last connection - alex , dan-san , norman et al

[Barrett]

Norman's suggestion undoubtedly would find an audience among serious buffs. "The Aces Speak" was the title of one of Eric Hammel's book, but the concept remains attractive. Whether Osprey would undertake it seems doubtful. I spent a lot of time & effort on a proposal to the firm's hardcover dept, postulating that the Age of the Ace is over and unlikely to return, so now's a good time to reassess. But the process became long & involved, and ultimately the project fizzled.

[Sreiko]

In the late '80 and early '90 when I get into some serious search about the aviation, in my country, yes the big one... Yugoslavia, was only one living WW1 pilot, Aleksandar De Roko, but he soon died so I never met any living WW1 pilot. Only their families later.

Excellent topic!!

[alex_revell]

[post removed by moderator, aac - personal attack on fellow forum member]

[Ginger.]

Alex makes a good point. On one of the forums I visit a WW2 Veteran contributes regularly. Several posters have brought into question his authenticity, one clown called him a 'bullshitter', saying that real old soldiers never speak about their experiences and people in their eighties cannot be computer literate... hence he was a fraud!
The Veteran in question has, in his time, seen the backs of the Waffen SS so wasn't overly intimidated by this idiot. He responded with some some vigour and earthy language which I for one found highly amusing.

[FOKKERJ]

Originally Posted by alex_revell

[quote removed by moderator, aac]

Dear Alex,

Personally, I like Taz, so I will leave him out of this.

It might amaze you just how many people can conceive how the "mind set" was a hundred years ago. People tended to be more innocent and reserved. Education and pedigree played a major role in status and other affairs.
Nobody is perfect though and some of these young men were able to learn about the reality of life and death through warfare, bullets don't care who you are.

I hope that your recollections and or records don't go to the grave with you, but are either published by you or contributed in a joint effort along with other's great personal stories. Just my pfennig's worth.


Best Wishes, Jay aka FOKKERJ

P.S. Some of the best stories I have heard first hand were over a drink when people can loosen up and share things that might otherwise go unsaid. It can also cause exaggerations, but definetly it is usually more humorous.
Time can and does play hard on the memory.

[Fill]

Dear Mr Revell
Yes Sir, I totally understand if you want to not write about things that have been a cause of pain in the past . Without trying to sway your feelings on this I would just like to add . This thread is as much about " your " feelings and memories of those precious times as any by the amazing men you knew . I for one would just love to know what it was like for Alex Revell ... historian and musician , when he met these gents he no doubt admired so much . How old were you , how did you feel .... what ever memories you wanted to pass on to us .
And if any man would wish to be disrespectful to words like that ...well then they are no man .
Sir , please believe me , this is not about who is right and who is wrong ... you are our scout pilot now ..you met them . We would love to hear if you feel you can .
Thank you for you reply Mr Revell .

[FliegerJG1]

These stories and memories are valuable pieces of history and really need to be preserved for future generations. There's great value in whatever they offer. As I work regularly with museum archives, I know from experience that the smallest detail can mean a lot. If somebody doesn't care for them, then that's THEIR loss. All the rest of us can be much richer for their preservation.

FliegerJG1

[alex_revell]

Originally Posted by FOKKERJ

It might amaze you just how many people can conceive how the "mind set" was a hundred years ago. People tended to be more innocent and reserved. Education and pedigree played a major role in status and other affairs.

Fokker,
People may well be able to achieve some kind of knowledge of the mind set of people in the past, through letters, diaries etc. But in my opinion, to gain an understanding of their moral and ethical values, by which lived in the ethos of their time, and to get a real insight one needs to met the actual people.

[crankcase]

It's a pity I lost context on the replies to a suppressed posting. Is there any way to restore the "legitimate" part of that posting?
marc

[Sreiko]

Originally Posted by alex_revell

People may well be able to achieve some kind of knowledge of the mind set of people in the past, through letters, diaries etc. But in my opinion, to gain an understanding of their moral and ethical values, by which lived in the ethos of their time, and to get a real insight one needs to met the actual people.

True Nice to met you Alex