After a very tasty lasagne, some reduced price drinks and a catch up, 60 of our members settled down to listen to our very own David Morgan chat about 'The Falklands Conflict from the Cockpit of a Sea Harrier' - our February Compton Club Night.
David is a part owner of Yak 50 G-SVET which he has been displaying for many years, often entertaining the crowds at Compton throughout the Summer. After achieiving his pilots licence in March 1967 David had a long career in the forces and now captains Boeing 747-400's for Virgin, doing aerobatics and talks around the world in his spare time.
With the aid of a map of the Falklands and some artifacts from the war David held our members attention for over an hour with his stories. The highest scoring allied pilot throughout the conflict, David was an invaluable tool for the side, and was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for his actions. The articfacts he brought along included an exit wound from the tail fin of his aircraft, one of the only places that the Harrier he flew could take a hit without causing major damage. If the gun that shot at him had been half a degree to the right the ammunition would have gone through the cockpit. We also saw the survival packs (limited) and ration packs (which resulted in David steering clear of broccoli for years afterwards!) and many other interesting bits and pieces from his time over there.
Hearing about the action from someone who played such a significant part throughout the war was fascinating, and difficult to describe to you all in writing. Thanks again to Moggy for giving up his time and entertaining us all on a cold and wintery Friday night, it was very much enjoyed and appreciated - this represented in the great turn out - a full club house! See below for a picture of David 'Mog' Morgan in the good old days! Thanks Moggy for a fantastic evening enjoyed by all.
