This is a great story; it combines recklessness, redemption and regret. Also Brewster and Merrion are not carbon copy opposites of each others characters. However there are holes in this story big enough to fly a Lancaster bomber through. And it’s exactly this kind of chaotic story telling that I find enthralling.
First the great part…Garry Merrion is reckless (heard that used before?) and he screws up. The good point of the story is that he doesn't learn from his mistakes and continues to be reckless. I suppose a fighter pilot would need to be self assured and a more than reasonable level of audacity.
Due to Merrion’s stupidity Brewster is forced into a hazardous situation taking Merrion’s place on a mission. Brewster gets shot down, escapes capture and returns home to a hero’s welcome. During Brewster’s adventures Merrion is quietly reassigned to another squadron.
In the end Merrion redeems himself with some old fashioned self sacrifice – but not in the standard two dimensional “the bombers will get through” or even “at least he put on a good show and died like a man”
Merrion stays true to character and remains careless. He isn't driven by any revelations as he comes to the rescue of the Brewster. But he doesn't anticipate that the price of his bravado will be a lonely death in the sea. Brewster regrets Merrion’s end.
Now the holes…If the CO was such a stickler for following orders – why does he take on an additional target? Why didn't he target the U-boat pens? And why is one anti aircraft gun so much trouble when only moments before the squadron was determined to fly through a veritable flak valley of death to get to the target? Also why doesn't the rest of the Mosquito flight escort Merrion back across the Channel?
Merrion’s flawed character and tragic ending really make this story.
Boy is he mad. He you can almost smell the moustache wax melting.
Nice Me109. Even nicer AAAGH!
Brewster delivering some manly instructions to the chaps.
A lonely end for Garry Merrion.
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