Man Behind The Gun 43-01-06 (14) Men Of The Royal Air Force

Summary

Podcast Summary: Harold's Old Time Radio Episode: Man Behind The Gun 43-01-06 (14) Men Of The Royal Air Force
Release Date: February 19, 2025

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Introduction

In this episode of Harold's Old Time Radio, titled "Man Behind The Gun 43-01-06 (14) Men Of The Royal Air Force," listeners are transported back to the Golden Age of Radio, immersing them in the heroic and humanistic narratives of Royal Air Force (RAF) pilots during World War II. Narrated by Jackson Beck and scripted by Ranald McDougall, the episode offers a poignant portrayal of valor, camaraderie, and the personal lives of RAF servicemen.

Setting and Historical Context

The episode is set during World War II, focusing on the relentless aerial battles between the RAF and the German Luftwaffe. It pays homage to the brave pilots who defended England from aerial assaults, echoing Winston Churchill's famous sentiment: "Never was so much owed by so many to so few." The narrative captures the tension of night raids, the strategic maneuvers in aerial combat, and the emotional toll of war on the pilots.

Main Characters

• Ronald Twine: A seasoned Spitfire pilot and the central character, known for his leadership and combat prowess.
• Parker ("Gremlin"): Ronald's wingman, affectionately nicknamed "Gremlin" for his distinctive appearance and lively personality.
• Jeff: Another RAF pilot, characterized by his humor and lighthearted demeanor.
• Christine: A woman whom Parker falls in love with, representing the personal lives and romances that intertwine with the pilots' wartime experiences.

Plot Summary

Opening Combat ([00:41] - [06:22])

The episode kicks off with a high-stakes aerial combat scene. Narrator sets the stage: "This week we pay tribute to our allies in the Royal Air Force of whom Winston Churchill said, never have so many owed so much to so few." Ronald Twine leads his squadron against a formation of twelve Junkers 88 bombers intent on bombing London. The intense dogfights showcase the pilots' bravery and skill.

Notable Quote:
Ronald Twine: "Bandits on the left." ([01:56])

As the battle rages, the camaraderie and strategic teamwork among the pilots are highlighted. Parker earnestly wishes to stay intact for a party that evening, revealing the human side of the pilots amidst chaos.

The Party ([07:27] - [15:03])

After successfully defending London, the narrative shifts to a social gathering—Cicely Mountebank's party. Parker eagerly attends, bringing Ronald and Jeff along. The party scene provides a contrast to the earlier combat, showcasing interactions, budding romances, and the pilots' yearning for normalcy.

Notable Exchange:
Parker: "I didn't realize I'd spoken aloud." ([09:30])
Christine: "Oh, it doesn't matter. You seem to be interested." ([09:25])

Parker's shy demeanor is juxtaposed with Jeff's gregarious nature, emphasizing diverse personalities within the squadron. The budding romance between Parker and Christine adds emotional depth, highlighting the personal stakes for the pilots beyond the battlefield.

Return to Duty ([15:47] - [26:53])

The mood shifts back to the harsh realities of war as the pilots return to their airdrome, preparing for subsequent missions. The anticipation of another raid looms, and the pilots grapple with the constant threat of death.

Emotional Moment:
Parker reflects on love and mortality, stating, "I might be killed any day." ([14:20])

As preparations ensue, the pilots share lighter moments amid the tension, reinforcing their bonds and resilience. The scene underscores the relentless nature of war and the pilots' unwavering commitment to their duty.

Final Combat and Return Home ([26:54] - [30:42])

In the climactic sequences, the squadron engages in another intense battle against a larger formation of enemy planes. The detailed descriptions of aerial maneuvers and combat tactics bring the action to life, immersing listeners in the high-stakes environment.

Heroic Feat:
Ronald Twine successfully downing a Messerschmitt, securing "Number one for Ronald Twine." ([22:56])

The episode concludes with the pilots' triumphant return home after fending off the enemy. A reflective narration ties their sacrifices to the broader fight against Axis aggression, honoring the indomitable spirit of the RAF pilots.

