Duxford "Meet the fighters"

[mossie]

I was invited to attend the airshow at the Imperial War Museum's airfield at Duxford near Cambridge yesterday. I had to work for my free day out by signing copies of a new book being promoted there. This is titled "Meteor Boys" by Steve Bond, and relates personal experiences of idiots like me who flew in them. The author had visited me and recorded my experiences and edited them into the book, along with several of my photos, all of which occupied about 8 pages with 5 photos. Of course there was a lot of talk and I had to recount various experiences. I recall the time my pilot wanted to see my home village in Kent one day when we had the opportunity. I directed him along the valley towards the village and as we got close he rolled the aircraft onto its back and we flew down the high street upside down, I remembered seeing my mothers washing drying on the line in the back garden. All in all a great ego boost.

Anyhow the airshow included a reenactment of scenes from WW1, using aircraft of the time which have been lovingly restored to flying condition. This was very well done and presented.



Real old crates which I wouldn't dare strap to my sorry arse.



Also this old timer which represented a flight of 3, known as Faith Hope and Charity, which were the total defence of the island of Malta when is was attacked by the might of Mussolini's air force in WW2. They gave them a bloody nose but soon had to be reinforced.



There was also this Lancaster representing the morale boosting Dambusters. This is not a sight one would want to see swooping down in earnest



Chatter and tiredness precluded me from much photography, but there was quite a lot of more modern stuff, concluded as normal by the Red Arrows aerobatic team.

[htmb]

How very exciting, Mossie! I see the book will be available in the US in mid-January. Is it already available in the UK?

[mossie]

Yes the book was being sold at the show, I am surprised the States has to wait so long. On second thoughts I don't suppose it would attract much interest, although the Meteor was the only allied jet to see active service in WW2. I remember watching them chasing the V1 Doodlebug flying bomb which the Jerries were chucking at us.

[Deleted]

I saw that the official British publication date is September 30th for bookstores and Amazon.

[Deleted]

Well, that's something I'll look into for my dad. Great Christmas present!

[bixaorellana]

Were my dad still alive, I'd be pre-ordering the book for him right now. Very exciting, Mossie, and I know the book was greatly enhanced by your participation.

I LOVE air shows and your photos capture all the excitement of the wild blue yonder. Great historical details, too ~ thanks!

[mossie]

I had intended to include this photo of the book, sorry for be so late

[bixaorellana]

Very handsome cover -- exciting, even.

Mossie, nag your local booksellers to display it prominently. Right now is prime Christmas present buying time and, as Lizzie pointed out and I greatly concur, this would make a great gift.