I know that you're meant to put a photograph on here that you have taken, but today I had to share this wonderful old picture I found on the internet yesterday. I have added the picture of the R101 Airship on top as this is what it related to.
In October 1930 my Father was an engineer on this famous airship that set out for India to open a new fast route. During the night, flying over Beauvais in France, it lost height in a storm and crashed into a wooded hillside, of 54 on board only 6 survived including my Father. The photograph shows him in a French hospital talking to the French Air Minister and although seriously burnt he lived to a good age of 91.
The crash was many, many years before I was a twinkle in his eye, but fate saved him that night as he changed shifts in an engine car for a friend who was unwell and had gone to bed. The friend perished.
I found an old paper on Ebay last night and discovered this wonderful picture, I hope you enjoyed the story and just think, if he hadn't survived you wouldn't have the pleasures of me on here.
Fascinating story - fate works in weird and wonderful ways. How very serendipitous that you found this on the internet - I guess it's good for some things.
What a find. You must have been thrilled to find. I have a similar story as my Father was being reprimanded, KP duty I think, and was grounded. The plane he was meant to be on with his friend was shot down. This was during WWII Coastal Command in the Shetlands. Guess that makes you and me happy survivors. I'm thinking movie script.
@kathiecb Thank you for your story, we were both born through our Fathers lucky fate.
Unfortunately I won't be purchasing the old 1930's newspaper - the seller is asking £80 (120 US Dollars) and postage of £8 (12 US Dollars). This is ridicules costs and a way of fleecing buyers. At least I was naughty and pinched a copy of the picture of my Dad.
Very interesting photos, thanks for sharing with us.
@kathiecb Thank you for your story, we were both born through our Fathers lucky fate.
Unfortunately I won't be purchasing the old 1930's newspaper - the seller is asking £80 (120 US Dollars) and postage of £8 (12 US Dollars). This is ridicules costs and a way of fleecing buyers. At least I was naughty and pinched a copy of the picture of my Dad.