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A Man of Mystery

1836 Views 35 Replies 8 Participants Last post by  HiFi, 
T
9
Yesterday, the unmistakable sound of a Land Rover appeared in my driveway. As it wasn't driven into the side of the house, I quickly deduced that it wasn't uncle Bonkers on the scrounge. Instead, it was my neighbour, Little Les, who arrived with a picnic hamper containing family photograph albums.

They formed a scant record of her grandfather, Commander Jack Buckley, who flew with the Fleet Air Arm during WW2. He also raced bikes at the Isle of Man, and cars at Brookland ( and elsewhere). Little Les has tried to research her grandfather in the usual historical sources, but has drawn a blank. Not a mention of him anywhere.

I remain intrigued for the photos include shots of the old boy flying over the pyramids of Egypt during the War in both a Swordfish and an American Corsair fighter 'plane. What follows, therefore, is a glimpse into the long ago world of Little Les's grandfather, Commander Jack Buckley.
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T
Absolutely, Mark. I've known Little Les for years. She's a farmer, lives alone and keeps herself to herself. She'd never even mentioned her grandfather until yesterday, and suddenly arrived with these photos and a command to make tea.

She told me that there were many more photos that are possibly in the possession of a family relative. There were several of Murray Walker's father, Graham, apparently, who was very successful at racing bikes, of course.

I now wonder how many more people I know who have buried treasure.
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mattbslotracer
Very lucky to have the pictures and info in them. Another person from the "Greatest Generation" as we call them in America. Life well lived.
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T
2
On the Isle of Man again, I think.
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Henk
Fantastic find, wonder if this forum draws enough attention to them? Maybe post them on some other fora as well, f.e. historica motor racing or WW2 planes etc. Then maybe there’s more information to be found.
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Kit Spackman
A Corsair flying over Egypt is a little strange as it's in British Pacific Fleet markings, the 'roundels' are very distinctive, which makes one wonder why it was there. Perhaps they were flying combat air patrols while en route to Trincomalee or Sidney?
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T
I have pondered the exact same question, Kit, and suspect that it might have something to do with the SOE and/or the Long Range Desert Group.
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Gripping Pneus
Was it not on the delivery route to Burma? There were a lot of airfields set up so that 'planes could hop across to other theatres of combat. My father was stationed at Lagos and Takoradi for a while on these duties.
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spykerman
Absolutely awesome, many thanks for sharing these with us, both to you and to Annabel!
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T
We just don't know, Gripping. I'm trying to persuade Little Les to go to the Imperial War Museum to look at official records but, frankly, I've got more chance of changing my name to Errol and becoming a Rap artist.
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T
Henk

I think you're right. There's bound to be another forum with members who would provide answers to, at least, some of these picture stories.

It's almost incredible that so few people know much of their family history beyond their grandparents. 'Happily' I have a written history of my family back to the Eighth Century, and in some cases, I rather wish that I hadn't...
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T
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3
Final photos from this remarkable archive.
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Kit Spackman
Gripping Pneus said:
Was it not on the delivery route to Burma? There were a lot of airfields set up so that 'planes could hop across to other theatres of combat. My father was stationed at Lagos and Takoradi for a while on these duties.
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AFAIK not so, as the FAA Squadrons flying the Corsairs were already aboard the four big carriers when they sailed.

Why fly when you've got a socking great ship to take you on a cruise, eh? :)
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model murdering
If your mind isnt blown after touring this treasure trove, there's no hope for ya!
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T
Saw my neighbour, Little Les, recently. She's currently very busy lambing, but will make a trip to the Imperial War Museum in London afterwards in an attempt to discover more about her grandfather, Commander Jack Buckley. A great story.
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HiFi
It most certainly is - thanks for reminding us of it with this update 👍
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