Closing Reflection:
“This is why you are flying. This is why you are fighting. You, the pilots of the RAF are England's last line of defense and her first line of attack.” ([30:42])

Themes and Insights

• Camaraderie and Brotherhood: The strong bonds between the pilots are evident throughout, showcasing how shared experiences forge deep connections.
• Valor and Sacrifice: The pilots' bravery in the face of danger underscores the theme of selflessness and dedication to the greater good.
• Love and Humanity: Parker's romance with Christine adds a layer of personal stakes, highlighting the pilots' desires for normalcy and connection amidst war.
• Psychological Toll of War: The narrative delves into the emotional and mental strains of combat, portraying how pilots cope with the constant threat of mortality.

Notable Quotes

• Winston Churchill Tribute:
  Narrator: "Never have so many owed so much to so few." ([00:41])

• Parker's Reflection on Love:
  Parker: "I think I'm in love with you. Do you mind?" ([13:54])

• Ronald Twine on Valor:
  Ronald Twine: "Absolutely first rate I tell you, my boy." ([17:21])

• Final Narration on RAF's Role:
  Narrator: "You, the pilots of the RAF are England's last line of defense and her first line of attack." ([30:42])

Conclusion

"Man Behind The Gun 43-01-06 (14) Men Of The Royal Air Force" delivers a compelling and richly detailed portrayal of RAF pilots during World War II. Through intense combat scenes, heartfelt personal interactions, and reflective narration, the episode honors the courage and sacrifices of these airmen. It serves not only as a tribute to their heroism but also as a poignant exploration of their humanity amidst the ravages of war.

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Production Credits:

• Written by: Ranald McDougall
• Narrated by: Jackson Beck
• Music Composed and Conducted by: Nathan Van Cleave
• Production Directed by: William N. Robeson
• Produced for: Columbia Broadcasting System

Transcript

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[Narrator]

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The Columbia Broadcasting System presents the Man BEHIND the Gun. Dedicated to the fighting men of the United States and the United Nations. This week we pay tribute to our allies in the Royal Air Force of whom Winston Churchill said, never have so many owed so much to so few.

This is the way it is with the men of the Royal Air Force. This is the way it was two years ago when these few stopped Goering's Luftwaffe dead in the sky and spoiled Hitler's timetable of invasion on which the United States was a destination. This is the way it is now with the RAF Whenever German bombers roar in on the tight little island from occupied Europe. Tonight, the man behind the gun is Ronald Twine, Spitfire pilot of the Royal Air Force.

[Ronald Twine]

Tally ho. Bandits on the left.

[Parker]

Tally ho, Jeff. After you.

[Narrator]

There they are. Bandits. Nazi planes up ahead and to the Left at Angels 2 0. Altitude 20,000. 12 of them Junker 88s on their way to bomb London. Automatically your hand reaches for the emergency throttle that gives you full horsepower. And you spar off behind Jeff and start boring in. Not a big flap today. Only you and Jeff and Gremlin. Parker. They call him Gremlin because his ears stick out on either side like a gremlin's horns. You can hear him too.

[Jeff]

Now look, Parker old boy. It's all very well to be a ruddy hero, but let's make a serious effort to keep all in one piece, shall we? Mustn't forget, tonight is Cicely Mountebank's party. Wouldn't you to show up all perforated? Wouldn't do at all.

[Parker]

Your phone is on, Parker. Don't get obscene or anything.

[Jeff]

Eavesdropper.

[Ronald Twine]

Red Leader here. Watch Jerry chaps up in the sun. Fighter escort.

[Jeff]

Oh, there are nasty looking brutes too.

[Parker]

We're not going to turn off, are we, skipper? You know, I haven't had a Go at anything recently.

[Ronald Twine]

We'll stay on Ronnie. Their fighters won't annoy us until we die for the attack. But then they'll be down on us like a ton of bricks. Anybody mind?

[Jeff]

I mind, but I don't suppose there's much I can do about it now.

