[SOC] B-52s

[Ian C. Purdie]

> >I *like* aeroplanes...

Heh, heh. What boy didn't? I was totally obsessed as a young fellow, my entire
life, my ultimate dream.

A father in the RAAF, a big brother who I hero worshipped serving most of his
Navy time on an aircraft carrier or when shore based located at HMAS Albatross
which was the Naval Air station, the other brother stationed closer to home on
another naval air station.

My bedroom ceiling was festooned with models of Spitfires, Mustangs, Zero's you
name it all hanging down, all lovingly crafted by a 12 - 14 year old kid.

Biggles was my number 2 hero, Douglas Bader first, fellows in the district who
flew missions over europe or the pacific were also living heros to me.

Didn't have the experiences you chaps had. Spent many a school holiday at HMAS
Albatross hanging over the boundary fence watching naval aircraft take off. As my
father had joined the air force in 1930 after serving in the navy it seems that
all his kids have hung over fences watching all manner of aircraft, mine were all
1956 vintage...

>From Mr. Ripley's "Believe it or Not":

After my 18th birthday in 1960 I had realised my life ambition in being accepted
for training in the Royal Australian Navy as a pilot, my brothers were
diabolically opposed and the Lt. Commander [Recruiting] was delegated to speak to
my father and obtain his consent.

That night the Prime minister of Australia announced in parliament the abolition
of the Fleet Air Arm. I later joined the Australian Army just to be different
from everyone else...

None of the exciting stuff you guys reported.


72/73's

Ian C. Purdie
Budgewoi N.S.W. Australia - Co-ords S33�14', E151�34'
VK2TIP "I'll give ya the TIP mate" QRP-L #1978. SOC #171 FP#91
http://www.electronics-tutorials.com/