"Spitfire Ace" - C4
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: LHR
Posts: 170
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Missing Link
What seems to be missing in the programme is the whole section of advanced flying training which pilots underwent in things like Harvards & Masters, getting to grips with the "new technology" of the time.
Did RAF pilots ever go straight from basic trainers to combat aircraft? I didn't think so, but stand to be corrected if they did.
The interviews with veterans of the battle are very well done. These guys must be in their 70s & 80s. I hope I'll be as lucid and dignified as they are when I get to that age. No histrionics, just a matter of fact description of what went on, including a realism about RAF shortcomings. I very much respect that. It's also good to see contributions from ground crew, so often an overlooked group.
As they stand, the modern sequences look a little bit like "nice days out" in a two seat Spitfire, which I'm sure does the trainee pilots an injustice. On the other hand, if they are just nice days out, gissa go missus!
Mark
Did RAF pilots ever go straight from basic trainers to combat aircraft? I didn't think so, but stand to be corrected if they did.
The interviews with veterans of the battle are very well done. These guys must be in their 70s & 80s. I hope I'll be as lucid and dignified as they are when I get to that age. No histrionics, just a matter of fact description of what went on, including a realism about RAF shortcomings. I very much respect that. It's also good to see contributions from ground crew, so often an overlooked group.
As they stand, the modern sequences look a little bit like "nice days out" in a two seat Spitfire, which I'm sure does the trainee pilots an injustice. On the other hand, if they are just nice days out, gissa go missus!
Mark
Guys/Gals.
You have all read Wellums book, "First Light" - haven't you?
If not - sell all available grandmothers to procure copy soonest and do so.
His prose is startlingly eloquent.
You have all read Wellums book, "First Light" - haven't you?
If not - sell all available grandmothers to procure copy soonest and do so.
His prose is startlingly eloquent.
Just a numbered other
Funny that when 'the big wing' was thought to be a good idea, none other than Bader took the credit.
Now it's being panned, his name isn't mentioned at all, and poor old Leigh-Mallory (whose chest bore the imprint of DB's pipe) carries the can!
Talking of DB, why wasn't he found guilty of Gross Negligence after his Woodley epic?
Proobably had bosses with more spine than Day and Wratten
Now it's being panned, his name isn't mentioned at all, and poor old Leigh-Mallory (whose chest bore the imprint of DB's pipe) carries the can!
Talking of DB, why wasn't he found guilty of Gross Negligence after his Woodley epic?
Proobably had bosses with more spine than Day and Wratten
Cool Mod
Join Date: Apr 1998
Location: 18nm N of LGW
Posts: 6,186
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Actually, would you believe!! His boss was at the time was a Sqdn Ldr(?) called Day. In fact the name Day finds it's way in various parts of the Air Force annals. But I agree, DB should have been bought to account. But then when you lose two legs I guess them in charge might think that he had had his court martial.
Not one of the heroes as far as I am concerned.
I am reading a book at the moment called "Battle of Britian New Perspectives" by John Ray. Leigh-Mallory comes out the worst, Dowding second best and Park the winner by a mile. Very interesting book.
Not one of the heroes as far as I am concerned.
I am reading a book at the moment called "Battle of Britian New Perspectives" by John Ray. Leigh-Mallory comes out the worst, Dowding second best and Park the winner by a mile. Very interesting book.
Just a numbered other
But then when you lose two legs I guess them in charge might think that he had had his court martial
Sorry to go off-thread