[Ronald Twine]

Not a thing. Line astern, you chaps. We're going in. Ronnie, you play rear end Charlie, will you?

[Parker]

Otto, leave something for me.

[Jeff]

Take good care of me, won't you, Ronnie? I have a date with a delicious little fluff for tonight.

[Ronald Twine]

Echelon now, chaps.

[Jeff]

Okay, skipper. Echelon it is.

[Ronald Twine]

Let's go in now. Going down.

[Narrator]

There goes Jeff, diving into the formation of German bombers. Parker is right behind him. And now it's your turn. They've opened up now from above. Hanko fighters. And out of the corner of your eye you see a stream of tracer bullets searching for your wing. Then you half roll out of it automatically. Twist up underneath the junk of bomber and feed them everything you've got from stem to stern. You'll feel your plane shuddering under the recoil. You seem to stand still in the air for a few seconds. Then you turn the fire lever off as you roar out from underneath. The bombers have broken formation now. Some of them have turned away already, and you let them go.

[Ronald Twine]

Bandits on the left. Follow me.

[Narrator]

And you'll flip over in a tight roll and straighten out behind Jeff, wondering where Parker is. Then you're in it again, running the gauntlet, waiting for your chance at the bombers ahead. 400 yards. 300. Now the rear gun around the yunkers is firing at you. You weave from side to side in great sweeping arcs. 250 yards. 200. You start firing in bursts as you pass the rear gunner on each swing. Then in the mirror, you see a familiar shape weaving with you and getting closer. German Heinkel. You see his gun ports winking at you like little flashing lights. And you know he's firing at you. Then your instrument panel goes to pieces before your eyes. That's how you know you've been hit. You set your teeth and stop weaving and bore right into the bomber ahead and start feeding it to him. Then you see the Nazi gunner try to stand up in this little cubbyhole as the plastic blast splinters all around him. And then he pitches down out of your sight. You got him. But now the German fighter is coming in from astern. Without a conscious effort on your part, you spiral down out of the formation, trying to get away from the Heinkel. You keep hoping you won't have to jump. They love to shoot up parachutes. Then suddenly it's all right. Jeff is working on the Heinkel.

[Parker]

Thanks, Jeff. Get him for Parker.

[Narrator]

And he does, firing in quick, short bursts, following every move the German makes. He goes boring in on the Heinkel. Then it turns belly up like a fish. And you can see the white line of traces pouring into its length. Then slow, slowly and sluggishly, it turns over on its back and falls into a spin. A flame from end to end.

[Parker]

Good work, Jeff. One for Parker.

[Jeff]

Do I hear someone talking about me?

[Parker]

Parker, I thought you copped it.

[Jeff]

Not me. I told you I had a date tonight.

[Ronald Twine]

Where were you on that last mix up?

[Jeff]

Oh, I was there, as a matter of fact. I polished off a Yonkers. Someone had been thoughtful enough to shoot up the rear gunner for me.

[Ronald Twine]

Ronnie did that.

[Jeff]

Good show, Ronnie.

[Parker]

Good show yourself.

[Narrator]

You hope you don't sound like a dog in the manger, but you can't help wishing you had a Heinkel or a Yonkers on your own scoreboard. Even a mess. Schmidt. 109. Everybody has 109s. Everybody but you. That is all you get are assists. Mr. Parker shot down a Junkers 88 today. Brilliant assist by Mr. Ronald Twine.

[Ronald Twine]

Anyone know where we are?

[Jeff]

Haven't the least idea. You, Ronnie.

[Parker]

Not I could be anywhere by now.

[Ronald Twine]

Lovely boy. So helpful. I'll call in. Hello, Hello? Hello. Red Leader to Strawberry Control. Where are. Where are we? Hello, Strawberry Control. Hello, where are we? Over.

[Control]

You're now over Sugar Beer Beer. Your home course will be red 70. Is that understood? Over.

[Ronald Twine]

Red Leader, here you are. Understood, we are Over. Sugar Beer Beer. Our home course is red 70.

[Jeff]

Well then, let's go, you lads. Let's go home or we'll be late for Sicily's party.

