Not part of the 'Old Boy Network'

摘要

I am the son of the Wg Cdr H S 'George' Darley referred to by Norman Franks as part of Leigh-Mallory's 'Old Boy Network' (Wing Leaders - How Did They Rate?, FlyPast April). What a cheek! It's a good thing that we cremated him - otherwise the old chap would be tunnelling his way out right now. My dad loathed 'L-M', and that's a good start. Usual reasons: he hated self-promoters, arrogance, and disloyalty to colleagues; particularly to Dowding, Park and Quintin Brand of 10 Group, under whom dad served whilst OC of 609 (West Riding) Squadron, at Middle Wallop. My old man was no fool - he had to be sharp, for as a merchant seaman's son from South East London there was no silver spoon, no Cranwell - just graft and ability to get him up the ladder. Commissioned in 1932, he served in the Middle East from 1933 to 1938, on Vincents, Audaxes and Gordons. Qualifying as a flying instructor in 1938, he joined 602 Squadron as adjutant/flying instructor, moving in the same role to 611 and its Spitfires until May 1939.