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.
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
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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