The 289 Register News No 37 Autumn 2010 | Page 14

driving from Wing Co saw us using our final piece of ammo, (bullet style 8amp fuse). With more reserved driving made it to ferry in good time but got absolutely drenched in flash rain storm 30mins from Zeebrugge. Big thanks to all of you for your friendship and acceptance. Many great conversations have left a big imprint upon me. We definitely went beyond ‘inane drivel’. Great memories, great company and lots of stories to relate to those who’ll listen. Thanks for making it happen Bill. Next sortie over Silverstone? Looking forward to meeting you all again. Le deagh dhùrachd 9 From: Martin Young Dear Marg, As you know I am a regular reader of the ‘Cobra Chronicle’ and wondered whether I could trouble you with a further request for your advice. I have recently returned from a few days holiday in France . In addition to finding myself with people who spoke as if WW2 was still going on, I found it was fun to hang out with men who were prone to wearing strange clothing, driving sideways, covering themselves in oil and grease, wearing latex gloves and to taking their cars apart by the side of the road – often leaving some it’s components by the way-side as if to ‘mark’ their progress. I also found that these people could substitute for sleep by quadrupling their alcohol consumption and that whichever one of them has, what I believe is called a ‘Tom Tom’, is hailed as Chief and High Lord for that evening’s ritual procession back to the communal dwelling house. It is going to be a two year wait before I am able to meet these rather strange people again in France and I find that I am rather saddened at this thought, as I really rather enjoyed their company. Am I normal? From: Bill Telford My Dearest Martin (Blackdog), I must reassure you that you are not the only one with such emotions. It would seem that all the other “strange people” are having similar feelings too, so please console yourself and don’t fret. I am sure that the mental damage & scaring will heal in a period of time and you will be back to your normal self. Lie down in a darkened room for a week and take some strong medication, that should do it. Alternatively, get your 289 motor car out of the garage (once repaired) and give her what for, that should be just the ticket. Please be assured that you are normal. Carry on, stiff upper lip you know. From: Simon Knapton (co-pilot, Flying Banana) Saturd