New Additions to the Chalk Collection

A couple of months ago I was able to add both of these Log Books and associated ephemera to the Chalk collection. Neither pilot saw operational flying but they still deserve a home with us.

The Sgt. W H Lawrence grouping includes his RAF Log Book (covered in some kind of calico or canvas), several photographs, his Service and Release book and both his War Medal and Defence Medal. The Log Book is full of training flights on Hotspur, Horsa and Hadrian gliders as you would expect along with several loose notes and sketches.

The Sgt. A J Goodram group consists of an RCAF Log Book which includes many pieces of ephemera along with his post-war UK Civilian Pilots Licence and documentation.

All interesting stuff and a welcome addition to a slowly growing collection.

Sgt. W H Lawrence Grouping.

Sgt. W H Lawrence Log Book pages.

Sgt. W H Lawrence Log Book page (note New York address to top left corner).

Sgt. A J Goodram grouping.

Sgt. A J Goodram Log Book page showing Hotspur flights.

Sgt. A J Goodram Log Book page showing Canadian based flight training.

Chalk Middle Wallop Museum of Army Flying June 7th 2014

As part of the Museum of Army Flying's D-Day Anniversary show we were asked to provide a Glider Pilot Regiment display alongside an American airborne display by our friends from Thunder From Heaven.

The weather on Saturday morning was atrocious and so we set up the display in the museum hanger rather than outside (ironically the weather improved considerably by mid-morning, but that's British weather for you).

As an Associate Member of the GPRA, I was asked if I'd lay a wreath on their behalf as part of the morning's memorial service, which I was honoured to do.

We saw a steady stream of visitors throughout the day with many people thanking us for our time and leaving with a little more knowledge of the Regiment than when they arrived; just the way we like it.

Chalk at Duxford 2014 - Photo Report

'Whiskey Seven', a veteran of D-Day herself having dropped elements of the U.S. 82nd Airborne Division.

The underside of the Typhoon showing the anniversary D-Day invasion stripes.

BBMF Dakota and Spitfire flypast.

Our very own Sgt. Tolley, reassigned as a para to illustrate the 'X' Type parachute
and some of the equipment. How happy does he look?

Spitfire and Typhoon.

The Red Devils parachute display team being all patriotic!

Daks coming in to land, the sound was superb.

Sgt. Cosgrove in familiar pose.

Four Dakotas passing overhead. Not something you see everyday!

The Chalk display.

Merville Battery briefing.

Operation Varsity Photoshoot

Back in April this year we got together with our friends Thunder From Heaven to remember Operation Varsity with our usual annual photoshoot.