[Narrator]

This is the party Parker was so anxious to get to. He's taken you along, and Jeff too. It's a fine party as parties go, with death hanging overhead. There are pretty women everywhere. Bare shoulders in the candlelight, soft voices. It's gay. You hardly notice the blackout drapes and the gas mask.

[Christine]

Hello. Aren't you dancing, Ronnie?

[Parker]

I'm terribly sorry. I never learnt to an awkward fellow.

[Christine]

Well, have a good time.

[Narrator]

Oh, there you are, Charles.

[Christine]

I've been looking at.

[Narrator]

Have a good time. Of course, it's easy enough, if you don't mind being shy. If you're satisfied just watching. You wish you could talk to women easily, gracefully, amusingly, like Jeff does.

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[Narrator]

So that their laughter will tinkle out across a room like a little silver bell. Like her laughter. She's beautiful.

[Parker]

She's beautiful. Cicely's beautiful.

[Christine]

Is she?

[Parker]

What? Who are you?

[Christine]

Oh, it doesn't matter. You seem to be interested.

[Parker]

I didn't realize I'd spoken aloud.

[Christine]

Ah, but you did. You very definitely did. You said, she's beautiful, Cicely's beautiful.

[Parker]

Did I?

[Christine]

Yes. But alas for your illusion, I happen to know that her hair is completely and utterly false. She bought it, every delightful strand of it, from an old gypsy woman who needed the money. She paid very little for it, too, I understand. A mere song, I say.

[Parker]

Really?

[Christine]

Oh, quite. Yes. I believe the title of the song was Mother McCree or something very similar. The gypsy woman was fond of music, you see.

[Parker]

I see you're pulling my leg.

[Christine]

Oh, not very hard. Just ever so little. Oh, look, please don't be angry. Please.

[Parker]

I'm not. I just don't think you're very amusing.

[Christine]

And that, my dear Christine, should be a lesson to you. Goodbye, young man.

[Parker]

Goodbye.

[Narrator]

She's gone now. Didn't take long to get rid of her. That's the way to do it. That's how to make friends. Let her start a conversation and then leap down her throat at the earliest opportunity. Idiot. She's beautiful, too. More than the other Christine. She called herself Christine. Nice talking to Jeff. Now. Or rather, he's talking to her, motioning with his hands, showing her how he got his first Heinkel.

[Parker]

Probably wish I might get a Heinkel.

[Narrator]

Oh, yes, you wish you could get a Heinkel. Or even a Messerschmitt. 109. Everybody's had 109s. Everybody but you. We're back on that again, are we? Might almost make a song of it. Everyone has a 109. Everyone but me.

[Ronald Twine]

Oh, here he is. I say, Ronnie, tell this dreadful woman how we got that Heinkel today.

[Parker]

Jeff got it. I had very little to do with it, really.

[Narrator]

Yeah.

[Ronald Twine]

You see, Chris.

[Parker]

Oh, by the way, do you think. Hello, Christine.

[Christine]

Hello, Ronnie.

[Parker]

You're making fun of me again.

[Christine]

You still haven't developed a sense of humor.

[Ronald Twine]

Am I intruding?

[Parker]

I'm sorry I was so stuffy.

[Christine]

I'm sorry I was so impertinent.

[Parker]

Nice party, isn't it?

[Ronald Twine]

Look here, Ronnie. I saw a first.

[Christine]

Lovely party. Trifle crowded, though, isn't it?

[Parker]

Yes, isn't it, Jeff?

[Narrator]

Oh.

[Ronald Twine]

Oh, all right. I'll go quietly. But if I'm found dead with a gun in my hand, you'll know why.

[Narrator]

You too.

[Parker]

Nice fellow, Jeff.

[Christine]

Oh, very.

[Parker]

I'd ask you to dance, but.

[Christine]

Would you really?

[Parker]

But I. I don't know how, I'm afraid. Oh, my feet don't match or something.

[Christine]

I had an uncle once whose feet didn't match. He had a dreadful time.

