Nice gesture to servicemen!
I am a member of an internet weekly quiz room and after the quiz members tend chat a bit. One of our number, a woman who lives in the US was chatting and elicited the info from me that I had been in the RAF in the 60s and 70s. Back came the remark "Thank you for your service". I did the cyber equivalent of mumbling a thank you, but it occurred to me that I would not like this to become a knee jerk reaction in this country to anyone who has ever put on the Queen's uniform.
That said, if this conductor ever sees a grey haired old git and his missus on the 1005 Paddington to Truro and wants to upgrade them from cattle class, Mrs TTN and I wont be objecting. I'll make sure I have an old nav brevet about my person to add to his collection!
That said, if this conductor ever sees a grey haired old git and his missus on the 1005 Paddington to Truro and wants to upgrade them from cattle class, Mrs TTN and I wont be objecting. I'll make sure I have an old nav brevet about my person to add to his collection!
Last edited by Tankertrashnav; 18th Jun 2013 at 10:06.
Tut tut, Basil. Took me years to get used to facing forwards when flying pax in civilian aircraft. Wild guesses about the ETA? Pretty pointless on most trains - getting the date right is about is far as it goes!
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: Wellington, New Zealand
Age: 84
Posts: 897
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
A few years ago, I arrived at Lyneham in an RNZAF C130 [after five days flying from Whenuapai!] and accepted a kind offer of a lift to King's Cross where I opted for the chance of a late train to Newcastle. As it was indeed late,about 2300 or so, I decided to buy a couple of beers and wait for the next train which was about 0130 or thereabouts. I was still in RNZAF uniform, "New Zealand" mudguards and all, and was about to pay for my drinks, when a very well-dressed gentlemen, RAF tie and all, leaned over and said:"Allow me", paid, and strolled off!
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Wiltshire
Age: 59
Posts: 903
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
This happened a couple of months ago to a mate of when he was returning to camp after a weekend at home. That was in the Midlands (Not FGW) so would appear that there is more than one train manger doing this.
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: raf
Posts: 610
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I've never asked for a discount and never will. I don't think I deserve one, I've done nothing special.
For every 1 soldier getting shot at while clearing a mine field. There must be 1000's of us who have it very easy. I'd feel bad cashing in on someone else's work. That soldier deserves it more than me.
This thread reminds me of that female Navy sailor who decided to fly back from the USA in uniform. I've seen criticism saying there was no reason why she could not have worn civilian clothing like everyone else, she did it just to blag an upgrade.
For every 1 soldier getting shot at while clearing a mine field. There must be 1000's of us who have it very easy. I'd feel bad cashing in on someone else's work. That soldier deserves it more than me.
This thread reminds me of that female Navy sailor who decided to fly back from the USA in uniform. I've seen criticism saying there was no reason why she could not have worn civilian clothing like everyone else, she did it just to blag an upgrade.
Al, He was a mate of Bill Auckland and is a mate of my son.
I hope he doesn't mind me saying this - he was in the RAF Regiment and got frostbite on an exercise. They were about to medically discharge him and he said 'How about pilot training?'. They agreed, he served on Jags and then QFIed; now a captain with BA.
Sat in with me at LHR Tower a couple of times - Top Man!
I hope he doesn't mind me saying this - he was in the RAF Regiment and got frostbite on an exercise. They were about to medically discharge him and he said 'How about pilot training?'. They agreed, he served on Jags and then QFIed; now a captain with BA.
Sat in with me at LHR Tower a couple of times - Top Man!
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Glesga, Scotland
Age: 51
Posts: 230
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Who's to say he doesn't offer the same free upgrade to the emergency services ?
It's just obvious to notice a member of the armed forces as long as he or she is in uniform.
I would never chase or ask for a "up grade" BUT if someone offers me something for nothing (and its legal) never say no ;-)
It's just obvious to notice a member of the armed forces as long as he or she is in uniform.
I would never chase or ask for a "up grade" BUT if someone offers me something for nothing (and its legal) never say no ;-)
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: The Whyte House
Age: 95
Posts: 1,966
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Ah, but you'll have to sit facing backwards and make wild guesses at the ETA 
And I speak as an ex-nav who is now a trainee train driver with FGW. At last I now get to sit facing forwards with a nice view (once one gets away from London anyhoo).
Hardly his generosity is it? It's not like he is donating his personal wealth to them.
Hope I get you as a pax on the last night train, fmgc; you'll end up walking to your destination.
Last edited by Willard Whyte; 18th Jun 2013 at 15:08.
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: cardboard box in't middle of t'road
Posts: 745
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like
on
1 Post
I don't expect upgrades and I don't advertise my chosen career path, however, I felt truly humbled by the response received when I visited the 'States' in an official capacity. The average Joe was only to pleased to show support by buying drinks, shaking hands and insisting that you cut in the line before them etc.
There are lots of people out there who deserve it a lot more than I do, but it's a credit to the national identity that gratitude is so widely shown.
There are lots of people out there who deserve it a lot more than I do, but it's a credit to the national identity that gratitude is so widely shown.
And I speak as an ex-nav who is now a trainee train driver with FGW
At least, if you get off track, it's some other b'staad's fault
Gentleman Aviator
At least, if you get off track, it's some other b'staad's fault
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: UK
Posts: 714
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Bob,
How very true. I was talking with an author about PPRuNe over the weekend and he agreed that there are a lot of unpleasant and irrelevant posts appearing nowadays, something that wasn't a feature about 10 years ago.
I was close to pulling this thread yesterday, after reading the absurdly childish posts of some, but decided to leave it in situ so that others can read about the generosity of an ordinary 'man-in-the-street' Or rather, train) towards the UK's Armed Forces.
How very true. I was talking with an author about PPRuNe over the weekend and he agreed that there are a lot of unpleasant and irrelevant posts appearing nowadays, something that wasn't a feature about 10 years ago.
I was close to pulling this thread yesterday, after reading the absurdly childish posts of some, but decided to leave it in situ so that others can read about the generosity of an ordinary 'man-in-the-street' Or rather, train) towards the UK's Armed Forces.
Do you really think that somewhere with such a vile, wet, midge-ridden climate knows the first thing about barbecues?
Is it even possible to cook porridge, haggis and whatever else the wretches eat over a barbecue?
Standing around a lard-fuelled barbecue in their shortbread-tin skirts in the drizzle whilst swigging IrnBru waiting for the porridge to boil.
Sounds truly wonderful,.....
Is it even possible to cook porridge, haggis and whatever else the wretches eat over a barbecue?
Standing around a lard-fuelled barbecue in their shortbread-tin skirts in the drizzle whilst swigging IrnBru waiting for the porridge to boil.
Sounds truly wonderful,.....
Yes how very true, some people are just plain rude and even worse.::
Makes you wonder if they do it to provoke
Last edited by TomJoad; 18th Jun 2013 at 16:43.
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: UK
Posts: 714
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Certainly a touching story and while I would never openly seek a freebie due to my service if it was offered then it would be rude to decline. That said, I think we have a good balance here in the UK the last thing we want is overt worship of the military, that's not in the British character. I think equal respect should be given to all in public service. Contrary to what was posted earlier I believe the fatality rate is actually higher in some of the emergency services than it is in the military. Anyway we shouldn't be making crude comparisons like this though, the point is all public service should be valued.
Last edited by TomJoad; 18th Jun 2013 at 16:34.