Another brave man bites the dust

This, in memory of the late Wing Commander Len Ratcliff who features in the Daily Telegraph obits today.  He died recently at the ripe old age of 96 which was considerably longer than he might have expected given his hazardous duties during WWII.  He qualified as a bomber pilot but later he was switched to special operations where he flew various aircraft dropping supplies and agents into occupied Europe.

Ratcliff (centre) studying a photograph to select a dropping zone

Later, he learned to fly single-engine Lysanders which, though slow and tiny, was the perfect means of slipping into Europe at night to deliver SOE agents and supplies to various resistance movements.

One of those remarkable men and women agents of SOE he delivered was the late Wing Commander Yeo-Thomas known to the Gestapo as 'The White Rabbit'.  The advantage of the Lysander was that it could land on very tiny fields - provided you could find them.  Ratcliff undertook a navigation course and became a master at it.

Occasionally the fates are kind and I am glad they gave this gallant airman a long and good life.

 

Comments

[Cuffleyburgers]

Thank you Duffers for this. Inspirational.

[JK]

Uhm ... David?

After reading the obit you've pointed to, I wandered about abit. What's it all about Alfie (David)?

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2016/04/09/further-crazy-experiment-in-quantitative-easing-is-possible/

[David Duff]

I'm not sure, JK, which of Mr. Halligan's two points you are referring to. Even I, a great pretender, cannot pretend that I have any detailed knowledge on international finance - except that central banks printing money will end in tears before bedtime!

As for Brexit, I am, as you know, a foot soldier for VOTE LEAVE, if not yet a General but I can assure you that the only sensible thing for us Brits to do is hit the exit running!

[jimmy glesga]

One of the few things that bring a tear to my eye is when British and Allied veterans die
and when David cracks jokes about Glesweggies. People are so sensitive nowadays. I think the EU coud get round to banning laughter and un PC jokes.
We are on the verge of getting rid of this useless gravy train of self important useless MEP'S, lets hope the British rise to the occasion.