[Parker]

I can imagine. Whatever became of the old duffer?

[Christine]

Well, he took up yogi at an advanced age and died in Capriv trying to cross his feet behind his head.

[Parker]

I like Capri.

[Christine]

Oh, yes, very nice place, Capri.

[Parker]

The water. Nothing like a blackout in the rain.

[Christine]

Yes, it makes the blackout so much blacker.

[Parker]

Nice party.

[Christine]

Yes, very nice. Too bad it had to rain, though.

[Parker]

Oh, no. I shouldn't have been able to stay on if it hadn't. Night raiders, you know.

[Christine]

Yes, I know. I've been through a couple of blitzes.

[Parker]

I'd hate to be a civilian.

[Christine]

Oh, so would I.

[Parker]

Aren't you?

[Christine]

No. These are my party clothes. Daytimes I wear a uniform. Oh. Perhaps you won't like me in uniform.

[Parker]

I like you even more, if that's possible.

[Christine]

What kind of a uniform, Wren. But never mind that. Tell me about your flying. What's it like up there at night? For instance, can you see anything?

[Parker]

Not for the first half hour or so. Then you can see fairly well. It's surprising. Too bad we couldn't find a cab.

[Christine]

Oh, I don't mind. I like walking.

[Parker]

Of course. There's something.

[Christine]

You know you talk a great deal, don't you? Yes, you do. Too much. Much, much too. Oh, that's better.

[Parker]

I think I'm in love with you. Do you mind?

[Christine]

No. But isn't it rather sad? No. I sound mid Victorian, don't I? This is so sudden. You're nice, Christy, and you're sweet, but don't change the subject. You were talking about being in love with me. Continue.

[Parker]

I shouldn't. It isn't fair.

[Christine]

Why not?

[Parker]

I might be killed any day.

[Christine]

Well, there's that, of course. Are you afraid?

[Parker]

Afraid? Of dying? No. There isn't time. You get into a fight and it's very impersonal, like chess on a grand scale. You make a move, your opponent makes a move, and then one of you.

[Christine]

Wins the game and the other loses.

[Parker]

That's right.

[Christine]

I wish we wouldn't talk like this. Whatever became of that gay, meaningless conversation we were having?

[Parker]

I said I loved you. Was that meaningless?

[Christine]

No, no, that's. That really meant something. Well, here we are. This is my house.

[Parker]

Well, Christine.

[Christine]

Ronnie, let me say something.

[Parker]

Oh, please do.

[Christine]

It's not easy being in love. In wartime, everything changes so much. You have to be so quick and certain of things. There's no time for thinking. You have to catch at things as they go buying. You have to be quick about it and, and unafraid.

[Narrator]

Do you mean what.

[Christine]

What I'm trying to say is, Ronnie, that I'm so certain, so very certain about you and me, Christine. I, I. Oh, D.

[Narrator]

But it doesn't rain forever. And a few days later the weather clears off and you're back in the dispersal hut at the airdrome, waiting for flying orders. And that's all right, you know that next time up you'll get an official. Next time up you're going to get a German all your own. Just stand there at the open door of your locker, tearing off the pictures inside. All the American cinema stars you flipped from magazines. All the beautiful anonymous girls from everywhere. These pictures are inside the door of your locker.

[Ronald Twine]

Hello. What's this? Breaking up your collection, Rodney. Ah, may I have that one? Haven't seen a tiger skin rug in years.

[Parker]

Rotten joke. See the paste anywhere?

[Narrator]

Here you are.

[Ronald Twine]

What's this? Putting up a picture of?

[Narrator]

Well, I'll be. Christine.

[Parker]

Yes. We're engaged, Jeff. Going to be married my next leave.

[Narrator]

No.

[Parker]

Uh huh.

[Narrator]

Quite. Oh, wonderful.

[Ronald Twine]

Oh, you lucky dog, you. Well, I can't understand what she sees in you. You know my heart's Positively smashed and my life completely devastated. But I think it's first rate.

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[Narrator]

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[Ronald Twine]

Absolutely first rate I tell you, my boy.

