, we do produce the alternative Sowar brand, that Sir may find, ahem, slightly more affordable? I believe Sir belongs to the Flying Cavalry? The brand is very popular within the cavalry, and was I believe highly recommended by Lawrence of Arabia...
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/West_End_Watch_Co.
To my surprise, the salesman wouldn't shift - it was take it or leave it.
Of course, we do produce the alternative Sowar brand, that Sir may find, ahem, slightly more affordable? I believe Sir belongs to the Flying Cavalry? The brand is very popular within the cavalry, and was I believe highly recommended by Lawrence of Arabia...
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/West_End_Watch_Co.
Last edited by Chugalug2; 11th Jun 2017 at 10:42.
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Chugalug (#10852), (the link wouldn't play, probably me).
Yes, knowing what I know now (and thank you, FED (#10853) for the enthralling history of the firm), I hang my head in shame for having equated it with a Quetta bazaar stall. In my defence, I must draw attention to the common practice, in the days of the Raj, of using a well known London place name to add a touch of class to your scruffy shop or stall in the bazaar.
Thus you had: "The Park Lane Dental Emporium", complete with a large, hideous shop sign of a grinning row of snappers, these would be dental mechanics or (please God, no) Dentists.
It was only in recent years that Google told me that they are a perfectly respectable, long established firm, purveyors of high class watches to the "Carriage Trade" (ie all the Sahibs and Tuans etc. over the whole of SE Asia).
On only one point, I must qualify FED's story. My dial simply says: "West End Watch Co," and below, just "Bijou". And the screwed back is not decagonal but has a triangle of cut-outs round the circular rim. Attacking these (unskilfully) with Spencer Wells forceps, to have a look inside, I added a triangle of scratches to the serial no. and the firm's little "star" logo. But, having got in, found "Longines" on the movement - and swelled with pride !
Additionally, we wore washable white cotton one-piece straps; these got soaked in acid sweat; leaving little "tramlines" of the seam stiches eaten into the stainless steel.
Observe that the frugal RAF did not lavish mini Big Bens on "Drivers, Airframe" in those days, (tho' I think Bomber Command Navs got an issue). You'd got a clock in the cockpit (always the first thing to vanish after a crash), hadn't you ? Be happy ! You want your own watch ? Well, buy one.
À propos nothing in particular: a couple of blue-rinsed visitors is admiring the well-hung Achilles statue in Park Lane ...... "No, Marylou - Big Ben is a Clock ".
Danny.
Yes, knowing what I know now (and thank you, FED (#10853) for the enthralling history of the firm), I hang my head in shame for having equated it with a Quetta bazaar stall. In my defence, I must draw attention to the common practice, in the days of the Raj, of using a well known London place name to add a touch of class to your scruffy shop or stall in the bazaar.
Thus you had: "The Park Lane Dental Emporium", complete with a large, hideous shop sign of a grinning row of snappers, these would be dental mechanics or (please God, no) Dentists.
It was only in recent years that Google told me that they are a perfectly respectable, long established firm, purveyors of high class watches to the "Carriage Trade" (ie all the Sahibs and Tuans etc. over the whole of SE Asia).
On only one point, I must qualify FED's story. My dial simply says: "West End Watch Co," and below, just "Bijou". And the screwed back is not decagonal but has a triangle of cut-outs round the circular rim. Attacking these (unskilfully) with Spencer Wells forceps, to have a look inside, I added a triangle of scratches to the serial no. and the firm's little "star" logo. But, having got in, found "Longines" on the movement - and swelled with pride !
Additionally, we wore washable white cotton one-piece straps; these got soaked in acid sweat; leaving little "tramlines" of the seam stiches eaten into the stainless steel.
Observe that the frugal RAF did not lavish mini Big Bens on "Drivers, Airframe" in those days, (tho' I think Bomber Command Navs got an issue). You'd got a clock in the cockpit (always the first thing to vanish after a crash), hadn't you ? Be happy ! You want your own watch ? Well, buy one.
À propos nothing in particular: a couple of blue-rinsed visitors is admiring the well-hung Achilles statue in Park Lane ...... "No, Marylou - Big Ben is a Clock ".
Danny.
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Danny's Ears are Burning.
A short time ago, on another Thread on another PPRuNe Forum (Which one I know not, God knoweth), I advanced the facetious suggestion that we might escape from our current political imbroglio if the CDS mounted a coup and took over the country. 
