91 Year Old Spitfire Pilot Needs Your Help
course_profile, if Benson fail to respond adequately, I won't personally contact the station - but I might well ask a couple of investigative media reporters (one writes for a national daily) to do so.
It'll only take a couple of quick e-mails. However, better to let Benson attempt to sort this mess out first.
But you weren't really interested, were you? You were just stirring....
It'll only take a couple of quick e-mails. However, better to let Benson attempt to sort this mess out first.
But you weren't really interested, were you? You were just stirring....
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How dreadfully sad for this Old Boy, and what utter shame on Benson and the RAF in general.
VIProds
Please pass on my sincerest best wishes to Alec and his Wife and tell him how embarrassed and ashamed many of us are here. It is a sad testimony to the service that this has happened in the first place, but even more so that those involved don't seem too bothered about it! I am truly saddened.
OC Benson - Sir, get your finger out of yopur ar$e, get in your car and go and see Alec and his Wife and give him your personal apology and assurance that you will do everything you can to return his property, DO IT TODAY.
It's called theft at the end of the day, and those responsible should be ashamed.
VIProds
Please pass on my sincerest best wishes to Alec and his Wife and tell him how embarrassed and ashamed many of us are here. It is a sad testimony to the service that this has happened in the first place, but even more so that those involved don't seem too bothered about it! I am truly saddened.
OC Benson - Sir, get your finger out of yopur ar$e, get in your car and go and see Alec and his Wife and give him your personal apology and assurance that you will do everything you can to return his property, DO IT TODAY.
It's called theft at the end of the day, and those responsible should be ashamed.
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First Post
Firstly, I have been a Prune reader for many years and never felt the need to comment and therefore, never registered - this thread has finally forced my hand.
I have to agree that the failure to take care of this brave airman's property is an utter disgrace. The personnel involved should indeed be ashamed that they did not look after such treasured memoirs. The fact that there were no responses to his request for the return of his personal belongings is inexcuseable.
I also agree that the response of the MCO is not all that it should have been.
Let us be clear on that facts and I know that I will be told if I've got this wrong!
- The Benson Team in 2002 were leant personnel belongings for display.
- They were not returned to the individual when requested.
- They cannot be found.
- His requests for them to be returned, directed to the CO, were not answered.
- The MCO, through an intermediary, posts a poor response.
As far as I can see the 2002 Team have messed up in spades and the current MCO hasn't helped. Let's not blame the current Benson CO for his predessors appalling error, as I understand it, he's only just arrived at Benson. By the power of PPrune, I'm guessing that the CO now knows about this issue - I think he deserves a chance to address the situation before he is hawled across the coals for something he didn't do.
I have to agree that the failure to take care of this brave airman's property is an utter disgrace. The personnel involved should indeed be ashamed that they did not look after such treasured memoirs. The fact that there were no responses to his request for the return of his personal belongings is inexcuseable.
I also agree that the response of the MCO is not all that it should have been.
Let us be clear on that facts and I know that I will be told if I've got this wrong!
- The Benson Team in 2002 were leant personnel belongings for display.
- They were not returned to the individual when requested.
- They cannot be found.
- His requests for them to be returned, directed to the CO, were not answered.
- The MCO, through an intermediary, posts a poor response.
As far as I can see the 2002 Team have messed up in spades and the current MCO hasn't helped. Let's not blame the current Benson CO for his predessors appalling error, as I understand it, he's only just arrived at Benson. By the power of PPrune, I'm guessing that the CO now knows about this issue - I think he deserves a chance to address the situation before he is hawled across the coals for something he didn't do.
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As demanded, the RAF Benson PRO/MCO has indeed got herself a PPRuNe account.
For those who took umbrage at the message posted on my behalf, I apologise; however, without all the facts I was not in a position to offer a public apology or give a deadline as to when the artefacts could be located without first undertaking some research (which was instigated immediately).
