The Life of a fighter pilot. Battle of Britain 1940
The Life of a fighter pilot. Battle of Britain 1940. 4 am. Woken with a hand on my shoulder. Tea Sir! 4 o clock. Tea is hot, strong and scolds as I try and get ready. Quick dry shave, quick wash- no warm water yet. Quickly dressing into uniform, Irvin jacket, I pick up gloves, stuff feet into boots, I finish slurping my tea as I walk to get breakfast. "Morning Adams, says Parky, my Flight Leader. "Another Beautiful day!" he says heavy with irony. For now I get toast, jam, more tea- The second breakfast usually follows the first early mission when we get egg and bacon, toast and coffee, for those lucky to return. Sometimes you can bag an unclaimed egg! I quickly glance up and read the orders, the notes, check what time we are due out to Dispersal-"What time Jonesey?"... Oh! It is now! Off we troop to the waiting lorry, pile in and drive around the perimetre track the quarter mile. Shriek of brakes binding on. Shouts, humorous jokes to the driver-off we...