[Smudger Smith]

Gents

Had the pleasure this weekend of being introduced to a former US Hellcat pilot who served in the Pacific.


Unlike most Americans, he played down his wartime exploits and was fascinating to listen to. Over a number of pints in our local RAFA Club I began to warm to our American friend and his not so humble son.



However the subject was raised about our own FAA and it’s supporting role in the Pacific and Indian Ocean campaign. I was somewhat taken aback when the same mild mannered Hellcat pilot stated that our FAA was badly lead, used inferior tactics against the Japs and our pilot’s training left a lot to be desired. The most critical remarks we left for the Seafire.



Being a humble RAF Bomber Command researcher I kept silent.



The Hellcats pilots remarks were not said to offend but given in a honest matter-of-fact way.



I would like to know more about this, was our FAA that bad in this theatre of operations. I don’t want a US v FAA debate just some simple answers.



A confused Limey. !!!!



Smudger