Some of the 4th FG and a lot of A-2s

[Brettafett]

Love this one Tim. Kid's going... "Yeah, yeah, old man. Whatever"

 

[Cocker]

You're welcome mate. If the old brain is not too fuzzy I seem to remember you were reading Goody's "Tumult in the Clouds" last year. Did you finish it and what did you think? I've read it a couple of times and find it a great read and quite evocative of the period and the characters in the 4th.

Sadly I never met the chap but he was apparently the most lovely fellow.

Indeed I did, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. It's, to date, one of my favorite WW2 book!

Currently reading RT smith's Tale of a Tiger, and it's on a good start to be propelled on the podium. The guy has an amazing writing style.

 

[Smithy]

Not the greatest photo but then again it's nice to try and remember everybody who flew with the 4th no matter how famous or successful they were.

So here we have Archie Chatterly in front of his Jug "California or Bust"

 

[Smithy]

Here's one for today...

LeRoy Gover of 336 with his Jug. Gover's wartime letters and diaries were used by Philip Caine to write the excellent bio of Gover called "Spitfires, Thunderbolts and Warm Beer". Apart from being a brilliant read it gets my vote for best title of a fighter pilot's memoir/bio yet.

 

[Cocker]

Noted, on my "to buy" list!

 

[Smithy]

It's a really good read Cédric, thoroughly enjoyable. Gover was an Eagle and then went into the 4th, his letters and diary writings also give a great impression of wartime England and what it was like to be a Yank in Blighty. Pick up a copy you won't regret it.

 

[Brettafett]

Ha, just bought it!

 

[Smithy]

You're in for a treat Brett!

 

[Smithy]

Rather good photo for today, Willard Gillette Jr of 334

 

[Smithy]

I seem to be on a run of "Dude of the Day" again and today we have...

1st Lt Clemens Fiedler of Texas. Fiedler was KIA on the 10th April 1944 attempting to bail out of his P-51B which had been hit attacking an aerodrome in France.

RIP

 

[Cocker]

Keep 'em coming, I'm really glad this post has been resurected!

 

[Smithy]

There's lots more to come, I've barely scratched the surface!

 

[Smithy]

Although there's only one A-2 in this photo, this one is a real cracker. Some of the boys outside the officer's mess at Debden, winter 1942/43 and as anyone will know if they're familiar with the 4th FG, seeing them in B-3s is very, very rare. And even a couple of Irvins to boot, remnants of their service with the Eagle Squadrons.

 

[Smithy]

We've had a few photos of Gentile before but I was inspired to post an image today of him and his P-47D "Donnie Boy" because I've just picked up a 1/48 Tamiya P-47D Razorback model kit and a decal sheet with the markings for Donnie Boy so I'm looking to build it shortly. Plus this is such a wonderful photo...

And just because we've had LeRoy Gover lately I thought I'd post this great pic of him in his A-2 with popped collar and as was popular with a few former Eagles from their RAF days, a polka dot silk scarf.

 

[Smithy]

And just to round out the Donnie Boy pics here's these ones...

And Troy White's painting of Don when he quite into a bit of a jam with a 190 over France whilst flying Donnie Boy...

 

[Smithy]

Haven't had a Dude of the Day for a few days so about time for another one.

Today it's Enoch "Nock" Jungling of 335...

 

[Smithy]

Dude of the Day for this Monday evening...

Capt Bob Hobert of 336 with his Jug, "Blue Goofis"

 

[Smithy]

No A-2 but this guy deserves a mention, Don Allen.

Don did the artwork on a huge amount of the 4th aircraft. Here he is painting Miss Dallas on Vic France's kite...

 

[Greg Gale]

Smithy, I colorized this one for you. Good luck with your P-47 kit!

 

[Officer Dibley]

That is outstanding Greg !