The Luftwaffe seem to have been having it all their own way on the forum ; so, to redress the balance, here's a signed photo of the RAF's top-scoring nightfighter team, Branse Burbridge DSO*DFC* and Bill Skelton ( ditto ) of 85 Squadron (100 Group ). Signed in recent years, the photo is posed with a 1940's-vintage Mosquito ashtray and a fragment of carved marble from the ruins of Haveringland Hall, which was the Officers Mess of 85 Squadron during WWII. [ 21. March 2006, 10:10 AM: Message edited by: Martin Bull ]
James Detheridge in Wyoming just had an autographed photo of Branse on his site last week... same photograph as a matter of fact. I was interested but just have too many irons in the fire right now. Nice photo and 'piece of the rock' Bob
I'm pleased to say that I have met Branse Burbridge on two occasions last year, although sadly he is not now in the best of health. An unfailingly charming and courteous gentleman, nonetheless.
I think the reason that the Luftwaffe Nighter Fighter Pilots Association is no longer holding reunions is the fact that these gentlemen are getting too old to travel. The last time I attended in 2004, the number of RAF Aerial Gunners coming from the UK had dropped to a handful from the 2002 reunion. There are a few exceptions, like my friend Peter Spoden, who just keeps on truckin'. God bless his heart! Bob
wonderful momento Martin ! Bob I feel you are exactly correct about the treffens/reunions of all veterans from all sides of teh conflict. I used to be a friend of the US night fighter association for 5-6 years and they disbanded at 5 years ago never to have another large reunion and even the small squadron ones are not attended by more than 5-6 couples .......... sad. The US fighter groups are coming awfully close to this. the US 445th bg actually dismissed their KMMA.....Kassel mission memorial association and now run byt the famile members ~ children, the bomber crew vets simply overseeing the mode
I remember many years ago at a Virginia Bader Symposium meeting several RAF fighter aces: Don Kingaby, Peter Townsend and Hugh Dundas. I also met Johnnie Johnson (RCAF) once and he had his wingman, Danny Browne, with him. I haven't had the opportunity to meet many of the RAF aces. Bob
