Gaining An R.A.F Pilots Brevet In WW II
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The efficient arrival/departure of 77 was subsequently reinforced by a long detachment of Butterworth's Mirages (runway resurfacing) who were extremely professional, efficient and great to work with. Squadron numbers were 3 and 75, IIRC.
However, far too modern and pointy for this thread
However, far too modern and pointy for this thread
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Nice of you to say, MPN.
I know a couple of chaps formerly of 75 and 77 Sqns and I'll let them know of your complimentary remarks.
.
p.s. One of them, (I think he was a Sqn Ldr in the Malaysia days) was nicknamed "Bwana" by the boys.
Seems he, at times, had a little trouble shaking off some proclivities he'd developed during the days when he was
dealing with subordinates of, let's say, a different culture.
.
I know a couple of chaps formerly of 75 and 77 Sqns and I'll let them know of your complimentary remarks.
.p.s. One of them, (I think he was a Sqn Ldr in the Malaysia days) was nicknamed "Bwana" by the boys.
Seems he, at times, had a little trouble shaking off some proclivities he'd developed during the days when he was
dealing with subordinates of, let's say, a different culture.
.
Last edited by Stanwell; 17th Apr 2016 at 17:19.
Rougham?
Did someone mention Rougham ?
I'm learning to fly at Rougham, would be interested in any stories from Rougham. ;-)
I started out at Bourn, there's something about being a student and lining up where Lancasters used to line up. Sometimes it makes you just sit there and think and listen.
Did someone mention Rougham ?
I'm learning to fly at Rougham, would be interested in any stories from Rougham. ;-)
I started out at Bourn, there's something about being a student and lining up where Lancasters used to line up. Sometimes it makes you just sit there and think and listen.
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.....and Cabbages and Kings....
GlobalNav (your #8480) and Fareastdriver (your #8476),
So did we (in 1649), when King Charles I was parted from his head, and the Supremacy of Parliament thereby put beyond further argument.
The trouble was when King and Parliament were of like mind, and that combined mind was unsound.
It was so in the late 18th Century. It has always intrigued me that American history of that era is taught as a straight fight between the villainous British and their brutal Redcoats, and the noble American colonists. In fact, of course, it was a civil war, with one lot of Brits fighting another lot of Brits who happened to have colonised the eastern states of the present US.
Why had we not introduced an idea like the later French one, who treated their colonies as "Départements d'outre mer" of Metropolitan France, and had their representatives in the French Assembly ? The cry of "No taxation without representation" would never have arisen, much bad blood would not have been spilt and (who knows ?) we might now have a huge English-speaking North American Dominion from Alaska to Mexico. But it was not to be.
Wiki has a comprehensive account of the relations between "mad" George III and his ministers, I tried to wade through it until I lost the will to live.
In my limited experience, the best way to explain our Royal Family to our transatlantic cousins is to say that it means to us what Old Glory means to you.
Fareastdriver,
Five in our case.
Charles is 67 now, the Queen is 90 and going strong - and her mother made 101 !
There is a body of opinion which suggests, that as Charles may be well into his 70s when he inherits, he should then immediately abdicate in favour of William. It is possible (Edward VIII did it). I would support such a move, and think it would be popular.
Danny42C.
... we took great pains free ourselves from the rule of a monarch...
The trouble was when King and Parliament were of like mind, and that combined mind was unsound.
It was so in the late 18th Century. It has always intrigued me that American history of that era is taught as a straight fight between the villainous British and their brutal Redcoats, and the noble American colonists. In fact, of course, it was a civil war, with one lot of Brits fighting another lot of Brits who happened to have colonised the eastern states of the present US.
Why had we not introduced an idea like the later French one, who treated their colonies as "Départements d'outre mer" of Metropolitan France, and had their representatives in the French Assembly ? The cry of "No taxation without representation" would never have arisen, much bad blood would not have been spilt and (who knows ?) we might now have a huge English-speaking North American Dominion from Alaska to Mexico. But it was not to be.
Wiki has a comprehensive account of the relations between "mad" George III and his ministers, I tried to wade through it until I lost the will to live.
In my limited experience, the best way to explain our Royal Family to our transatlantic cousins is to say that it means to us what Old Glory means to you.
