Desmond Sheen's inspiration. 9 May 1927

http://www.canberratimes.com.au/lifestyle/question-time-with-kristen-alexander-20140508-37x7h.html

This appeared in today’s Canberra Times. A little bit of publicity never goes astray, especially with a new book (mentioned in the article) coming out in September 2014.

The article mentions Des Sheen, Canberra’s own Battle of Britain pilot, who features in Australia’s Few and the Battle of Britain. Coincidentally, the ‘Did You Know’ at bottom right, also links to Desmond and the day he caught the flying bug. Here is an extract from Australia’s Few that explains all.    

 

 

Canberrans took the day off work or escaped from household duties on Monday 9 May 1927 so they could witness the Duke and Duchess of York open Parliament House. It was an occasion full of colour and pomp, punctuated by the impressive forces’ march past, the boom of the royal salute, Dame Nellie Melba’s rendition of ‘God Save the King’ and formal guards of honour. Nine-year-old Desmond Frederick Burt Sheen was just one of the crowd enjoying the day’s events. He was excited by the aerial pageant and couldn’t believe his luck when one of the RAAF’s de Havilland DH9s landed in a paddock near his home. From that moment, he was hooked. He thought, ‘that’s for me ... I decided as soon as I was old enough I would join the air force’.

 

 

This photo of Des, holding a canine friend, and his younger brother Gordon was taken in 1928, the year after the flying bug bit. Looks like he has his eyes closed. Perhaps all the better to see those flying machines in his mind!