WARTIME FIGHTER PILOT GEOFFREY WELLUM DFC

[@slight909]

I met Geoff. He was a wonderful gentleman. He told me a story. He flew in a Spitfire when he was 91, in a two seater. The front seat pilot was an eminent RAF fighter pilot. When they landed, they Wing Commander (BBMF) said "what do you think?". Geoff said "keep practicing son, you'll get the hang of it". He was a legend to me.

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

That is a classic remark what an amazing gentleman. Chris.

[@SimonWallwork]

Classic. Never f with these people.

[@LadyBlanche.888]

My uncle was a Battle of Britain Pilot DFC he died later on in the war when he was shot down. Geoffrey Wellum was a hero as well as many of those fighter boys were. We must educate the young so they know who those heroes were and the mammoth Battle they won.. R.I.P. Dear Fighter Boys. 🙏

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Thank you Lady Blanche for your kind words. Chris.

[@benlewis2475]

Too right we must keep their memories alive. I give talks to schools on the Battle of Britain to try and do just this. It’s quite amazing what some of the kids know which is great to see.

[@Panigale67]

I left school 40 years ago and there was zilch about this or anything to do with the RAF Army or Navy. I was saying I wanted to be a pilot in the RAF at around age 7!

[@leddyzee247]

“Gun button to fire, and we went straight into em” I have no idea how these wonderful people did this, but they did. Never forget

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Thank You Leddy. Chris. kzbin.info/door/Oh3lzlK4b9UtMzHagk7SaQ

[@humbleguy4726]

Well, Geoffrey got his wish, i have remembered these brave youngsters all my life. I am very aware that my freedom was costly and i owe a great debt to people like Geoffrey Wellum DFC.

[@GilbertdeClare0704]

Same here my friend. My Dad was in 66 Squadron throughout the BoB ; Duxford, Horsham, Coltishall, Kenley, Gravesend, Biggin Hill. Heard endless tales from him as a child, and went round many a deserted airfield in the 1950s and 1960s with him seeing his face. He told me of many many brave lads, but sadly I can only remember Pilot Officer Bodie, who my Dad got upset talking about. He had remembered him being "a bundle of nerves" as he was strapping in, but still he went up....and never came back. I remember having the TWO BoB days as a child, now sadly reduced to just the one, but will NEVER forget all that those brave young men saved us from ! And ALWAYS have massive respect for my Dad who had volunteered in 1938

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Thank you Humble Guy. Chris.

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

That is very sad to hear about Pilot Officer Bodie, that is a very special kind of bravery. Chris.

[@GilbertdeClare0704]

@@GULLPERCHFLYER My Dad never forgot him. I think my Dad said that P/O Bodie's was only 20yrs old, a very quiet and gentle "lovely lad" whose father had been a Dentist from Deal. Scared but went anyway. What Geoffrey Wellum says at @2:43 is SO, SO important, we MUST remember them. Thanks for your brilliant vids, Chris. VERY much appreciated

[@jamieblanche3963]

I used to be a barman at the 603 sqn reunions in the late 90's. It's a source of great pride that I served this man, and many like him, a pint and dram.

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Thanks Jamie that is very interesting feedback. Chris. kzbin.info/door/Oh3lzlK4b9UtMzHagk7SaQ

[@IncogNito-gg6uh]

In “First Light” Wellum’s account of a mission to try to intercept a Luftwaffe intruder in almost completely socked-in weather is the most gripping description of flying I’ve ever read.

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

I agree I am presently reading First Light again. Chris. kzbin.info/door/Oh3lzlK4b9UtMzHagk7SaQ

[@falconeaterf15]

They did a very good job depicting that scene in the mini-movie they based on parts of his excellent book. Trailers on KZbin of course. Maybe one day I will post it and see if they bother to take it down.

[@philhawley1219]

I first read Geoffrey Wellum's book "First Light" twenty years ago. A well written account of his brave service but for me the most interesting part was the problems he overcame during his early training. So much to learn in such a short time, mistakes were made, challenges overcome and all with the help and discipline of Flight Sergeant Lewis who was his instructor. Wellum was always afraid of being awarded a Bowler Hat, the RAF term for failure. He eventually proved his worth and went on to become a Hawker test pilot. A good few years ago a friend of mine made a film of the book for the BBC, he got to know Geoffrey Wellum quite well and described him as a very kind and modest old gentleman of whom it was hard to believe had been a determined killer of our enemies. However if it wasn't for millions of men like him....

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Thank you for your kind feedback Phil. Chris. kzbin.info/door/Oh3lzlK4b9UtMzHagk7SaQ

[@mothmagic1]

Cheers Chris, anyone interested in this man should read his book"First Light"

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Thanks Moth reading First Light again at the moment. Chris.

[@mothmagic1]

​@@GULLPERCHFLYERProof of the hectic pace of life in the Battle of Britain that when he was posted to Malta he was considered worn out at the age of 21.

[@Brian-om2hh]

I already have. It's a great read....as is Tom Neil's book, Gun Button To Fire..... Both saw action in the Battle of Britain.