Fareastdriver,
...No screaming and shouting every four years...
...We also know who is going to be the next one...
There is a body of opinion which suggests, that as Charles may be well into his 70s when he inherits, he should then immediately abdicate in favour of William. It is possible (Edward VIII did it). I would support such a move, and think it would be popular.
Danny42C.
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There is a body of opinion which suggests, that as Charles may be well into his 70s when he inherits, he should then immediately abdicate in favour of William. It is possible (Edward VIII did it). I would support such a move, and think it would be popular.
Of course, the tabloid Press would prefer pictures of a virile young King* and his pretty young Queen. Well, that's their bloody problem! It will be Charles and Camilla, whether they like it or not
* Whatever next? Abdicate on the grounds of baldness?
Quite right MPN11,
Charles has waited long enough and his natural ascendancy with a due term as king would allow his son & family respite to be with their own children as they grow up.
[Rather than nannies 100% of the time and/or push them off boarding school at far too young an age].
Anyway it's a pity they don't really rule England to regain our Sovereignty. Instead we have politicians (chameleons) who are all short termists and dreadfully poor on strategy.
mike hallam.
(Spring promises, but the Sussex airstrip is still soft: flew to Sandown - luckily I've 16 years advantage over Danny).
Charles has waited long enough and his natural ascendancy with a due term as king would allow his son & family respite to be with their own children as they grow up.
[Rather than nannies 100% of the time and/or push them off boarding school at far too young an age].
Anyway it's a pity they don't really rule England to regain our Sovereignty. Instead we have politicians (chameleons) who are all short termists and dreadfully poor on strategy.
mike hallam.
(Spring promises, but the Sussex airstrip is still soft: flew to Sandown - luckily I've 16 years advantage over Danny).
ROFL
Amazing how a thread about earning and employing RAF pilot's brevets has momentarily turned to commentary on various forms and failures of democracy. Reminds me of that quote by Churchill after losing his keys to 10 Downing Street after the war. Scares me who might gain the keys to the White House this time around. Actually I blame it on the apathetic electorate not taking advantage of the hard won freedoms that made participatory government available. Beware, we can lose what we don't treasure and exercise.
Amazing how a thread about earning and employing RAF pilot's brevets has momentarily turned to commentary on various forms and failures of democracy. Reminds me of that quote by Churchill after losing his keys to 10 Downing Street after the war. Scares me who might gain the keys to the White House this time around. Actually I blame it on the apathetic electorate not taking advantage of the hard won freedoms that made participatory government available. Beware, we can lose what we don't treasure and exercise.
Last edited by GlobalNav; 18th Apr 2016 at 18:49.
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Danny42C ... I would offer you a hug, but a cyber glass of port might suffice 
... Meanwhile, "There's a War on, you know!" Back [as usual] to the topic that our elder brethren keep us endlessly entertained and informed with. Politics [and indeed Royalty] has no place in the Crewroom ... unless serving/served, of course, Your Royal Highness, Your Royal Highness <grovel><grovel>
... Meanwhile, "There's a War on, you know!" Back [as usual] to the topic that our elder brethren keep us endlessly entertained and informed with. Politics [and indeed Royalty] has no place in the Crewroom ... unless serving/served, of course, Your Royal Highness, Your Royal Highness <grovel><grovel>
RAAF Sabres of No 76 Squadron
Just catching up on this thread! Whilst on exchange with No 36 Squadron RAAF (C130A) I flew up to Townsville from Richmond for the Air Display where I photographed this line-up of RAAF Sabres of No 76 Squadron in the Autumn of 1965.
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....and Cabbages and Kings...
MPN11,
Indeed it would, and a bit of Stilton to go with it would be fine (I'll pass on the 'hug', if you don't mind). As we're in Cyberland, perhaps I'd like to try a Sandeman's Late Bottled. Or in the real world, Cocburn's Fine Ruby would have to do, and years ago I used to get Harvey's "White Cap" for the Thornaby Mess. It had a strange "incense" flavour which appealed to me (and if the other members didn't like it, then 'Hard Tit').
