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Mr Toad
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« on: March 07, 2005, 07:17:42 pm » |
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Inspired by the book "Fighter Boys", I discovered that in June 1940 17 Squadron (Hurricanes) were based at the airfield in Le Mans during the war. In their spare time before evacuating back to Blighty they rode around the race track on Harley Davidson bikes borrowed from the Americans.
In honour of this, and to indulge in a bit of fun, we have established a replacement unit for June 2005 - 1664 Squadron, "The Wild Choppers". More to come here, but I thought you might appreciate a first glimpse at the squadron and some of it's kit - including 8 serviceable Mk II Choppers, 1 Budgie, 1 Tomahawk, and Willys Jeep...and 8 barking mad moustache wearing pilots of course....
Seen here at flight school last week, Sdn Ldr Toad takes Sdn Ldr Swiss, Flt Lt Doctor and Flt Sgt Baldrick through the type conversion course to the Mark 2 Chopper. We hope to have a flying display ready for the Friday before the race this year!
What do you think? Should I seek professional help or award myself another medal for dreaming this one up?
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Mr Toad
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« Reply #1 on: March 07, 2005, 07:20:20 pm » |
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Here you can see members of the squadron on the move...thanks to Big H for arranging the MB camping pass for this!
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Bobblehat
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« Reply #2 on: March 07, 2005, 07:31:35 pm » |
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"What do you think? Should I seek professional help or award myself another medal for dreaming this one up?" Both!  I look forward to seeing the full sqaudron scramble in June. |
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Snoring Rhino
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« Reply #3 on: March 07, 2005, 09:35:20 pm » |
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Barking, absolutly barking!!!
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Fran
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« Reply #4 on: March 07, 2005, 09:51:58 pm » |
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I say old chap - two of your crew are improperly attired. They seem to have left their moustaches in the mess hut.....  |
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DOCTOR
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« Reply #5 on: March 07, 2005, 09:52:55 pm » |
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The few never looked so good !
Toad, I think we should do a calendar.
Yahoooooooooooooooo!
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Matt Harper
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« Reply #6 on: March 07, 2005, 10:03:23 pm » |
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Very funny - particularly the dude in front of the Jeep who's so 'in character'.
It seems a huge amount of effort to go to - but the detail is what makes it good.
Looking forward to more ripping yarns and wizzard japes, old bean.
As an aside, I'd read that it was the blasted Bosche who occupied the circuit des 24 heures during the last skirmish I've seen old grainy photo's of those fokkers landing on the Hunnaudiers (in Heinkels) - presumably our chaps scarpered in the face of the advancing Hunn after '41.........
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If it\'s good and fast, it won\'t be cheap. If it\'s fast and cheap, it won\'t be good. If it\'s good and cheap, it won\'t be fast.
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DOCTOR
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« Reply #7 on: March 07, 2005, 10:29:33 pm » |
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I remember that scrap very well. Sqd Ldr Toad took us in (totally outnumberd by the way) the boche were taken completely by surprise, I remember old ginger bought it that day - very sad.
Still, we landed, did a lap or two and then back to the Officers lounge for tea and medals!!!
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DOCTOR
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« Reply #9 on: March 08, 2005, 01:47:00 pm » |
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matchlesspat
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« Reply #10 on: March 08, 2005, 11:58:46 pm » |
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Do you need an escort, not that type, genuine 1941 army Matchless with rider will be in Tertre Rouge from Wednesday evening, this picture from 2001, let me know, Pat:)
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Canada Phil
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« Reply #11 on: March 09, 2005, 12:01:20 am » |
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Say Yes MR Toad and I might finnaly get to meet Pat.
You must have the largest collection of Choppers outside a museum.
Canada Phil
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Mr Toad
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« Reply #12 on: March 09, 2005, 07:24:14 pm » |
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Pat - yes please! We are working on the timing plan for our displays so will keep you posted Do you wear a special uniform with a bike like that?! |
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matchlesspat
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« Reply #13 on: March 12, 2005, 12:05:24 am » |
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usually baggy long kakhi shorts, leather flying helmet or the metal DR helmet and gauntlets shown in the picture, Pat  |
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