Latest news with #Spitfires
Yahoo
a day ago
- General
- Yahoo
Veteran reunited with cadet 50 years on
When Neil Newman turned on the television on VE Day, he was shocked to see his former Air Training Cadet (ATC) warrant officer giving permission for the parade to start in London. He and other members of the 495 (Sutton Coldfield) Squadron had no idea that the man, Alan Kennett, who inspired many of them to go into the military as a career, was still alive. On Thursday, the men, both from Sutton Coldfield, were reunited for RAF veteran Mr Kennett's 101st birthday at his daughter's house in Lichfield, alongside an RAF cadets band who performed to mark the occasion. "We didn't know you were still alive… we wanted to get in touch with you, that's how much of an impact you had on us," Mr Newman told Mr Kennett. "As soon as he was on the TV, the phone didn't stop, it was a WhatsApp group that we were all in," he told the BBC. "We just couldn't believe that Alan was starting this parade, it's been 45 years since we last saw him." The men were aged between 12 and 14 when Mr Kennett oversaw them. "We had total respect for Alan because as long as we walked the straight path it was okay… I think that's why we're all still in touch now, because he gelled us as a team," said Mr Newman. "He came on the camps with us, took us flying, took us shooting." Looking back, Mr Kennett said: "I think the lads all knew that as long as they behaved themselves they were all right, but if they didn't, they were in trouble." "I must have done something right." Mr Kennett was in the RAF during WW2 and worked as a mechanic on Spitfires. Reflecting on his own contribution, he told the BBC earlier this month that it was a "job" he was doing, whereas those who died deserved the most recognition. He formally started the military procession of 1,300 members of the armed forces in London as part of events marking the 80th anniversary of VE Day. Follow BBC Birmingham on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram. 'I'm no hero, they're still out there' Red Arrows, royals, veterans and tea: VE Day at 80 in pictures Royal Air Force
Daily Mirror
4 days ago
- General
- Daily Mirror
Two long lost sisters reunited thanks to WWII medal - at 101 years old
Brenda Medway and Kathleen 'Kay' Clement spent years without contact after moving into separate care homes - but the pair were finally reunited after Kay was awarded a medal Two long-lost sisters found each other after one was awarded a WWII medal - at 101-years-old. Brenda Medway and Kathleen 'Kay' Clement spent years without contact after moving into separate care homes. But the pair were finally reunited after Kay was awarded a medal for her work helping to keep Spitfires flying. She was re-awarded a Loyal Service Medal for her efforts on behalf of King George VI at the age of 101 - and it gave care home staff a vital clue to get the pair back together. Brenda, 93, told care home staff that she wanted to see her sister again - but all attempts were unsuccessful. Senior carer Tomos Lovell at Cwrt-Clwydi-Gwyn Care Home in Skewen, Neath, South Wales, spotted an article about Kay being re-awarded the medal she had lost. The medal was in honour of Kay's mechanical skills, that helped to keep Britain's famous spitfire fighters flying through the Second World War. Tomos then discovered Kay was living just five miles away at The Old Vicarage Nursing Home in Tonna before staff arranged a surprise reunion. The sisters were reunited when Brenda made the short journey to visit her sister Kay who immediately recognised her. Brenda - who has no other immediate family left alive - said: 'She's still wicked as ever. She hasn't changed a bit.' The reunion was arranged with help from carer Tomos and wellbeing coordinator Kaylie Watkins at Cwrt-Clwydi-Gwyn home along with The Old Vicarage care home. Tomos said: 'This reunion truly embodies what person-centred care means. It's about listening, caring, and making the impossible possible. Seeing Brenda and Kay together again reminded all of us why we do what we do. 'We're incredibly proud of our team and thankful to The Old Vicarage for welcoming us with such kindness. Plans are now in motion for regular visits so the sisters can continue to reconnect and share more precious time together.' The care home added: 'The emotional visit was filled with laughter, joy, and tender moments. 'Kay recognised her 'little sister' and shared warm memories. The pair spent time chatting, laughing, and exchanging stories as if no time had passed.' Kay was born in 1924 before going on to work as a mechanic based at RAF Loughborough as a member of the Women's Auxiliary Air Force (Waaf) during the war. When fighting ended she was awarded a Loyal Service Medal for her efforts on behalf of King George VI, but later lost it. She was surprised with a replacement war time medal presented by Wing Commander Stephen Fry, Deputy Lord Lieutenant of West Glamorgan, and Air Commodore Robert Woods, Air Officer Wales last year. The sisters have now promised another visit soon after finally being reunited.
