A toast please ladies and gentlemen
Posted: 15 Sep 2008, 09:35
September 15th. Today is Battle of Britain Day.
You may wish to drink a toast to all those involved, both civilian and military, on both sides of The Channel.
Some years ago an Air Chief Marshal was asked to give a talk to sixth formers at a Public School on his experiences as a young fighter pilot in that battle.
At the appointed time this officer addressed about 100 17-18 year olds. He began by asking if anyone present knew when this battle took place. He was astonished to find that some present believed the battle to have been part of the napoleonic wars of the previous (19th) century! A little daunted he proceeded to give his illustrated talk which lasted about 40 minutes. As is the custom he finished by inviting his audience to ask questions.
One brave young man stood up and asked:
'Do you mean to tell us, sir, that young men about a year older than myself after being shot down were sent back to fight without any counselling?'
With a silent sigh the ACM gave a reply which is reputed to have been as follows:
'Of course they were given counselling, Rupert, it went something like this. The young pilot on return to the airfield was taken to the local pub by his CO and given a pint of beer. After chatting about the latest cricket match the CO said to the young man.
"Now Jeremy you must keep an eye open to the rear of your aircraft at all times, stick with your number one. Bear in mind that I hate writing letters and your Mum and I want you back safe and sound. We can always get a new aircraft from the factory tomorrow but we can't get a new pilot as quickly. Now off we go back to the airfield and I'll see you for tea in the mess. Good luck!"
With that the young man was driven back to his airfield and continued to fly as required'
The sixth formers of the 1980s seemed stunned and there were no more questions but a great deal of respect had been won by the elderly man before them.
'Nuff said.
You may wish to drink a toast to all those involved, both civilian and military, on both sides of The Channel.
Some years ago an Air Chief Marshal was asked to give a talk to sixth formers at a Public School on his experiences as a young fighter pilot in that battle.
At the appointed time this officer addressed about 100 17-18 year olds. He began by asking if anyone present knew when this battle took place. He was astonished to find that some present believed the battle to have been part of the napoleonic wars of the previous (19th) century! A little daunted he proceeded to give his illustrated talk which lasted about 40 minutes. As is the custom he finished by inviting his audience to ask questions.
One brave young man stood up and asked:
'Do you mean to tell us, sir, that young men about a year older than myself after being shot down were sent back to fight without any counselling?'
With a silent sigh the ACM gave a reply which is reputed to have been as follows:
'Of course they were given counselling, Rupert, it went something like this. The young pilot on return to the airfield was taken to the local pub by his CO and given a pint of beer. After chatting about the latest cricket match the CO said to the young man.
"Now Jeremy you must keep an eye open to the rear of your aircraft at all times, stick with your number one. Bear in mind that I hate writing letters and your Mum and I want you back safe and sound. We can always get a new aircraft from the factory tomorrow but we can't get a new pilot as quickly. Now off we go back to the airfield and I'll see you for tea in the mess. Good luck!"
With that the young man was driven back to his airfield and continued to fly as required'
The sixth formers of the 1980s seemed stunned and there were no more questions but a great deal of respect had been won by the elderly man before them.
'Nuff said.
