For those who missed it first time round, UK Channel 4 is repeating the 'Spitfire Ace' series, where four present day pilots are taken and trained up to BoB standard, with the 'winner' flying a Spitfire. Plenty of good stuff, and interviews with BoB pilots including Bob Doe and Geoffrey Wellum ('First Light').
The bad news is that it's at 7.30 and clashes with 'Corrie'!

Just don't get the book lol

I will presume that they will probably not bother to re-arrange for the Spitfire experience at Duxford.

Or the chance for a few lucky people (yep me included but not being smug guys) to sit in a WW2 Spitfire!

I find the depth of these programmes at times appaling.

BUT - I find it simply stunning that there is such an interest in WW2 history that British TV produces these type of programmes at all!

Certainly better then the post 80's "all British war history is racist history" (my quote!) view point.

A lot of people, have a growing interest in an all too sadly avoided period of time in this isle in which I live.

I do not feel ashamed of my nations WW1 and WW2 history at all.

Most especially those glorious boys of 39-40 who flew the Battle of France and The Battle of Britian!

And just see this chaps face as he pilots a Spitfire.

And then what a 78 yr old + vet does in it when he is given control.

And then try and stop the tears of pride!

The cat

Watched the last episode again tonight. A really excellent series. Wonderful images of the Spitfire in flight and some very good historic footage. The reminiscences of those who were there were fascinating and moving.

There was also a good selection of historians and experts adding commentary. Stephen Bungay in particular. I rather hope he turns his attention to Bomber Command one day.

I'm curious to know why Zander says 'don't buy the book' - presumably 'First Light'??

Not sure if you're saying that zander or someone else said don't buy 'First Light'.
If that is the case, don't listen. It's a bloody brilliant book imo.

Thanks for that - yes, he/she did. And, partially because I was 'there', I rate it as the best that has come out. In my 'typically modest way', I rang Geoffrey to say so!!

First Light is a superb book and I have read many many on the subject, I could not put it down!! But I think to be fair to Zander he means the book "Spitfire Ace" about the series, and as I have not looked at it I cannot comment but its in book shops in the UK now. Also read Nine Lives if you can find it by Alan Deere.

Airforce, what do you mean you were 'there'?

James - I'm glad to hear that. Didn't know that the Ace had a book.

Bully - maybe I should more properly have said that I 'was partially there'? I survived the Battle by being hospitalised on 16 Aug. Didn't rejoin till 2 Oct. So, with huge thanks to the chap who caused it, I missed the hell that all the others went through.

Apologies - the 'airforce' name used above slipped in by mistake - although there are, of course, airforce connections. Please forget it! = timmo

I take my proverbial hat off to you timmo and all your colleagues. We owe you so much.
Have you played BoB? If so, does it go any small way to replicating what it was like to fly one of those wonderful aircraft in combat or even just in flight?

On behalf of 'all the others', thanks for the thought. No! I've had a look at downloads & things & can't find any obvious way to get into it.

But then, at my age, what can one expect??

I saw the 109-v-Spit thing which was very impressive. Made me very air-sick!!

Timmo, you're never too old

When the new game comes out there are sure to be quite a few new videos and still shots posted on the web. I must say, the promotion video that has been released looks pretty good to me - complete with vapour trails and all!

On the subject of Geoff Welham, having just read his book, it was nice to see him on 'Spitfire Ace'. In fact the most interesting parts of that programme for me was hearing the accounts from those who were 'there'. An excellent programme in a sea of mediochre ones.

Apologies to Geoffrey. A spelt his name wrong. Fool!