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Fledgling Magazine September 11, 1942
VOLUME 2: SEPTEMBER 1th, 1942: NUMBER 4
Address all communications to the Editor. I.T.W. Magazine, Hillside Camp, Bulawayo.
Published fortnightly.
EDITORS' UNEASY CHAIR
FLEDGLING extends a hearty welcome to all the newcomers on the camp and hopes that they will have an enjoyable stay in Southern Rhodesia. For their benefit we should like to point out that Fledgling is the Hillside camp magazine and is published fortnightly for the benefit of all ranks who are stationed on the camp. We depend on contributions from members on the staff end from cadets in order to keep going. So if any of you new arrivals can write or draw, please send in any efforts to us as soon as possible.
Articles addressed to "The Editor, Fledgling," can be dropped in the Post Office collection boxes—so come along you chaps and get your stuff in print. The people at Home are very glad to receive Fledgling, so why not let our mail service keep your folks posted? If you are interested, all you have to do is to contact the Fledgling staff on the Fledgling table at the next pay parade.
On Dedigation
THE news generally has been more heartening lately and we think it is time that dedigitation (an exceller word which we have "borrowed from Tee Eimm) was practised on a wide scale. The first sign of dedigltating here was seen with the introduction of increased working hours, but in our opinion dedigitation should be matter of individual conscience an not by mass arrangement. Therefore, let us hear a fusillade of re sounding plops in the next few days even like unto the sound of many Brownings firing. Let this crescendo be heard in the air raid shelters of Berchesgarten so to that beastly little Austrian house painter it shall be a grim harbinger of what is coming to him. The young R.A.F. pilots are on the move in "statudidigitatus."
A Dream After The War
THOSE blasted crickets again— you can never sleep with those things
The year is 1950 and the scene is an ordinary home in the old country. The voice is that of a man who, like you fellows, received his training in Rhodesia.
"Be quiet Bill." His wife attempts to console him as she lies in bed still awake owing to her husband's unusual restlessness. But no response is forthcoming, for the husband—who might be you— is sound asleep in the land of dreams with the sky clear of war clouds.
His restlessness? His mind is in distant Rhodesia recalling those golden times with the R.A.F. in that sun-kissed country. A normal day is recounted in his reverie.
His features are grim, for he is now performing that most feared event of the day . . rising, or to the uninitiated "getting up." "Hurry, up," one of his more active colleagues ejaculates as the 0730 hooter woefully screeches in the ears of the slumberers and "sleepers off."
He turns over on his side with a sigh of relief. Unobserved by the hawk-like eyes of Sgt. Bottomings he has succeeded in procuring a place among his flight on parade.
His body is restless as his pals inform him of an inspection by P/O B. He tucks his unshaven chin well in as the officer inspects the front rank, while his feet begin to kick in an unusual manner.
"For Heaven's sake, keep still," exclaims his wife . . . but it continues eventually his boots are free from the day's old smearing of dust collected the day before.
His face reddens. He has not evaded the attention of old B. in or- der to sneak into the front rank already inspected. Another sigh B. has passed him
"Thank goodness it wasn't M.. he murmurs in his sleep.
In his dreams those memories of the lecture huts, of the range and other places of torture sweep up. Sergeants D. and E., officers P. and F. and all the others parade through his mind in a majestic cavalcade of treasured, memories.
Then a look of awe on his face has old B. accepted his pal's excuse for his non-appearance in class without investigating at S.S.Q.?
And those hours of P.T. he skipped.
His brow is now moist and perspiring fiercely.
Oh yes—those never-to-be-forgotten b.....s____ (button stick to you sergeant) parade mornings when running around latrines and dodging here, there and everywhere he eventually shakes off his determined pursuer the O.S.
A look of surprise now—that was the one day he turned up for P.T., and it was marred by the instructor's remark, "Are you in this flight?" But what is this change his mind has left the camp behind. He wets his lips as he recalls those gay times in the Grand and the Carlton.
Twenty-three fifty-nine has long gone and as darkness gives way to dawn he leaves a piece of his trousers on the barbed wire entanglement as he stumbles over it. "Yet another defeat for old doings intendedly invincible barrier." He smiles.
By this time his wife had endeavoured to wake him up several times, all without success and just as he is recalling his fall from grace by saluting without a cap he suddenly jumps out of bed groping and calling for his hat.
He is just in time to see his usual morning bus flashing past the window. A walk to the office confronts him.
"Serves you right," snaps his wife.
"But it was worthwhile the dream," he thinks.
They weren't bad memories after all were they chaps?
Written by: SCLAITY INN.
Lexicographer Writes
In consequently Yours
I THOUGHT I would turn my hand to sports writing, so here I go with the match between two sets of the staff—those in "Z" lines and those in Hut 42.
The match was well attended by both teams—eleven players turning out for both sides after fifteen minutes' play. The final score, 1—1, was no indication of the state of play, I have never seen so many brilliant (pronounced lousy) inter- changes of play—at one time Hut 42 looked very dangerous when six of their players congregated on the left wing, but unfortunately the ball was on the opposite wing.
The first half saw Hut 42 pressing very hard—short determined rushes through the dust was the order of the day—sometimes with the ball, much to the surprise of their opponents. They scored quite well with Jimmy Wigan kicking up a terrific dust storm which blinded the defence of "Z" Lines so that his oppo' could nip smartly round and score.
Not to be outdone, "Z" Lines went into a huddle in the second half and did a spot of extractum digitorum and starting with some ring work from Tucker of Temperance fame, whose training on beer was extremely effective; a pass to Douggie at half- back, through to Nobby at full-back, resulted in a goal from the canteen side.
Extra time was needed, but neither side could crawl fast enough after the ball and no further goals were added.
A word of praise to the ref., who played very well for the crowd.
I heard our dumb Waasle talking: to her friend the other day, or rather tearing- her off a strip of something or other:
"She told me you told her the secret I told you not to tell her."
"The cat, I told her not to tell you I'd told her."
"Well, don't tell her I told you she'd told me."
Have you heard about the light that failed to go out? You haven't?
Well this is the conversation arriving from that happening:
'I hear you had a lot of trouble getting married old boy. Did her father come between you?"
"No, behind us." (And they told me you could not get shotgun ammunition).
Flash: Latest service gen In the form of a howler—"Servlce Ceiling" is the height that an aircraft will
not carry out it's functions correctly.
A pal of mine went to a civvy doctor the other day with a very bad cold and sore throat which unfortunately reduced his voice to a whisper. He reached the door and rang the night bell and a voice came through the speaking tube: "Hullo, what do you want?" My friend answered in a whisper: "Is the doctor in?" The lady's voice in a similar whisper said "No, come in,"
This week's topical verse:
Hickory, dickory, dock,
The C.O.'s got a new clock-
To tell all the camp
He put it on the amp'
Now they can hear it "en bloc."
Test message—"What's yours?"
L.D.A. HOWLERS.
(Being actual answers in an L.D.A. examination set to u/t Air Gunners).
An Impending Apology to the Yogis.
The Fleet Air Army wear navel uniform with the letters F.A. on the sleeve.
"Uncle ' Again. BOLD
A Lieut-General in the U.S.A. Air Force wears three golden balls on the epaulet. (Personally, we wear chiffon pants with the letters R.D. on the seat).
Model Aero Club
GREAT success at second Induna rally. Success? Perhaps that word does not mean as much to my readers as to many members of the Model Aero Club where rallies or inter-station flying is concerned, however success of any sort means great achievements and large strides in progress.
We had a taste of this success on August 30th, when the second Induna rally was held. Members put up one of the best exhibitions of model flying as yet seen. The Induna lads were surprised greatly when L/A/C Lawton's model made a record breaking flight of five minutes, thereby raising the existing club record by three minutes. However, Induna's record of six minutes 30 seconds still remains to be beaten, and at the present rate of progress it is hoped to raise the record and hold if for all local stations in rubber duration flying.
The petrol enthusiasts of the club did not put up as good a show as was expected, but it is hoped in the near future to see another three petrol models completed—perhaps in time for our next rally which is being held at Induna on September 13th.
