Deeply saddened to read that Sqn Ldr Geoffrey Wellum passed away on Wednesday evening at the age of 96.
Reportedly, he was the youngest Spitfire pilot to fly in the Battle of Britain aged just 18.
In recent years, his face had become quite familiar from the many documentaries in which he was interviewed.
Infact, I'm sure it was he who explained that he set the trim on his Spitfire so that it didn't fly quite straight. Not enough to make it unstable, but enough that it wasn't going into the space that a pursuing fighters guns would be aiming.
We are foreverer indebted to yourself and the others of 'The Few'.
Blue Skies, Sqn Ldr Geoffrey Wellum!
Kevin
Sqn Ldr Geoffrey Wellum RIP
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Sqn Ldr Geoffrey Wellum RIP
Stratospheric traces, of our transitory flight.
Trails of condensation, held in narrow paths of white...
Trails of condensation, held in narrow paths of white...
Re: Sqn Ldr Geoffrey Wellum RIP
I've just read this sad news on the BBC website. Knowing the day must come doesn't make it any easier.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-cornwall-44895703
No doubt many of us have read his book 'First Light'. I thoroughly recommend it to those who haven't.
Rest in Peace, Squadron Leader Wellum. You are now back with those lost friends that you mourned.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-cornwall-44895703
No doubt many of us have read his book 'First Light'. I thoroughly recommend it to those who haven't.
Rest in Peace, Squadron Leader Wellum. You are now back with those lost friends that you mourned.
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Re: Sqn Ldr Geoffrey Wellum RIP
Always sad to hear of another hero dying.
R.I.P. Squadron Leader.
You did what many others could not.
R.I.P. Squadron Leader.
You did what many others could not.
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Re: Sqn Ldr Geoffrey Wellum RIP
Sad news. A familiar face in many documentaries over the years. A true hero.
Rest in peace Geoffrey.
Rest in peace Geoffrey.
Dave G.
Re: Sqn Ldr Geoffrey Wellum RIP
Really sad to hear of this on the news, his book 'First Light' is one of the best and honest accounts that brought the reader to being with him on his journey from interview to join the RAF right through training and joining 92 Sqdn to the time when stationed in Malta he was sent home to rest.
Hopefully, if there is an after life then Peter who trained with Geoffrey and were good friends but was sadly shot down and killed, will welcome him into the new world of blue skies along with all of 92 Sqdn.
Thanks for helping us to keep our freedom and rest in peace.
Regards
Nigel.
Hopefully, if there is an after life then Peter who trained with Geoffrey and were good friends but was sadly shot down and killed, will welcome him into the new world of blue skies along with all of 92 Sqdn.
Thanks for helping us to keep our freedom and rest in peace.
Regards
Nigel.
I used to be an optimist but with age I am now a grumpy old pessimist.
Re: Sqn Ldr Geoffrey Wellum RIP
Yes a brave man or in his case a brave boy
Simon
'The trouble with the speed of light is it gets here too early in the morning!' Alfred. E. Neuman
'The trouble with the speed of light is it gets here too early in the morning!' Alfred. E. Neuman
Re: Sqn Ldr Geoffrey Wellum RIP
Sad indeed but what a life, great respects.
Re: Sqn Ldr Geoffrey Wellum RIP
So sad to read of his passing. I can't really add anything to other tributes on here but I can say that I've read 'First Light' twice and agree that it is one of the best WW2 memoirs written. May you rest in peace sir.EricT
Now at the age where I know I like girls but can't remember why!
Re: Sqn Ldr Geoffrey Wellum RIP
R.I.P Geoffrey, one of the few to whom we owe so much! Blue skies forever for you!
Nigel²
Nigel²