Gaining An R.A.F Pilots Brevet In WW II
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Often in Jersey, but mainly in the past.
Age: 79
Posts: 7,696
Received 102 Likes
on
48 Posts
Happy recipient of the Danny42C/Geriaviator PDF file ... and delighted to find I can read it on both iMac and iPad 
Wonderful to have Danny's epic all collated and readable in one slice. I'm nearly half-way through already, and finding bits I had clearly missed previously (or forgotten!).
Thanks to you both!
Wonderful to have Danny's epic all collated and readable in one slice. I'm nearly half-way through already, and finding bits I had clearly missed previously (or forgotten!).Thanks to you both!
Long may this continue ... what a fabulous historic record. Infinitely more significant than 80 assorted hats on the wall at Hendon!!
Has anyone flagged up this Thread to the RAFM, or indeed any other institution that might be interested? The depth and breadth is quite stunning, IMHO.
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: over the rainbow
Age: 75
Posts: 562
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
MPN111 I am saddened to learn that you have had extensive radiotherapy. I read a post of yours on a thread some time ago when you mentioned a spot of prostrate trouble. I hope you make a speedy and full recovery.
Very sorry to hear of your travails, MPN11. I hope that the month of treatment has brought with it some respite for you. We may only know one another by our PPRuNe ID's, but you have been a valuable and assiduous contributor to this wonderful thread and your posts have been greatly appreciated and have added much to its success. I second roving's wish that you make a speedy and full recovery.
We are a band of brothers and sisters who know and care for our beloved Service which deserves far far more than the RAFM offers it in this its centenary year, though in its present hands I fear if offered this thread as you suggest it would be rejected as being inappropriate and non-inclusive for present day purposes (see, I can write their script! No chance of a job though, as I suffer from the great disadvantage of having actually served in the RAF.)
Welcome back old chap!
We are a band of brothers and sisters who know and care for our beloved Service which deserves far far more than the RAFM offers it in this its centenary year, though in its present hands I fear if offered this thread as you suggest it would be rejected as being inappropriate and non-inclusive for present day purposes (see, I can write their script! No chance of a job though, as I suffer from the great disadvantage of having actually served in the RAF.)
Welcome back old chap!
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Often in Jersey, but mainly in the past.
Age: 79
Posts: 7,696
Received 102 Likes
on
48 Posts
Oh, cheers, chaps! No big deal, compared with what many have to go though. Seems to me quite trivial, really, but glad they’ve pounced on it effectively (it seems) 
More tests in a couple of months to determine success ... long story here >>>
https://prostatecancer209686453.wordpress.com/
More tests in a couple of months to determine success ... long story here >>>
https://prostatecancer209686453.wordpress.com/
Guest
Posts: n/a
MPN11,
Mercy, kind sir! - you're embarrassing me with your fulsome compliments! You'll be happy to know that this Volume I of "the Diary of a Nobody" is to be followed by a Volume II (and probably more); but as this has to cover 23 years (1949-1072), it will not see the light of day this year, and then only if (a) I survive that long, and (b) my gallant and long-suffering volunteer Editor/Literary Agent/Publicist "Geriaviator" and his good lady (who is sharing the load) can put up with me.
But, as you know, it is all on this wonderful Thread from Page 114 onward for all to read, but you have to suffer the natter between slices. But I would draw te the attention of all our later (post Mar, 2013) readers to Page 178, #3558, to read Geriavator's "THE CHURCH PARADE - or the innocents wronged". If there is anything funnier on Pprune, I would like to see it !
"Radiotherapy" introduces a sombre note. Fortunately my only jousts with the "Big C" were completely (?) dealt with surgically and I did not need that "pleasure" to follow. Knowing what is involved, you have our deepest sympathy.
Danny and his Daughter.
Mercy, kind sir! - you're embarrassing me with your fulsome compliments! You'll be happy to know that this Volume I of "the Diary of a Nobody" is to be followed by a Volume II (and probably more); but as this has to cover 23 years (1949-1072), it will not see the light of day this year, and then only if (a) I survive that long, and (b) my gallant and long-suffering volunteer Editor/Literary Agent/Publicist "Geriaviator" and his good lady (who is sharing the load) can put up with me.
But, as you know, it is all on this wonderful Thread from Page 114 onward for all to read, but you have to suffer the natter between slices. But I would draw te the attention of all our later (post Mar, 2013) readers to Page 178, #3558, to read Geriavator's "THE CHURCH PARADE - or the innocents wronged". If there is anything funnier on Pprune, I would like to see it !
"Radiotherapy" introduces a sombre note. Fortunately my only jousts with the "Big C" were completely (?) dealt with surgically and I did not need that "pleasure" to follow. Knowing what is involved, you have our deepest sympathy.