[Control]

Portion 11 red section scramble.

[Ronald Twine]

There it is. Park up. Get Parker somebody.

[Narrator]

Come on, Ronnie, Come on. And then you're running across the drome to where your planes are already warming up. It's business now.

[Ronald Twine]

Did you sign the 700 sheet, Ronnie?

[Parker]

Yes I did.

[Ronald Twine]

Fine. Better set your gun size for about 40 foot wingspreads, Messrs. Schmitz. Probably see you later.

[Parker]

Right on. Give me a leg up, dinky.

[Control]

Great job, Mr. Twine. She's all hot and ready, sir.

[Parker]

Good enough.

[Narrator]

Other seat right here, sir.

[Parker]

Received of mechanic one aircraft in good condition. There you are.

[Narrator]

Good luck, Mr. Twine.

[Parker]

Don't worry, today's my day.

[Narrator]

Stand clear now. You'll look over and see Parker just settling down in his cockpit. Up ahead. Jeff is watching you. Give him a thumbs and he waggles his tail fin. Take off quickly now. You shift to full feathering on the propeller and open up the throttle. Keeping in a tight pick with Parker and Jeff taking off in formation. Then as the ground drops away, you hear Jeff on the radio telephone.

[Ronald Twine]

Hello, hello Chestnut Control, Red Leader here. Airborne at 12:20. Over.

[Control]

Very well, Red Leader. Stand by.

[Narrator]

Now you're going up in a figure 8. Getting altitude 5,000ft. 10,000. You take a few deep breaths of oxygen. They're still going up. 13,000. Now the air is clear and blue.

[Control]

Hello, Red Section leader, Chestnut Control here. Are you receiving me? Are you receiving me?

[Ronald Twine]

Answer Chestnut Control from Red Either. I am receiving you. Very well. Go ahead. Over.

[Control]

Hello Red Leader. Your vector is Z9Z. Is that understood?

[Ronald Twine]

Hello, Chester Control, Red Leader answering. Receiving and understood. Vector is Z9. Z off. All right you chaps, set your compasses for Z9. Z formation is line astern. Park will play rear end Charlie.

[Narrator]

Understood?

[Jeff]

Understood, Skipper.

[Narrator]

You're still going up. You lean forward quickly and adjust the oxygen indicator to 20,000ft. You're a little dizzy from the fast climb and the oxygen, but everything's okay. Motor sounds fine. Mixture is a little too rich perhaps. And you adjust the carburetor intake carefully.

[Ronald Twine]

Red 2 and 3 from Red 1. Echelon Red.

[Narrator]

You spread out to the left and above. Jeff flying in a stepped up formation now. So far so good. All you need now is a target. And you keep listening for the director.

[Control]

Hello, men. Leader Chestnut control here at Angels 1 5. Large bandit.

[Narrator]

An enemy bomber at 15,000ft. That's what you've been waiting for. Quickly you reset your gun sights to the wing spread of a bomber. Then you switch your gun button to the fire position.

[Ronald Twine]

Red 2 and 3 from Red 1. Let me know if you see anything.

[Narrator]

Your eyes start that shifting circle. It's become a habit now. You look down on one side, then up, down ahead, then up, down on the other side, then up.

[Parker]

Tally ho. Red 1 from Red 2 below on the right.

[Narrator]

There he is, all right. A junker's 88 from the look of him. Must have lost his formation. You think to yourself as you heel over behind Jeff's diving plane. Yunkers don't travel alone.

[Ronald Twine]

Tally ho. Meat on the table.

[Parker]

Must have lost his formation, eh, Skipper?

[Narrator]

Guess.

[Ronald Twine]

Oh, you still with us, Parker?

[Jeff]

I'll pick up the pieces.

[Ronald Twine]

Ah, there won't be any. Let's go.