To hopefully reassure everyone slightly, I can confirm that we have been in contact with VIProds directly and, on receipt of the details of the items, an urgent message was sent out to all parties on Station that have anything to do with the collation of the historical archives. One of our most knowledgable Station history experts may already have located some of the items and is in the process of clarifying that they are the correct items. I will also be liaising with the Station Commander this afternoon to request that a personal apology on behalf of the Station is sent as a matter of urgency to Alec, and we have already apologised to VIProds for the failures of the Station in the past.
If there is anyone else who has previously donated or loaned anything to RAF Benson that they would like to recover, please get in contact with me and I will do my best to help. I cannot guarantee that all items will be located but I can guarantee that we will do our best to find them and return them to their original owners as quickly as possible.
For those who took umbrage at the message posted on my behalf, I apologise; however, without all the facts I was not in a position to offer a public apology or give a deadline as to when the artefacts could be located without first undertaking some research (which was instigated immediately).
To hopefully reassure everyone slightly, I can confirm that we have been in contact with VIProds directly and, on receipt of the details of the items, an urgent message was sent out to all parties on Station that have anything to do with the collation of the historical archives. One of our most knowledgable Station history experts may already have located some of the items and is in the process of clarifying that they are the correct items. I will also be liaising with the Station Commander this afternoon to request that a personal apology on behalf of the Station is sent as a matter of urgency to Alec, and we have already apologised to VIProds for the failures of the Station in the past.
If there is anyone else who has previously donated or loaned anything to RAF Benson that they would like to recover, please get in contact with me and I will do my best to help. I cannot guarantee that all items will be located but I can guarantee that we will do our best to find them and return them to their original owners as quickly as possible.
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At least the chap to whom the memorabilia belonged appears to be acting with dignity.
Righteous indignation, whilst well intended, is a poor look gentlemen.
Those who CAN do something, do it, quietly and correctly.
Those of you who THINK you can ( but really can't ), watch from the sidelines. I doubt Alec wants his belongings returned in other people's baggage.
Righteous indignation, whilst well intended, is a poor look gentlemen.
Those who CAN do something, do it, quietly and correctly.
Those of you who THINK you can ( but really can't ), watch from the sidelines. I doubt Alec wants his belongings returned in other people's baggage.
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I am worried again, I agree with BEags.
We need to really embarrass them into doing the right thing, if they're unwilling to take the hint.
The Services do NOT need adverse publicity at this time, especially as the rank and file of the populace have much more of an idea what's going on and sympathy with them.
Perhaps it'll be explained in a soon-to-be-released Wikileak . . .
We need to really embarrass them into doing the right thing, if they're unwilling to take the hint.
The Services do NOT need adverse publicity at this time, especially as the rank and file of the populace have much more of an idea what's going on and sympathy with them.
Perhaps it'll be explained in a soon-to-be-released Wikileak . . .
I heard a very nasty story a couple of years after the Falklands War. Some civilian ATCOs visited Yeovilton to do research for a book they were planning and allegedly one of them stole important documentation relating to the FAA's role in the war.
There are some very nasty people about, particularly when it comes to 'spotting' types.
As for this sad story, station commanders are not gods although they may like to think so. If someone has OC Benson's name and number then ring him. Don't pussyfoot around with minions.
In 1991 while my son was on his first Incirlik detachment,sadly his favourite young cousin died. My brother was anxious that my No1 son was immediately informed and given the chance to come home for his funeral. I thought I'm not buggering about,so picked up his phone and rang Coltishall Staish direct, refusing the offer to speak to any PAs. He had no problem and assured me he would contact OC 41 straightaway. Thanks Phil D'A...!
There are some very nasty people about, particularly when it comes to 'spotting' types.
As for this sad story, station commanders are not gods although they may like to think so. If someone has OC Benson's name and number then ring him. Don't pussyfoot around with minions.
In 1991 while my son was on his first Incirlik detachment,sadly his favourite young cousin died. My brother was anxious that my No1 son was immediately informed and given the chance to come home for his funeral. I thought I'm not buggering about,so picked up his phone and rang Coltishall Staish direct, refusing the offer to speak to any PAs. He had no problem and assured me he would contact OC 41 straightaway. Thanks Phil D'A...!
