I remember my grandfather telling me about being 17 year old wireless operator in a Trawler called HMRS Fusilier, I think. It was their duty to trail the battleships and deadnoughts and go in to pick up sailors when they were crippled and sinking during WWI. It was very dangerous work as a sinking battleship will drag the trawler down with it unless they get clear in time.
To get out of this he had to volunteer for something that was considered more dangerous. So he volunteered for the Royal Naval Air Service which had come into being in 1909 with the order for production of airships. He trained as a wireless operator gunner on the Isle of Sheppy (North coast of Kent east of London) in DH9a and DH9d.
So, Gentlemen
The Ministy of the Navy is calling upon willing young men to join a service that will take you to lofty heights and have you performing daredevil feats that will be the envy of your fellows in the trenches. It is not without some risk and only those with an iron constitution need apply. Join the ROYAL NAVAL AIR SERVICE. Your country needs you.....
So, Who will stand and be counted as one of the very first Squadrons the world has ever seen..... Don't be shy chaps, the King is counting upon you.....
ToW Air Marshall
