The WW2 pilot who won the Grand National

[BlackGold]

Interesting article on the Beeb website about Sgt Mervyn Anthony Jones who won the 1940 Grand National aboard Bogskar.

https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-wales-63586671

[vikingflagship]

That was an interesting read thanks for sharing

VF x

[gamble]

The Mossie was my favourite war plane – two 1600 horsepower engines with twice the power of a Spitfire and 20mph faster flying at 400 mph and made just of wood like a kitchen cabinet. The most successful fighter bomber of the second world war and a check mate to Blietzkrieg – flying fast under radar and almost undetectable. It raced the heart and blew Germany to bits.
Great Story in this remembrance time, and for the pilot – fitting in a quick Grand National win @ 25/1 when you have a life expectancy of 10 weeks and sadly was later shot down and drowned – is beyond the call. There is nothing Ronaldo about this – this is total dedication total sacrifice and often with a smile…
THIS IS OUR HISTORY

[Drone]

There is nothing Ronaldo about this – this is total dedication total sacrifice and often with a smile…

Well put

Cue the famous quote by wartime fighter pilot and sometime cricketer Keith Miller when quizzed about the pressure of Test cricket

Pressure? There is no pressure in Test cricket. Real pressure is when you are flying a Mosquito with a Messerschmitt up your arse

[moehat]

Thanks for that. I never understand why, as someone that abhors war or violence of an kind, I get really choked up either seeing or reading about fighter aircraft. As for the bravery of the young men who flew them at that time, well there are no words.

[Marlingford]

Thanks for posting this BlackGold, really interesting.

[Author]

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