GINGER LACEY FIGHTER PILOT WITH VERY RARE FILM FOOTAGE

[@grahamives8033]

I had the privilege to have a couple of flying lessons with Ginger Lacey in the 70's when he was instructing for Bridlington aero club at Grindale. He would quite happily talk about his time flying Hurricanes and said he wouldn't have missed it for the world. He said his time in the war consisted of hours of boredom followed by 10 minutes of extreme fear every day. He was a truly wonderful and humble man. R.I.P Ginger

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Thank you Graham. Chris. kzbin.info/door/Oh3lzlK4b9UtMzHagk7SaQ

[@steveosborne2297]

I was about to post something similar except I was at Grindale on a parachuting course . Jim looked at me and said I think you’re mad jumping out of a plane when you don’t have to .

[@Godonbleedingbennett49]

I enjoyed the read there Graham and my father used to see him on a regular basis at Brough as he flew there from Skegness a few times a month, got a couple of photos of the two of them, sadly my father has also gone to fly in the heavens. And yes! R.I.P. both father and Ginger.

[@jhwresdell]

I remember Ginger Lacey saying he was a pilot on the day war broke out and still an operational pilot the day WW2 ended - not many pilots could say that ! RIP a Great Guy

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Many thanks. Best Regards. Chris. kzbin.info/door/Oh3lzlK4b9UtMzHagk7SaQ

[@CollieDog24]

Lacey's book Fighter pilot by Richard Townshend Bickers is a brilliant book with some black humour in it and some heart stopping moments during combat.he was shot down twice near Leeds castle in Kent and had an argument with a doctor there who thought Lacey should be put to bed..lacey had other ideas,and got a lift back to Gravesend,stopping at pubs along the way,..As an instructor ,he met screwball,george Buerling who was an aerial sharpshooter and later found fame in Malta. A very good video.

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

I agree the book on Ginger Lacey is next in line to read after Geoffrey Wellum Chris. kzbin.info/door/Oh3lzlK4b9UtMzHagk7SaQ

[@Darwenhypnotherapy]

I have that book,love the part where he sells the remnants of a jeep's shattered red tail light as Burmese rubies to a Yank.

[@jezfrench9435]

Yep. Screwball Buerling had a fantastic eye for aerial gunnery. Apparently one of his kills was from 1500 yards but because of the deflection and drop of the bullets the gun camera couldn't confirm it. A superb fighter pilot that didn't like authority, he was eventually transferred to Malta where he continued to excell.

[@sunriseboy4837]

Dear Boy...of course he was stopping at pubs along the way, he was following doctors orders to seek medicinal prophylactics. 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@ColinVance-q8u]

Heartbreaking that so much was endured by so many good people to protect the UK and now it has been betrayed by politicians!

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Its not what it was Colin do please have a look at my channel. Chris. kzbin.info/door/Oh3lzlK4b9UtMzHagk7SaQ

[@rossmcintyre1710]

That generation fought the enemy without our generation has to fight the enemy within…..

[@juanmanuelpenafielbeltran5727]

Islamist enemy.

[@sunriseboy4837]

Well called!!!

[@derekstocker6661]

Oh so very true, if these brave souls came back to what we have now. Cannot imagine what they would feel after their sacrifice!

[@billballbuster7186]

Great interview, a much underestimated pilot, probably because he was not an officer during the Battle of Britain. I followed his career as I lived in Bridlington, West Yorkshire were he died in 1989. He went out to India in 1943 posted to 20 Squadron were he flew the US P-47D Thunderbolt in 1944. He became Squadron leader of 155 Squadron flying Spitfire Mk VIII. Later commanding 17 Squadron flying Spitfire MkVIII and Spitfire MkXIV by the end of the war. He became the first Spitfire pilot to fly over Japan in 1946. Later in the 1950's he flew De Haviland Vampire jets. A real Yorkshire Hero!

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Appreciate your feedback Bill very much appreciated. Chris. kzbin.info/door/Oh3lzlK4b9UtMzHagk7SaQ

[@josephking6515]

*Thank you* for this excellent video. I have never heard S/L Lacey speak before and his voice doesn't match what I imagined so I am glad I now have the correct voice. I read his book 40+ years ago and only think of him as an incredible man, incredible leader and incredible pilot. He said in the book that he asked for some leave because he was so tired (the term now in aviation is *fatigued* ) but was denied because the Squadron was badly under manned. He said is was probably a good thing because he was so tired that he may not have returned from leave but carry on he did and got past that feeling. I must obtain a copy of his book and read it again because it was just that good and I strongly recommend anyone reading this to also read his book if you already haven't. I believe he was wrong about the then modern generation and today's generation as well. They would rise to defend their nation just like he and his generation did though they may question it they would still fight to defend their family and country. Looking forward to Part II. While I remember there was an interesting story about a Hurricane landing after a scramble during BoB. The aircraft landed, rolled to a stop and the engine kept running. Ground crew and ambulance raced out the the aircraft fearing the pilot had been wounded and couldn't get out of the machine. When they arrived they found the pilot sound asleep. He had been able to land the Hurricane (lucky it has the wide undercarriage) and the brain knowing he was safe just gave in to his fatigue. Absolutely a great example of how much stress these incredible young men were experiencing. I imagine Sgt Lacey was almost at that stage when he requested the 3 or 4 days leave.