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I've watched Prune with some interest, from the sidelines, for many years but, the perceived threats in this thread have driven me to register and voice an opinion for once.
Clearly the original receiver of the memrobillia messed up by not looking after this fine gentleman's posesions and then the hierarchy messed up (assuming they received the letter) by not answering his querry back in 2002. Then the current MCO has not helped matters with their (supposed) post on this thread.
I think it's fair to say that the Station has been given a 'heads up' of the issue. Assuming the information about this has got through to the CO (who I understand took over this month), let him deal with it without threats of media leaks and inappropriate Directives to action.
Let's have a little decorum dear people.
Clearly the original receiver of the memrobillia messed up by not looking after this fine gentleman's posesions and then the hierarchy messed up (assuming they received the letter) by not answering his querry back in 2002. Then the current MCO has not helped matters with their (supposed) post on this thread.
I think it's fair to say that the Station has been given a 'heads up' of the issue. Assuming the information about this has got through to the CO (who I understand took over this month), let him deal with it without threats of media leaks and inappropriate Directives to action.
Let's have a little decorum dear people.
Thread Starter
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I fear that I might have initiated a ticking time bomb, here. I was only hoping that someone might be able to help Alec retrieve his belongings & thanks to PPRuNe, we have been pointed in the right direction.
I have just received an e-mail from the RAF Benson PRO, who has profusely apologised for the lack of communication in the past. She has given the details that I sent her "to the team that are currently looking after the Heritage Centre & the Station Historian to look at this as a matter of urgency".
It might be of interest to know that Alec had to fly from St Eval in Cornwall to Norfolk as Military Intelligence had heard that the Germans were testing a new rocket aeroplane thingy on the Baltic Coast at a place called Peenemunde (that rings a bell!). Once Alec refuelled, he had to head up the North Sea in a North Easterly direction till he reached Denmark then turn onto an Easterly direction towards the Baltic, where he was able to photograph Peenemunde. The journy was further than flying to Berlin & the round trip was about 1,000nm. Alec's only concern was that he had a "numb bum" after sitting in a crampt Spitfire cockpit for nearly 5 hours.
I have just received an e-mail from the RAF Benson PRO, who has profusely apologised for the lack of communication in the past. She has given the details that I sent her "to the team that are currently looking after the Heritage Centre & the Station Historian to look at this as a matter of urgency".
It might be of interest to know that Alec had to fly from St Eval in Cornwall to Norfolk as Military Intelligence had heard that the Germans were testing a new rocket aeroplane thingy on the Baltic Coast at a place called Peenemunde (that rings a bell!). Once Alec refuelled, he had to head up the North Sea in a North Easterly direction till he reached Denmark then turn onto an Easterly direction towards the Baltic, where he was able to photograph Peenemunde. The journy was further than flying to Berlin & the round trip was about 1,000nm. Alec's only concern was that he had a "numb bum" after sitting in a crampt Spitfire cockpit for nearly 5 hours.
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Brian 48nav
In conversations with staff at the FAA Museum in 1978 I learned that it had not been not unknown until then for the Head of the Navy's Historic Branch to gather up material donated by private individuals to help with his work.
I am pretty sure it was never returned but got mixed up with other material that was then passed on after his death to a worthy repository albeit not the FAA Museum
Lending material is quite another matter though.
In conversations with staff at the FAA Museum in 1978 I learned that it had not been not unknown until then for the Head of the Navy's Historic Branch to gather up material donated by private individuals to help with his work.
I am pretty sure it was never returned but got mixed up with other material that was then passed on after his death to a worthy repository albeit not the FAA Museum
Lending material is quite another matter though.
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VIProds,
I know this isn't the right place or time, but since when has that stopped anyone.
It would be great if some of Alecs story could be added to the "gaining an RAF brevet during WWII" thread. It's a fascinating thread and has a great following.
