Peter Spoden emailed me to say that he was coming to England on July 12th 'to be at Milton Keynes'.... I checked the Milton Keynes Aviation Society's website and he's coming for their 'Aircrew Forum' at Bletchley Park. I nearly died - all tickets had almost gone ! Having sent off my cheque I've waited all week in panic mode ; but the precious ticket arrived this morning. Here's the list of guests who it is hoped will attend ; - Jack Biggs - ex 17 Sqn ( Far East ) Jack Bromfield - 158 Sqn ( Halifaxes ) Peter Fahy - ex Spitfire PR pilot Sam Halpert - ! - a member of these forums Jim Langford - ex Fleet Air Arm Barracudas Norbert Hannig - ex JG54/JV44 Branse Burbridge - 85 Squadron Mosquitoes Norm Rosholt - 452nd BG B-17 pilot and, of course - Peter Spoden I am quite looking forward to this !
jealosy is causing the hair on my back to rise. Say hi to member Sam for us martin and of course freind Peter Spoden ~ get a pic of yourslef and the Night fighter ace together would you ? how about Bain as well.... ?
Yes - I'm going to have to think of one or two intelligent questions to ask. The event as a whole promises to be most interesting ; the exhibitions at Bletchley Park will be specially opened for guests to view before the ticket-only forum begins. It's a most interesting cross-section of guests ; I only hope that they can all make it. Peter Spoden apparently intends to fly over in a light aircraft accompanied by his Son. I was very interested to meet Branse Burbridge very briefly at Hunsdon just the other week and hope very much to hear more from him this time. It's certainly an evening to look forward to.
It is indeed an honor for me to have been invited to the aircrew forum at Milton Keynes. I have also been invited to Flying Legends at Duxford on July 9. This sure beats my visit to the U.K. in '44. Please say hello if you attend these auspicious functions. Sam Halpert www.b17sam.com
I guess I should be asking you the question, Sam ! You're sure to be in great demand on the day. I usually arrive at Duxford fairly early in the morning, ie 08:00/08:30.....
A superb evening at the MKAS Aircrew Forum, Bletchley Park last Tuesday. A very distinguished group of veteran aviators indeed and a Forum I shall long remember. I was able to see Sam Halpert for the second time in four days, and what a great treat it was to - at long last - meet Peter Spoden. As the only German present, he made a great ambassador for the Luftwaffe, answering each question patiently and fully. Oh - and if you think that Germans have no sense of humour, then you haven't enjoyed Herr Spoden's company ! A very nice man .....
To view some very nice images of the veterans, go to ; - http://www.imagicam.co.uk/albums/index2.php?bcc=b544buck Select 'Events', select 'Aircrew Forum',select 'Images', and scroll down to '0051_IMG' on page 3 to see Sam Halpert making a point, with Peter Spoden waiting his chance 2nd from the right.....