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Thanks for your kind feedback Joseph. Chris.

[@weldermarshall]

Brilliant interview, I would have loved to have met him before he died.

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Thanks for watching along. Chris. kzbin.info/door/Oh3lzlK4b9UtMzHagk7SaQ

[@ricardocorbie6803]

I have read his book, he spoke about his double victory in which 2-109’s aggressively tried to kill him, colliding into each other!!

[@78tag]

absolutely - men like that are not like you and I and it is great to talk to some of them.

[@raymillar1499]

Never heard of him before watching this. What a hero what a gentleman. Great video.

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Thanks Ray, Ginger Lacey's book Fighter Pilot is worth a read. Chris.

[@raymillar1499]

@GULLPERCHFLYER Thanks Chris

[@derekstocker6661]

Thanks so very much for this, fabulous films and photo's and listening to this great pilot talking about what went on is so damned good. Some of the other plots I recognised and had met at least one, never had the honour of meeting Ginger Lacey sadly, what a lot of heroes, and what would we have done without them! Great video.

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Thank you Derek please check out the rest of my channel. Chris. kzbin.info/door/Oh3lzlK4b9UtMzHagk7SaQ

[@derekstocker6661]

@@GULLPERCHFLYER Will do Chris and thanks. D.

[@14rnr]

He sounds a very humble man. Thank you for your presentation.

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Thanks for watching along. Chris. kzbin.info/door/Oh3lzlK4b9UtMzHagk7SaQ

[@jackx4311]

So, why was he so virtually unknown? Because when the bloody SNOBS in Fighter Command reported his victories, they just referred to him as "a sergeant pilot"! As a measure of his bravery, when the 'scramble' alert came through to his squadron, he threw up in fear at what he was about to face - then got into his aircraft and went to war. As others have said, real courage isn't not feeling afraid; it's feeling scraed stiff - and then doing it, regardless. As to what he was like as a man; when I was based at RAF Henlow in 1968, I worked alongside a radio fitter called Dave, who had met Ginger during the making of the film 'The Battle of Britain'. Ginger was brought in as a technical advisor, and Dave was looking after the radio direction finding gear used by the pilots. Dave said you couldn't have met a more modest and friendly man, who was respected by everyone who met him. Dave also said, in complete contrast, that he was unfortunate enough to have also met Douglas Bader - who was a raging snob, and an obnoxious, arrogant barsteward who expected people to grovel at his feet.

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Thank you Jack most interesting. Chris. kzbin.info/door/Oh3lzlK4b9UtMzHagk7SaQ

[@philipeoverton]

Yes, snobberry dictated who was recognised as a hero. Ginger Lacy wasn't an Officer - but much more of a Gentleman than, say, the awful Douglas Bader.

[@philipbrooks402]

@@philipeoverton Actually he was commissioned during the war and finished his RAF career as a squadron leader. Glad I am not the only one who does not worship at the shrine of Bader, who should have been court-martialled and slung out of the Air Force after his self-inflicted 'accident' in 1931.

[@andrewmaville7797]

Yes, I met Bader once, and he was really crotchet and it was not a nice experience for me as a 16 year old

[@78tag]

...yes there people who were not well liked but you want them on your side when the SHTF.

[@GregoryMoverley]

Excellent Account of Mr Lacey Experiences. Thank You For Sharing ! A True Grit Man with a Humble Demeanor !

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Thank you Gregory more on my channel. Chri. kzbin.info/door/Oh3lzlK4b9UtMzHagk7SaQ

[@RandyHodder-z1k]

A real privilege to experience your production. Please keep up the FANTASTIC WORK... SemperFi

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Much appreciated Randy and thank you for your kind support. Chris. kzbin.info/door/Oh3lzlK4b9UtMzHagk7SaQ

[@kevchilton908]

What a wonderful interview. How humbling to listen to the great man's vloice, and his personal views on the war and the enemy he had to fight. There is no doubt Ginger Lacey was a true hero and had an amazing talent as a pilot. Great video, Chris 👌🏻👍🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Thanks Kevin glad you watched along. Chris.

[@Undead-Rabbit-dog]

Well done. Interviews like this are gold. Thank you.

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Many thanks do check out my channel. Chris. kzbin.info/door/Oh3lzlK4b9UtMzHagk7SaQ

[@johndavey72]

Brilliant Chris ! Ginger was modest but had that "grit" it took to become a feared opponent ! Thanks once again Chris and look forward to the second instalment. 😊

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Glad you enjoyed it John part two will be even better. Chris.

