Thursday 4th February
Today would have been my father’s eighty fourth birthday.
He succumbed to pancreatic cancer in October 2009.
He was a fighter pilot and flew many different aircraft, all over the world.
The poem, High Flight, by John Gillespie Magee, an American, serving with the RCAF, flying spitfires in WWII, seems a very apt and appropriate tribute to my father.
My father, flying the lightning in the foreground, for 56 squadron
My father visiting the Canadian RAF, in front of a starfighter
My father bringing the fleeing Shah of Persia to England in an English Electric Lightning
My father, in front of his F4 phantom
Phantoms, 43 squadron in formation
My father, in his phantom, shadowing a Russian 'bear'
My father with members of the Blue Angels aerobatic team
My father, teaching Prince Charles to fly the phantom
56 squadron in Cyprus. My father exiting his lightning
My father, on board his yacht Rum Raisin
Hank n Frank, Tobago, 2002
In the last picture, here you are with your grandfather Hank.
(He disliked the names of Dad, Daddy, Father, Grandfather; so everyone called him Hank.)
We had so many wonderful sailing adventures with him on board his yachts.
Give each other a hug.
Miss you, my Angel father, Hank.
Love you, my Angel son, Frank.
Flying high together.
xxx xxx
The Journey of My Left Foot (whilst remembering my son) 
Touching, this brought some tears to my eyes.
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Ahhhh. Thank you x
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My father, still living, is also a pilot. Aren’t they bold? i really enjoyed these photos and your memories. Thank you for sharing them.
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Thank you.
Fighter pilots are indeed bold.
x
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Wow, great photos! Those are awesome. My dad and grandfather were in the Air Force, not pilots, but still in and around aircraft. What a nice tribute to your dad.
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Thank you.
I used to love watching the planes taking off, doing their formation flying, and hearing the scream of the jet engines.
x
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I like the poses in front of each plane. And the photo with prince Charles, wow! Was he excited about that?
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My father loved posing!
His time with Prince Charles was certainly an amazing time ~ both my father and my mum dined out with him.
My mum, somewhere, still has the black fringed, cocktail dress that she wore for the occasion.
x
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Wow, that’s so special! Thanks for sharing your stories. xo
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You’re so welcome x
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Lovely photos! Thanks for sharing!
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Many thanks x
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Fab Memories…….Hugs!
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Thank you.
Hugs back x
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Wow! So that’s where you get your courage and strength from… Amazing photos – some of the best I’ve seen in ages. I’m sure Hank is taking good care of Frank and vice versa. I found this such a beautiful post.
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Thank you so very much.
Would love to think both Hank and Frank are taking care of each other too.
Most kind x
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Fabulous photos and a dad and granddad to be proud of!!
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Awwww. Thank you so much x
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Well it is true! 🙂
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Thanks x
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Wow! You what great memories to share. I see why you’re so proud of your dad.
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Ahhh. Thank you very much indeed.
x
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You are very welcome!😀
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Such wonderful and proud memories. Thanks so much for sharing your photos. xx
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Thank you for enjoying them x
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What a comfort to think of your dad and son together.
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Thank you.
Yes, I do wonder what they are up to.
x
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I was moved by the photos. The arrangement of the pictures told the whole story. Beautiful post!
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Thank you so much.
I’m glad you enjoyed the photos.
x
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It’s my pleasure…
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xoxo
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What amazing men you had in your life. Now you have them both watching over you. Beautiful memories ❤️
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Thank you so much for your lovely words x
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You’re welcome xo
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Thank you for showing the photos of your father. He must have been a great and wonderful man. 😀 ❤
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Ahhhh, thank you.
He certainly lived a full, well-travelled, fascinating life.
x
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That F4 shot is amazing. A lovely tribute in words and images 🙂
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Many thanks.
Much appreciated x
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Wonderful tribute to your dad who accomplished so much in his lifetime.
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Thank you very much indeed; we had some great adventures together.
x
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Hi MeRaw. You must be so proud wonderful memories! Thank you for sharing! And liking “The Bench!” be Safe#TheFoureyedPoet.
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Thank you.
Take care.
x
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One of my favorite poems.
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The words are wonderful, aren’t they.
x
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Hi – my father was the CO of the sister squadron at Wattisham when your father was there
You can contact me on Twitter at @blickyian
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Hello Ian… I do remember you from Wattisham, and your father with 111 squadron, think it was?
Wow, many, many years ago now. Attending Ringshall County Primary School, and living in Blenheim Drive?
I have found you on Twitter, and think your photography is absolutely amazing; so many memories for me, looking at all the aircraft.
(I’m @wildblu)
Hope you are well and staying safe in these strange times.
Take good care.
Melanie x
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