The proposed four station rally on August 23rd, turned out to be a failure due to the very high prevailing wind. However, a few daring modellers flew their machines—with expected results—still no complete "write-offs" were recorded.
Induna at present lead the Indoor flying field, but are being closely rivalled by other stations. Indoor meetings are to be held shortly, so opening up another field of model aviation. Many modellers look forward to the time when model flying will become as well known as other sports in the Group, and the ultimate end of a Group rally may then become possible.
I.C.
To correspondent O.A.T.S.:
We regret we are unable to publish your letter and suggestion, but we have taken it to the Messing Officer who has promised to put the suggestion before ths Airman's Messing Committee.
Thanks for writing.—Ed,
85, Hirst Gate,
Mexborough,
Yorkshire.
May I express my appreciation of the system whereby your magazine Is sent to relations and friends of the men in Hillside Camp, left behind in England. You cannot conceive what joy it gives me, as the wife of one of the men, to receive it regularly. I look forward to each number eagerly, as I feel it helps so much to shorten the immense distance between us and you. What joy there is in reading the articles written by our men folk, especially the ones which help us to visualise life in Hillside Camp, and the activities of the men. I'm sure there must be many more of the "left-behinds who feel as I do and who hope you will keep up the good work.
As for the men who have women folk here, and have not yet thought of sending them the magazine, do urge them to try it, as I'm sure it would be a real tonic to those who are just waiting, as I am, for a certain great day to arrive. The magazine is worth its weight in gold.
May I wish you every success in your future numbers.
Yours sincerely, Joan M. Saville.
A Cockpit-Drill Instructor comes into land at Hillside
A QUIET MOMENT.
The handclasp of a faithful friend;
The inn that's at the journey's end;
A wind-swept hilltop, where the view,
Comes flooding up to welcome you;
A twisting path 'neath shady trees;
The cold, metallic ring of keys;
A roaring fire—when beating rain
Rattles against the window pain;
Fine music, and well-earned applause.
The crusting touch of canine paws;
A quiet street with lamps alight
Spreading their radiance through the night;
Old clothes, a pair of well worn shoes;
The gallant smile of those who lose;
The clock which marks each tedious hour
By chime of bells from some church tower;
And home—where love and comfort are
Ever found—the guiding star.
Familiar things we know too well,
Who can, in full, their true worth tell?
H. Saville.
Native Boxing in Southern Rhodesia
I WAS recently given the privilege of watching a native boxing competition in the location at Bulawayo. It was organised and refereed by the Native Welfare Officer, Mr. Lewis, and it was through his kindness that I was able to attend.
The boxing took place behind the main hall and to assist in keeping the crowd down to a manageable number, an admission fee of one penny was insisted upon. Even then, the average native's wage being small, approximately 1,800 natives attended.
The boxing: ring itself was of regulation size and properly roped, built on brick foundations. The ring side seats, consisting of one row of forms around the ring, are reserved for contestants. Behind this row is a wire netting fence about three and a half feet high and there are more seats behind the fence.
The crowd split themselves into tribes as far as possible. The main tribes, the Mashona and the Matabele, facing each other, .while remaining tribes and neutrals form the other two sides of the square.
A set programme of bouts cannot be arranged, for owing to tribal custom no two natives from -the same tribe will. box each other. A bout is arranged by a challenger from one of the tribes climbing into the ring and waiting for an acceptance from another tribe. Should no one be forthcoming, after about thirty seconds the bell is. rung and the unaccepted boxer leaves the ring, his place being taken by another challenger. Eventually the challenge is accepted and preparations for the fight are made. There is no question of equal weights, but if they are obviously unequally matched then Mr. Lewis does not permit the contest to proceed. *
Of the officials, the Welfare Officer acts as the referee and a native acts as a timekeeper, while another boy has the role of announcer and interpreter. "Michael" is usually chosen—he is the leader of the Pathfinders (the native equivalent of our Boy Scouts), and he takes great pride in his job.
Quite a number of the contestants wear lucky charms or jujus—perhaps some powder in a piece of cloth tied to his arm, or a small piece of horn containing black magic tied to his belt. Their shirts are very often of quaint design and contain a good deal of colour. On numerous occasions their name is sewn on their skirts as in first class European boxing, while one, apparently a member of a local R.A.F. station, had the words "Air Force" in pink ribbon on his back. He was very popular with the crowd, but unfortunately did not manage to win his contest.
The boxing itself is not of a very high standard as compared with our standards. Skill is forsaken for slogging—they merely slog at each other and Heaven help them if the blows land. I have often heard that the average native's head is very tough and after the way they simply well each other and come, up for more I can assure you that this is perfectly true.
The Welfare Officer has managed to train them very well and they all understand that it is forbidden to hit below the belt, and he always gives them a word or two of warning before the contest begins.
From my own observations they seem to show quite a good deal of sportsmanship in the ring and they do not take any unfair advantages of their opponent. Their conceit in the ring is absolutely amazing— they prance around in typical Max Baer style and play to the crowd a great deal. If sufficient applause is not forthcoming then they even go to the length of asking for more!
If victorious, they are delighted, and immediately shake hands with all their friends within reach, but on the other hand if they are beaten they adopt a very crestfallen attitude and look very sorry for themselves. It seemed as though they were all fighting for the honour of their tribe rather than for
personal reasons.
I found the reactions of the crowd very amusing to watch. Each punch was closely followed, and judging from their facial contortions and body movements, many of the audience imagined they themselves were in the ring. Cheers and shouts of encouragement were the order of the day during the actual rounds, while during the interval a hum of conversation immediately broke out as they
discussed .the progress of the fight.
As at all sporting functions the police were in attendance, and in this case only two European policemen were there to keep their eye on things In general. A hosepipe is kept already fixed up and besides being used for an outbreak of fire it comes in very useful to quell the ardour of the crowd if it becomes too heated. It has another use namely, to quench the thirst of ringside members. One poor
chap was getting his drink when a practical joker turned the Water to full force and besides giving the drinker a shower, I, too, was liberally sprayed much to the amusement of the crowd.
I must say they seemed to be a very orderly crowd. A very short while after the competitions had ended the crowd had all dispersed. I cannot say that they went quietly away, for there were many discussions being held as they filed out of the gates.
It says very much for the tact and ability of the Welfare Officer to handle such a very entertaining afternoon's sport without any assistance whatsoever. It also reflects greatly on the natives that there were no disturbances or demonstrations of any kind.
U.A.P.
FROM THE B.B.C. LONDON LETTER.
Tommy Handley's New Baccy. Greenfell Finn Smith, the irrepressible compere of "Songtime in the Laager," (broadcast in the B.B.C'S African Service) likes springing jokes on the artists before the show begins. He's fond of giving a piece of biltong (dried buck) to the uninitiated. Tommy Handley tried to smoke his and complained disgustedly that it wouldn't draw. Three stars were several seconds late on their cues because they found some difficulty in disposing of their "chewing gum." Gillie Potter preserved his piece as a "relic of a better world."
One of these is a P.T.I.
STATION SPORT
R.A.T.G. Cup Won after Grim Struggle
I.T.W. 6, THORNHILL 3,
I.T.W. justified the confidence which has been placed In them throughout the present season The win at Gwelo against the cup-holders was decisive.
From the start of the game Thornhill appeared determined to confine the game to the forwards and thus prevent the speedy backs cf I.T.W. from getting the ball. In their efforts to keep the ball from reaching Huskinson, Saunders and Swallow, their forwards were over-eager and I.T.W. profited by the award of several free kicks for off-side. Swallow took the kicks and scored on two occasions to give I.T.W. a six points lead.
On the few occasions that the I.T.W. backs got into motion, things seemed very dangerous for Thornhill, and Huskinson and Springer came very near to crossing the line.
The second half was mainly a tussle between the two packs. If anything, LT.W. were superior both in the set and loose scrummages. All I.T.W. forwards played sterling games, and mention must be made of the great solid work done by Jenkins, Painting and Wiltshire. Collins, too, in the line-outs, despite the handicap of a dislocated collar bone, was outstanding.
During the second half Thornhill were unfortunate enough to lose their fullback with a broken ankle. But they continued to fight back and from an attempted drop-goal Thornhill touched down for the only try of the match.