[@gregbolitho9775]

Sargent RAFVR 1940 to Squadron Leader 1945. Met a nurse, on a transport ship, and married her. Have a top 10 fighter pilot list. This blokes No.2. First time I managed to hear his voice. Converted to Spitfire, saying he'd flown them, and spent a couple of days, picking them up from one base, and takin them to his. Lookin forward to pt2. Thanks m8, keep up the good work, stay vertical Eh!

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Thanks Greg part two in production now. Chris. kzbin.info/door/Oh3lzlK4b9UtMzHagk7SaQ

[@Micestro109]

An absolute legend of a man. It wasn't until he saw the Spitfires at Henlow while he was advising on the Battle of Britain film that he mentioned to the chaps working on them "that's my old Spitfire", pointing to the MkIa AR213 recently returned to airworthiness. She was flown by Jim, as he preferred to be known, at Hawarden for over six months and one of the pupils that would have flown in formation with Lacey whilst instructing was as previously mentioned, George 'Screwball' Beurling. His Spitfire now resides at Duxford and currently wears Eagle Squadron colours. I'm not 100% sure but it is very likely that the airfield that Lacey was a civilian instructor at was Yeadon where the Yorkshire Flying School were based, Hedon was a very basic field so unlikely to have been used for high-intensity flight training in the build up before the war started

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Thank you for putting me straight that was my mistake it should have been Yeadon as you correctly say. Chris.

[@MrSunlander]

Director Guy Hamilton in an interview 30 years later "I entrusted Ginger Lacey to be my main adviser. He really was a good chap, totally invaluable."

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Worthy addition to part two Ginger Lacey. Chris. kzbin.info/door/Oh3lzlK4b9UtMzHagk7SaQ

[@michaelguerin56]

Thank you Chris. Great video.

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Very welcome Michael. Chris. kzbin.info/door/Oh3lzlK4b9UtMzHagk7SaQ

[@johnnywarnerperfectroad66]

Excellent always a privilege to listen to a first hand account, history rarely gives us this. Thank you👍

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Many thanks appreciate your feedback. Chris.

[@BodleyFludes]

Wonderful account from a flying hero. We have a lot to be grateful for.

[@jackthebassman1]

Hi again Chris, thanks once more for bringing us little publicised war history. And to further add to that, yes Chris, we do find your posts extremely interesting.

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Glad you enjoyed the film Jack. Chris.

[@davidmosey687]

What a fine piece of work about a very fine airman! I’m very much looking forward to the sequel.

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Many thanks David, part two is currently in production. Chris. kzbin.info/door/Oh3lzlK4b9UtMzHagk7SaQ

[@christopherabbott7132]

Excellent video, what a great man he was, a true hero and legend. Earlier in the year I was fortunate to visit the Battle of Britain 🇬🇧 Museum at Hawkinge with my girlfriend and managed to pick up a Corgi model Hurricane representing Ginger Lacey 👍😎!!!!!!

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Glad you enjoyed it Christopher, please check out my other films. Chris. kzbin.info/door/Oh3lzlK4b9UtMzHagk7SaQ

[@78tag]

...did the 'Corgi' model you mention have anything to do with the dog in some of the videos.

[@christopherabbott7132]

@@78tag Hawker Hurricane Mk.1 V7357/SD-F, SGT. J.H ‘GINGER’ LACEY, RAF No. 501 SQUADRON, GRAVESEND, SEPTEMBER 1940 ANNIVERSARY LIMITED EDITION 60 YEARS OF CORGI 1956-2016 if that’s any help

[@theflyingfool]

Looking forward to hearing the next episode! That was very interesting thanks!

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Thanks the next film is in production and it features footage from The Battle of Britain. film. Chris. kzbin.info/door/Oh3lzlK4b9UtMzHagk7SaQ

[@myke.h2913]

Thanks and respect to you and all your fellow airmen sadly again we see the politicians betraying all that you fought for.

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

I welcome your feedback. Chris. Please check out my channel.kzbin.info/door/Oh3lzlK4b9UtMzHagk7SaQ

[@Hayes1955SPLaTFiLMS]

New him when I was skydiving back in the day at Grindale and he flew the jump planes. One thing I didn’t know until seeing this - his birthday, February 1st, is the same date as my own birthday! Ginger was therefore exactly 38 years my senior. Wonderful man.

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Many thanks do check out my channel and have a subscribe. Chris. kzbin.info/door/Oh3lzlK4b9UtMzHagk7SaQ

[@LeveretteJamesClifford1955]

This makes me want to go back and read all my books about the Battle of Britain and I have quite a few. I bought some here in the US and quite a few when I went to Scotland twice. If you can call a machine beautiful I think that the Spitfire was the most beautiful plane ever built. So much so that when I married my Italian wife who was VERY beautiful I called her my Spitfire!

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Hey thank you so much for your interesting comments much appreciated. Chris.