Scottish Sun
23-05-2025
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
I'm a League One star targeting Wembley glory with Charlton in play-off final – but I'm also training to be a PILOT
The Addicks stopper has kept a club-record 25 clean sheets this season RED ARROW I'm a League One star targeting Wembley glory with Charlton in play-off final – but I'm also training to be a PILOT Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) WILL MANNION has been training to become an aeroplane pilot. And the keeper hopes his Charlton team will be flying in tomorrow's play-off final against Leyton Orient - before landing a place in the Championship. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 3 Will Mannion is targeting promotion to the Championship with Charlton Credit: Getty 3 The keeper is a pilot in his spare time away from the pitch Credit: Alamy The 27-year-old has already done 15 hours of flying lessons and is a third of the way through being able to fly solo. Mannion told SunSport: "I was 14 when I took my first lesson. It was something I was going to do properly if football didn't work but thankfully it did. "Now it's something I want to do after football. I'm going to do more lessons so I can get my Private Pilot Licence in the next couple of years. "I've been flying Cessna 172 planes, which are like a four-seater washing machine with wings! I've got a fair way to go yet. READ MORE ON FOOTBALL JUST A MINUTE Every EFL play-off final to kick off 60 seconds later for touching reason "When I was at my last club Cambridge, I flew out of RAF Duxford, which was awesome because you would have Spitfires taking off in front of you! "It's hard to describe the feeling of flying a plane. I would liken it to riding a bike in the sky! "It's intuitive when you're up there with the controls. "It's not as scary as people think. It's fun, especially when taking off and landing. BEST ONLINE CASINOS - TOP SITES IN THE UK "Although taking off and landing are the two hardest things because that is where things can most likely go wrong. "But I'm never frightened, you just have to know what you're doing. Ex-Rangers star Greg Docherty sends message to his dad following Charlton Play-Off semi-final victory "The plan is to get more lessons locally. Biggin Hill isn't too far away so will probably fly out of there." Mannion cannot pinpoint why he fell in love with aviation but he then took it up in case a football career did not pan out. And now he is contemplating a career in the sky when his days in football are over. He added: "The next stage for me is to go out solo. I've got to do around 45 hours to get my licence. "The great thing is it's not something you need to do by a certain deadline, you can just chip away at it in your own time. It was something I was going to do properly if football didn't work but thankfully it did. Will Mannion "There are various exams — theory and practical — you must do. Then I can be in a position to just take a plane out for leisure at the weekend or on my days off. "But that is only the first stage. "There are quite a few more exams before you can fly a plane for easyJet. "At this stage I don't know how far I'd go with it but might consider working in the commercial airline industry one day!" Back on the ground, Charlton have the chance to return to the Championship after five years stuck in League One. Mannion has played a crucial role in helping the Addicks reach this Wembley final - having kept a club-record TWENTY-FIVE clean sheets this season. Not bad for a keeper who only joined last summer from Cambridge. He said: "To have played in as many games, finish fourth, play like we have as a team and keep as many clean sheets has been massive. "It's not something I predicted when I came but as the season progressed you could see we were a solid defensive unit and it paid off in terms of our league position and reaching a Wembley play-off final. It will be surreal but it's just another game. We cannot afford to get carried away by the occasion and romance of it. Mannion on Wembley "The clean sheets aren't just down to me. It starts from the front in terms of how we play, we're a high-pressing team. "That transcends throughout the team. "The lads in front of me have been outstanding all season. They've limited what I've had to do to a minimum." Mannion is establishing himself as a No 1 after a lot of years doing the hard yards. He was a young pro at Hull - rubbing shoulders with the likes of Harry Maguire, Jarrod Bowen and Andy Robertson - after being signed by Steve Bruce. He had loan spells in non-league with Aldershot and Kidderminster before a season with Cypriot team Pathos having struggled to find a club at home. 3 Charlton's boss Nathan Jones is aiming for promotion on Sunday Credit: Shutterstock Editorial He said: "It was during the Covid spell. I couldn't even find a club to look at me, never mind sign me. So I had this opportunity to go abroad and I gave it go. "As a life experience it was good to see a different culture - although on the football side I didn't get a lot of opportunities.' A move to Cambridge brought 29 League One appearances over three years before what has turned out to be his best season yet at the Addicks. Mannion has only previously been to Wembley as a spectator — watching Crystal Palace beat Watford in the 2013 Championship play-off final and the 2009 FA Cup final when Chelsea saw off Everton 2-1. He said: "It's one thing imagining yourself playing there and quite another actually thinking you will play there. "It will be surreal but it's just another game. We cannot afford to get carried away by the occasion and romance of it. "We've one more game to achieve what we set out to do - win promotion."
