After flying for a few years with the 71 Squadron, you make freinds. But within every squad, there are some members that stand out. Sometimes it might be because of their flying and aiming skills. Other times, it because they are a very good natured people. And then there are the special squad members that are a cut above.
On our squad forums, a member started a thread sharing his experiences with the RAF in the 50's. I would like to share this with everyone and pay tribute to an exceptional man. Some of you may know him as Deebs. I know him as Peter Gould. This is Peter's story......
The Canberra was RAF's first jet bomber. I have over 200 hrs in B2's and T4's. 
Taken on March 22nd 1957. A bit of a joke really. Had to sign that the equipment was working but couldnt test it till I was all strapped in and ready to go. Clothing was rudimentary by todays standards. It was cold in a Canberra so I wore thermal underwear under my uniform withy my hat tucked ina pocket! If we were diverted to land elsewhere other than Coningsby had to be dressed to walk around otherwise put on charge for being 'improperly dressed' to use RAF parlance. The airman on the right is holding my canvas helmet with oxygen mask attached. Im using my hard hat to balance the book! OVER my uniform I wore a thick woolen sweater. If you look closely you can see the cuffs on my sweater rolled back over my flying suit. No G suits in those days. I wore a pressure waistcoat (vest in US English) which inflated if pressurization was lost. The max G I experienced in a Canberra was 3, not a lot considering Ive pulled more than that in a Super Cub whilwhile doing tight turns over a nudist colony near Ostend in Belgium while viweing the 'scenery'. Lots of top rudder and max power kept the nose UP while I looked DOWN!
We are all familiar with de mist in our cars but it all started in Canberras! See the small circular window? Canberras had a 'sandwich canopy, two layers of glass. Embedded in the cavity were UHF and VHF ariels but sometimes it iced up. The small window had electric heating wires and if nothing could be seen thru the canopy this window remained clear. It even opened but I never herad of this being done in flight!!
45000 ft above the Med. Remember in those days mass air travel hadnt been invented yet so this was a privileged view
Me and 878 early morning Luqa Malta. A spare hose was needed by another squadron Canberra so of course we flew one out! A total waste of tax payers money but a good excuse for an overnight abroad! Handsome young chap wasnt I??
Another view of 878 with Nav pondering the route home. Note the Avro Anson in background still, at that time, in RAF service but not as a Nav trainer justfor communications and other jollies. I was once flown by a Wg Cdr Scott (23 October 1957) in an Anson to Henlow a six hour round trip, for an Inter Command aircrfatrecognition conmpetition. I was part of a team of 3. We came 4th but I came 2nd individually. Wg Cdr Scott was ex Pathfinders, he flew Mosquitos and got a DFC. About 6 months after this trip he ferried a B2 to Seletar Singapore. He requested and refeived permission for a low level beat up. At 400 kts and 500 ft altitude he lost his port Avon and cartwheeled into the ground killing himself and his crew. Because of their distance from the fuselage and if an Avon failed the Canberra didnt fly too well, itwas ejection time! But obviously he had notime to react!
The main gate RAF Idris Lybia 1957 before we landed we flew west down the coast and could see burnt out tanks and aircraft still in the desert 12 yrs after the end of the war!
And finally this is a pic of the first Victor to land at Coningsby in 1958. I LOVED the Victor but never flew in one. Did you know it was supersonic in a dive?
Hope you enjoyed what was essentially a trip down memory lane for me. Aaah....those were the days!!And this is my friend, Peter today.........
Of course....squad members love to have a little fun now and then......
Peter, after hearing you on vox I've often wondered what you look like. Boy, you surprised me! You look great for your age! And the red flight suit fits you to a tee. I like the flag, but I can't quite make out the print. The old codger next to you seems to be listing a bit. Was he drinking? 
Peter is truely an English Gentleman. He didn't wish that I share this with the entire community, but after a little bit of coaxing, he gave us permission. Peter served his country with distinction through the Cold War and has since retired from the RAF. I was fascinated with this small glimpse of Peter's life and I hope that everyone who reads this will enjoy it.
Peter can be found still flying with his squad members. So, if by chance you see Deebs on-line, plese say hello to my freind, Peter. A friendship I will always cherish.
Obie