[@bobbarron6969]

Toward the end of this wonderful interview, Mr. Lacey uttered the phrase "My Country Right or Wrong". This phrase has been attributed to a 19th century U. S. Naval officer: Steven Decatur. The phrase was part of a toast celebrating a victory in 1816. As a child raised in the U.S., this phrase was often used when speaking about the early days of independence in my country. Mr. Lacey reminds me of another humble but fierce fighter: Jimmy Stewart as a bomber pilot.

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Thanks Bob, check out part two which has just been published. Chris. kzbin.info/door/Oh3lzlK4b9UtMzHagk7SaQ

[@brushitoff503]

Very entertaining Chris, Thank you.

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Many thanks much appreciated. Chris.

[@jerrytracey6602]

Lacey was a hero of mine when I was a boy and I read his biography so many times the paperback fell to bits. I would later work in a bookshop owned and run by a good friend of his, a Sunderland Flying Boat pilot who I won't name here, but anyone familiar with Beverley in East Yorkshire will be familiar with the shop. Lacey once visited the shop while I was working there, but of course I didn't recognise him until a colleague pointed him out. I was gobsmacked! Unfortunately I didn't have the courage to try to talk to Lacey before the boss ushered him up to his flat above the shop. I often regret not having poked my nose it to meet my hero.

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Appreciate your feedback Jerry. Chris.

[@frankeimer3906]

Thanks for the uploads. A great inside in the minds of pilots of ww2

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Many thanks. Chris.

[@michaelscurr9046]

Love your channel thanks for your work

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Glad you enjoyed the film. Chris.

[@eddiegilbey3846]

I read Lacey’s book in 1971 as a 17 year old. My favourite story was one from Burma, where an erk is looking to rearm Lacey’s aircraft after a successful sortie. He says to Lacey “ you can’t have shot that aircraft down sir, you’ve only used three rounds “( cannon shells). Lacey replied “ really flight as many as three, you do surprise me “. Still makes me smile today.

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

That's quite some quote many thanks. Chris. kzbin.info/door/Oh3lzlK4b9UtMzHagk7SaQ

[@eddiegilbey3846]

Having checked the book it was nine rounds not three. It’s on page 168. Sorry for the misquote.

[@chrisweeks6973]

@@eddiegilbey3846 Correct. As he says earlier in the book, 'They were harassing me." It wasn't an Erk, though, as Lacy's reply makes clear. Erks back then were AC2's and AC1's or perhaps a newly-minted LAC. 'Flight' is the informal of Flight Sergeant, being the second-highest NCO rank and, back then, is a highly-experienced old sweat with a long gong, running the aircraft maintenance team. He's definitely not an Erk!

[@oxheadsoup9851]

So glad to find this channel: immediately subscribed!

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Many thanks for your support its very welcome. Chris.

[@brianfreeman8290]

As a small boy, in the 50s, I flew from Yeadon airfield in a DC3, but can't recall where we went, possibly Southend. I recall that the interior of the Dakota was still khaki green.

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Interesting Brian many thanks. Chris.

[@IncogNito-gg6uh]

I like Mr. Lacy’s term “hobby demonstrator.”

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Ginger Lacey has some very interesting views, keep an eye out for Part Two. Chris. kzbin.info/door/Oh3lzlK4b9UtMzHagk7SaQ

[@eno.5796]

I grew up on the stories of these Pilots,my Dad was an instrument mechanic/electrician on planes on an aircraft carrier in fleet air arm.amazing to see the historical content now availiable .just wish he'd lived long enough to see the Internet,mind you he had all there autobiographies:-) Thanks for your work preserving this precious material and making it availiable .

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Glad it was of interest. Chris.

[@timdench2583]

Super video, thanks. I’ve just orders his book. I have a PPL, and on one of my lessons once we were well clear of controlled airspace, the seasoned instructor did indeed tune the radio into a commercial radio station.

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Wow how interesting Tim. Chris. kzbin.info/door/Oh3lzlK4b9UtMzHagk7SaQ

[@timdench2583]

@@GULLPERCHFLYER thinking about it a bit more as it was more than 10 years ago, it wasn’t the radio, but it was the ADF (automatic direction finder) which uses the same wavebands as AM radio. Having picked up the music, we could then plot a course to the mast it was coming from. It’s a bit of a party piece really as the ADF will pick up the strongest signal which could come from any of the masts in the area. So, no good for navigation, but fun nonetheless. In theory you could have music playing from the ADF and listen out for radio calls at the same time. A bit distracting though!

[@gary33558]

Hi buddy, that was a fantastic documentary on ginger lacey. keep them coming, mate. cheers Gary 🇬🇧

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Keep an eye out for the next one Ginger Lacey and the Battle of Britain film. Chris. kzbin.info/door/Oh3lzlK4b9UtMzHagk7SaQ

[@JodelFlyer]

Really excellent video Chris. Very interesting and informative!

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Many thanks Tim I am glad it was of interest. Chris.