Danny and his Daughter.
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Often in Jersey, but mainly in the past.
Age: 79
Posts: 7,696
Received 102 Likes
on
48 Posts
No big deal, as I said earlier. They will fix my minor issue.
As you're here, Danny, a question. As the ATC Old & Bold has Harry T identified as their 'earliest controller' (1959), i wonder whether you would approve revealing your true ID to that private group as a "1955-er". I think your cover has been blown in various places over the last few years anyway!!
PS: I have on disk the Leeming Tower photo of 1969, with you and Harry in the front row ... and numerous other colleagues from my past in other places. I shall publish here, when I have your permission.
And, re the post-War bit, if that's already in hand/on the stocks, I shall stop copy/paste planning!!
As you're here, Danny, a question. As the ATC Old & Bold has Harry T identified as their 'earliest controller' (1959), i wonder whether you would approve revealing your true ID to that private group as a "1955-er". I think your cover has been blown in various places over the last few years anyway!!
PS: I have on disk the Leeming Tower photo of 1969, with you and Harry in the front row ... and numerous other colleagues from my past in other places. I shall publish here, when I have your permission.
And, re the post-War bit, if that's already in hand/on the stocks, I shall stop copy/paste planning!!
Guest
Posts: n/a
MPN11 (#11988),
By all means do so (I think "old and Bold" knows about me already). Harry Talton and I were instructors together at Shawbury, I think our desks in the Common Room were back-to-back. Then when I was posted to Leeming in autumn 1967, he was my SATCO. Later he was posted away to higher things. Could give you the dates and the name of his successor if only I could find my Certificate of Competency. Must be somewhere!
Leeming Tower photo 1969 ? Certainly you have my "permission", but not necessary, I assure you. Would love to see it.
My renewed apologies for using your Christian name without permission on an Open Post long ago - a regrettable faux-pas still on my conscience.
Certainly no need to assemble your own "cold collation" - it will take you for ever and a day; I have 20,000 words of Volume II tucked away and have barely scratched the surface so far. When I have got up to 100,000, will parcel it off to my Editor, but it won't be this year. Best thing just to saunter through the Thread and enjoy (? ) it.
Dennis (aka "Danny42C).
By all means do so (I think "old and Bold" knows about me already). Harry Talton and I were instructors together at Shawbury, I think our desks in the Common Room were back-to-back. Then when I was posted to Leeming in autumn 1967, he was my SATCO. Later he was posted away to higher things. Could give you the dates and the name of his successor if only I could find my Certificate of Competency. Must be somewhere!
Leeming Tower photo 1969 ? Certainly you have my "permission", but not necessary, I assure you. Would love to see it.
My renewed apologies for using your Christian name without permission on an Open Post long ago - a regrettable faux-pas still on my conscience.
Certainly no need to assemble your own "cold collation" - it will take you for ever and a day; I have 20,000 words of Volume II tucked away and have barely scratched the surface so far. When I have got up to 100,000, will parcel it off to my Editor, but it won't be this year. Best thing just to saunter through the Thread and enjoy (? ) it.
Dennis (aka "Danny42C).
MPN11
Very sorry to read that you've had a crimp put on your day but I trust that the prognosis etc indicate clear skies ahead.
All the very best wishes for a quick recovery.
FZ
Very sorry to read that you've had a crimp put on your day but I trust that the prognosis etc indicate clear skies ahead.
All the very best wishes for a quick recovery.
FZ
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Often in Jersey, but mainly in the past.
Age: 79
Posts: 7,696
Received 102 Likes
on
48 Posts
In which case, Danny, have a few familiar names and faces from ATC! Not a great photo, I regret, but I see I have worked with 10 of them!!
MPN11
Best wishes for a speedy recovery.
The only face I recognised in your photograph is Hugh McMullen, who had been on my South Cerney course Dec'65 - 1st April '66. He was destined for pilot so I guess he didn't make it, sadly.
Best wishes for a speedy recovery.
The only face I recognised in your photograph is Hugh McMullen, who had been on my South Cerney course Dec'65 - 1st April '66. He was destined for pilot so I guess he didn't make it, sadly.
MPN11, just read your blog (link at post #11986). An invaluable mine of information for anyone who has a similar path to follow as yours. On the broader front it points up the shortfalls of a hard pressed NHS and its inability to empathise with patients who merely want to know what to expect and how to prepare themselves for their treatment (in your case a month away from home "overseas"). Hopefully others will be provided with your input. All those years of Service papers would appear to have had their effect!
