Billie Raine, Georgie Mains & Pete Wright

Billie Raine – Billie had no right ear and the right side of his face and head had been burned. These were repaired as best as possible. This disfigurement affected him psychologically as he was, previously, quite a lady’s man. Before he was lost, however, he was well on his way back to the recovery of schmaltz.

First Canadians & Fisher Cottage

First Canadians – Dix and I were the first Canadians, in fact the only Canadians to be posted to 610. The motto of which was, “The Goddess of Corn Rides on a Winged Car.” Don’t ask me to come up with the relevant Latin that was on the crest. This peacetime auxiliary squadron’s home base was in Cheshire, a great agricultural area. I’m afraid that Dix and I used much colonial corn in order to get away with devilishness at every turn; colonials never knew any better.

No. 610 Squadron’s crest

The meeting

The meeting – The Commanding Officer of No. 610 Squadron was Squadron Leader Ken ‘Bullfrog’ Holden. His headquarters was situated in an old Nissen hut on the edge of the field. Dix and I met the Adjutant in one part of the little hut and he was quite emphatic, “The Commanding Officer wants to see you two.” We breathed on our buttons, entered the little room, saluted as smartly as we were able, and stood there waiting. Holden’s head rose very slowly from our documents on his table. He peered at us. He queried, “Are you fellows here already?” This discerning answer described this gentleman. Even though he was in dire need of pilots, we deeply respected and never forgot his wise approach.