[@jarrowmarrow]

My grandad was also an airman in ww2 for the RAF. It was clear he had a profound sadness when he thought about the war. The few times he spoke he said that it was a nasty business having to kill or be killed. He lost many a friend in the war. I think he had a case of survivors guilt. He once did say that at the time there were very few heroes and when there was one they weren't really appreciated because the strategy required very conservative use of the aircraft pilots, fuel and ammunition. The idea was to preserve them for when they were needed not to seek glory and take risks. He was careful never to glorify the war to us kids.

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Very very sad. Chris.

[@78tag]

...it sounds to me like your gramps was one of those heroes. :)

[@gbentley8176]

Lacey had the same attitude to the war as my father. Also an instructor and Mosquito recce pilot and C/O. Young men and women tasked to do a job defending the Nation. God bless all who served.

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Many thanks. Chris.

[@philipbrooks402]

Was taught to fly by Ginger Lacey at Bridlington in the mid- 1980s. Even in his seventies he still had something of the fighter pilot about him.

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

How interesting to hear that Philip, do please consider subscribing. Chris. kzbin.info/door/Oh3lzlK4b9UtMzHagk7SaQ

[@tonymasters-c3g]

Thank you you said you in the process of making a video THANK YOU so much BRILLIANT 👍

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Glad the film was of interest. Chris. kzbin.info/door/Oh3lzlK4b9UtMzHagk7SaQ

[@luckyguy600]

super to see this moment in history. More please!

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Thank you quite a bit more on my channel. Chris. kzbin.info/door/Oh3lzlK4b9UtMzHagk7SaQ

[@maxgrove1661]

Great interview and just shows the attitude of young people of the time, a sense of honor and feeling for their country. Sadly I do not think that would happen now. I know there are fantastic fighter pilots nowadays but they have gone through a huge amount of training and had to have pretty high qualification to even get in the RAF. Not so in Ginger's time, you only have to look at the life expectancy of fighter and bomber pilots of the time to realise the bravery and courage of the guys who saved us from a fate worse than death!! God bless them all. RIP Ginger.

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Thank you Max. Chris. kzbin.info/door/Oh3lzlK4b9UtMzHagk7SaQ

[@OW...]

Many thanks for the upload, awesome to see..

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Many thanks glad it was of interest. Chris. kzbin.info/door/Oh3lzlK4b9UtMzHagk7SaQ

[@keithad6485]

I remember as a teen reading about 'Ginger' Hebblethwaite and Algy 'Lacey' in Biggles books set in WW1 written by RFC pilot W E Johns.

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Thank you Keith do please have a subscribe. Chris. kzbin.info/door/Oh3lzlK4b9UtMzHagk7SaQ

[@DanRyan-v5y]

I was trying to recall those details as well. I thought it was ginger Lacey, but thanks for clearing that up

[@keithad6485]

@@DanRyan-v5y me too!

[@tonyfranks9551]

Excellent....thank you.

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Many thanks Tony. Chris. kzbin.info/door/Oh3lzlK4b9UtMzHagk7SaQ

[@johnstirling6597]

I believe that Ginger was responsible for collecting and appropriately modifying, (where possible) the aeroplanes that were used in the filming of the Battle of Britain film .

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

He was I must include that in part two of my film on Ginger Lacey. Chris. kzbin.info/door/Oh3lzlK4b9UtMzHagk7SaQ

[@bryankirk]

Goodly. Cheers Sir!

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Thank you Bryan, do ponder subscribing. Chris. kzbin.info/door/Oh3lzlK4b9UtMzHagk7SaQ

[@RobertSeviour1]

This is an excellent record of a remarkable pilot. Thank you for making it. One minor point, which I hope you will correct: your pronunciation of 'Croix de Guerre' is painful to one who speaks French.

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Appreciate your feedback and I apologise for my poor pronunciation, I will improve. Please check out my channel and have a subscribe. Chris. kzbin.info/door/Oh3lzlK4b9UtMzHagk7SaQ

[@chris_bianchi13]

These men were MEN. Ginger Lacey was a Man among men. Thank God for them all! Thank you for disseminating this treasure of history for future generations.

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Glad it was of interest Chris. Please have a subscribe. Chris. kzbin.info/door/Oh3lzlK4b9UtMzHagk7SaQ

[@ArthurWright-uv4ww]

Extraordinary Pilot

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Very true Arthur he survived. Chris.

[@jamestregler1584]

Yes a great interview ; the old vets including my father ( U.S.N. Commander) '' I did my job '' !

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Amazing young men. Chris. kzbin.info/door/Oh3lzlK4b9UtMzHagk7SaQ

[@bobsakamanos4469]

Ginger was one of the best. Imagine how much more he could have accomplished in a Spitfire.

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Thanks Bob good point. Chris,

[@eno.5796]

Wow.ive still got hi Dad's brass screwdriver like the one used at 17.01 it's ingenious.unscrew the cap and therer are 2 pieces inside that fit onto each other to extend length and reduce tip size. Brought back memories of Him.

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Very interesting. Chris.

