Gone maybe ...... Forgotten Never....... Forgiven NO!
|
WW2 Veterans Views
It does not seem all that long ago when as a nineteen year old kid, in 1942 I stood on the runway at Ringway thinking that we were on the forefront of military thought and now the inevitable enemy "progress" quite rightly relegates us to the status of dinosaurs, (well almost). Progress I can accept, even welcome, but the dumpimg of our beloved Pegasus is, I think, nothing less than a slap in the face to all those men who from 1940 thru 1945 volunteered for the wonderful concept that the Regiment turned out to be. Shame on those youngsters who made that decision! John I appreciate all the news you are sending, it brings back memories to the vivid status that these times deserve, may they never fade.
G. Kalotta (USA)
Defence Platoon, 2nd Independent Parachute Brigade
I find the concept of eliminating this from the uniform of present and future Airborne personel. bewildering, unforgiveable and "bloody" disgusting. What next? the"Red Beret"? Parachutes? I will certainly be voicing my feelings to the list of persons you recommended.
Fred Moore (Australia)
2 Commando, 11 SAS, Ist Parachute Battalion
I wore the Pegasus emblem from 1943 to 1946. I dont think any Johnny come latelys should be allowed to scrap tradition. Whats next ? scrapping the kilts of the Scottish Regiments. Or maybe Whitehall would like to scrap the bearskins of the Brigade of Guards.
6299672 Sgt. Eric Feast (Canada)
6th (Royal Welsh) Parachute Battalion
I have learned that the "PEGASUS" symbol may no longer be worn by British airborne soldiers who, just as I did during WW11, continue to wear it in defence of the country and on other dangerous missions. The warrior "BELLEROPHON" astride the winged horse Pegasus may have been a mythical legend but yesterdays and todays Airborne soldiers are the real warriors. They deserve the right to retain the use of this historic insignia developoed in those perilous times for Britain.
Jack Scott (Canada)
1st Airlanding Light Regt. RA
Gentlemen
As Hilton Lucas would say " I don't believe it, I
just don't believe it" The Ministry of Defence is planning
to do away with Bellepheron on the Winged Horse Pegasus as
the emblem of the Airborne forces. Pegasus is probably the
most famous symbol that the army has, thousands fought and
died wearing it. I still have my parachute wings and Pegasus
that I wore in World War II , please say it isn't so.
John W Donaldson (USA)
17th Bn (LI) and 7th Bn (LI) The Parachute Regiment