[@m.brizzy5407]

Lest we forget. Plus successive generations who really haven't got a clue what actually went on regarding the human suffering of war. Always thankful to this generation, some of whom stayed forever young.

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Many thanks for your kind feedback. Chris.

[@Phaaschh]

Thank you Chris, that is very precious. It really underscores just how intensely human this conflict was. At 10:00 where Wellum describes walking into his room, untouched for 3 years, and just breaking down. That is unbearably poignant. Everything is exactly the same, yet nothing is, or will ever be again. Choked me up.

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Geoffrey Wellum had a good grip of the words spoken from the heart. Chris.

[@alanadair2367]

Like others have said he’s book is fantastic we will always remember the heroes of the two world wars

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Very true reading First Light for a second time. Appreciate your comments Alan. Best Regards Chris. kzbin.info/door/Oh3lzlK4b9UtMzHagk7SaQ

[@kevchilton908]

I have the greatest of respect for Geoffrey Wellum, after reading First Light. What a brave man he was, the sort of man who represented and defended our wonderful country back in the war days. He was a true hero, a giant amongst men. Thank you for this, Chris. A great tribute to a true hero ❤️🙇‍♂️

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Thanks Kevin glad the film was of interest. Chris.

[@RowanvanTonder]

Thank you so much for this beautifully made and touching tribute to a true hero and a gentleman. I read his book recently and this puts voice to a great read. Very touching to watch this. Brave men.

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

You're very welcome keep an eye out for my Ginger Lacey film. Chris. kzbin.info/door/Oh3lzlK4b9UtMzHagk7SaQ

[@paulsmith843]

I was given his book First Light by my Late Father, I couldn't put it down.

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Presently reading First Light again. Chris. kzbin.info/door/Oh3lzlK4b9UtMzHagk7SaQ

[@johndavey72]

Good evening Chris . I read his book many years ago and promised myself l must visit this "hero" . Of course he wasn't a hero , he was just doing his job , but what a job! I know he lived in Cornwall but never persued it .....with regret . Thanks Chris .

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Amazing man by all accounts. Chris.

[@jonathanwetherell3609]

His autobiography is well worth reading.

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

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

[@geoffreyburgess7639]

Wel. Documented Chris. Thankyou. We will Remember Them.

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Thank you for your kind comments. Chris.

[@brianaustin8989]

Came from Walthamstow, near to where I hail from, Leyton. His book "First Light" rivals "The Big Show" by Pierre Closterman, for putting you in a pilots seat without leaving the ground.👍👍👍👍 In "First Light" the chapter where he is lost over the channel, with no radio and no visibility, is un put downable, till the end.

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Interesting Brian many thanks. Chris. kzbin.info/door/Oh3lzlK4b9UtMzHagk7SaQ

[@vipertwenty249]

Well done and thank you for putting out a video on Geoffrey Wellum so quickly. What he experienced is common to a very great many fighter pilots during that time, Germans as well as British. It would be nice to think we'll never have to go through that again, but sadly the poorer the teaching of history becomes as time passes the more likely it is to be repeated.

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Glad you enjoyed it many thanks Chris. kzbin.info/door/Oh3lzlK4b9UtMzHagk7SaQ

[@alwatt9367]

First Light is an amazing book I have read it 5 or six times and it won't be the last... Super video well done.

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

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

[@gerrydepp8164]

Brilliant! Thanks for reminding me of when Britain had things to be proud of; Real MEN!

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

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

[@eno.5796]

Loving your content.one of the first books my Dad gave as a young teenager was reach for the stars.amazing men.

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Many thanks Best Regards Chris.

[@raymillar1499]

Another fantastic video. I have seen numerous films of Geoffrey Wellum. I think he was a gentleman with many amazing stories to tell. Thoroughly enjoyed it.

[@John.0z]

Imagine being ~17 and having such a clear vision of what you want to do with your life. I have heard that the early Typhoons were equipped with 10 .303 guns, but the short view of one taxiing is the first time I have seen one.

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Thanks John I have a Typhoon film on my channel. Chris. kzbin.info/door/Oh3lzlK4b9UtMzHagk7SaQ

[@givenfirstnamefamilyfirstn3935]

12. (Time 12:32).

[@John.0z]

@@givenfirstnamefamilyfirstn3935 Thank you for the correction. I have heard the argument for using the two approaches, and that the US one of .5 inch guns. The difference in result is at least in part what you are shooting at.

[@Brian-om2hh]

The Hawker Typhoon was flown by the RAF's only German born fighter pilot, a German Jew who fled Germany in the late 1930's. He initially was not permitted to engage in combat operations, although later in the war, this restriction was lifted. He served with distinction in the RAF, and had several successes in ground attack roles. He moved to the US after the war ended, and started a successful business.

[@julianneale6128]

Thank you for this enlightening episode. What men like him did for us, should never be forgotten. I think more thought goes into looking after and paying illegal immigrants with our tax money, rather than the men that fought for our freedom.

