Dear Reader,
The De Haviland Mosquito. named the "Wooden Wonder" was a highly versatile and fast aircraft designed during WW11 that served in numerous roles including bomber, fighter, and reconnaissance.
Constructed mainly of wood to save on strategic materials, its speed was its primary defense, allowing it to escape many enemy fighters.
First flown in November 1940 it was a successful, multi-role combat aircraft that flew thousands of missions. The Mosquito was often flown by a two-person crew (pilot and navigator) reducing its vulnerability compared to larger bombers. It also had a long range, with extra fuel tanks allowing for flights of over 1,870 miles.
A small number of WW11 Mosquitoes are still air worthy with the most recent count listing five flying models. Several more are undergoing restoration to join these flying examples.
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From John Clare October 31st 1824 in Northants
'Took a walk, got some branches of the spindle tree with its pink-color'd berries that shine beautifully in the pale sun. '
From Dorothy Wordsworth October 31st 1800 in Westmorland
'A very fine moonlight night - The moon shone like herrings in the water.'
From S.T. Coleridge October 31st 1803 in Cumberland
'The full moon glided on behind a black cloud. And what then? And who cared?'
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Of Different Stuff
The ATS, the WAAFS, the WRENS,
rode in battleships,
flew spitfires and mosquitoes,
decoded enemy messages
nursed the wounded.
They tilled the land
drove tractors, fed the pigs,
birthed the lambs,
rose with the dawn,
went to bed late
exhausted and often hungry.
They walked alone in London
late at night
in the dark and dangerous streets,
they slept in freezing dormitories
shared a lavatory and basin
with twenty others.
These women were made
of different stuff.
They were fearless,
they were brave.
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I am ashamed at my fearfulness
in the peace they fought for us,
gave us.
I am made, sadly, of different stuff.
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With very best wishes, Patricia
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