As I have an uneasy suspicion that a lynch mob is assembling,
could any kind soul please point me back to the Forum/Thread involved ? (Neither PPRuNe nor Google Search can help). Many Thanks (in anticipation).
Danny42C.
As I have an uneasy suspicion that a lynch mob is assembling,
could any kind soul please point me back to the Forum/Thread involved ? (Neither PPRuNe nor Google Search can help). Many Thanks (in anticipation).Danny42C.
Danny's Ears are burning
Is this what you were looking for:
Prune Social, Jetblast, UK politics - Hamster wheel
page 516, msg no. 10315, dated 10 June 2017 at 18.04.
I'm new here and not sure how to copy, etc.
I've been watching on the sidelines for quite a long time, but joined the club to say thank you for all your interesting comments, looking forward to more interesting reading!
Is this what you were looking for:
Prune Social, Jetblast, UK politics - Hamster wheel
page 516, msg no. 10315, dated 10 June 2017 at 18.04.
I'm new here and not sure how to copy, etc.
I've been watching on the sidelines for quite a long time, but joined the club to say thank you for all your interesting comments, looking forward to more interesting reading!
Danny's Ears are burning
Is this what you were looking for:
Prune Social, Jetblast, UK politics - Hamster wheel
page 516, msg no. 10315, dated 10 June 2017 at 18.04.
I'm new here and not sure how to copy, etc.
I've been watching on the sidelines for quite a long time, but joined the club to say thank you for all your interesting comments, looking forward to more interesting reading!
Is this what you were looking for:
Prune Social, Jetblast, UK politics - Hamster wheel
page 516, msg no. 10315, dated 10 June 2017 at 18.04.
I'm new here and not sure how to copy, etc.
I've been watching on the sidelines for quite a long time, but joined the club to say thank you for all your interesting comments, looking forward to more interesting reading!
Danny, if when you have checked in you left click on your own ID you will see a menu that includes "Find more posts by Danny42C" if you click on that then all your recent posts will appear. Doing so finds the post that Goe4 quotes. Well, actually it doesn't, as it produces the wrong page, but that is simply a minor glitch that in no way negates the principle of the process as I have described. I hope that helps.
http://www.pprune.org/jet-blast/4112...wheel-516.html
Oh, and if you search on Wiki for the West End Watch Co, you should find the page that my link went to.
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Goe4 (#10856) and Chugalug (#10857),
Goe4,
As Chugalug says, Welcome aboard this Best of All Threads ! (on PPRuNe Military Forums anyway), where "Never is heard a Discouraging Word" - although we can't answer for the clouds. Thank you for the kind mention, I was sucked into this five years ago in exactly the same way and put my oar in on p.114, #2262 (Advt).
And thank you and Chugalug for the pointers back to my cheeky indescretion, will now have a butchers.
Danny.
EDIT: Didn't cause a ripple ! D.
Goe4,
As Chugalug says, Welcome aboard this Best of All Threads ! (on PPRuNe Military Forums anyway), where "Never is heard a Discouraging Word" - although we can't answer for the clouds. Thank you for the kind mention, I was sucked into this five years ago in exactly the same way and put my oar in on p.114, #2262 (Advt).
And thank you and Chugalug for the pointers back to my cheeky indescretion, will now have a butchers.
Danny.
EDIT: Didn't cause a ripple ! D.
Last edited by Danny42C; 12th Jun 2017 at 12:32. Reason: Addition.
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For a while I worked in the RAF Changi Instrument Calibration Laboratory where one of my duties was looking after aircrew watches. Most aircrew tried to obtain the more classy "name" brands but I can testify that none were any better than a bog-standard MOD issue Smiths.
When I retired from the RAF I duly handed over my Hamilton issue watch. The young lady storesperson asked if I had removed the battery. My reply that it was a wind up watch produced a look of puzzlement. I had not used it for years relying on my faithful Seiko Belmatic . Her attempt to find it and other items on the computer proved fruitless as I pointed out much of it was issued before the advent of such devices.
I am sure others can relate similar tales.
I am sure others can relate similar tales.
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For a while I worked in the RAF Changi Instrument Calibration Laboratory where one of my duties was looking after aircrew watches. Most aircrew tried to obtain the more classy "name" brands but I can testify that none were any better than a bog-standard MOD issue Smiths.