[@mustafasfleas7342]

As a card carrying member of that, now, much despised generation labeled "boomers" I assuredly am unable to say just when Mr Lacey came to my attention. However, his name as being one of those outstanding gentlemen of the 2nd great unpleasantness has been with me as best as I recall, since long about my much squandered youth. Now, well into my twilight years, I say thank you Sir Lacey for all you, and your generation did suffer, and may God give you rest and the eternal peace of the hero(s) you most surly raised to be in this mortal life! I, thank you most sincerely for the peaceful and bountiful life I and my children have known because of all you have given us, as well, for all those who's names and sacrifices may never be known or documented, my eternal gratitude , I owe your generation a debit that can never be paid for in coin or blood!

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Thank you your comments are very much appreciated. Chris. kzbin.info/door/Oh3lzlK4b9UtMzHagk7SaQ

[@patriciarose6371]

Well said on behalf of us all who viewed this incredible interview ! It was brilliantly put together, scenes of pilots racing to their planes, lounging in their flying gear was like a movie,but this time the heros were real.I wondered about the little black dog ! Was he Gingers pet ? Ginger was an amazing pilot and extraordary man .I too look at todays young demonstrating about every fool thing under the sun ? Would they be up to it if things got worse than they are now ?I dont think they know their head from their foot and have not learnt love of country as we were.

[@johnwalker8952]

Isn't the airfield he described using before the war 'Yeadon', not 'Hedon'? Yeadon is now Leeds/Bradford Airport.

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Good point John my mistake. Chris. kzbin.info/door/Oh3lzlK4b9UtMzHagk7SaQ

[@NiSiochainGanSaoirse]

There was an aerodrome in Hull called Hedon,which became an RAF base. At that time, Hull was in the East riding of Yorkshire.

[@d165354]

I now feel really shown up. I knew of Al Deere, Johnny Johnson, Bob Stanford Tuck, Doug Bader

[@d165354]

I continuation to the above......But i did not know of Ginger Lacey out side of the " Biggles Books" which i understood was in memory of one of W E Johns observers.....Now i find that he was one of the most famous pilots of the war.....yes....i do feel shown up. Wishing everyone the very best....mike.

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Thanks for your feedback Mike, do please have a subscribe and check out my Geoffrey Wellum film. Chris. kzbin.info/door/Oh3lzlK4b9UtMzHagk7SaQ

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Thanks for your honest feedback Mike. Chris.

[@peterfarrell520]

spot on about the youth then and more so now.

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Spot on Peter. Chris. kzbin.info/door/Oh3lzlK4b9UtMzHagk7SaQ

[@thatsthewayitgoes9]

Thank you

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

You're very welcome. Best Regards Chris. kzbin.info/door/Oh3lzlK4b9UtMzHagk7SaQ

[@the_Loose_Rivet]

I met him once! So, there I was at my Squadron's (17F) Friday Beer Call and needed to make room for another beer! I'm happily doing the business when this "Civilian" Old Bloke joins me at the Heads! "Who the Hell are You?" I said! To which he replies, "I'm Ginger Lacy!" We then "Flew" in formation so to speak. I have the honour to be Sir, your obedient Servant, suddenly made a lot of sense!!!!!

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Interesting meeting. Chris. kzbin.info/door/Oh3lzlK4b9UtMzHagk7SaQ

[@1339LARS]

Top notch!!!!! //Lars

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Thanks Lars please check out my channel. Chris. kzbin.info/door/Oh3lzlK4b9UtMzHagk7SaQ

[@jerrytracey6602]

I love Lacey's tale about joining his first active squadron. In his orientation chat, he was asked how many solo hours he had flying military aircraft, and her replied "none". Then he was taken up on what is now called a "checkride" in a trainer. On circling to land, the trainer brought Lacey in a little high for his final approach, and asked him to demonstrate what he would do in such a situation, expecting Lacey to perform a go-around. Instead Lacey put the plane into a side-slip, lost the necessary altitude in a trice without gaining too much airspeed, and plonked the plane on the runway nice as pie. "I thought you had no solo hours!", to which Lacey replied something along the lines of that he answered correctly, but as a civilian flying instructor, he was very familiar with both the manoevre and the training aircraft they were using. Typical Yorkshireman, being awkward by giving someone a correct answer when the wrong question was asked and then proving what the correct question should have been 😆

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Good one Jerry. Chris. kzbin.info/door/Oh3lzlK4b9UtMzHagk7SaQ

[@burntoutaussie4005]

I look forward to the second part Sir.

