You know how it is when you get older. You don't always want too much excitement. My human Grandpa (Gail's Dad) is nearly 88 years and these days he likes to stay at home.
Well I'm pleased to say that, despite being no spring chicken myself (14th birthday VERY SOON - 9th November, in case you're wondering) I still enjoy exploring new places.
Today, I persuaded Gail to drive me 40 miles north, to the old site of Boyndie aerodrome near Portsoy, so we could check out the memorial commemorating those brave airmen from the Banff Strike Wing who died in World War Two.
You see, Gail's Dad was one of the lucky survivors. He was an RAF pilot from 248 Squadron, flying mosquitos and stationed up here in 1944-5. And I guess he had quite enough excitement during that period to last a lifetime.
This is what the place looks like now. Quiet fields, woods and a wind farm, glowing in the soft autumn sunshine.
It was all rather different in 1945.
The mosquito squadrons based at Boyndie were flying sorties across the North Sea, firing rockets on German shipping around the coast of Norway in the closing stages of the war.
Just imagine flying all those hundreds of miles and facing enemy fire in a tiny little plane made out of plywood.
You know what - I am so glad it's all peaceful now. I'll tell you about the nice walk we had along the nearby cliffs in my next post.
12 comments:
Ah....and there you are in front of the 248 marker. It looks like a great sunny day for a walkie. Do you wear a sweater on chilly days? Its been hot as all get out here, we've had record highs like 92. SHE says it's too flippin humid n hot for even Floriduh. Usually this time of the year its cool enuff for a sweater at night. I'd love to come ramble with you sometime.
Give yer Grandad a warm snuggle from me and tell him thank you for all he did during WW2.
arroooooooo,
Bonnie
14? You look like a spring chicken. That sure does look like a neat place, Did you have to do a lot of pursuading...any way it worked
Happy Day
Benny & Lily
Its good that you and Gail honored your Dad/Grandad's service by visiting this place. He will be pleased to get some pictures, I'd guess, and to know you were there.
Hamish, you and my Mom have close birthdays! Hers is November 16th and while she is older in people years, you are older in dog years! Ha!
Kisses,
Stella
Hey there Hamish (and Gail)
That was all very interesting! We always learn a lot from your posts.
My Mom's own father would have been 89 this year and ironically he was a "Pilot instructor" during the war for the RAF. He was a trainer for pilots here in South Africa. He was always unhappy that he wasn't sent up north himself, but it seems that it was more important - to the effort- for him to remain in SA to do the instructing.
Those were difficult times and times nearly forgotten. Do send our greetings to your father, wishing him well from all of us... and thanks for the pictures and the post.
(I'm really hoping that my short-term memory will hold and that I wont forget your birthday on the
9th!)
Lotsalicks
MAXDOG IN SOUTH AFRICA
Hamish. We always like posts that teach us a little history - from all places in the world. Thank you for this one, honoring the brave contribution your Grandpa made during the war. We are sure it will make him feel proud and pleased. That's a nice almost-birthday gift in and of itself!
Warm wishes for a happy Sunday
Jake and Fergi xxoo
Hi Hamish,
Your Grandpa must look back and reflect on those years. We can only imagine how hard that must have been.
He will actually have known a lot of those airmen who sadly have not had the priviledge of growing old.
We are glad he is now enjoying a quieter life - we reckon he did have quite enough excitement in his youth.
We liked seeing you in your prime relaxing in the now quiet fields.
We expect your Grandpa will like to see that too.
We look forward to hearing about the cliff walk!
Have a nice Sunday - pouring with rain here. We are relaxing after the trauma of little monsters coming to the door last night!!!
We had to give them sweets to make them go away. Will we dogs ever understand these humans?
love and kisses
Martha & Bailey xxxxx
It looks like you had a wonderful day reminiscing. Our Grandpa was a WWII Vet also, but he passed away 2 years ago at the age of 89. Please enjoy your Grandpa as much as you can because we miss ours so much.
XOXO
Lilly, Piper, Carrleigh and Java
Oh yes! So much better now. Thank you for sharing all the history with us. It important to still remember it. Even though it seem like a billion years ago now.
~lickies, Ludo
Hamish what a wagging walk, honouring your Grandpa.Such courageous men.Women too of course. We owe them everything says Mom. Think she's right. Take it easy Hamish though you look pretty good on it old chap.Perhaps I'll wag up for a tincture or two with you. Break open one of the finest.And scarf down a few of your famous deep fried carob Mars bars.
Wiry wags n kisses Eric xxx
A really interesting post Hamish. Good to see you are keeping your hooman active and taking her out and about.
Molly, Taffy and Monty
A really interesting post Hamish. Good to see you are keeping your hooman active and taking her out and about.
Molly, Taffy and Monty
Whoa! What a great post Hamish! Hey, don't worry about getting old. My peeps' Scottie, BoBo, made it waaaay past 14. So you've got lots of walkies left to do.
Roo Roo,
Stuart
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