Of course there is something more important going on in his life at the moment but if time allows his contribution would be valued.
I know this isn't the right place or time, but since when has that stopped anyone.
It would be great if some of Alecs story could be added to the "gaining an RAF brevet during WWII" thread. It's a fascinating thread and has a great following.
Of course there is something more important going on in his life at the moment but if time allows his contribution would be valued.
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Encourage your older family members to write or record their experiences,
edited to add...
My grandmother lent the Submarine museum a load of my grandfather's photos from his time in Subs. She said they could borrow them to copy and then they were to be returned to her. A year later I wrote a strong letter on her behalf asking if she was ever going to get the photos back. A month later they were returned with letter saying that they had a backlog of items to copy and shortages of staff...etc...etc...
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This sort of thing, valuables or personal property going missing, seems all too common. Do we know the fate of crates full of Squadron silver once held at Quedgely? Where is is it now with Quedgley a housing estate? There were some very nice David Shepherd original paintings in the Mess at Eastleigh, in the 60s, where are they I wonder? I understand that the Government has a collection of fine art for adorning offices and a great deal of it was missing when a check was last done. Wasn't there some mystery about the disappearance of some Wilkinson Trophy/Prize swords some time back?
I hope this gentlemen gets his mementoes and property back and I am sure he will not be too keen to lend them out again.
I hope this gentlemen gets his mementoes and property back and I am sure he will not be too keen to lend them out again.
BensonPRO, thank you very much indeed for your quick work and for the personal interest which your Stn Cdr has taken in ensuring that this brave old chap will soon be reunited with his precious historical items.
It would be tremendous if something special could be arranged to make the reunion a particularly special day for Alec, although clearly your ongoing operational activities may make this rather difficult.
It would be tremendous if something special could be arranged to make the reunion a particularly special day for Alec, although clearly your ongoing operational activities may make this rather difficult.
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Then the current MCO has not helped matters with their (supposed) post on this thread.
I think it's fair to say that the Station has been given a 'heads up' of the issue. Assuming the information about this has got through to the CO (who I understand took over this month), let him deal with it without threats of media leaks and inappropriate Directives to action.
Let's have a little decorum dear people.
I think it's fair to say that the Station has been given a 'heads up' of the issue. Assuming the information about this has got through to the CO (who I understand took over this month), let him deal with it without threats of media leaks and inappropriate Directives to action.
Let's have a little decorum dear people.
Just to clarify, there was no 'supposed' about the post from the MCO, it was a direct quote from her which she requested I reprint as a favour as she did not have a PPRuNe account at the time.
As the MCO now has her own voice on here I have no need to act as an intermediary, so would be grateful if I didn't receive any more PMs about what 'I' could do about the situation!! Don't shoot the messenger people!!
Hopefully the gentleman and his mementos can be reunited in good time.
Regards.
BensonPRO, the initial (second hand) response was very poor, but I agree with BEagle - and credit very much where it's due - that rapid and positive follow-up has made up for it. I do hope Alec gets everything back soon. All the better if circumstances do allow it to be presented in some special way.
Best wishes to Alec, to you, and to those from the Station - particularly those currently in harm's way.
Best wishes to Alec, to you, and to those from the Station - particularly those currently in harm's way.
I have sat here on holiday in Spain reading this thread with utmost horror that a Force which I hold in the highest respect has acted in such a way. I have tears in my eyes that anyone should have received such treatment.
Perhaps the comment about the plastic Spitfire sums up what a "first rate" Service has now been reduced to, but the personnel I had believed were better than that.
I do hope that by the time I am back in the UK, this dreadful situation has been satisfactorily resolved.
BensonPRO, we are watching what you can do.
Perhaps the comment about the plastic Spitfire sums up what a "first rate" Service has now been reduced to, but the personnel I had believed were better than that.
I do hope that by the time I am back in the UK, this dreadful situation has been satisfactorily resolved.
BensonPRO, we are watching what you can do.
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Does this mean they have been succesfully recovered?