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Appreciate your feedback Neale. Chris. kzbin.info/door/Oh3lzlK4b9UtMzHagk7SaQ

[@philhawley1219]

Britain now has the enemy within. And it is all done by our own government.

[@stevereid8486]

A very sobering insight into the demanding life of a then fighter pilot. Great that he should survive.

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

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

[@CanadairCL44]

Excellent, Chris. Thanks for uploading !

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Glad you watched along. Many thanks Chris.

[@michaelguerin56]

Thank you. Interesting video. Cheers from NZ🇳🇿.

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Glad you enjoyed it Michael. Chris. kzbin.info/door/Oh3lzlK4b9UtMzHagk7SaQ

[@frankflegg8968]

Great video. Thank you so much. All the best mate.

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Many thanks Frank, Chris. kzbin.info/door/Oh3lzlK4b9UtMzHagk7SaQ

[@richardrae5049]

Thank you for this video, I read his book some time ago and this helps put it into perspective.

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

You're very welcome Richard do check out my channel. Chris. kzbin.info/door/Oh3lzlK4b9UtMzHagk7SaQ

[@JodelFlyer]

I have read his book but interesting to hear his thoughts in his own words. Thanks for putting it all together. I know the work that goes into the videos but the research is even more so. Well done Chris

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Thanks Tim for watching along. Chris.

[@watchfordpilot]

Point well made Chris. Great video, many thanks.

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Glad you enjoyed it Steve thanks for watching along. Chris.

[@beaujeste1]

Many a happy hour spent in the White Hart - sad that it’s now a gastro pub, with very little recognition of the pub’s significance… Geoffrey was indeed a fine gentleman.

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Thank You for your interesting feedback. Chris.

[@nortoncommando770]

First light is the only book I have ever read twice, if you are remotely interested in this period of our great nation, if nothing else, read this book...

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

I too am on my second read. Chris.

[@andrewmacdonald4833]

All we ask is to be remembered...that's all.

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Amazing men of a generation. Chris. kzbin.info/door/Oh3lzlK4b9UtMzHagk7SaQ

[@tonymasters-c3g]

Read his book BRILLIANT

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

I agree Tony I am presently reading First Light again. Chris.

[@WarblesOnALot]

G'day, Great stuff, thanks for making and posting it. Keep on keeping on. Stay safe ;-p Ciao !

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

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

[@john07973]

An excellent video 👍

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

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

[@johnallen7807]

And now we have an RAF led by such a spineless leader (not even a pilot!) that he has ordered 14 Squadron to drop their nickname "The Crusaders" because of a complaint, God help us!

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Quite agree John. Chris. kzbin.info/door/Oh3lzlK4b9UtMzHagk7SaQ

[@johnallen7807]

@@GULLPERCHFLYER I swear any other country there would be a revolution! we have a government supported by just 20% of the electorate yet they are in power for 5 years and will accelerate the destruction of the very fabric of our country! the WW2 generation, like my parents, must be turning in their grave. Why the **** are people so apathetic? millions died for our freedoms.

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Very true John. Chris.

[@john07973]

His predecessor Wigston was even more of a disgrace

[@johnallen7807]

@@john07973 Ah yes! the man who didn't want "useless, white, male pilots"! I challenged him on that but got the usual "taken out of context" reply but I bet no one got sacked for it!

[@petersmith7126]

God Bless each and everyone of them but please remember that the pilots were only the top of a very long chain of people who worked tirelessly to ensure they could do their jobs... Remember the radar operators picking up the incoming raids, the observer corps who spotted them once they crossed the coast line, the WAAF plotters and RAF staff in the control rooms who plotted all these movements, the Post Office Telephone Engineer who was repairing damged and broken telephone lines between stations and control rooms, the RAF Ground Crews working around the clock to refuel, rearm and repair the aircraft for their pilots and who stood watch for them coming home and praying they'd be ok and in one piece and of course the ladies of the NAAFI in their tea vans keeping people supplied with tea and biscuits to keep going .... Im sure I've missed out loads but I'm sure you get the picture I've tried to paint .... They all worked to bring us victory

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Many Thanks they all had very tough work to carryout. Chris. kzbin.info/door/Oh3lzlK4b9UtMzHagk7SaQ

[@andyb.1026]

His Book is a great read, start off as an exuberant care free 17/18 year old,, and ends as a worn out old man of 22.. Many of the events are memorable, eg intercepting a whole Sqn of German fighters, and destroying the lot.😮

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Very true Andy. Chris.

[@givenfirstnamefamilyfirstn3935]

There is a very good TV documentary about him.

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

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

[@David-d4k9k]

What a fantastic generation. Not breaking down if someone used the wrong pronoun to address them.

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

They were very brave men. Best Regards Chris.

[@cedhome7945]

Lost generation of can do young people, I can't imagine the today's generation coping with this pressure

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

I am sure you are right. Chris. kzbin.info/door/Oh3lzlK4b9UtMzHagk7SaQ