Folks,

C51-Dux:

LOLFOFLMAO!

All this talk about birds, boobies and beavers (in the English slang sense of the words)is getting me excited. It may surprise you to know that, in spite of those Austin Powers movies, baby, the term shag has an entirely different meaning here. Here in the Carolinas 'shag' refers to a particular type of dance that became popular in the sixties along our beaches.

In many respects it is a lively dance form much like the bop. It's own brand of music seemed to be required so several bands grew to local prominence playing what became known as "Beach Music". These were bands like 'The Embers' and 'The Hot Nuts' (I'm not kidding), The Chairmen of the Board, The Tams and the O'kasions. Large week-end dances became quite the thing along the coast back in the 60s. They are experiencing a revival of sorts today as grand children are being exposed to the fun.

If you have ever heard the popular song "I'm a girl watcher" that is a beach music song.

Folks,

I saw no unusual birdies during my river walk this morning. We have a North wind that promises us our first dip into freezing temps tonight but all that was required to remain comfortable this morning was a light jacket over my jogging suit.

I was returning home and almost within sight of the main house when, out of a thicket beside the path, bounded a small doe. Her light buff coat was resplendent in the morning sun and as she bounded across the path and into the woods on the other side, her snow white tail was proudly held high. She must have been just showing off for she had nothing to dread from the likes of me.

I have been noticing the signs that the herd was moving into their winter quarters on our side of the river for several weeks now. They have been bedding down at night in the tall grasses beside my path. Somehow they know hunters will not follow them over here onto private land. It was nice to see a healthy specimen so close up. Mostly in summer we see them at a distance in a farmer's soybean field at dusk or piled into a pitiful bloody heap by the side of a highway. Deer and man are struggling for the same land and in spite of that the deer population seems to be thriving.

A buck once raced beside our son's car for some distance continuing onto a highway overpass from which it leaped to its untimely death. Nearly everyone who drives around here has had or will have an encounter with a deer on the public highway at some point.

I managed another quick mission in BoB2 last night. Once again I found myself at a few thousand feet over Kenly. This time I was flying for the Fuhrer and bent upon revenge having heard of the hideous atrocities committed by a person or persons unknown upon the bodies of two of our bomber crew men who had crash landed.

I got my licks in but could not get anything to fall in spite of judicious use of my 20 mm shells. Every time I was about to administer the last rites to an unfortunate Limey one of my greedy comrades stuck his yellow beak in and shot the hapless foe down for me. Thank you very little. This will stop or I'm going to write a nasty letter to their mutters.

Folks,

I shamefully admit that it is somewhat unusual to begin a post with a mission report these days. Too often we come and go completely off topic, but not tonight. I managed another mission late this afternoon. Here is what happened:

We were a detached escort of 109s. Participating in the raid were contingents of K51/I, 276/III, K51/II and Z26/I. The targets were Portsmouth Naval yard and the Ventnor RDF station. We had 100 JU 88s from KG51. No less than 94 enemy ships, Spits and Hurris, responded in plenty of time to make a real nuisance of themselves. We mixed it up 6 miles SE of Bognor Regis at angels 14.

I have not often seen the RAF so anxious for a scrap. Time and again I took head-on passes from both Spits and Hurricanes. At one point I found myself in the clutches of two determined Spitfires. They begged me to turn with them for a time but I courteously demurred. Instead, I dove away from the fight then I zoomed and I boomed, I twisted and I turned until the tails were turned. One of the Spits, to his great discomfort, now found me snapping on his tail. Pieces flew from the stricken aircraft and then a wing folded. I never saw a chute, I hope he got out. His wingman had lost us for a time, just long enough for me to deal with his pal and then pick him up with the advantage of height. I fell upon the wingman with my canonen blazing. I do not think he ever saw me coming.

Gruppen losses were 3 damaged, 7 destroyed with the loss of 6 crewmen. The enemy losses were greater than ours however the raid results were not optimal. It looks like the diamonds have once more evaded me. Not since C51 farted in the presence of our Fuhrer have I felt such mixed emotions.

Gents,

JRT, flying for the other fellas can be so satisfying, especially with those canons. You did rather well. You not only got back alive, you actually popped off a couple of bullseyes. It is indeed inspirational to hear those mission reports.
Sorry, must fly!

Folks,

C51:

By "must fly" do you mean takeoff is imminent? May we therefore expect an action report from you soon? I hope so. Surely everyone is tiring of reading mine. None of us can run this game with all its bells clanging and whistles blowing save for our esteemed Danish pilot MG. It is hoped that we will receive a report from him soon. Might we also expect some tantalizing screenies?

My river walk today was uneventful except for the eye-widening glory of fall. The only wildlife that I encountered were a few basking turtles sunning themselves after out first freeze last night. One or two slid silently back into the cold, brown water, the rest, possibly had not yet warmed enough, they clung tightly to their logs and ignored me.

Gents,

JRT, as a matter of fact I am indeed in 'takeoff' mode, it is rather warm here this weekend for a November day, so I am presently taking off a few items of clothing. I am surprised that you would request an action report, but what the heck, if I encounter any action I'm always happy to comply.

But enough of this, must do some aviation warfare..........

Folks,

C51:

I have learned that finding a young lady who is also in takeoff mode is at the least double the pleasure and double the fun.

My eldest grandson and I flew a quick mission yesterday. He did an exceptionally good job for there is at least one less 109 shadow darkening the soil of France.

Gents,

I have survived yet another foray into the regions of excess, namely, my uncle's 100th birthday bash. There were several woman to every bloke and a few red faces when tales of yesteryear were recounted. A good laugh was had by all except for the small minority who looked as though they had just been to a bible presentation ceremony - and even they had loosened their drawers by midnight.

You know what these family get togethers can be like. I wasn't confident that I would be there very long - an hour at most - but thing gradually warmed up and only ended when we staggered out in the early hours. I glanced back at my esteemed uncle who was draining his umpteenth pint of lager.

Yes chaps...I'm looking forward to my eventual Queen's birthday greeting card, personally signed by Her Majesty. Or will it be His Majesty by then?

Folks,

Dux:

Congratulations are not only in order they are also rattling around in your rust encrusted mailbox.

Once Hurricane, now tropical depression Ida is bearing down upon us. We are beginning to feel her presence here in Carolina. We expect some heavy rain and some wind today and tomorrow. No real threat however I have learned never to turn your back on these storms even when they seem to be weakening.

A pal of C51 writes that he is somewhat worse for wear and covered with bandages. He is definitely considering resigning from the Canadian Polar Bear Artificial Insemination Team.

JRT,

Email duly responded to - with thanks.

Hurricanes in the Gulf usually get a mention over here. Ida is known unto us.