There are few cultures that understand the value of knees. Germans, thankfully, understand their importance and contribution to history and to the future. It is true that men in shorts, not just German men, can have earnest discussions that other men cannot. That is why these fellows are hand-picked. Not only are they elite and tough they also have great knees.
We're taking it easy today on Stuka Sunday! You should too. So take the time to kick back, sit on a wing and ask the question of Fritz. Today? No?
They must have been giving away pilot's wings on the day all this lot turned up. I suppose not being surprised is a good thing in a way - but it wont make any difference too the number of very large and very dangerous bullets that can rip through air frames and people who happen to get in the way. Also if I was in that flying thing I'd be thinking "who decided to make a war plane with so much glass in it?" 
So much to like here. There's no escape for the Ace of Cowards. He's been caught out. He's even hemmed in by two broad borders of white space. Also the lighting is perfect, could the source be flames or should they be flames?! There's no mistaking the fear in his eyes. Also the detail in his sleeve with its folds and fabric seam are outstanding. Very easy to award this 10/10, so I will. 
Busy stuff being a pilot. What with the crawling and dealing with mines and wire there's hardly enough time to do any flying. However if something needs doing it needs doing right. Pilots are not like ordinary men. They know what needs doing with or without an aircraft. With one they soar above the clouds, without one they're happy to muck it around with the rest of the boys. Pilots are like men, but only better.
Look at all those suits...remember it is not a crime to be poor, only poorly dressed. By the looks of things those RAF boys know where things are at. No jump suits or onesies for these fellows! So after a spot of tea with the chaps it's time to get down to business. In this instance a quick word with the Wing-Commander. You would think for a W-C he would sport a moustache, but he more than makes up for it by carrying a rather fine tobacco pipe. Well done fellows. Well done!
Now this is smart thinking. Why take one wingman when you can have a whole wingload? Bob and Johnnie have this whole thing sorted. No doubt what one will do for the other the other will do for one. However in this case the benefits are many fold. 
Some fellows have it and by my goodness they know how to use it. Ignore those who exclaim it is too late. It is never too late. Shake that thing and shake it well. Here's one airman who will not be put off by the naysayers. Even after the largest explosion or the biggest bang or a blast of heat he will not be stopped. He has it and he knows it.
This one is broken I don't think it works anymore. Can we have another one? Some people are not allowed to have nice things and there's a good reason for that. They tend to break their own toys. Johnnie and his good friend here have done more than merely break this toy. They've broken it beyond repair. Should they be allowed to have another one? They clearly are responsible for the damage to this particular toy. However does that make them bad people? They may argue that some of the other, rougher boys are to blame. Are they really?
If you want something done, clearly something difficult, it would be wise to get a man to do it. This is not to say that other lot couldn't manage, but merely stating that if something difficult is required it requires the talents of those who understand how to make things difficult. This type of activity might appear simple but it really isn't. There are lockers to open. Cockpits to be leap from. Engine covers to drag. Engine covers to arrange. Ropes to be harnessed. Ropes to be knotted. Lockers to be closed. Dust to be excluded. Dust to be dealt with. All this and working in with another fellow with the same idea in his head with the paramount urgency. Clearly, even in a dust storm, if you want something done use men to get the job done.
When the shark-like in their lairs have no respite from the giant rending claws you know it's not going to be good day, depending on where you're standing of course. Concrete packed securely by the ton above your head usually offers a strong sense of security. However when it is gouged and shattered, it rapidly surrenders that security. What was was once a strength now becomes an intolerable weakness. Lurking is never a good thing and perhaps this climatic end is the inevitable reward for adhering to that strategy.
It's bad enough to suffer from stress and anxiety. It's also a dangerous combination to mingle pent-up grief and determination. Thankfully there's sufficient awareness about this now, but still men need to take more action. Sure a simple phone call to a counselling service or a visit to a GP could have helped Johnnie Gayton. But now it's too late - he's taken a smashing blow to his wing-root. Extreme physical pain will now mingle with his mental pain. Aaagh! indeed Mr Gayton. Aaagh! indeed!
There's stupid and then there's stupid. They're a funny lot these fellows who are formidably armed. Is this really the best idea? A head-on attack? Really? No wonder these jokers lost the war if this is the best they could come up with.
| Gun | Character | Title | Note | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| M1 Rifle | Himself | To Hell and Back | 1955 | |
| M1 Carbine | Himself | To Hell and Back | 1955 | |
| M1928A1 Thompson | Himself | To Hell and Back | mags taped together | 1955 |
| MG42 Light Machine Gun | Himself | To Hell and Back | 1955 | |
| Browning M2 Heavy Barrel | Himself | To Hell and Back | 1955 |
...an often discussed topic sure enough. They're an unhappy bunch this lot. They even have trouble smiling in the traditional sense that usually involves some joy. That fellow behind the Kaptain (why not Captain I hear you ask?) appears to be the only one of the crew who is doing anything worthwhile. There are no doubt many things to do on a submarine - like sink ships, avoid getting sunk and a whole host of other war things that should keep the men with beards happy. The question really is are they really? Given they are on the verge of discharging their duties as required and equally on the verge of receiving recognition for doing so you might be excused to expect that they should be well...buoyant. Perhaps this is what they as undersea boat men find irksome. Perhaps this is the reason for them to be without mirth. 
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