The closing minutes of the game were full of expitement, with I.T.W. attacking hard. There was, however, no further score.
P/O Painting, the skipper, was "chaired" off the field to receive the cup from the A.O.C.
I.T.W. Hockey Team
ROVERS SHAKE US
SEMI-FINAL OF MACGILLIVRAY CUP
I.T.W. 3, ROVERS 2.
I.T.W. played a newcomer to Rhodesian football in Ball at left wing, and he gave a very good account of himself.
At the start Getty made a brilliant run through the Rovers defence, but could not get his shot in, so he passed across to Irvine who shot wide.
At one period of the game all the I.T.W. players, with the exception of Stone, were in the Rovers half of the field, and even Scott went up and gave Munnick, the Rovers goalkeeper, a good shot to handle. It was all I.T.W. and Getty made another solo run, but finished weakly by kicking into the goalkeeper's hands.
The I.T.W. players eased up and the young Rovers team took advantage and made a quick getaway and forced a corner, the kick was, however, easily cleared by Spalding. They made another attack and Feldman placed the ball across, but the players in front of goal missed it. It went to Rorke, who had hard luck when he hit the side of the net with a good shot.
A good piece of interception by Picket set the I.T.W. left winger going, and he quickly rounded Paxton,but spoilt it by shooting into Munnicks ever open arms.
From a throw-in the Rovers made a fast break through, but a timely- run across field by Shearon saved the situation.
The I.T.W. team started to wake up and Spalding threw the ball to Dodd, who returned it for Spalding to kick it across the field, where Ball was waiting for a loose ball, he banged this hard, but Munnick was well positioned and saved.
At the other end the Rovers missed a golden chance of scoring when one of their forwards shot wide. A bit later Edwards ran in after Picket had missed the ba1! and shot in, but Steward dashed in and cleared near the gcol line.
There was no score at half-time. I.T.W. had a shock in the first few minutes of the second half when the Rovers went straight through and scored, Feldman beat Stone with a really fine shot. I.T.W. were awarded a free kick just outside the penalty area and Getty took the kick, Munnick stopped it but failed to hold it, and Dodd ran in to bang home the equaliser.
The second I.T.W. goal was the result of a nice move by Irvine, who put the ball for Jinks to run through and score a beauty. The Rovers were always ready for an opening and Edwards worked his way through but finished weakly.
Dodd gave a beautiful back heeler to Getty, Getty ran out to the wing and centred, Jinks met it first time and had bad luck to just put it the wrong side of the upright. Scott had many a tussle with Feldman and near'y always came out on top, but the Rovers centre forward moved out on to the wing and made a good run before putting the ball across, both Stone and Steward jumped for it, the ball dropped near Rorke, who gave Stone no chance to recover.
A grand piece of football by Ball and Shearon was deserving of a goal when S'learon sent in a difficult shot which Munnick did well to hold.
A Jinks-Getty move produced I.T.W.'s last goal, the last named player ran in and put the ball past the goalkeeper. The final score was 3—2 in favour of I.T.W., and so they once again qualify to play in a cup final against a Heany team. For date, time and venue keep your eyes on the notice board.
I.T.W.: Stone; Steward, Picket; Spalding, Scott, Shearon; Dodd, Getty, Jinks, Irvine, Bill.
Rovers: Munnick; Paxion, Le Roux; Baker, Candle, Beretta; Edwards, Paxton, Feldman, Barbour, Rorke.
I.T.W. 0, Kumalo 3.
The match between the leaders of the league was a typical end of the season game, both sides failed to produce anything like their usual form. Jinks playing at centre-half passed the ball to Shearon, and the left-half sent Truman down the wing, for him to finish off the move by sending across a centre which Jackson ran out and caught.
At the I.T.W. end a mis-kick by Steward let Dowden through, but he shot wide. Another effort by Jinks, Shearon and Kilshaw ended by Miller kicking forward for Jackson to pick up and clear.
The Kumalo left-half slung: the ball out to Dowden and he put a good centre across, Tapper got the ball under control, but held on to it too long and was robbed by South, who finished poorly by kicking into Leniston's hands.
Kilshaw got his wing man away and Truman put over a long centre, Martin ran In and headed into the goalkeeper's hands. Truman lying well up the field received a pass from Kilshaw, he took the ball on and shot but Parker blocked it and gave away a corner kick.
The ball was kicked to the other end and South put in a good header. A little later this same player beat Leniston with a ground shot, giving Kumalo the lead after 25 minutes tame football.
I.T.W. moved up again and Tru- man gave McAdo a pass which the centre forward put over the bar. Martin sent in a good shot, but Jackson was ready and saved.
Half-time: I.T.W. 0, Kumalo 1.
Kumalo in this half increased their lead, while I.T.W. fell away. In the opening stages, Kilshaw received the ball and put a pass down the middle, McAdo gathered it and beat his man on the run but was put off his shot by Parker.
Tait, when taking a shot at goal, injured himself and went off, but soon returned and played on the left wing, Dowden going to inside left. Leniston did well to run out and save from Moody, but Kumalo were not to be denied and Dowden beat the I.T.W. goalie with a cross shot. The same player hit the crossbar and Jinks headed clear. Kumalo's third goal was scored by their right winger.
I.T.W.: Leniston, Steward, Tapper, Spalding, Jinks, Shearon, Martin, Miller, McAdo, Kilshaw, Truman.
Kumalo: Jackson, Parker, Thompson, Marshall, Gill, Collinge, Moody, Findley, South, Tait, Dowden.
I.T.W. 4. Heany B 3
FOR this mid-week game I.T.W. fielded a team composed mainly of second eleven players. The Heany wings were given too much scope, and Frazer soon tested Kilacos with a difficult shot which he dealt with in a masterly manner. Then the I.T.W. left wing pair got weaving and a ball came across which all the forwards missed except Miller, who banged it back into the goalmouth but Waddle headed clear.
Heany were awarded a penalty kick, and Hawks scored with a strong well placed shot. The I.T.W. players took the offensive and McAdo gave a high kick up field, Irvine jumped and headed forward, Dodd ran in and smartly kicked the ball over Bowman as he ran out, and Miller put the ball into the empty goal.
Heany made a fast attack and Scott partly stopped a shot which continued to move goal wards, but Kilacos was on the alert and promptly dropped on it. Dodds paved the way for I.T.W.'s second goal, and it was from the winger's pass that Oakley beat Bowman with a shot.
Heany kept trying and Scott when hard pressed made a short kick back to the goalie, Fairfoull quickly cut In, but a daring dive by Kilacos saved the situation. Bennet upset the Heany attacks many times by his fast first-time kicking. The Bushmen forced a corner, and Frazer placed a good ball across which dropped near the unmarked Moffat at tne foot of the goal post, and he only had to touch it to score.
Just before half-time some nice play by Dodds and Irvine was rewarded when Irvine crashed home a beautiful shot from well out to give I.T.W. the lead.
Half-time: I.T.W. 3, Heany 2.
After some rather mediocre play by both sides, Heany equalised when Hoy, with a fine burst of speed, beat the defence and passed to Kennedy who scored a fine goal. Heany made several breakaways but the keen tackling by Picket and the ex- cellent defensive play by Scott caused many an attack to fizzle out.
When it looked as though the match .was goiyg to end in a draw, Getty broke through and scored the winning goal.??"
I.T.W.: Kilacos; Bennet, Picket; McAdo, Scott, Harrison; Miller, Getty, Oakley, Irvine, Dodd.
Heany B: Bowman; Waddle, Lawson; Hawks, McGall, Hoy; Frazer, Fairfoull, Kennedy, Best, Moffat.
HEANY B II 4. I.T.W. II 0.
This was a very poor game to watch, and both players and spectators were glad when the final whistle blew. The Greek players deserve mention if only for their whole hearted efforts, but the Heany team were always on top and were easy winners by four goals.
On behalf of the players and the few supporters, we thank the Heany Club for its grand hospitality extended to us in the shape of refreshments and a light meal. I.T.W. please note!
I.T.W. II 2, HEANY II 4.
