I don't normally go for RIP threads but in my opinion Sqd Ldr Wellum is deserving of all the accolades the British public can bestow on him along with the rest of his generation.
I remember reading his book for the first time. It a fantastic discription of the Battle of Britain. Shocking, heart warming and funny all at the same time. Well worth a read if you have not had the chance.
We owe him and his fellow airman a lot.
RIP Geoffrey. There can't be many of "The Few" left now.
His book First Light is a fantastic read and well worth tracking down. He is very honest about the fear, jubilation, sorrow and about his own nervous breakdown brought on by years of aerial fighting. A true hero like the many others who gave so much for future generations.
Edited to add I think there was a TV drama I saw a few years ago documenting his career based on the book.
Last edited by Cat7; 20th July 2018 at 08:42.
Very sad to hear this. His book First Light is a fascinating, honest book.
We owe him, his fellow airman and all who served such a lot.
Rest in peace
RIP Squadron Leader Wellum.
I too saw the documentary. He was the youngest pilot during the Battle of Britain to see active service at 18 y.o.
Without the ‘few’, I may not have been here.
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RIP Geoffrey Wellum... bless you and thank you. So many brave stories told by so few. I visited RAF Tangmere a couple of weeks ago (I know Wellum was at Biggin Hill) some of the flying aces like D. Bader were stationed there.. very touching to read the lives and incidents of these stoic fighter pilots who were so young.
RAF Tangmere is well worth a visit to remember these flying heroes. Good 2-3 hrs visit.
A news link with a short video clip. RIP
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-cornwall-44895703
Rest well Sir, thank you for your bravery and sacrifice, you shall never be forgotten.
In full agreement with the OP a man worthy of our gratitude and remembrance.
RIP sir.
His was an incredible story of a really young man at the sharp end in the Battle of Britain.
I know Biggin Hill well living not far away as a kid I used to often walk up to the gates to gaze upon the Spitfire and Hurricane standing there.
Cheers,
Neil.
Just ordered it on Amazon.... so few of these real hero's left now :-(Originally Posted by TerryT
Well said all.
I raise my glass and doff my hat to you Sir.
When you see what heros like Squadron Leader Wellum achieved, and had to deal with, in their late teens and early 20s, it makes the nonsense by Manchester University students (reported yesterday) seem all the more sickening.
I saw this sad news earlier, and luckily my local library has an ebook version of his book, so I'll be reading it shortly. A true hero, RIP.
F.T.F.A.
Blue sky's Boy. May you Rest in Peace and Rise in Glory.
Always flying.
RIP
I have an uncorrected proof copy of First Light. I think that will be my bedtime reading tonight.
A life well lived - a hero of mine
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RIP - a true hero and a true gentleman. We owe a massive amount to the people that served this country during those horrific battles. Sleep well Sir.
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And Mary Ellis has followed aged 101.
Blue skies all the way.
First Light is a great book.
Thoroughly recommend it.
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