Oldest Surviving Glider Pilot

Discussion in 'Airborne' started by BobH, Jan 13, 2011.

  1. BobH

    BobH Junior Member

    On Tuesday whilst visiting my Dad in Hospital where he is recovering from a chest infection, he asked "I wonder who is the oldest surviving Glider Pilot?"

    Does anyone have any idea?

    Dad will be 93 in April and joined in the first intake after serving as an orderly in the RAMC at Dunkirk.

    Bob Harget
     
  2. TomTAS

    TomTAS Very Senior Member

    Hi Bob,

    I know Alan Kettley who is already 93 and Steve Elsey tells me that he is the oldest Glider Pilot he knows...

    Cheers
    Tom
     
  3. BobH

    BobH Junior Member

    Thanks Tom
     
  4. GPRegt

    GPRegt Senior Member

    I'm pretty sure Arthur Shackleton is also 93.

    Steve W
     
  5. BobH

    BobH Junior Member

    Thanks Steve
     
  6. Lofty1

    Lofty1 Senior Member

    Hi Bob,
    Arthur Shackelton, amazing man for his age, tells it as it was, no nonsense from him, regards lofty
     

    Attached Files:

  7. TomTAS

    TomTAS Very Senior Member

    Hi Lofty,

    Thats the same with Bill Higgs whos a good friend of mine.. In fact here he is standing you know where, Lofty did you know Bill holds the record for the highest fight in a Glider at wait for it 15,000 feet...

    Cheers
    Tom
     

    Attached Files:

  8. Ham & Jam

    Ham & Jam Member

    Jim Wallwork, he of Pegasus Bridge fame, is he not 94?
     
  9. BobH

    BobH Junior Member

    Do you have Jim's dob?
     
  10. Driver-op

    Driver-op WW2 Veteran WW2 Veteran

    On D-Day we travelling by truck up the Colville-St Aubin D'Arquenay-Benouville road when the glider borne reinforcements came in to land across the road, it was really scary as the tall hedge at the side of the road meant we couldn't see them coming. But we managed not to get hit and I had the pleasure of watching them land and unload-what a spectacle! Next day I was waiting outside 3 Div HQ when the pilots marched by on their way back home, they had umpteen Jerrie prisoner with - these were the real thing young, tall and smart. The pilots gave me their unwanted Mills grenades, so on the way back to Benouville I had a load of them bouncing around in the back of the truck with me on top of them. Oh, happy days.

    Jim
     
  11. englandphil

    englandphil Very Senior Member

    Do you have Jim's dob?

    I dont think that Jim Wallwork was born until 1919 Bob, which would make him around 92 now,

    P
     
  12. Ham & Jam

    Ham & Jam Member

  13. BobH

    BobH Junior Member

    The only reason I queried Jim's age is that when we were first discussing the matter, I suggested to Dad that Jim was older. He quickly said that when he knew him, Jim was younger than him! :) I've tried to find a d.o.b. for Jim but it does not seem to be anywhere on the net.
     
  14. Lindsay Aspin

    Lindsay Aspin Senior Member

    I think Jim is younger, but can ring him this evening after 6.00 p.m. to confirm if you would like me too.

    Jim's signature bottom right ...

    Jim Wallwork Signature.jpg


    All the best,
    Lindsay
     
  15. Ham & Jam

    Ham & Jam Member

    BobH - You may well be right, I was just going by the article, I too look for his DOB on the 'net but its is nowheer to be found, however I suspect like most of us he is still 21 at heart. :D

    Lindsay - If you can ring him and confim his age then that will be great.

    Thanks
    Jim
     
  16. Lindsay Aspin

    Lindsay Aspin Senior Member

    Jim :
    I'll ring Jim Wallwork after 6.00 pm UK - mid-afternoon in Canada.

    Bob :
    Alan Hartley, RAF Down Ampney Association, sends his very best wishes to your father for a speedy recovery.

    Might be good for your father and Jim Wallwork to chat together sometime? I can let you have Jim's 'phone number.

    Will come back to this thread after speaking with Jim.

    Best wishes,
    Lindsay
     
  17. Lindsay Aspin

    Lindsay Aspin Senior Member

    Jim is 91 years of age coming up 92 and sent his sincere best wishes to all those who remember him.

    Jim expressed a wish to be able to attend the GPRA Annual Reunion, and catch-up with his old comrades, but said it's a little too far to travel these days.

    His spirit and outlook is still typical of a Glider Pilot ... Nothing Is Impossible!

    Lindsay
     
  18. TomTAS

    TomTAS Very Senior Member

    Hi Lindsay,

    I wonder if you can help me to, this was send to me by horsepassenger see the small sigature to the right of Glider.. Any idea who that is ??

    Cheers
    Tom
     

    Attached Files:

  19. Lindsay Aspin

    Lindsay Aspin Senior Member

    Hello Tom,

    What a signature! This signature is also shown on my above attached thumbnail under the tail (middle section) of the Horsa: can't make out the name, but he was a member of B Squadron at Brize.

    I think I know the man who might be able to help you. I'll get in touch with him tomorrow and come back to you.

    All the best,
    Lindsay
     
  20. Ham & Jam

    Ham & Jam Member

    Hi Lindsay, Many thanks for taking the time to call Jim. Also thanks for confirming that he is almost 92 years young. What an inspirational man.

    With respect.
    Jim
     

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