Trinidad's great airman

摘要

Graham Pitchfork's 'Above and Beyond' article on Ulric Cross (January issue) rightly concentrates on the courage, grit and determination of his subject, and misses only Ulric's personality and character. Ulric was one of the most memorable people I have ever met, a view which my 'non-aviation' wife shares. In 1992 I was commanding the Administrative Wing at RAF Wyton [Cambridgeshire], in the run up to the Pathfinder 50th Anniversary Reunion weekend - we were expecting more than 1,000 veterans and their families. I took a phone call from the High Commission for Trinidad and Tobago. It was Ulric, the High Commissioner himself, saying that he planned to attend the reunion, but not in any official capacity so there was to be no 'fuss'. I explained that we would be happy to meet his wishes, but would provide the courtesy of introducing him to the Chairman of the Pathfinder Association, AM Sir Ivor Broom, the station commander, and Ly Bennett, widow of AVM Don Bennett. I would meet him on arrival and ensure all was well.