[Narrator]

Go in the side, you're thinking. Go in from the side. There's no armor there in a yokers. But the pilot has seen you. He's turning to face you now so his gun turrets can go into action. You center your gun sights on his forward blister and he gets larger and larger in the circles. Now you see his machine gun winking at you in little bursts of flame. Too far. 300 yards now. Jeff is firing into him as he roars past. Then it's your turn and you bring up your nose a little and let him have it. Then your zooming up and over to come in from the rear behind Jeff. It's too fast the other way you can see Parker right behind you in the rear vision mirror. And then Jeff goes in from the side and you see his face is heading home. Then he's gone. And it's your turn again. You see the turret gunner swiveling around from following Jeff to try to get a line on you. Then your thumb presses down on the gun button. Then you're by again and you wheel off and over for another run. But it isn't necessary. He's done for. His nose drops down in the sickening lurch and his motors trailing smoke, the incendiaries have hit home. Now little shapes are dropping out of the bomber's hatches, scrambling wildly in the air. Then, as their parachutes open, the bomber plunges past the Germans and goes down out of sight in the clouds. You got him. Number one for Ronald Twine.

[Ronald Twine]

Good show, Ronnie.

[Jeff]

Couldn't have done better myself.

[Narrator]

Number one, you snap up and over in a tight barrel roll. The victory roll. Then a sudden thought is in your mind.

[Parker]

Red 2 here. I say, Skipper, do you suppose that'll be confirmed? Will they see it come down?

[Ronald Twine]

I don't see how they can miss. I'll call in. Hello, Chestnut Control. Red Leader here. Watch four falling bandits. Watch four falling bandits. Over.

[Control]

Hello, Red Leader. Bandit crashed nearby. Bandit crashed nearby. I see. Try and get them a little farther from home next time, will you?

[Jeff]

I wonder when we're going to be called up again. You got any idea? Oh, I say, look here. Beans again. Beans and tea. Oh, put.

[Ronald Twine]

And the beans are always too hot.

[Narrator]

I know they are. The tea's too cold.

[Ronald Twine]

Well, fill up, my lad. We'll be off on another flap before long, or I miss my guest. This weather's too good for Jerry to stay away, you know.

[Narrator]

It's late afternoon now. One more flap and you'll be through for the day. You'll be seeing Christine. The name fills your mind and your heart.

[Parker]

Christine.

[Ronald Twine]

Listen to the boy. He's talking to himself now.

[Jeff]

Oh, love is a dreadful thing. But still it's better than beans and tea.

[Narrator]

I look around the dispersal hut briefly, looking at all the faces, wondering how they feel about waiting for the loudspeaker to pop off, wondering if they've ever been in love. If they're in love now.

[Control]

Stand by.

[Narrator]

There it is. All the faces are still now. Some of the men stand there with a fork full of beans poised halfway to their mouths. Jeff has his mouth open to take a swallow of tea. It stays open.

[Control]

Squadron 11, blue and red sections. Squadron 14, black and white sections.

[Narrator]

Scramble a big one this time. Twelve planes in the air at once and more coming from other air drones. Probably a big flap, all right, and suddenly you're cold inside. All the while you're getting ready to take off. While you're putting on your shoot and buttoning up your flying suit, while you're checking your instruments and giving Jeff the go ahead, you're thinking, maybe this is the last one for me. And you feel it as strongly as you've always felt before that you'd Come back this time. You have a feeling that you won't come back. And you think of Christine, waiting and waiting. And nothing beyond waiting.

[Ronald Twine]

Chestnut Control, from Red Leader. Red and Blue section airborne at 1805. Over.

[Control]

Hello, Red and Blue sections. Chestnut Control here. Your vector is 175@Angels2:0 Many.

[Narrator]

Buster. Buster means hurry. You lean forward and pull out the throttle another notch. You're climbing steeply now. It's getting dark, and you blink your eyes trying to get used to it. Altitude is 10,000 now, going up like an elevator.

[Control]

Red and Blue sections from Chestnut Control. Bandits are over. Map reference Sugar Tock Tock 3350. I say again, Sugar Tock Tock 3350. Is that understood? Over to you.

[Ronald Twine]

Hello, Chestnut Control. Bandit is over. Sugar. Talk Talk 3350. You are understood. Listening out. All units. From Red Leader. Bandit is three or four miles to the left, Buster.

