(1221) Windy out there, must be March. (1406)
16. Sad but inevitable
Born in Ireland in July, 1919, twenty in 1939, involved in all the action, shot down four times … last of the few all right … then there were none. Bet he went for that last of the few record too.
15. We saw “our” Karoline on languages
… well our Andy adds:
“… the Americans came very close to speaking German. After the war of independence they had a vote on what language to use, English prevailed over German by one vote.”
We are becalmed here in Herts, wall to wall blue sky. Must be a no fly zone.
#15: fear not, this much repeated claim is bollocks.
You’re right, after I put that up I made a quick search and found it to be an urban myth. I did post a correction beneath my original comment.
16. Sad but inevitable – fitting that he passed on St. Patrick’s Day. Reading his bio he was in combat right from the beginning with the Battle of France – there’s a scene at the start of Guy Hamilton’s epic film Battle of Britain where Hurricanes from 85 Squadron RAF are evacuating an airfield, some taking off with two pilots in a single seat fighter. He flew missions during the Battle of Dunkirk with 253 Squadron returning to 85 Squadron on 15 June 1940. He was shot down twice during the Battle of Britain. Rest in peace Paddy, you deserve it.
……
JH: Amen.