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Part two will be even better. Chris. kzbin.info/door/Oh3lzlK4b9UtMzHagk7SaQ

[@johnbremner1453]

His mother was from Caithness and a relation of my grandfather, my mother remembers him visiting my grandfather in the sixties when he was “retracing his roots” as he said himself

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Interesting thank you John. Chris. kzbin.info/door/Oh3lzlK4b9UtMzHagk7SaQ

[@richardneagle3177]

God bless this man forever

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Thank you Richard. Chris. kzbin.info/door/Oh3lzlK4b9UtMzHagk7SaQ

[@fieldfurrowpitchandpasture988]

Wow, rember he used to sit in the bar at Bridlington Rugby Club when I was playing there in the late 80’s 🍻👍🏉

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

How wonderful you have shared your memories many thanks Chris. kzbin.info/door/Oh3lzlK4b9UtMzHagk7SaQ

[@SunofYork]

He was based at Yeadon flying club for a while and I lived in Yeadon in the 70 and 80s .... I still go there for Murgatroyd's fish and chips and I can get there Chicago-Dublin-Yeadon

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Many thanks I was incorrect saying Hedon Aerodrome. Chris. kzbin.info/door/Oh3lzlK4b9UtMzHagk7SaQ

[@canigetanoorah]

Do you know if there is any link to the character Ginger Lacey in the Biggles books? I assume the character must have been inspired by this man

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Biggles the fictional fighter pilot character created by William Earl Johns, first appeared in the Royal Flying Corps in 1916 at the age of 17. Although currently out of fashion, these stories were in the 1950s and 60s very popular. Surprisingly, the very first Biggles stories were not intended for children, but for an adult readership. When these early books were reprinted in the 1950s some details were changed to accommodate the younger readership Johns had acquired, for instance a prize of a case of whisky in the original of “The Balloonatics” was changed to a case of lemonade. Ginger first appeared in the fifth Biggles book called “The Black Peril” in 1935 where his surname is actually spelt 'Habblethwaite' two other friends were Bertie and Algy. Please have a subscribe Chris. kzbin.info/door/Oh3lzlK4b9UtMzHagk7SaQ

[@brucegibbins3792]

I'm from the post war generation whose hero's were mostly military types both British, Commonwealth and because we are a Pacific nation, American Military as well. Our fathers were in uniform and served in almost every theater of war in one capacity or another.

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Thank you Bruce, my father served in the 13th/18th Hussars with Sherman tanks liberating Bremen in 1945. Chris. kzbin.info/door/Oh3lzlK4b9UtMzHagk7SaQ

[@wildbill118]

He described what I think his last flying job was, as akin to “a lift attendant in a lunatic asylum.” He was, certainly in the early eighties when I met him, one of the pilots for Bridlington Skydiving Club … 😂

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

A hardy Yorkshire man. Chris. kzbin.info/door/Oh3lzlK4b9UtMzHagk7SaQ

[@dhouse-d5l]

Yorkshire produced some fine fighter pilots, Lacey, Gillam, and Johnston amongst others... true grit.

[@laurencegerrard8044]

Johnny Johnson was from Leicestershire

[@ianrees3231]

excellent

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Thanks Ian. Chris.

[@philcarver9025]

george bennions was my metal work teacher he had a glass eye sqd ldr by rank 17 kills i think he was badly burnt in a hurricane. i never new he was burnt until i saw him in a documentary on the tv about a dr plastic surgeon what a brilliant surgeon i have been stood next to him not a scar except for the temple next to his glass eye. no one messed about in his class he had a unique way of class control he was a silver smith before the war, he used to play golf with my farther. we all had massive respect for him

[@anthonyeaton5153]

@@philcarver9025 George Bennions flew Spitfires in the Battle of if Britain and was then sent north to Catterick with 41 Squadron. There he shot down a Heinkel . The crew was captured and put in the local police jail. George drove to see them and asked if he could take them to the pub. That is what he told me when I interviewed him.

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Thank you Phil very interesting. Chris.

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Interesting feedback Anthony. Chris.

[@anthonyeaton5153]

@@GULLPERCHFLYER I think you are referring to my post to Phil Carver re Bennions. Apologies if I am wrong.

[@paramarky]

" I've got good news and bads news" says GOD to new born James Lacey - "Bad news is you're gonna be a ginger - good news is you're gonna fly Fighters in the Battle of Britain"

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Lost most of his ginger hair. Chris. kzbin.info/door/Oh3lzlK4b9UtMzHagk7SaQ

[@darylcheshire1618]

The author of the Biggles stories W.E Johns had the men close to Biggles - Ginger Hebblethwaite and Algy Lacey.

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Thanks Daryl. Do please have a subscribe to my channel I have several historical films uploaded. Chris. kzbin.info/door/Oh3lzlK4b9UtMzHagk7SaQ

[@edyke4962]

Most excellent .

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Thanks for watching along. Chris. kzbin.info/door/Oh3lzlK4b9UtMzHagk7SaQ

[@stephenconnolly3018]

You only have to see the smile on face to know what sort of man he was.

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

I would guess a true Yorkshire man. Chris. kzbin.info/door/Oh3lzlK4b9UtMzHagk7SaQ

[@beaujeste1]

His autobiography is one of my favourites - BST and Geoff Wellum’s being the others…

[@Brian-om2hh]

Yes, Geoffrey Wellum's book - First Light - is an excellent read...... The memoirs of an 18 year old Spitfire pilot in the Battle of Britain.... Tom Neil's book - Gun Button to Fire, is another....the whole lot of them were brave young men, who put their lives on the line for Britain when it mattered the most... Many thanks and RIP to them all..

