Neville Duke RIP

[Hagar]

Just heard my schoolboy hero passed away. When I met him years later it was a pleasure to find out that he was everything I imagined him to be.
http://www.flyer.co.uk/news/newsfeed.php?artnum=517

That's another one gone.

[beaky]

When I met him years later it was a pleasure to find out that he was everything I imagined him to be.
(

Wow... how often does that happen when meeting someone you admire?

It is sad, but I'm glad for him: he got to fly on the last day of his life- without dying in a crash.

[ozzy72]

Another one of the greats of aviation passes
I think I'll re-read his war diaries tomorrow in his honour.

[61_OTU]

Thanks for posting this Doug, and thanks for bringing his War Diaries to my attention last year. As Mark suggests I think I'll pick them up again and spare Neville and his colleagues a thought.

As you say, another one gone,

Steve

[C]

Very sad indeed, but it was nice to see that he was given the recognition he deserved with his picture and news of his passing on the front page of today's Telegraph.

[flyboy 28]

Sad news. I think I'll look around for his autobiography. He sounds an interesting man.

[ozzy72]

If you can get his War Diaries you'll probably die laughing or be amazed that anyone could not only survive that much alcohol per night but also get up in the morning to fight the enemy A REAL man

[gryshnak]

He was 85 years old which was not a bad innings, especially for a man who packed so much into his life.

[61_OTU]

No apologies for bringing this one back to the top

The Last Word

Scroll on to 20 minutes through:

"Golly, what a session it was last night. I faded away at 1.30 but it was still going strong then. The CO rather put up a black. he was sitting at the head of the table, chattering away, and he suddenly disappeared from my sight. I thought I had has one too many, but no, he'd gone over backwards and a sepulchral voice from the depths enquired as to the whereabouts of his 'bloody beer'. Oh yes, it was a good session."

Take it easy Neville

[Hagar]

I would rather remember Neville Duke for his considerable contribution to aviation since the end of WWII. He continued test flying almost until the end. Also for being a thoroughly nice & decent human being.

[61_OTU]

I would rather remember Neville Duke for his considerable contribution to aviation since the end of WWII. He continued test fying almost until the end. Also for being a thoroughly nice & decent human being.

The second part of the obituary does go on to relate his extensive post war career, and particularly his part following the 1952 Farnborough accident where the Sea Vixen prototype crashed and members of the crowd were killed. Churchill commended Duke for continuing on with the flying display.....although conversely these days he'd probably be lambasted for doing the same thing.

Two nice things about the audio are the sound recording of Duke setting the speed record, and him being interviewed subsequently. It's a pity that this audio is only available at times like this  ::)