Wilhelm Mohr

Wilhelm Mohr. On World War II
started from scratch, but already from the beginning were able to recruit
a core of motivated and mature servicemen. Mostly they came
from the maritime environment, from the merchant fleet or the fleet
of whalers that came to Scotland, but not home. They were usually a
bit older and more experienced. They bore with them a natural authority.
They became the core of servicemen within the technical branch
in Iceland, Shetland, Woodhaven, North Weald and on the Continent
– what would we have done without them
Many decided to continue within our service after the war, to contribute
their part in shaping new personnel crews during our rapid growth.
To preserve the culture we hold so dear. A culture of competence and of
responsibility for all individuals involved. A culture to trust. Yes, these
individuals have been with us for many years. Whether they are still
alive or not, let us send them our thoughts.
So, what will the future look like for our service as we are passing
this fifty year milestone in our history In a time with no imminent
threat, with certain attitudes that bear some resemblance to the attitudes
before WWII. It is a concern. But in total – and this issue has
many sides – the Air Force has come out of this rather well. This is
also the conclusion if we look into the future – and it signifies an evolution
that hardly has come to an end. Because we can safely presume
that airpower will continue to increase its influence. Other and new
tasks will surface, as well as tasks perceived to be outside the core focus.
This will include both aircraft and helicopters, and who can tell how
future missiles will place themselves in this picture, offering new forms
of usability.
Where does all this lead us It is not for me to point out any directions.
You are in a better place to do that, who orientate yourselves from
the world that is, and not like me who tends to orientate from the world
that was. In any case, we should allow ourselves to look back on our past
with pride. A fine service. Also a humane service, because even though
it provides variations in tasks, risk and rewards, it emphasizes even more
the demands for mutual understanding, respect and trust. A ’wholly’
mechanism. I guess you have to be within the service in order to fully
comprehend the contents of this form of discipline. But like all mech-
122