[Narrator]

They're coming in over the Devon coast, not far off. The plane ahead pulls away a little and you reach for the auxiliary throttle and give your hurricane full petrol. Altitude is 15,000 now, and you're on oxygen. The air is cold on your face above the mast, but your hands are sweating now. You reach out and snap on the gun sights and a little light is oddly comforting.

[Control]

Hello, Red Cedar. Have you located bandits? Have you located bandits? Over.

[Ronald Twine]

Red Leader answering. Not yet. Stand by. Red Leader to all units.

[Control]

Look, look, look.

[Narrator]

You're watching for the enemy now. Should be around here somewhere. They're still climbing 20,000. Now set the gun button on firing position. You wonder briefly if somewhere nearby the enemy's doing the same thing. There they are, about 50 of them, with a fighter escort above and behind.

[Ronald Twine]

Hello, Chess of Control. Halfbound bandits going in off now, Jeff.

[Narrator]

Heels open the two sections far off, one at a time, and follow him.

[Ronald Twine]

Get the front one going down.

[Narrator]

All you can do is try to break up the formation, make them turn around and go home till you dive at full power, weaving slightly, and then you pick out your target and go for them. It's darker now and you can see the traces very plainly, searching for you. Then you're in range and you press the button. Automatically. You pull back on the stick to climb up for another run, and the pressure of the pullout forces you down into your seat until your tongue is hanging out. All around you, the sky is filled with groups of planes fighting like angry bees. You've broken up the formation. Suddenly the rudder bar is vibrating beneath your feet. A Messerschmitt on your tail. Machine Gun bullets eating away at your fuselage. You loop up and don't over and down again if he stays with you all the way. Now you're weaving desperately, snapping over at the end of each arc, trying to shake him off when he sticks. Think of Christine. This is the day she waits. You're falling now. You're falling.

[Parker]

Red leader from Red 2. I'm going down now, Jeff. So long.

[Narrator]

The plane doesn't answer the stick, and you reach up to pull back the hatch combing so he can bail out. The hatch is jammed, and for a brief second your mouth and throat are choked with panic. Your hands fumble desperately and aimlessly with the instruments. Altitude is 12,000 now. 11,000. You try the rudder bar. Nothing happens. 10,000 now, and picking up speed. The wind is shrieking in the open gun ports. 9,000. And then you start jamming the stick back and forth, trying to break it loose from whatever is holding it. It moves a little. Altitude. 8,000 now. Desperately, it's strained backward on the stick. One last try. Seven thousand. It's coming. Your air speed is dropping off. The nose is coming up. More, more, more. You're pulling out now, and the force is pushing it down into your seat until your stomach aches. You' your chin hangs down into the sheepskin strap. The river of black water seems to flow across your eyeballs, and you open your mouth and scream to get rid of the pressure. And it's all right now. The plane is answering the controls again. The motor is running hot and you drag to the left. But it's good enough to get home. In home.

[Parker]

Chestnut Control. Hello, Chestnut Control. This is Red Two. May I come in inland? We are coming in land. Over, please.

[Control]

Hello, Red 2. Chestnut control here. Yes, you may come in and land. Yes, you may come in and land.

[Ronald Twine]

Come ahead off.

[Narrator]

You're going home. And suddenly there's a picture in your mind. A picture of men and women going home all over England. Going home past bombed houses and burned churches, their faces resolute, determined that England one day will pay her Nazi tormentor in full. This is why you are flying. This is why you are fighting. You, the pilots of the RAF are England's last line of defense and her first line of attack.

The man behind the Gun is presented each week at this time for the purpose of telling you how your boys and their comrades in arms in the fighting forces of the United nations are waging our war against Axis aggression. The man behind the Gun is written by Ranald McDougall. Jackson Beck is the narrator.

The original.

The original music is composed and conducted by Nathan Van Cleave. The production is directed by William N. Robeson for the Columbia Broadcasting System.

[Ryan]

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[Narrator]

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