This game produced some exciting movements, and the spectacular play by Kilacos in goal surprised and delighted most of the spectators. The Heany eleven played better as a team and Close was a source of danger. Heany took the offensive and Close put in a hot-shot which Kilacos dropped, but he made a wonderful recovery by pouncing on the ball and covering it with his body.
I.T.W. drew first blood, Popovitch ran out on the wing, took the pass and beat Barber, who went over the touchline, but as there were no linesmen he was allowed to continue and from his centre Bennet scored. A bit of bustling play by Martin nearly got a goal, but the score at half-time was unchanged.
In the first minute's play of the second half Heany were given a penalty and Elford made no mistake with a strong shot. Heany kept up their attack and Hall had the bad luck to put the ball into his own goal when trying to stop the winger.
A nice bit of approach work by Quigly and Airy resulted tn Wheeler heading past Kilacos to score the fourth goal.
I.T.W. kept on trying and Hemmings put a high bail over; Martin cut in and headed to Bennet, who put it out of Maloney's reach."
I.T.W.: Kilos; Hall, Pickett; Phillips, Harrison, Rickets; Hemmings, Popovitch, !Legerwood, Bennet,
Heany: Maloney; Elford, Fisher. Puttich, Snape, Barber; Close Fowles, Wheeler, Quigley, Airy.?
Last Minute Goal Wins Celtic Cup
I.T.W. 4., HEANY A 3.
(Irvine 2, Jinks 2) (Cranbie, Kimpton, Steward, one goal.)
RIGHT up to the last minute this was anyone's game, and I.T.W. were perhaps lucky to win. At the very beginning the Heany forwards nearly rushed the ball into the net.
A free kick against Tapper, looked dangerous, but Steward got his head to the ball and the situation was eased. Both Jinks and Getty were robbed by Moss, when it looked as though the I.T.W. forward line were going to get into their stride. The ball was in the I.T.W. half for most of the play, and Heany were unlucky when Steward stopped a sure goal at the foot of the post.
I.T.W. looked like scoring when Jinks received the ball from Stone's kick-out, and ran through, Woan ran out and Jinks lobbed the ball over his head, but it went the wrong side of the post.
Heany pressed hard, but Tapper kicked clear; Jinks got the ball and passed to Truman, and this player put across a good ball which Irvine banged into the net. Immediately afterwards Heany were awarded a penalty for hands, but Stone saved and cleared.
Heany equalised, when after a fine piece of work by the right wing Cranbie crashed home a grand shot. Five minutes later, after 35 minutes struggle, Jinks made a fine solo effort and put I.T.W. ahead with a pile driver of a shot.
Half-time, I.T.W. 2. Heany A 1.
The Second Half.
The exchanges in this half were fast and often. Heany were determined to even things, and it was only Scott's headwork that stopped them getting through on many occasions. A combined Shearon- Kilshaw-Getty move nearly brought success when Irvine headed Getty's centre outside of the post. Spalding and Kilshaw tried to get through, but Moss intercepted and transferred play to theI.T.W. area.
Heany equalised when Steward deflected a shot from Kimpton into his own goal. Kimpton at this stage was playing well, and he cleverly beat Tapper and shot from close range giving Stone no chance. A good tackle by Tapper and a good pass sent Jinks away, he took the ball right up to the penalty area before shooting, and to everyone's amazement Woan misjudged the ball and it entered the net.
I.T.W. were now pressing hard, and just before the final whistle, Irvine beat Woan with a first time shot for I.T.W. to become the winners of the cup.
The teams were:
I.T.W.: Stone, Steward, Tapper, Spalding, Scott, Shearon, Getty, Kilshaw, Jinks, Irvine, Truman.
Heany: Woan, Millward, Rice, Main, Moss, Geddes, Kimpton, Nash, Crombie, Brown, Airey.
THE LION AND THE JACKAL
Do you remember the fairy tales of Hans Andersen and Grimm that you read in your infancy? In all probability you could still recount your favourite right now. It's funny how those old stories stick in our minds—I have heard of adults who have come across Hans Andersen's Tales and have re-read them, so fascinating are the stories even to an adult.
"The Lion's Share" is a form of fairy tale—a native tale— possibly it has an inner meaning that I can't say, but it is certainly attractive.
THE Lion and the Jackal were once out hunting together. The lion shot an arrow but it fell short, so the Jackal tried and managed to hit the game—"I've hit it,''' he cried joyfully. The Lion turned and glowered at him so the Jackal said hastily, "No, Uncle, I mean to say that you hit it."
They fallowed the game, passing the Lion's arrow, which the Jackal was careful not to notice. Arriving at a fork in the path the Jackal said " Uncle, you must be tired. Stay here and rest." This the Lion was glad to do.
The Jackal left him and deliberately took the wrong track and as soon as he was out of sight beat his nose, letting the blood from it drop on the path. He then returned and said to the Lion, " I could not find anything but there were traces of blood. You had better go and have a look for yourself while I go and try the other path."
The Jackal soon found the dead animal and creeping inside of it devoured the best parts; however, his tail remained outside and when the Lion arrived he took hold of it and dragged the Jackal out and threw him on the ground saying, "You rascal! " The jackal quickly jumped up, complained of the rough handling and said, "What have I done to deserve this? I was only cutting out the best parts for you."
The Lion was appeased and said, "Let us go and fetch our wives to share in the feast," but the Jackal would not hear of the Lion moving, saying that he would go for both.
When he reached his own house he told his wife to go at once to the place where the killed game was lying. The Lioness hearing the movements, in her neighbour's house wanted to accompany them but the Jackal told her that the Lion would come and fetch her and that he would be angry if she came without his permission.
Just before reaching 1he spot where the Lion was waiting the Jackal ran into a thorn bush, scratching his face so that it bled. He staggered up to the Lion and said, ''What a wife you have. Look how she scratched my face when I told her to come with us. You must fetch her yourself."
The Lion set off home in a rage and directly he was out of sight the Jackal said to his wife, " Quick, let us build a tower." So they heaped The Lion set off home in a rage and directly he was out of sight the Jackal said to his wife, " Quick, let us build a tower." So they heaped stone upon stone and when the pile was high enough they carried everything to the top of it.
When the Lion and his family returned the Jackal cried out to him from the top of the tower. "Uncle, while you were away we built a tower in order to see more game."
" Alright," replied the Lion, " but let me come up to you."
"Certainly, Uncle, but how will you manage it? We must let down a thong for you."
So the Lion tied himself to the thong and was drawn up, but when he was nearly at the top the Jackal cut the thong, exclaiming as if in great fright, "Oh, how heavy you are. Go wife and fetch another thong."
The Lion was again drawn up and again the Jackal cut the thong.
" This will never do," said the Jackal, " but you must come up high enough so that we can at least give you a mouthful." So he told his wife in a loud voice to get a specially strong thong. In a whisper he added instructions for her to make a stone hot and cover it with fat. Then he drew the Lion up once more and when he was near the top told him to open his mouth. The Lion did so. whereupon the Jackal threw the hot stone down his throat.
When the Lion had devoured it he rushed off to the water hole, leaving the Jackal and his wife to eat the meat in peace.
SHAKESPEARE KNEW .
Before a Session.
"We'll teach you to drink deep ere you depart." (Hamlet).
During.
"Come sing me a bawdy song Make me merry." (Henry IV).
After . .
"Nor heaven nor earth have been at peace to-night." (Harold).
"Peace, good pint pot." (HenryIV).
"But soft! Methinks I scent the morning air!" (Harold).
What the Cadets Say.
"I am slow of study." (Merry Wives of Windsor).
"I do begin to have bloody thoughts." (Taming of the Shrew).
"What is the opinion of Pythagoras concerning wild fowl?" (Twelfth Night).
On Plotting.
"Leave no rubs or botches on the work." (Henry IV).ly he was out of sight the Jackal said to his wife,"
End of Magazine
The following advertisement appeared in this magazine.
Extracted and recompiled by Eddy Norris for use on Our Rhodesian Heritage Blog from scanned material that was made available by Rusty Theobald. Thank you Rusty.
