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Simon Birch · 11 November 2009, 12:57 AM

Gentlemen.

First of all thank you for getting in touch. I joined this forum in the hope of broadening my contacts and to fish about for what is actually out there and I will say that everyone as been more than helpful.

When I was twelve in my English class, each pupil had to give a ten minute talk on any subject he chose. Most picked rugby, soccer or some soon to be forgotten pop star. I picked the Sopwith Camel. My class mates studied me with a bored nonchalance as I went through engines, armament, what they did and why. I produced my home drawn pictures and pinned them to the blackboard. We were scored out of ten in two ways, originality of subject and presentation. I scored 9 for originality and 8 for presentation. The other class scholars were aghast that I had managed to pull it off. It did help however that I knew the master did a little flying himself, and I was granted peace and quiet for a term from him. I suspect W E Johns had a lot to do with my choice as at the time I was flying through the Biggles books myself.

I picked 65 Squadron because I wrote a low level book on the casualties of my old school and one of them was Captain Eric Guy Brookes D.F.C, himself an ace, and somehow got more attached to him than the others. From there grew my interest in the squadron so I started digging.

I am currently just finishing transcribing the diary of Airman Thomas Spencer and hopefully (copyright allowing) will start on those of Airman Morris Waldron shortly. Apart from that I have a reasonably complete set of combat reports and the Squadron history. Incidentally both of these came from Dallas University of all places, as they were cheaper and quicker than the National Archives here. As you may be aware there is an old Cross and Cockade article by Norman Franks & Frank Bailey which gives of the history. But I would like to add some meat to those bones and bring the character of the men involved as much as possible.

Greg – Had not thought to investigate the bleeding obvious and look at “Over the Front” particularly stupid has several of “my” pilots were American and Canadian. I cannot believe I did not think of that. Will sort that out this morning and thank you for pointing that out.

Russ – Mold is about 20 miles from here. It is small market town where nothing ever changes. The people are friendly and it is just a nice place to live. Small World.

Thanks Again Gents.

Best Wishes from Wales.

Simon

11 November 2009, 12:57 AM	#10 (permalink)
Simon Birch Observer Join Date: Apr 2009 Posts: 9	Gentlemen. First of all thank you for getting in touch. I joined this forum in the hope of broadening my contacts and to fish about for what is actually out there and I will say that everyone as been more than helpful. When I was twelve in my English class, each pupil had to give a ten minute talk on any subject he chose. Most picked rugby, soccer or some soon to be forgotten pop star. I picked the Sopwith Camel. My class mates studied me with a bored nonchalance as I went through engines, armament, what they did and why. I produced my home drawn pictures and pinned them to the blackboard. We were scored out of ten in two ways, originality of subject and presentation. I scored 9 for originality and 8 for presentation. The other class scholars were aghast that I had managed to pull it off. It did help however that I knew the master did a little flying himself, and I was granted peace and quiet for a term from him. I suspect W E Johns had a lot to do with my choice as at the time I was flying through the Biggles books myself. I picked 65 Squadron because I wrote a low level book on the casualties of my old school and one of them was Captain Eric Guy Brookes D.F.C, himself an ace, and somehow got more attached to him than the others. From there grew my interest in the squadron so I started digging. I am currently just finishing transcribing the diary of Airman Thomas Spencer and hopefully (copyright allowing) will start on those of Airman Morris Waldron shortly. Apart from that I have a reasonably complete set of combat reports and the Squadron history. Incidentally both of these came from Dallas University of all places, as they were cheaper and quicker than the National Archives here. As you may be aware there is an old Cross and Cockade article by Norman Franks & Frank Bailey which gives of the history. But I would like to add some meat to those bones and bring the character of the men involved as much as possible. Greg – Had not thought to investigate the bleeding obvious and look at “Over the Front” particularly stupid has several of “my” pilots were American and Canadian. I cannot believe I did not think of that. Will sort that out this morning and thank you for pointing that out. Russ – Mold is about 20 miles from here. It is small market town where nothing ever changes. The people are friendly and it is just a nice place to live. Small World. Thanks Again Gents. Best Wishes from Wales. Simon