Just to say that there is a programme on BBC2 this Friday (14th November) 2100 about a PR pilot called Wing Commander Adrain Warburton who flew from Malta and the UK. There was an article about him in the last issue of After The Battle but the BBC programme claims to reveal the 'mystery of his death and disappearance over Germany'.
Thanks for this, Niall ! 'Warby' was a most interesting character and there has indeed been a lot written about him this year in the 'Warbird' press as well as the 'ATB' article. Weve only just finished arguing about Clarkson's VC programme so this'll probably be another one to fight over....
The programme was OK - it would have been very interesting if you knew nothing at all about 'Warby' but if you've been following the story in 'ATB' or the warbird press you'd have learned absolutely nothing new ( this 'here for the first time we reveal...' nonsense of TV programmers is getting irritating ! ). The constant cutting between actual and reconstructed photos - without saying which was which - was another duff aspect. Problem was, there weren't actually that many photos taken of 'Warby' and the programme gave no real insight into the man and his motivation. But it struck me how similar his story was to Gibson - uninspiring early career,a sudden blaze of fame, decorations and media worship ; removal from action, an overwhelming desire to 'have another go' followed by almost inevitable disaster at the controls of an unfamiliar aircraft doing a job for which he wasn't experienced.... Sad, really.
Martin, Hope I don't sound too much of a duffer but what is 'ATB' and the Warbird press? Must say sorry to all you experienced 'vets' out there who are probably having a bit of a titter at my novice questions Just trying to expand on my knowledge base Regards Graham
No problem at all Graham - if we don't share information none of us will ever learn anything ! 'After The Battle' ( ATB ) is the near-legendary 'then&now' publication founded by Winston G Ramsey and is a real WWII buff's delight. Their website is worth a browse at : - http://www.afterthebattle.com/home.htm In the UK, the 'warbird' press is mainly taken to be those two excellent magazines without which my month is not complete, 'FlyPast' and 'Aeroplane' at : - http://www.flypast.com/ http://www.aeroplanemonthly.com/ And, going to the 'Warby exclusive', the National Press covered it pretty well, too - I certainly read the story in The Times and The Guardian....
As a Warby-layman, I thought the story was very interesting, especially the Malta bit. I liked the interviews with the people who had known him. However, the story of his demise was rather fragmentary. It raised more Q's with me than it answered. First of all the reason for Warby flying the F5 with the Americans. Also the makers never answered or tried to answer the Q why Warby was 150 miles off course, looking at his target (Schweinfurt) and his crashsite. All in all, I am glad the BBC has taken the trouble to highlight the life and times of Warburton and pay attention to his efforts and sacrifice. Thumbs up BBC!! And to the CWGC for laying him to rest with such dignity. [ 17. November 2003, 12:29 AM: Message edited by: Stevin Oudshoorn ]
The well known, but less seen site camerainevidence.co.uk has some recce pics, made by Warburton. they can be found on this site (Scroll to the bottom 3 pics), just under some Battle of Arnhem landingsites pics. http://mirrored2.flabber.nl/ww2luchtfotos/index.html
The well known, but less seen site camerainevidence.co.uk has some recce pics, made by Warburton. they can be found on this site (Scroll to the bottom 3 pics), just under some Battle of Arnhem landingsites pics. http://mirrored2.flabber.nl/ww2luchtfotos/index.html
