Just noticed that the UK's Channel 4 TV is set to screen part 1 of a 4-part series called 'Spitfire Ace' next Monday, 12th January at 21:00. I think it may be along the same lines as their 'Dambuster' recreation from 2003 : let's wait and see.... http://www.channel4.com/history/microsites/S/spitfire_ace/index.html
The 'Dambusters' recreation was, on reflection, something of a missed opportunity. It was way overlong at 2 hours and the computerised flying recreation, although an interesting exercise, didn't really seem to prove anything much except that the wartime 'bomber boys' actually had to use their brains quite hard, whereas the current RAF - well, let's not be unkind ! And yet again, an OTT electro soundtrack was irritating, drowning out all engine noise at every opportunity.As usual, the veterans provided the real value of the programme, especially Ray Grayston's tribute to Les Knight. Fair enough, hopefully it introduced a new audience to the Dambuster story but overall, I'll stick with the film....
** BUMP ! ** Tally-ho, chaps - set those videos ! There's something WWII on at 8 as well, can't remember what it is, though.....
So Martin, what did you make of that? Have to say I enjoyed the programme, seemed to have much more of a point to it than C4's Dambusters show. Nice to hear from the veteran pilots, especially Geoffrey Wellum, as I read his memoirs ('First Light') a few months ago. Only problem I find is that having read a fair bit about the Spitfire/Mitchell story and the Battle of Britain, a lot of TV programmes simply don't tell me anything new. Throughout all the bits of aerial photography, though, I had this internal monologue that kept saying 'Those lucky, lucky bastards' over and over. Also liked the quote of their Tiger Moth instructor: 'Make love to the sky, don't shag it!'.
Well, I thought it was a nice programme, actually. Well thought-out and not too 'gimmicky', with really beautiful photography. And a brilliant selection of 'talking heads' - a great collection of surviving veterans, all of whom seemed to be on good form. Familiar faces such as Tom Neil and Bob Doe, but one or two other real 'aces' who usually keep a low profile such as Allan Wright ( ex 92 Squadron ) and 'Grumpy' Unwin of 19. And a soundtrack by Elgar, not Spinal Tap ! Looking forward to part II....
I suppose for once the programme was 'was advertised'. I actually thought they picked the two more personable men out of the four? This 'who will get 9 hours in a Spit' is an entertaining way of linking the war footage and talk. I’m just waiting for the bit where they spray boiling oil and glycol all over them while they jam the canopy and shoot holes through their legs – got be realistic ain’t it? Quite watchable - if you allow for the Spitfire bias of course No.9
Now that the series has finished any final thoughts on it? All in all I thought it was a well planned out show. Charting the progress of the four, then two and then one pilot alongside the build up to the final push from the Luftwaffe on September the 15th '45 was a very effective way to present the tale. I thought that perhaps some more time could have been spent on the final pilots experiences in flying the Spitfire. Although seeing the Battle of Britain veteran, I forget his name, flying the two seater at the end of the final program was very touching indeed and good ending to the series. I'm off to look in the 'What If' forums for a 'What if Britain lost the Battle of Britain?'
I liked the programme for the war footage and Veteran comments. Lovely flight shots. Very pleased Parks got a full measure of credit. As said before, the four men competing for a 9 hour stint made for an interesting link. Somehow I don’t think Joe Public would have viewed all episodes and there probably wasn’t enough blood’n’guts for the Play Station brigade, but I’m glad I taped the whole thing and will watch again in the future. They need to do one on Hurricanes and invite me. The instructors might learn a thing or two What?..............What’d I say?......... No.9
heh, nice one, 'Playstation Brigade' I'll have to remember that one Spent most of the last hour or so reading a very good post on Operation Sealion and whether or not the Luftwaffe could have made it safe for the German Army to invade. Know a thing or two about Hurricanes do we No.9 ?
The veteran flying Caroline Grace's Spitfire was Peter Brothers, ex-32 Squadron, who was one of the pilots depicted in a very famous 'Battle of Britain' photo taken at Hawkinge. Here he is, fourth from the left : - http://www.wlhg.freeuk.com/images/burley5.jpg
Well, let’s put it like this, on 15 September it was either the Big Wing or me. But the Luftwaffe would only play against the Big Wing, (even promised not to use my stretched version) No.9
Not sure I understand No.9? Thanks for the info Martin. On a related note I now know that there are atleast two Spitfires still flying, are there many more? Heh, just remembered one of my thoughts during the first program. How nervous must the two who got the chance to fly Mrs Graces Spit' have been? Not only were the flying a plane 60 years old, not only is it now worth £1 million (priceless in my opinion) but on top of that there was the emotional value that the plane must have had for Mrs Grace. Cripes, enough to give me the willies alone, let alone pulling a loop in the plane!
At last count there were 22 Spitfires in flying condition in the UK alone ( it was 23 until last month but a MkXVI just got sold to Canada....)
Thanks Martin, http://www.ml407.co.uk/pages/main.html A link to Caroline Graces webpage. www.warbirdalley.com approximates 50 Spits flying worldwide but I couldn't find any other sources to confirm this. Good to know!
