We have just witnessed a very sad aviation weekend, and I thought it somewhat appropriate to share with you my favourite aviation poem.

For those not familiar with this work, "Silksheen" was the callsign for RAF East Kirkby, Lincolnshire, an ex Lancaster base and location where I photographed this plaque. All credit to W.Scott.

Yes, I was in correspondence with Walt Scott in 1995.  He was a wireless operator/gunner with 630 Squadron, and he wrote some very moving poems about ex-RAF East Kirkby and their Lancasters.  

Now the old airfield is a superb museum with a working Lancaster: http://www.lincsaviation.co.uk/profile.cfm

My father was a P/O F/E with 630 Squadron, http://www.flensted.eu.com/1944078.shtml 

The crew failed to return from a special low-level mission on the night 21-22 May 1944: http://www.heureka.clara.net/lincolnshire/dropping-mines-in-kiel-bay.htm 

My stepfather was a WW1 pilot with the RFC, later to become C-in-C Fighter Command.  

There is the annual family gathering and memorial service in memory of 57 & 630 Squadrons 3-6 July 2009.  I shall be driving up to the UK for the event if any of you are going to be there.