Guest
Posts: n/a
MPN11 (#11991),
Thanks awfully! - as we used to day in those golden days "when the blood ran in our veins, and the curls lay on our brows". Can it really be almost 50 years ago? This pic is significant in so many ways:
This is the "turn-over" point when the last remnants of the old wartime aircrew (all on the front row) were coming up to retirement. They had pretty well formed 100% of the Branch after the war. Indeed, I've said that it was "only set up as a Sunset Home for all the good old has-beens and never-wossers of the wartime aircrew". Harry, in the seat of honour, was the exception.
As I understand the story as told to me: promotion to S/Ldr in GD Pilot and Nav was slow; the RAF offered selected young Flt Lts the possibility of accelerated promotion if they would switch over to ATC or FC. This (I would imagine) would mean loss of Flying Pay. Harry (Nav) was one who thought it worth while: P2 fulfilled its side of the bargain (all this is conjecture - you would have to ask Harry). Another from Shawbury CommonRoom who took the bait was Bob Warwick (RIP) ex-Hunters in Hong Kong.
When I did my JATCS School in 1959, I think 42 Cse were ex-aircrew to a man, now the "new boys" outnumber us on the 1969 pic. And our first girl appears! Sue Carter was a fine little Controller, and lasted a while, but then resigned to marry Ron Pattinson (QFI and the leader of Leeming's "Gemini Pair" [aka "Tom & Jerry"] Display Team), and went off to Valley with him. From memory, I think we lost the next three or four girls all the same way ("in a cloud of orange blossom").
There are only two pilots in the line up: Jack Blocki (ex-Polish Air Force, came over to RAF postwar, think he had the "Virtute Militari") and I.
Happy Days, Danny. s 2/5/18
Thanks awfully! - as we used to day in those golden days "when the blood ran in our veins, and the curls lay on our brows". Can it really be almost 50 years ago? This pic is significant in so many ways:
This is the "turn-over" point when the last remnants of the old wartime aircrew (all on the front row) were coming up to retirement. They had pretty well formed 100% of the Branch after the war. Indeed, I've said that it was "only set up as a Sunset Home for all the good old has-beens and never-wossers of the wartime aircrew". Harry, in the seat of honour, was the exception.
As I understand the story as told to me: promotion to S/Ldr in GD Pilot and Nav was slow; the RAF offered selected young Flt Lts the possibility of accelerated promotion if they would switch over to ATC or FC. This (I would imagine) would mean loss of Flying Pay. Harry (Nav) was one who thought it worth while: P2 fulfilled its side of the bargain (all this is conjecture - you would have to ask Harry). Another from Shawbury CommonRoom who took the bait was Bob Warwick (RIP) ex-Hunters in Hong Kong.
When I did my JATCS School in 1959, I think 42 Cse were ex-aircrew to a man, now the "new boys" outnumber us on the 1969 pic. And our first girl appears! Sue Carter was a fine little Controller, and lasted a while, but then resigned to marry Ron Pattinson (QFI and the leader of Leeming's "Gemini Pair" [aka "Tom & Jerry"] Display Team), and went off to Valley with him. From memory, I think we lost the next three or four girls all the same way ("in a cloud of orange blossom").
There are only two pilots in the line up: Jack Blocki (ex-Polish Air Force, came over to RAF postwar, think he had the "Virtute Militari") and I.
Happy Days, Danny. s 2/5/18
Last edited by Danny42C; 2nd May 2018 at 13:53. Reason: Wrong Place !
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Often in Jersey, but mainly in the past.
Age: 79
Posts: 7,696
Received 102 Likes
on
48 Posts
Yes, the ATC World (and others) was all a’changing, as Bob Dylan put it! This Thread trod that subject back in 2013/14 (I note from my back-reading) ... a major attack of demography, of course, in the post-War RAF. But we Direct Entry sprogs still derived great benefit from sharing the Ops Rooms with those of the WW2 generation ... as indeed we still do here in The Great Thread and Cyber Crewroom.
1955 JATCC Course photo ... Brevets and medal ribbons in profusion. Even the young Fg Off Aitchison seems to have picked up a GSM on the way to Shawbury.
BTW, has anyone else noticed we’re on Page 600?
1955 JATCC Course photo ... Brevets and medal ribbons in profusion. Even the young Fg Off Aitchison seems to have picked up a GSM on the way to Shawbury.
BTW, has anyone else noticed we’re on Page 600?
Last edited by MPN11; 2nd May 2018 at 14:38. Reason: Add Course Photo
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Often in Jersey, but mainly in the past.
Age: 79
Posts: 7,696
Received 102 Likes
on
48 Posts
Danny42C ... you have a PM. The warning flag is not very obvious here!,
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Often in Jersey, but mainly in the past.
Age: 79
Posts: 7,696
Received 102 Likes
on
48 Posts
Cheers, Union Jack ... as I said, my issue is really quite trivial in the great order of things! But thank you anyway!!
BTW, I was born in 44
BTW, I was born in 44