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Very much agree. Chris. kzbin.info/door/Oh3lzlK4b9UtMzHagk7SaQ

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Thank you Brian. Chris. kzbin.info/door/Oh3lzlK4b9UtMzHagk7SaQ

[@fasthracing]

Excellent

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Many thanks please check out my channel. Chris. kzbin.info/door/Oh3lzlK4b9UtMzHagk7SaQ

[@catsamazing338]

That was great. A rare breed that may be extinct… unfortunately.

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Thanks do please check out my channel. Chris. kzbin.info/door/Oh3lzlK4b9UtMzHagk7SaQ

[@georgedragicevic5618]

I see Bluey Truscott in the photo at 11.50. likely 452 squadron?

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Thank you George. Chris. kzbin.info/door/Oh3lzlK4b9UtMzHagk7SaQ

[@etiennenobel5028]

Amazing how the values have changed. For the better I hope .

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Thanks for watching along. Chris. kzbin.info/door/Oh3lzlK4b9UtMzHagk7SaQ

[@colinireson9339]

A mystery to me that S/L Lacey never received at least 1 DSO and 1/2 DFCs. Some good old snobbery involved I expect.

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

You maybe right there Colin. Please have a subscribe and look out for my part two Ginger Lacey and the Battle of Britain film. Chris. kzbin.info/door/Oh3lzlK4b9UtMzHagk7SaQ

[@JohnHill-qo3hb]

Sounds like he viewed his wartime service as a job, an unpleasant job but a job that was necessary, had to be done and he was ready to do it to the best of his ability.

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

How true John. Chris. kzbin.info/door/Oh3lzlK4b9UtMzHagk7SaQ

[@robertbate5790]

I wonder if this man was the genesis of the character in the Biggles novels by W E Johns. A wonderful insight into the mind of a pilot of the day. Thanks to him and the like we have had 'peace' in Europe for so many years. My embarrassment is that over the years that hard won freedom has been sold for a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. 🇬🇧 🇬🇧 🇬🇧

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Yes very sad Robert. Chris. kzbin.info/door/Oh3lzlK4b9UtMzHagk7SaQ

[@Maxautobrake]

The Yorkshire Aeroplane Club was at Yeadon not "Hedon"

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Thank you for that Max. Chris. kzbin.info/door/Oh3lzlK4b9UtMzHagk7SaQ

[@Maxautobrake]

@@GULLPERCHFLYER No problem, Chris, I was an instructor there too in the 1980s. Look forward to part 2 of this Ginger Lacey story.

[@Wadaryu1000]

Lest we forget.

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Thank you for your very interesting family feedback. Chris. Chris. kzbin.info/door/Oh3lzlK4b9UtMzHagk7SaQ

[@GWAYGWAY1]

I met him just before he died, I remember a grey haired man with a very ruddy face.

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Thank You, please check out my other channel films one of which is Geoffrey Wellum. Chris. kzbin.info/door/Oh3lzlK4b9UtMzHagk7SaQ

[@brendanmccabe8769]

Thought this was a joke when I first saw it, an amalgamation of Ginger Hebblethwaite and Algy Lacey! Sounds like a top bloke too, so glad he got through it to tell the tale.

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Thank you, Ginger Lacey Fighter Pilot is an interesting read. Do check out others on my channel. Chris. kzbin.info/door/Oh3lzlK4b9UtMzHagk7SaQ

[@andymcparland7805]

Me too

[@xfire7]

A better time for sure .

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

In many ways true. Chris. kzbin.info/door/Oh3lzlK4b9UtMzHagk7SaQ

[@Yorkshire321]

He was from Wetherby 💪

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Thank you Peter. Chris. kzbin.info/door/Oh3lzlK4b9UtMzHagk7SaQ

[@johnallen7807]

I shudder to imagine what he would think of an RAF that last year said it didn't want to recruit "useless, white, male pilots"? I challenged the CAS on that but no one ever got sacked for that email as far as I know.

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Your feedback is appreciated John. Chris. kzbin.info/door/Oh3lzlK4b9UtMzHagk7SaQ

[@NJonners]

Read his book some years ago.

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Thanks Nick be great if you check out my other channel films. Chris. kzbin.info/door/Oh3lzlK4b9UtMzHagk7SaQ

[@jonathanpope81]

Talley Ho thanks !

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Thanks Jonathan. Chris. kzbin.info/door/Oh3lzlK4b9UtMzHagk7SaQ

[@alanhughes9193]

If Ginger Lacey had've been Australian, he would have been Bluey Lacey.

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Thanks Alan that is interesting. Chris. kzbin.info/door/Oh3lzlK4b9UtMzHagk7SaQ