COMBAT AND COMPETITION.pdf - Lakes Gliding Club

CHAPTER THIRTEEN FRONTIERS OF WHAT?
As the world of the Salon was laughing at our discomfiture on the
first afternoon of the show, and I was commiserating with Ron
Howard, a familiar voice addressed me in ringing tones. Johnny
Button, my Squadron Commander on the Normandy Beachead back in
1944. When I had last seen him, as Air Attache at the Hague, he had
been disconcertingly abrupt. Today he was at his most relaxed. He told
me that he had recently left the Service and joined de Havillands on
the 125. We chatted at length and promised to meet again. But it never
happened. The news of his death came as a profound shock and I was
glad that our last encounter had been on such warm and friendly
terms.
Our second 'Cocktail' was organised by the Hon. John Geddes, the
Group PR Manager, in a rather ostentatious hotel. That it was less
attractive and certainly more expensive than the 'Musee Cocktail 1 of
two years ago was no reflection on John. Pasley-Tyler, exercising his
right as Chairman of Elliott Flight Automation, had demeanded a high
profile occasion and he was simply carrying out instructions.
I never discovered how much, or how little, John really knew
about the mechanics of his trade, but he was a nice man. Forceful
when the need arose - skilled in holding the line between Bagrit and
Ross on the one hand and a bunch of ambitious executives on the other
- he was a companionable sort who enjoyed the good things of life.
Apart from our 'Cocktail', the detailed preparation of which he
delegated with great skill, his visit developed into a gastronomic tour.
Paris that year seemed to be be overlaid with images of sun filled
patios - John and Anne arguing PR over ice cold Kir and radis beurre
- and the thought of more splendid meals to come.
If the aftermath of Farnborough created a sense of euphoria, that
of Paris was one of unease - the cost of it all and the impenetrable
nature of the French aircraft industry - only a convinced optimist
could feel otherwise.
Germany was another story. It showed every sign of becoming
more important than France. And in Germany exhibitions were vitally
important. But my first visit to Hanover revealed a second rate air
show, quite contrary to what we might have expected, a pallid adjunct
to the Hanover Messe which is the largest and most prestigious
exhibition in Western Europe.
After seeking Ken Powell's advice it was decided to treat it low
key. On the first occasion, we took one of the smallest stand units
available with Fred Haskett, Fred Pacey, Sales Manager of the Flight
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