The Irish Sun
23-05-2025
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
I'm a League One star targeting Wembley glory with Charlton in play-off final – but I'm also training to be a PILOT
WILL MANNION has been training to become an aeroplane pilot. And the keeper hopes his Charlton team will be flying in tomorrow's play-off final against Leyton Orient - before landing a place in the Championship. 3 Will Mannion is targeting promotion to the Championship with Charlton Credit: Getty 3 The keeper is a pilot in his spare time away from the pitch Credit: Alamy The 27-year-old has already done 15 hours of flying lessons and is a third of the way through being able to fly solo. Mannion told SunSport: "I was 14 when I took my first lesson. It was something I was going to do properly if football didn't work but thankfully it did. "Now it's something I want to do after football. I'm going to do more lessons so I can get my Private Pilot Licence in the next couple of years. "I've been flying Cessna 172 planes, which are like a four-seater washing machine with wings! I've got a fair way to go yet. READ MORE ON FOOTBALL "When I was at my last club Cambridge, I flew out of RAF Duxford, which was awesome because you would have Spitfires taking off in front of you! "It's hard to describe the feeling of flying a plane. I would liken it to riding a bike in the sky! "It's intuitive when you're up there with the controls. "It's not as scary as people think. It's fun, especially when taking off and landing. Most read in Football BEST ONLINE CASINOS - TOP SITES IN THE UK "Although taking off and landing are the two hardest things because that is where things can most likely go wrong. "But I'm never frightened, you just have to know what you're doing. Ex-Rangers star Greg Docherty sends message to his dad following Charlton Play-Off semi-final victory "The plan is to get more lessons locally. Biggin Hill isn't too far away so will probably fly out of there." Mannion cannot pinpoint why he fell in love with aviation but he then took it up in case a football career did not pan out. And now he is contemplating a career in the sky when his days in football are over. He added: "The next stage for me is to go out solo. I've got to do around 45 hours to get my licence. "The great thing is it's not something you need to do by a certain deadline, you can just chip away at it in your own time. It was something I was going to do properly if football didn't work but thankfully it did. Will Mannion "There are various exams — theory and practical — you must do. Then I can be in a position to just take a plane out for leisure at the weekend or on my days off. "But that is only the first stage. "There are quite a few more exams before you can fly a plane for easyJet. "At this stage I don't know how far I'd go with it but might consider working in the commercial airline industry one day!" Back on the ground, Mannion has played a crucial role in helping the Addicks reach this Wembley final - having kept a club-record TWENTY-FIVE clean sheets this season. Not bad for a keeper who only joined last summer from Cambridge. He said: "To have played in as many games, finish fourth, play like we have as a team and keep as many clean sheets has been massive. "It's not something I predicted when I came but as the season progressed you could see we were a solid defensive unit and it paid off in terms of our league position and reaching a Wembley play-off final. It will be surreal but it's just another game. We cannot afford to get carried away by the occasion and romance of it. Mannion on Wembley "The clean sheets aren't just down to me. It starts from the front in terms of how we play, we're a high-pressing team. "That transcends throughout the team. "The lads in front of me have been outstanding all season. They've limited what I've had to do to a minimum." Mannion is establishing himself as a No 1 after a lot of years doing the hard yards. He was a young pro at Hull - rubbing shoulders with the likes of He had loan spells in non-league with Aldershot and Kidderminster before a season with Cypriot team Pathos having struggled to find a club at home. 3 Charlton's boss Nathan Jones is aiming for promotion on Sunday Credit: Shutterstock Editorial He said: "It was during the Covid spell. I couldn't even find a club to look at me, never mind sign me. So I had this opportunity to go abroad and I gave it go. "As a life experience it was good to see a different culture - although on the football side I didn't get a lot of opportunities.' A move to Cambridge brought 29 League One appearances over three years before what has turned out to be his best season yet at the Addicks. Mannion has only previously been to Wembley as a spectator — watching He said: "It's one thing imagining yourself playing there and quite another actually thinking you will play there. "It will be surreal but it's just another game. We cannot afford to get carried away by the occasion and romance of it. "We've one more game to achieve what we set out to do - win promotion."
CBC
13-05-2025
- Sport
- CBC
This Windsor man has seen games at every NHL arena
A Windsor man has checked every NHL arena off his bucket list. Johnnie Nantais says his journey began after an OHL player billeted with him — and it's taken decades to complete. There are 32 teams in the NHL, and he's now seen every single one of them play on their home ice. However, he's been to 41 NHL arenas in total, with some teams moving into new facilities or other franchises switching cities. From Montreal, home to the largest arena in Canada, to the raucous energy of Las Vegas — he's been there. Nantais says he was born with his love for hockey. He grew up in the Ottawa area, and later moved to Windsor. His first game was back in the late 1970s in Washington, when he was in the city for a conference. The 78-year-old and his wife got the bug for travelling to more NHL arenas after they billeted Windsor Spitfire Claude Loiselle in the early 1980s. Loiselle eventually made the jump to the NHL, playing for five teams in the league. The Nantaises would follow him around to various east coast road games. Later in life, Nantais bought a motor home, which made it easier for longer road trips. You have to be careful for hockey because it's wintertime," he told CBC Radio's Windsor Morning host Amy Dodge. "You just don't go to Winnipeg anytime you want, you know, you have to watch for the weather." Canadian hockey fans travel to U.S. with mixed feelings to support NHL teams Nantais checked his last two boxes earlier this season. One was in Seattle, the NHL's last expansion team. The last game was in Utah, to see the league's newest team, which had moved from Phoenix. His granddaughter made him a sign that said he'd been to every NHL arena. "They put it on the screen and everybody clapped hands in the arena. [It] felt good. I got goosebumps. Makes it worthwhile." Nantais collected pins from every arena. While in Edmonton, he says they weren't selling any pins at the time, so an usher who overheard him ended up giving him hers. As for his next bucket list, Nantais says he wants to live to 100.
