Farewell Danny42C
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Hanging off the end of a thread
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Saddened to find another fine pilot has departed and what makes it sadder is it has come to light he was another Vultee Vengeance pilot in India,
https://forum.keypublishing.com/foru...-elkington-rip
I find it heartbreaking that these true gents may well have known each other and but for a few scant months we were unable to possibly put them back in contact with one another.... Blue Skies to you all and one hopes you are now meeting up in the bar in the sky .
Additionally we recently lost an Engineer from the squadron too
https://forum.keypublishing.com/foru...ne-of-the-many
https://forum.keypublishing.com/foru...-elkington-rip
Tim was a veteran of No 1 squadron in the Battle of Britain and, even for someone in the RAF in wartime, he did a truly astonishing amount of things.
He flew Hurricanes catapulted off merchant ships, with no hope of landing once they'd dealt with a convoy raider. He flew Hurricanes alongside an aircraft armed with a huge searchlight in the hope of illuminating enemy raiders (it didn't work very well). He flew in Russia alongside the Red Air Force in the Russian winter.
He met his wife first when she was helping people shoot at him (he was flying an aircraft towing a drogue for target practice for ground gunners, she was on the ground with the gunners). Later, in India, he flew a captured Japanese A6M5 "Zero", and the Vultee Vengeance divebomber.
He flew Hurricanes catapulted off merchant ships, with no hope of landing once they'd dealt with a convoy raider. He flew Hurricanes alongside an aircraft armed with a huge searchlight in the hope of illuminating enemy raiders (it didn't work very well). He flew in Russia alongside the Red Air Force in the Russian winter.
He met his wife first when she was helping people shoot at him (he was flying an aircraft towing a drogue for target practice for ground gunners, she was on the ground with the gunners). Later, in India, he flew a captured Japanese A6M5 "Zero", and the Vultee Vengeance divebomber.
Additionally we recently lost an Engineer from the squadron too
https://forum.keypublishing.com/foru...ne-of-the-many
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Often in Jersey, but mainly in the past.
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Danny's 100th Birthday.
If the Moderators will excuse me, 10 Nov would have been Danny42C's 100th birthday.
Still missing you, and hoping you're behaving up there. Raising a glass, with thanks for all you have done and said.
Still missing you, and hoping you're behaving up there. Raising a glass, with thanks for all you have done and said.
Join Date: Feb 2006
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Well said, one hopes he’s soaring high free from the effects of ageing….
one of a kind and sorely missed.
one of a kind and sorely missed.
I too shall be raising a glass.
Not only were his posts entertaining and informative, his behaviour towards others on this forum remains an example to us all.
I was also very pleased to see Geriaviator, who has done so much to preserve Dennis's memory and memories, posting today for the first time in ages - it has allayed my concerns as to his welfare.
Not only were his posts entertaining and informative, his behaviour towards others on this forum remains an example to us all.
I was also very pleased to see Geriaviator, who has done so much to preserve Dennis's memory and memories, posting today for the first time in ages - it has allayed my concerns as to his welfare.
Coincidentally, I just finished a re-read of Danny and the Cold War. A gentleman, scholar, and gifted storyteller. I, too, shall raise a glass in his memory on the 'morrow.
- Ed
- Ed
Gnome de PPRuNe
Join Date: Jan 2002
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In a pub later for another friend's birthday and will raise a pint to Danny - Happy Birthday and thank you!
Surely our most celebrated and revered member ever! His memory will last as long as we, and PPRuNe, are still around and then some. A most remarkable member of a very special generation.
A glass raised to your century, Danny. Thank you for the pleasure and wisdom you brought to we all who followed you in this forum.
A glass raised to your century, Danny. Thank you for the pleasure and wisdom you brought to we all who followed you in this forum.
Happy heavenly birthday Danny, I shall raise a glass to you later and as always remember you and other ex-military friends no longer with us when I play the "Last Post" on Sunday morning.
Thread Starter
In joining in the tributes above I am so pleased to see new interest in Danny's e-books as a result of this and the Vampire thread elsewhere, with gratifying results for the RAF Benevolent Fund, Danny's favourite charity. Our thanks to recent donors, the books are still available but please note that you must PM me with your email address so I can send you copy or copies as Prune does not permit attachments.
All we ask is a donation to the Fund, in accordance with his last wishes. Perhaps particularly appropriate this Remembrance Day.
Join Date: Mar 2010
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Well said, Geriaviator.... a rare document that deserves wide circulation!
(Actually, that's not quite what I meant. Not rare, but rather special!)
(Actually, that's not quite what I meant. Not rare, but rather special!)