As for Royalty, though I yield to no man in my respect and loyalty to our Sovereign #. I have always thought that good order in the realm is best served if She gets on with her Queening in her Palace; my Station Commander gets on with commanding the Station in SHQ; I get on with my job - and we leave each other alone !
Note #: How long does a Commission last ? If I don't resign, don't get kicked out, but merely retire in the fullness of my years, am I the Queen's man until I die ?
Danny.
... I would offer you a hug, but a cyber glass of port might suffice...
As for Royalty, though I yield to no man in my respect and loyalty to our Sovereign #. I have always thought that good order in the realm is best served if She gets on with her Queening in her Palace; my Station Commander gets on with commanding the Station in SHQ; I get on with my job - and we leave each other alone !
Note #: How long does a Commission last ? If I don't resign, don't get kicked out, but merely retire in the fullness of my years, am I the Queen's man until I die ?
Danny.
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The parchment includes the words
On that premise, I suppose you and I could still have people placed under our orders: although I can't conceive any circumstances where or how that might happen!! Otherwise, Retired = retired, I guess.
* Sorry, we just finished a hunk of Duchy Stilton this morning for breakfast.
... as may be placed under your orders from time to time ...
* Sorry, we just finished a hunk of Duchy Stilton this morning for breakfast.
Danny
Don't be abashed! I'm with you on this one.
Thread drift - I always liken to a Ronnie Corbett monologue, or a real conversation in a crew room, we always get back on track eventually!
Thread drift - I always liken to a Ronnie Corbett monologue, or a real conversation in a crew room, we always get back on track eventually!
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Brian 48nav,
Thanks for the support ! My remarks were not intended as, and should not be interpreted as "ageist" (Lord knows, I can't talk !), but from the sad fact that our faculties deteriorate with age. It is different with H.M., she started young and has grown with the job, so to speak.
Yet I did not wish to make hackles rise, and apologise if I have done so.
But taking on something new late in life is fraught with danger. My next-door neighbour has just gone automatic at a late stage, and has now destroyed his garage with his new Lexus. ("Honest John" in the D.T. has warned against this very thing).
Danny.
Thanks for the support ! My remarks were not intended as, and should not be interpreted as "ageist" (Lord knows, I can't talk !), but from the sad fact that our faculties deteriorate with age. It is different with H.M., she started young and has grown with the job, so to speak.
Yet I did not wish to make hackles rise, and apologise if I have done so.
But taking on something new late in life is fraught with danger. My next-door neighbour has just gone automatic at a late stage, and has now destroyed his garage with his new Lexus. ("Honest John" in the D.T. has warned against this very thing).
Danny.
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No hackles from this correspondent, Danny42C ... my response at #8491 was somewhat tongue in cheek, certainly in respect to what might be seen as a dig at you!
My only concern, such as it was/is, relates to the 'body of opinion' who seem to have little or no understanding of how succession actually works. The Prince of Wales has no credible option in the matter - he will be King, unless completely incapacitated [at which point things would get a bit complicated], and will in turn be succeeded by Prince William [again without the option]. I have never seen any justification for overturning the precedent.
My only concern, such as it was/is, relates to the 'body of opinion' who seem to have little or no understanding of how succession actually works. The Prince of Wales has no credible option in the matter - he will be King, unless completely incapacitated [at which point things would get a bit complicated], and will in turn be succeeded by Prince William [again without the option]. I have never seen any justification for overturning the precedent.
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Whilst on the subject of royalty (and villainy) have my fellow readers remembered that this is a significant time of year for Old Comrades and those who followed? I refer to that bastard Hitler, who was born on 20th April 1889 and died on 30th April 1945.
The lovely lady I often saw when I was a member of the Metropolitan Police in London was Queen Elizabeth II, who was born on 21st April 1926 and will be 90 very shortly.
What a contrast!
The lovely lady I often saw when I was a member of the Metropolitan Police in London was Queen Elizabeth II, who was born on 21st April 1926 and will be 90 very shortly.
What a contrast!
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Walter,
The Royal Air Force was formed on 1st April, 1918 - a date which has caused a few wry smiles over the years !
...this is a significant time of year for Old Comrades and those who followed...
Last edited by Danny42C; 20th Apr 2016 at 08:48. Reason: Forgot the Quote.
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My commissioning date too - the day I fooled the system