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BATTLE OF BRITAIN - FIVE OF THE FEW LAUNCH
2nd and 3rd September 2006 - Duxford Spitfire Anniversary
Airshow
East Kirkby
Book Signing - 19th November 2005
There came a moment on
Saturday when I felt very humble indeed. There were no clouds,
just stars, and a slight chill wind. The roar of Just Jane’s four
engines rumbled through my chest. Her wings were furred with frost
and blue flame licked from the exhausts. I had spent the day with
men who had flown weapons such as this all those years ago. Their
stories told of what they had experienced on nights like this, the
long flights, the cold, the combats, the injury or death of
crewmates. The sight and sound of the Lancaster, as it taxied,
moved me, along with everyone else it seemed. I watched one
veteran, who had flown on 54 operations, as he took in the scene. He appeared content,
proud and reflective. To me the whole occasion was most humbling
and my journey home in a warm car was spent in quiet
contemplation.
Myself and
Paul Trickett would like to thank all the veterans who helped at
the book signing event on Saturday. A large part of the money made
from the book sales will be passed on to the Bomber Command
memorial project, currently being planned for Lincoln Cathedral.
And to Fred and Harold Panton who run the East Kirkby museum, I
extend my appreciation. If you are interested in Bomber Command,
then a visit to East Kirkby is a must.
(20th November 2005)
RAF Cosford Lecture
A big thank you to the Royal Aeronautical Society who hosted
a talk on 'Sledgehammers for Tintacks' at RAF Cosford on
Thursday 22nd September. Approximately 70 people attended and,
as requested, the society will be making a donation to the RAF
Benevolent Fund - much appreciated.
Don Street DFC, 61 Squadron Lancaster pilot, was also
able to attend - a graphic account of his experiences on a raid
attacking a V1 site features in the presentation (and in
Sledgehammers for Tintacks). Don has kindly signed some copies
of Sledgehammers for Tintacks and D-Day Bombers, which can be
obtained via the contact/orders page - link above.
(25th September 2005)
The 'Many' get fewer
It was with sadness that I recently heard of the
passing away of Horace Pearce DFC (pilot) and Charles
Hobgen (navigator). Both men served with 77 Squadron and
were of great help when I was putting together D-Day Bombers. My
sincerest condolences to their familes.
The 'Many' get fewer, but they will not be forgotten!
(20th September 2005)
VETERAN PILOT TO ATTEND LECTURE
I am pleased to announce that Don Street DFC, 61
Squadron Lancaster pilot, will be attending my talk at RAF
Cosford on Thursday 22nd September (see below under Lectures).
Graphic accounts of Don's experiences feature in Sledgehammers
for Tintacks and D-Day Bombers.
(5th September 2005)
LITTLE GRANSDEN AIRSHOW BOOK SIGNING
A big thank you to Wing Commander Brian Spragg
DFC and Flight Lieutenant George
Kelsey DFC, who attended the Victory Fighters book
signing at the Little Gransden Airshow on Sunday 28 August.
Brian and George have signed a few copies of Victory Fighters,
which are available for purchase - see the special offers
section below. A big thank you also to John Davies at Grub
Street who donated some of the takings to the event's charity -
Children in Need.
Left to right - Brian Spragg DFC, George
Kelsey DFC, and Steve Darlow
(29th August 2005)
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