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posted by Rhodesia Remembered @ 14:22 0 Comments
Ndege June, 1967
Magazine of the Royal Rhodesian Air Force
Publication approved by the Chief of Air Staff.
EDITOR Sqn. Ldr. Woodward.
DESIGN Flt. Lt. Cockle, F/Sgt. Hobbs.
Illustration processing by New Sarum Photographic Section.
The opinions expressed in NDEGE are the personal views of contributing writers they do not necessarily reflect official RRAF opinion. Unless otherwise stated, contents should not be construed as regulations, orders or instructions.
Contributions are welcome, as are comment and criticism. The Editor reserves the right to make changes which he believes will improve the material without altering the intended meaning.
All correspondence should be addressed to the Editor, NDEGE, H.Q. RRAF. P.B. 721 Causeway, Salisbury.
NDEGE is published in the interests of Flight Safety by and for personnel of the ROYAL RHODESIAN AIR FORCE.
INSIDE NDEGE - JUNE 1967
Ndegeditorial
Bloggs
Spotlight on the Sections (l)
Bio Rhythm ?
The DC 3
It's a Shocking World
Eat Drink and be Ready
Flight of the Bumblebys
They ..... They .....They
Cover: A photograph taken from a Canberra at 45,000 ft, showing Lake Mcllwaine and part of the Great Dyke.
See "Spotlight on the Sections"
This issue of NDEGE appears after a regrettably long break in the series. Your editor tenders his sincere apologies and hopes to be able to provide you with an issue every four months in future.
aircraft, and the photographic staff was increased to cope with the additional and steadily increasing demands. Many interesting and valuable aerial photographic sorties were flown at this time, including a hydrographic survey of the upper reaches of the Zambezi during flooding to record high water levels, a route survey of the new road to Kariba, and a low-level survey of Salisbury city; measurements being made, from the resulting prints, down to a few inches for a large scale ordnance map. Print production increased to an average level of 25,000 contact prints and enlargements per year.
An emotional black day sees us edgy and nervous. Normally cheerful women become peevish, easy-going men become short-tempered.
In this respect, your contributions will be most welcome. These can be articles, stories, cartoons or merely downright critical letters!
On the primary subject of FLIGHT SAFETY we can say that our present awareness of safety matters is beginning, to show signs of slipping from what has been a basically satisfactory standard.
Suddenly we are beginning to see servicing errors appearing on our record sheets................ three cases already this year.
Concern is being felt that our present level of supervision is sliding; checks are inadequate, or missing, or ...??? ?
Now, more than ever before, our situation demands meticulous devotion to professional standards. And this applies to everybody.
If you are a supervisor It's your job to check someone else's actions... ........... that check is no less important than the action itself.
If you are aircrew you're in an excellent position to assist your commander. and maintenance supervisors in correcting inefficient or unsafe- practices on the flight line.
But please remember that SAFETY is never an end in itself; always the object is to get the job or mission accomplished in the most effective manner possible. It's a SAFETY job to find the WAY to do that.
Effect of Controls
SPOTLIGHT ON THE SECTIONS
No. 1: the photographers.
1. The first RRAF Photographic Section was established at Cranborne in 1950, and was housed in a single large room next to the aircrew living quarters,
Condition's were primitive to say the least; the nearest running water was from an outside tap some thirty yards from the section, and was collected in buckets. The whole section was converted into a darkroom by turning off the light; but it is not dark for long since visibility soon returned via diffused lighting from the many cracks in the ceiling and window frames. It was, in fact, ideally suited to photographers afraid of the dark.
2, In spite of the problems, many square miles of photo cover was flown and supplied to various government departments, using the Harvard and Rapide aircraft, Processing air film 165 feet in length and 9½ inches wide was quite an adventure; after posting a large "Keep Out" sign on the door, the film was hurried through the developing process before it became affected by the extraneous lighting. Final film washing was carried out under the hydrant behind the Fire Section before returning to the darkroom, where it was placed on the huge drying drum, five feet in diameter and eight feet long, which occupied a large percentage of the floor space. Other activities included production of cine gun training films, defect report photography, Boards of Inquiry photos, and pictures for Service history and publicity display.
3. The section moved to New 3arum during 1952 and took up residence in its present quarters. In 1955, the Rapide gave way to newly-converted Dakota
4. In 1957, a second section was established at Tharnhill to satisfy the demands for technical photography at that Station, and to provide facilities, for all other gun training and assessment. In 1961 the first trials using the Canberra fear high-altitude aerial survey and photo reconnaissance were successfully carried out at Thornhill.
5. With the arrival of No, 5 Squadron at New Sarum, and the formation of a full-time photo interpretation section, the production of air photography has been stepped up. It is anticipated that by the end of this year about 130,000 square miles of survey cover will have been completed for Government survey needs alone, and a considerable amount for training and other Air Force purposes. Cameras used have interchangeable lenses varying from a 6 inch wide-angle lens capable of photographing, at 50,000 feet, 200 square miles of territory on a single negative, to a 36 inch telephoto lens used to obtain detailed reconnaissance information. In addition to these fixed camera installations, hand-held cameras are employed in Provosts and Alouettes for oblique target photography and low-level reconnaissance.
6. The service photographer has always laid claim to one of the most interesting and absorbing jobs in the Force. He may be called upon to provide aerial or ground photographs of an infinite variety of tasks from document reproduction and identity pictures to a minute fracture of a pipe located la an inaccessible part of an aircraft, or, on those all-too-rare occasions, to provide pin-up shots for Ndege. He must have an intimate knowledge of photographic theory embracing both optics and chemistry, and the thorough understanding of at least half a dozen air cameras. He must be part artist and part technician in a profession which, being essentially creative, can pose a new problem every day requiring imagination and skill.
Whilst it is generally known that modern map-making techniques involve the use of air photographs, it is not fully appreciated that the RRAF has the task of photographing Rhodesia for mapping purposes. A considerable percentage of the country* s topographical mapping is based on out-dated information originally gathered by field survey parties, and the Government Survey Department is constantly revising all such mapping.
2. Liaison between Surveys and HQ RRAF results in photographic requirements being channelled, in the form of Air Tasks, to the Photo Flight of No, 5 Squadron, The task is then flown with a Canberra equipped with a fixed vertical survey camera which is remotely controlled from the bomb aimers position. The camera is electrically driven, and is "triggered" at a regular time interval determined by an intervalometer under the control of the photo-navigator.|
3. The area to be photographed is divided into "flight lines" along which the aircraft tracks, taking a continuous strip of photographs at a time interval so calculated that the area of ground covered by each photograph overlaps the area cover of the proceeding one by 60%. Similarly, the flight lines are constructed so that adjacent strips of photographs overlap by 30%
This overlapping system is designed to ensure that all ground detail is covered on at least two photographs (providing stereoscopic cover, which is the basic requirement for mapping), and also to ensure that minor navigational errors do not result in gaps.
After the film is flown, it is processed and examined in the negative stage for defects, analysed for accuracy and overall cover, titled and numbered. A "cover trace" is then produced from an existing map of the area, showing the actual tracks of the aircraft with the appropriate negative numbers and all the details of crew, height, scale, camera operation, etc., applicable to the flight. The film is then despatched to Surveys for the production of maps.
Pencil in the cockpit? Certainly sir - what Colour
"When I authorised an Air Force Photographic Stand, this is NOT what I had in mind.
Remember when you work with munitions jou are handling items which are designed to KILL people.
YOU KNOW THAT STATISTICS CONSTANTLY PROVE
THAT WHETHER YOUR EXIT IS A CALM LEISURELY
LEAP OVER THE SIDE OR A HASTY BANG THROUGH
THE ROOF,
YOUR CHANCES OF LIVING TO TELL THE TALE ARE
IMMEASURABLY INCREASED IF YOU FOLLOW THE
CORRECT DRILLS
KNOWLEDGE, CARE and CAUTION are essential parts of your life insurance?
The AVERAGE cigarette burns about 5 minutes. During such a 5-minute period, a cigarette can contribute significantly to a potential accident.
