Been there,done that!!
After the Wing Battle of Britain parade a few years ago,myself & a couple of other drummers from the pipe band,were whetting our whistles in the Wing mess.(Drummers always make sure they get there first) at a round table that seated ten.Along comes this elderly gentleman(a French Canadian)and his girlfriend in full air force blues,together with a rack above his left breat pocket,and a ribbon with what looked like a white maltese cross around his neck.So,after sittig down & complementing us on the outstanding job we did on parade,and how proud he was to see the Air Force tartan on parade,the conversation went flat,as we sipped our beer(he was drinking gin & tonic).So numbnuts here asks him if he was in the war!!Yes,he flew spits in the Battle of Britain.Oh,says I what is that 1st medal with the cross & blue diagonal lines on a white background.That is the Distinguished Flying Cross,says he as my facial color starts to turn.Ok,trying to cheer my buddies up,what is that cross around your neck for?This is thee OBE for being a nightfighter,defending London during the raids.How many did you shoot down.I think 18 says he.At this point I didn't notice my buddies evacuate the table.So,sheepishly,I shook his hand,got up,& stayed near the bar for the rest od the day nursing my ego.
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