Take the ....... photograph
 

The recent alleged remark by D o E at BoB 75th flypast reminded me of a story I heard a long time ago; I have no idea if it is true, based on truth or just happy hour banter. No doubt someone out there will know

A trusty and well beloved pair from an RAFG squadron operating Swifts were taking a photograph for the Christmas card; this involved the lead flying inverted past a well known Schloss whilst no 2 took the pics.

After enough practice the photo run started, soon after the lead inverted no2 reported "your jetpipe's on fire" (not an unknown occurence, I think).

The lead replied "I know, take the ....... photograph!

RAFG Recce stories.
 

These could fill a thread.
For example:
Recce Hunter coming back to Gutersloh during a Taceval flames out in the overhead out of fuel. Pilot skilfully deadsticks and rolls to a halt at which point
MFPU ( Mobile Field Processing Unit ) team roll up and download the film back for interpretation - it was 30 minutes in those days from engine-off to MisRep ( Mission report) out.( none of the later 45 minutes NATO RecceExrep, dictated by those other nations who couldn't hack it).
Whilst fast film processing ( well over 100 feet per minute per camera ) is going on - film being flung on to light tables for rapid interpretation and P.I.'s knocking out reporting, all are suddenly aware of a kerfuffle among the judges .
.
Arguing as to when "engine off" time should be calculated.........

JENKINS asked: As far as I'm aware, no he didn't. Meteors and Hunters, Provosts and Strikemasters were his metier.

Pat King (later Inspector of Flight Safety) did though - his tale of flying one through German fir trees is related in his own inimitable style in Nigel Walpole's book Swift Justice....:eek:

Actually BEagle he was rather taken by the Hawk in later years! Took ages to get him to try The Pisspot but after one trip he loved it!:ok:

Indeed he did, newt, you're absolutely correct. I was referring more to his RAFG-era (and desert time).

Beags,
Yes, Puddy was most definitely Guterlsoh Recce Hunters.
Still well remembered and respected in my community.

I say, Philip - how dare you swear before the Queen?


....all together now...............

One day Puddy came to collect a new Hawk. We were having a chat in our coffee bar when he looked around checking we were on our own. The he said “When you did 1v1 with the Hunter you always finish up lower than you started. With the Hawk you finish up higher – why is that?” I said “What do you do when an aircraft can give you more g than you can handle?” “Climb” he said. “Think about it” I said.

Was that a reference to aircraft perf or pilot advancing years? ;)

Prince Philip Aims F-Bomb At RAF Photographer


An RAF photographer no less, he should have told him to shut up, it's their day not his.... Ignorance is not an excuse.


I wonder if his credit cards are only spewing out 60 Euros

In 1976? Wot do you think.....?

Agreed. If it had been some plonker press photog it would have been funny.
With an OR not there by his own choosing, less so.

I wonder who the photog was, not his name but rank and experience. Was he attached to Northolt or MoD or pinched from somewhere.

Who gives a stuff? It's like the exasperation faced at weddings when some photographer is mincing about trying to get the 'perfect shot' - just take the darn photos and let the guests get on with their day!

Stavros wanted to get on with making sure that the ex-BoB veterans had a good day - so telling the snapper to get on with it seems not unreasonable, even though his language might have been a bit barrack room.... The Royal party wasn't there for some MoD photo-op, they were there to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the start of the BoB!

Who hasn't had to hang about (usually squinting into the sun), whilst some RAF snapper faffs about with his cameras.....

For years the clicky would have put up with jokes about " some day my prints will come "
At last his Prince comes - and swears at him.

Heart, all heart.

No because most of the machines here only have 50 Euro notes so 50 is the max :ugh:

Feeling the need to chuck a couple of drinks down his neck, more likely.

goudie wrote: Unlikely.

If indeed this was an RAF snapper (not some civvie contractor....), he should have been pre-briefed not to waste time when taking such group photos if Stavros was to be included.

It appears to me that he has the height of bad manners.
I don't care who he is, he should behave better than that.


I imagine the photographer is trying to do a professional job and some of that involves a bit of set up.


BEagle - now imagine doing your preflight and he comes in with "get this aircraft in the F***ing air right now"