First, cigarettes interfere with vision - not much, but some. One effect of nicotine in the body is that it constricts the smell blood vessels, including those which supply the eyes. The result is a measureable loss of acuity. In other words, you can't see quite as well after a smoke. With flying as tough as it is today, this fact should give you pause. This doesn't mean smokers can't see well enough to fly safely. It means that they don't see as well as they would otherwise.
Second, cigarettes cloud up our windshield windows. Tobacco smoke contains on assortment of tarrs and resins which have become the centre of research and argument concerning their possible roles as causes of cancer. While I cannot confirm nor deny this accusation, I do know that these tars collect on window surfaces to obscure vision.
If tobacco doesn't get you by causing cancer, it may do the job by causing an accident. But, unlike cancer, this hazard can be readily wiped away. Periodically cleaning windows with a paper towel will clear up your vision to a significant degree. Proper cockpit ventilation will clear the smoky air and keep your aircraft from looking like the smoker on the Super Chief.
Another effect of smoking is the quantity of carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide gases which are thrown off. These gases are insidious in that they can be accrued in the body over a prolonged exposure. They make one somewhat drowsy and inattentive, and they fuzz up vision.
Tobacco smoke contains the same gases as the exhaust of your aircraft, and you've learned to respect the toxic effect of that hazard. Continuous smoking in a tightly closed and non-ventilated aircraft is very much like a hole in the exhaust system, continually leaking a tiny quantity of the gas into the cockpit to contaminate the air you breathe.
Breathing your smoke once is bad enough. Don't try to live in it
Ventilate!
Another danger of smoking is its distractive side effects. When the hot ash drops off into your lap, it is apt to take your attention from flying. A burning cigarette dropped in the aircraft makes things interesting - particularly if you sit on it or if it can't be found.
One of the most important hazards related to smoking is fire. Most smokers forget that "where there's smoke, there's fire."
Smoking may have its good points. But it interferes with your vision, it clouds your windows, it gives off toxic gases, and it's a constant fire hazard.
Ack: Donald S. Buck
BIO RHYTHM .... ?
This Rhythm guides your destiny.
The car is parked in the High Street. You come out of the shop, head down, maybe bumping into somebody, and get in.
A cursory glance in the mirror, you slam the gear lever into reverse and - crunch! You've tangled with the car behind. It's one of those days!
But a week later and - wow! You're on top of the world! You drive like Moss, you don't bump people on the pavement. You feel fit, optimistic, energetic.
Between these two extremes, you have a run of rather ordinary days.
Is this you? Whether you know it or not, it is. You have "up" days and "down" days.
This has been knorn to scientists for hundreds of years. But only now are they finding the key.
The newly developed science called biorhythm claims it is possible for anybody to chart his emotional life, to tell with accuracy on which days he will be on top of the world, with all senses acute, and on which days depressed, careless, accident-prone.
Serious research into biorhythm began in 1927, when a team charted accidents to men in the repair shop of an American railway.
Low Periods
They found that every man had low periods, spaced eleven days apart, when four out of every five of his accidents occurred.
Other scientists, impressed by the results, conducted experiments of their own.
One doctor found that his patients suffered a twenty-three-day cycle, with critical days at the beginning, middle and end.
A Berlin biologist claimed that his experiments showed we each have a twenty-eight-day emotional curve.
A doctor of Innsbruck University, in Austria, analysed the case histories of more than two thousand students and said that we have an intelligence cycle of thirty-three days.
All these three men were correct, as we shall see. They made the study of biorhythm respectable.
In Switzerland, more than half a million people accept the principle and plan their lives accordingly.
Train drivers on the Swiss Federal Railways step down from the footplate if they are in an unfavourable biorhythmic day.
Many Swissair pilots see to it privately that if they are in a dangerous period their co-pilots are going through a "high" biorhythmic time.
A Computer
And ninety Swiss businesses have incorporated biorhythm into their personnel management.
Swiss Watchmakers have even produced a pocket-sized biorhythm computer, called a Biorit, which, by using a series of glared dials, indicates whether your day with be a "high" or "low" one.
The biorhythm believers say it is only necessary to know your birth date to figure out your "patterns". For the pattern is set at birth and never alters.
Everyone is affected by the same three cycles.
Our physical curve lies a twenty-three day cycle and determines our strength, endurance, energy and resistance.
Our emotional curve runs on a twenty-eight-day cycle and controls intuition, perception and creative ability.
Our intellectual curve lies a thirty-three-day cycle and affects our memory, reasoning power and logic.
Each cycle can be shown in the shape of a horizontal "S". The curve extends above and below e centre line.
The curve above the line depicts the "high" of each trait. The below the line is a time of recuperation.
But the critical period is the transition time. Whenever any one curve crosses the centre line in either direction, you are in a dangerous period.
On a physical "black day", the biorhythm scientists you will tend to misjudge direction and distance, stumble, fall or injure yourself. They claim to have shown that the odds of a car driver having an accident are fifteen times grafter on these days.
During an intelligence off-day, problems appear overwhelming an! decisions impossible to reach.
Of course, biorhythm has its critics. One eminent medical man says: "There are changes in our emotional life at regular intervals. But although this phenomena has been under investigation for many years I do not think the biorhythm supporters have the answer. I do not believe that definite conclusions can be drown from any of the results of experiments held so far."
Other medical experts are less conservative. Several hospitals on the Continent have already recognised the- significance of biorhythm.
Except in emergencies, they schedule operations to coincide with the "up" periods on their patients' biorhythm charts.
And the surgeons, too, will time their work for their own "good days", thus minimising the chances of accidents, nerves or bad judgment.
George Thommen, who markets the Biorit computer in America, has bulging files of documentary evidence to support the biorhythm theory.
One man was asked to list his accidents and blunders over a long period. Thommen showed that four out of every five occurred in a critical biorhythmic time.
Actor Kartyn Green caught his leg between a lift and the lift- shaft. It had to be amputated. Verdict: Physically critical day.
Actress Diana Barrymore died from an overdose of sleeping tablets. Verdict: Physical and intellectual curves both at most critical points.
Boxer Ingemar Johansson was heavily fancied to keep his world heavyweight title against Floyd Patterson in New York, Thommen discovered that June 20, fight day, was a black one for Johansson and said so. He was scorned. In the fifth round, Patterson won. Verdict: Physically and emotionally critical day far Johansson,
Biorhythm enthusiasts say that one day all of us will plan our lives according to our biorhythmic patters.
You might scoff at the idea today. But perhap that's because today is one of your black days?
Aviators who are SCUBA divers are cautioned that it is hazardous to fly at altitude soon after diving. Decompression symptoms are likely to occur during transition from pressures above one atmosphere to pressures below one atmos- here. It is recommended that aviators not fly above 5,000 feet altitude within 24 hours of diving to depths below 30 feet (plus 1 atmosphere), or within 12 hours of diving to depths below 15 feet.
In '51 they tried to ground the noble DC-3,
And so some lawyers brought the case before the CAB,
The Board examined all the facts behind their great oak portal
and then pronounced these simple words, "Thr Gooney Bird's
immortal"
THEY PATCH HER UP WITH MASKING TAPE,
WITH PAPER CLIPS AND STRING-S,
AND STILL SIIE FLIPS, SHE NEVER DIES -
METHUSELAH WITH WINGS.
The Army toast their Skytrain now in lousy scotch and soda,
The Tommies raise their tankards high to cheer the old Dakota,
Some claim the C.47's best, or the gallant R4D,
Forget the claim, they're all the same, the noble DC-3
Douglas built the ship to last, but nobody expected
The crazy heap would fly and fly no matter how they wrecked it.
While nations fall and men retire and jets get obsolete,
Thee Gooney Bird flies on and on, at 11,000 feet.
No matter what they do to her, the Gooney Bird still flies,
One crippled plane was fitted with aie wing half the size,
She hunched her shoulders, then took off and, I know this makes us laugh
One wing askew, and yet she flew - the DC-2½.
She has her faults, but after all, who's perfect in this sphere?
Her heating system was a gem, we loved her for her gear,
Of course, her winders leaked a bit Then rain came pouring down,
She'd keep you warm, but in a storm it's possible you'd drown.
