It was a dull, wet Sunday afternoon on the month of February, in the horrible, war stricken year of 1917.
"You asked to see me sir", stated a young man wearing a brand new RFC uniform.
'Yes I did, Second Lieutenant Gray', said a youngish man of about 24 years old, who was also wearing a RFC uniform although it was easy to tell it was not brand new.
'What about sir?'
'I have a few questions for you. How many hours have you done solo?'
'Only 12 sir.'
'Have you finished all of your tests yet?'
No sir I still have to work on my shooting and manoeuvring.
'Congratulations second lieutenant, you have passed all of your tests with flying colours,
'How is that sir I still have to do some of my tests?'
'Not any more, you may now pin on your wings.'
Second Lieutenant Shane Gray thought to himself, this isn't like I imagined. I thought putting on my wings would be part of some big ceremony but here is my CO just telling I can put on my wings.
'Is that all sir?'
'No just one more thing second lieutenant, you are being sent to the western front. Here is your train ticket and your boat ticket. Also you are granted 2 days leave starting tomorrow. That's all now second lieutenant, you may go now.'
The 2 days leave passed quickly. It seemed like it was a few hours since he had been granted leave by the time he was on the train. Sitting next to the window, tears came to his eyes as he watched familiar sights go by and thoughts of never seeing them and his family again.
'Hello.'
Gray looked around to where the greeting had come from and there smiling back was a decorated RFC flying officer.
Gray sadly responded with a 'hi' and although he tried his best to make it sound happy, it sounded far from it.
'My name is Parker what's yours?' the young officer responded.
'Gray, Second Lieutenant Shane Gray.'
'I take it this is the first time you've been to the front?'
'Yes it is.'
'This is my second time I'm just coming back from some leave.'
'Is it really as bad on the front as they say?'
'Its even worse than that.'
'Well I really needed to know that but I suppose I asked for it. What type of plane do you fly?'
'Sopwith Pups at the moment although we're rumoured to be getting Camels in the not to distant future.'
'Lucky you, I hope I'm with a fighter squadron, I couldn't stand flying bombers.'
'Well I wish you luck with that.'
'Thanks, this is where I get off.'
'Okay bye Second Lieutenant and good luck. I'm in 271 squadron at Maranique so look me up if you're still alive after your first few days.'
'Don't worry I'll definitely do that.'
'Hello private welcome to 111 squadron. I'm your CO Major Charles. As you probably have noticed we're equipped with F.E's. They are 2 seaters with the pilot sitting behind the gunner.'
