Mosquito Veterans gather.....

I've been so out of touch lately, I almost missed this announcement....

CCB Aviation - Limited Edition aviation art prints, books, stamp covers and memorabilia. Robert Taylor, Nicolas Trudgian, Gerald Coulson, Philip West, Richard Taylor, Frank Wootton, Stephen Teasdale


There are some great names expected tomorrow ; sadly, this will inevitably be one of the last such gatherings of 'Mosquito Men'.

I intend to be there, with camera.....

( PS : The link looks odd, but don't worry - it's NOT 'spam'.... )

 

Cheers Martin. Look forward to the pics.

 

Wow!

that would definitely be the place to be!!!

 

Same here, have a nice day Martin.

 

That's an impressive line up of 'vets' who will be attending, Martin. I look forward to seeing your photographs of the event.

My son got the signatures of four BOB pilots, when we attended the Flying Legends airshow at Duxford, a few years ago.

Are you planning on getting a signed print?

 

I may take a book along to get a signature or two....

 

Thanks, Martin. My uncle was in a reserved occupation as a tool and die maker at de Havilland during the War. Enjoy yourself and pass along my respect to the Veterans there. I envy you and look forward to your photos.

 

Well, I have to say that this was one of the most enjoyable veteran events I've ever had the pleasure of attending.

I was there early, at 07:45, in thick mist - and this was the extraordinary view as we rolled back the hangar doors -




The sun soon burned off the mist, and even as we were setting up, the first enthusiasts and veterans started arriving. This is Sqn Ldr Tom Bennett DFC, last survivor of the legendary 617 Squadron's Mosquito crews....



The long queue of enthusiasts snaked out of the hangar as the signing got underway ; here's Flt Lt Ken Tempest DFC, pilot with 139 Squadron, and his charming wife...



And here are two real Pathfinder 'characters', F/O Charles Parker DFM, 128 & 163 Squadrons ( with splendid handlebar moustache ) and Flt Lt 'Bertie' Boulter DFC, Mosquito pilot with the same squadrons - who published his memoirs recently...



The weather was so amazing, some of us from the Museum decided that a Group Photo just had to be done, and after lunch, with much 'chivvying', we got these wonderful Gentlemen all together in front of the Mosquito. We thought it was worthwhile....







Mosquito Men, all.......

 

Great photos, Martin.

Such a gathering of so many brave men is amazing. I would truly be humbled to have been in their presence.

 

good article man

 

Amazing photos! Amazing people!

My God, everything looks so good in those photos that I almost could feel the perfect weather you described, Martin.

Great work!!

 

Martin :

The ideal photos, with the veterans standing below/in front of their former mount .......... great pics !!

E ~

 

Great job Martin. Truely great pics, Thanks

 

People seem to have enjoyed this thread, so here are a couple more pics...

This is from the afternoon, with the sun setting, and the veterans still signing ( hundreds of times, by now.....) in the shadow of the Mosquito. 'Bertie' Boulter and Charles Parker, again, with in the background Air Cdre John Ellacombe DFC*, who flew Mosquitoes with 487 Squadron, and also flew in the Battle of Britain...



To give an idea of the relaxed nature of the day, here are some of the main guys from the Museum taking time out in the lunch-break to enjoy the sunshine in front of the hangar...




And this is acknowledged Mosquito authority and published author, Ian Thirsk, having some books signed by the most senior and highly-decorated veteran present, Air Cdre Ted Sismore, DSO, DFC**,AFC ; one of the RAF's most experienced Navigators. He flew in Mosquitoes with 110, 105, 139 and 21 Squadrons, and was one of the main planners of the famous Amiens Gaol raid. Flt Lt Terry Clark, DFM, 488 Squadron, looks on.....




And lastly, a shot I rather like of 'Our Reg', the Museum's resident veteran Reg Davey. Survivor of two tours in Stirlings and Lancasters, and a commenced third tour in Pathfinder Mosquitoes. He was in his element yesterday !



Dang ! I wish it were this time yesterday - one of those days you wish you could go back and do it again.

I doubt we shall, though - it was a real 'one-off'.

 

Thanx Martin!

Look at those smiling faces. I think everybody was enjoying their time there!!

 

I am green, green I tell you, with envy.

[Goering_Voice]

"Vy vas I not informed?!?!?!?!"

[/Goering_Voice]


Edit - Hell Martin, do you have a high-res of the first pic, of the mossie in the mist? I may have found a new desktop image...

 

Wonderful Martin, you really made my day by showing these pictures of Mossie heroes

 

Absolutely masterful, Martin.

 

Hello mhuxt, and thank you for the kind words....I'm sorry that you weren't there !

I've posted a link to one of my pics at the Mossie Forum,which I haven't visited for a while....

 

Wonderful Martin truly wonderful, well done.