Well now she flies the feeder routes and carries mail freight,
She's just an airborne office or a flying twelve-ton crate,
They patch her up with masking tape, with paper clips ind strips,
and still she flies, she never dies - Methuselah with Wings.
BRAKE NOT BREAK
"I SAID WE'D BE ABLE TO TURN' AT THE FIRST INTERSECTION
Ack: RAF TC
Electricity - just what is it ? Since the old conventional theories were recently exploded, even electricians find difficulty in answering that question.
Whatever it is in detailed definition - one point which is never in doubt is that electricity is a powerful and ever-present killer if mis-handled. In this modern civilisation one can run a daily risk of receiving an electric shock, and indeed there's no doubt that thousands of people throughout the world die from this cause every year. Don't dismiss this as a vague statistic - one day your knowledge of electricity may mean the difference between life and death in your happy little corner of the Earth.
It is in your own interests, and in the interests of those around you, to stamp out careless habits and apathetic handling of electricity. Be safety conscious - and make sure that others are. Practice safety continually; some minor action you perform every day with apparent impunity may suddenly backfire,
and there you are - or aren't, depending on sheer chance.
Some case histories may point the lesson. Take the story of the woman whose electric iron had been incorrectly wired by her husband. One day, whilst baby-sitting for a neighbour, she took along some ironing. She put the iron on a metal-topped, wooden-legged table and switched it on, resulting in the table-top becoming "live". Some time later, she stood the baby on the table, and, in doing so, received a severe shock. When she regained consciousness, the baby was dead.
The moral of that story is that electrical wiring should always be checked by a professional; especially so in the case of foreign-made appliances which are often constructed with different wiring colour-codes from those used in this country.
Consider the story of the airman whose soldering iron was poorly wired. He wasn't really concerned because he normally worked at a wooden bench, and was insulated from the floor by a wooden platform. But one day he had to work at a metal benoh, and in putting the iron down to tackle the job with both hands, he received a fatal shock. The "faulty wiring" report was of small consolation to his dependants.
Let's examine the problem more closely - what is electric shock ? It is the general term given to different types of injury caused by the passage of an electric current through the body; each causing death or injuries in different ways. The most lethal, but least common type causes a flutter of the heart known as ventricular fibrillation, and unless a surprisingly well- equipped doctor happens along you've had your lot.
The most common type of shock, which, although not quite so lethal, is still extremely dangerous, causes a stunning effect upon the central nervous system.
In all cases, time is vitally important, and help must be given quickly. If artificial respiration is started within 3 minutes, 70% of victims will normally recover. If the time lapse is up to 4 minutes, only 58% of victims revive. If the delay is longer than 5 minutes, all victims still unconscious will die. A doctor should always be consulted, even if the respiration treatment is apparently completely successful, since electric shock? can cause deep bums and nerve damage.
Really powerful electrical currents hove an effect on the human body which may be likened to the process of a current heating the element of an electric fire. However, unless you get yourself mixed up with Kariba power cables, you are unlikely to run up against this problem. It is a curious fact that "high voltage" accidents kill a smaller percentage of involved victims than do accidents with "domestic" voltage supplies. High voltage shocks generally throw the victim clear of the danger, and, in fact, 62% of people involved in such accidents survive, as compared with 39% survival in lower-voltage mishaps. Very low voltage is no guarantee of safety - a 27.5 volt aircraft power supply can kill under certain conditions.
Further points to remember are that A.C. (alternating current) is much more dangerous than D.C. (direct current); firstly because it has a greater "Freezing" effect causing the victim to cling to the contact, and secondly because the rated voltage is only an average of the fluctuating voltage, and the peak voltage produced is much higher. (The average is only .707 of the peak value).
Moist skin has almost no resistance to electrical current, and the salts in perspiration help the natural conductive quality of the moisture itself. Generally speaking, the body's resistance depends on the type of contact made; for example one finger has double the resistance of two fingers, and if all five are in contact with the electrical source, resistance is almost negligible.
Shocks which pass from one hand to the other (through the body) are most dangerous, and this explains electricians' practice of working with one hand in the pocket when dealing with higher voltages. So if you really must touch it to see if it is "live", touch it with the back of one hand. That way you won't freeze on, your skin will be drier, and your carelessness may go unheeded. Don't rely on fast reactions to help you; the shook travels at the speed of light, and that's faster than you'll ever be!
Remember that moisture anywhere is especially dangerous - wet contacts can make a lethal shock of what would only be a "tickle" in dry conditions. If the cable on the electric mower looks a bit tatty don't wait to find out on a wet lawn; your next-of-kin would not be amused.
Watch out far others, too; you can be killed at long range. A rubber tyred vehicle will insulate you - until you step out. A Coles crane is fine - but don't put your foot on the ground when the hook is tangled in somebody's power supply. An insulated mate can kill you by passing you a spanner - if your insulation is non-existant. When working with appliances, physically disconnect them from the power supply. If you have to work on the supply itself, switch off, pocket the fuses, and cover the switchboard with an appropriate notice. Finally, always check your insulation from earth; stand on duck-boards, rubber mats, dry wood - there's usually something available.
If you do encounter a case of electric shock, act intelligently and quickly. Remove the victim from the supply by switching off the power. If you can't find the switch, push him away from the contact with a wooden pole or any other insulation material. Don't waste time trying to wake up the victim - and ignore symptoms like colour, rigidity and so on; shook victims can he as stiff as a board and anything in colour from white to blue black.
The important thing is to start artificial respiration as soon as possible, and to continue it until help comes or the patient revives. If you are not too sure of artificial respiration procedures, find out NOW and encourage others to do the same. And while you're at it, brush up on your treatment for shock, because that is what you'll have to do after the patient regains consciousness.
Your knowledge of electricity, its dangers and limitations, associated safety precautions, and counter-measures to combat its effects may one day save lives. It is your duty to yourself and your Service to make that knowledge as comprehensive as you can.
RRAF Contribution
HEARD ON THE AIR..............
TWR: Are you VZMC ?
A/C No, I'm the AOC ...
TWR: Are you in the clear ?
A/C: Yes, I am.
Ack: RAF Source.
DICING IS FOR THE BIRDS
dicing with her is fine; the risk is minimal, the cost of failure is slight - dicing with an aircraft is a different proposition; the risk is enormous and failure it fatalmmthe sky, to an even greater extent than the sea, is unrelentingly unforgiving of carelessness.
EAT DRINK AND BE READY!
TO THOSE pilots who may be inclined to grab snacks at odd hours rather than take time to enjoy a proper meal, particularly when on trips, the following information from a USA F source should be food for thought.
"It may strike you as strange that eating and safety should be positively related when so much has been said on the negative side about eating and being overweight. The facts are that while over-eating may be a threat to health on a long term basic, under-eating can, at times, become an immediate threat to you and the lives of your crew.
"Your body, just like your aircraft, runs smoothly when the tank is fuelled, and it burns about 250 calories per hour under a moderate workload. Your main fuel tank lasts about 4½ hours after a good meal, and when it begins to run dry the reserves are called upon. Sugar is released from the liver, your body's reserve tank, and the reserve tank may last another 3 or 4 hours. If you arc already operating on your reserves and an emergency suddenly arises, when your body needs a sudden burst of energy, the necessary reserves may not be there, hven under normal flying conditions the reserves eventually can be depleted and your body rebels against burning up good muscle tissue just because you have not taken time to eat.
As your blood sugar level drops your brain cells are starved and you become — fatigued and irritable. Co-ordination drops off, attention of scan shortens, and procedural sequences may be inverted or portions dropped out altogether.
"The obvious solution to this Flight Safety hazard is, as always, prevention. To remain your alert best, give your body the fuel it needs in the form of well balanced, regular meals."
Did you have breakfast this morning?
(reconstructed by Sqn.Ldr. I.H. Donaldson from a true stry
A Canberra B2 took off one dark, rainy, cold night at the height of the English summer. The exercise; a high level cross-country, The crew; two O.C.U, students.
Everything was fairly normal on the climb - the navigator dropped his dividers only twice, and the driver kept the aircraft practically under control the whole time. At 40,000 feet the beast was levelled and the crew settled down to savour the exhilaration of three hours' frost-bite.
Then it happened. A tiny incident, but one which was to keep our two heroes jumping about for a while. In a sudden burst of activity the navigator leaned forward and, in doing so, unwittingly pulled apart his intercom lead connection. Consequently when, some time later, the pilot became bored enough to enquire after the navigator's welfare, he received no answer.
Now navigators are creatures of strange habit, and such enquiries have been known to be received ungraciously. This pilot, however, being well versed in the ways of the breed, expected at least the courtesy of an obscenity in reply.
When no such reply was forthcoming after repeated enquiries, the pilot, adrenalin pumping at Saturday-night rate, arrived at a momentous conclusion. Anoxia! Fairly reasonable deduction, on the face of it. So back came the throttles, out went the air brakes, the bomb doors rumbled open, and down went aircraft, crew and all.
The navigator, meanwhile was wrestling with the small problem of his latest (an only) fix, which presented a cocked-hat the size of Scotland, and was disturbed to hear the unexpected noises of the descent. He was even more disturbed when, looking forward through the canopy, he saw lights from the ground in the position where the stars (unidentified) should be. Worse still, the lights were getting bigger every second, whilst the hands of the altimeter were giving a fair imitation of the counters of a one-armed-bandit after a particularly vicious pull.
Now the navigator was no fool; he immediately suspected a nonsense - even this pilot didn't gain or lose that much height in straight and level flight. So he did the right thing. He asked the pilot what the 'ell was going on, Alas, as we can well understand, - no reply. And so he arrived at a momentous conclusion - anoxia. The pilot was anoxic.
In the finest traditions of the service he decided to save the ship, so, struggling out of his harness, he disconnected his oxygen pipe and hurled himself forward.
At this point it must he explained that Canberras were at this time equipped with a warning horn which kicked ftp a tremendous racket over the intercom. should any crew member become disconnected from the oxygen system. Now read on ...............
Back to the pilot - hell-bent for an A.F.C. at 10,000 feet per minute. A s soon as the navigator disconnected his oxygen to move forward, the warning horn blew. The pilot redoubled his efforts to bring the aircraft down to a safe height, and whilst doing so, he remembered that somewhere on the instrument panel there was a switch which would cut out the deafening warning horn noise. So naturally he leaned forward to switch it off.
Centre, the navigator, also bent on an A.F.C., but not fancying his chance all that much, arrived up front and saw his pilot apparently slumped over the controls. The moment of truth had arrived! Seizing the control column he tried to heave it back. The pilot, still groping for his switch, was a trifle unnerved at the sight of the clammy hand which had appeared out of the darkness. Following the hand to its source, he found himself staring into the navigator's eyes; not a pretty sight at the best of times, but now undoubtedly the eyes of a madman.
Years of thorough training came to fruition at that moment. Considering the problem calmly and logically, the pilot came to a decision. He let the navigator have it - right between the eyes.
The navigator, sense of humour departing rapidly, took this one entirely the wrong way end became downright resentful. He returned the compliment with a right hook just north of the pilot's oxygen mask.
And so the battle raged, down and down and down. Until at an awfully low altitude, our heroes levelled the aircraft, looked at each other in disgusted silence and returned to base.
There's a moral here somewhere; I'll leave you to find it.
To all those senior officers who will be completing confidential reports on their subordinates this month, the following descriptive phrases are offered for consideration:
1. I would hesitate to breed from this officer ...............
2. He has all the characteristics of a dog except loyalty........
3. If he approached matters with an open mind instead of an open mouth then perhaps he would suceeed more often ..........
4. He belongs to that class of people that has every gift except common sense .............
5. He knows everything and understands nothing .............
6. He understands everything and knows nothing.............
7. He is a modest officer, but then he has much to be modest about
8. He has a brilliant mind, until it is made up............
9. He sets himself a dreadfully low standard, which he consistently fails to achieve...............
Ack: RAF NEAF ,
They - They - They
This should be modified!"
"Thy don't they cleat these pipes properly and atop this chafing?"
"When are they going to get us some decent ground servicing equipment ?"
"Why don't they fix this test equipment ?"
THESE AREN'T QUESTIONS.....THEY'RE ALIBIS!
"THEY" is becoming the most overworked alibi in the language.
Unless we want to be considered alibi artists, forever explaining and excusing our failures, advertising our shortcomings and shifting to others blame for our lack of achievement, we had better drop the word from our vocabulary.
The tendency to think that something wrong is someone else's business to put right is not isolated to the aircraft servicing sphere. In every phase and walk of life this tendency is constantly at work to produce a standard of efficiency much lower than could be obtained if every person made it his business to report observed wrongs to the right people.
When it is asked why "they" haven't corrected a situation that disturbs us, we probably have to admit that we haven't done anything about it either. The proverb "The Lord helps those who help themselves, may have originated in the horse and buggy days, but it is still true, particularly in the field of aviation. We can never expect either "they" or the Lord to help very much until we have
exhausted our own capabilities.
To get personal, take that installation you have found cumbersome, or hard to reach, or subject to frequent failure. What have you done about it ? You hove considered how it could be improved, but have you sent your suggestion and a sketch to higher authority ? Or have you shown your section, squadron or unit commander what is needed ? They" may not even KNOW the installation or item is giving trouble.
Have you reported the defective ground equipment or airborne equipment that is unsafe ? ?
Have you stopped adlibbing that the test rig is a job that "they" will have to do and analysed the trouble yourself ? ?
Have you even recorded just what the defect is, so that "Their" job will be simplified?
THE WAY TO ACHIEVEMENT IS TO ASSUME RESPONSIBILITY FOR GETTING THINGS DONE.
EXAMINER: "What would you do if you encountered fire in the air ?"
PUPIL: "Fly around it, sir."
RRAF Source
I was returning to the support base, alone, from one of our launch control facilities. The military station wagon I was driving gave me only a few seconds notice before it started to roll to the left. I grabbed the steering wheel with both hands and hung on. As it rolled to the left and hit the road, I saw the windshield crack in a million places and heard the breaking of glass behind me. Going over the top and to the right-side-up position, I still held on to the steering wheel and could feel the car roll again to the left. This time the entire windshield blew outward. On the second roll it was harder to hold the wheel.
Again there was the sound of breaking glass and the crunch of metal. The car came to rest right side up. After a moment and a deep breath I looked around and saw that every window, with the exception of the two wings and the one in the right rear door, was broken. Both front doors were jammed shut, so I climbed over the seat and out the right rear door.
The car was beyond repair. The hood, which evidently had come off the first time over, was now standing upright partly embedded. In the right front fender and partly under the right front wheel. Loose gear and the back seat had been thrown clear and were now strewn on the road. The roof was crumpled, and If I had been driving with an arm out the window it was obvious I would have lost it. There was a slight cut on my thumb, my cap was still on and a few muscles felt stiff. Otherwise, I was okay.
"It was several hours later that I noticed two bruises, one on each thigh. The seat belt which held me tightly In place had left a reminder.
A Missile Combat Crewmember
Ack: USAF
CFSO says:
There is no doubt at all as to the wisdom of fitting seat belts to your car. A strong bid has been made to have all Service passenger vehicles fitted with belts.
and If your car has belts ——— use them!
MORE ROAD SAFETY ADVICE
Just as we are about to go into print we learn that another tragic road accident involving our own people has happened on a Rhodesian arterial road.
Another accident that has shattered a happy Service family.
The sincerest heartfelt sympathy of everyone goes out to this family.
How can we stop this savage death toll an. our roads ?
In future, NDEGE will feature a ROAD SAFETY section; but from this instant onwards, whoever you may be, wherever you are going, whatever your mission,
MAKE IT TOUR OWN PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY ALWAYS TO DRIVE DEFENSIVELY
Corinne says: "You will see much
better if keep your perspex clean."
Back Cover of Ndege
Extracted and recompiled by Eddy Norris for use on the "Our Rhodesian Heritage" Blog that he administers.
Please note that this magazine concentrated on Flight Safety within the Royal Rhodesian Air Force.
Also please remember that comments are always very welcome. Send them to orafs11@gmail,com
Labels: 1967, June, Ndege


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