22 August was another bad weather day with limited operational activity for Fighter Command. Apart from Ken Holland carrying out formation practice where the ‘CO led us an awful dance in line ahead’ and John Crossman managing to fit in 35 minutes practice in Hurricane L1769, it was another quiet day for the Australians. So, what do you write about when nothing is happening? Well, what about a pen portrait of one of the Australians.
Bill Millington arrived in Australia on his 9th birthday. He
was gregarious, popular, always interested in what was going on in the world
and had a large circle of friends and pen friends. Fair-haired and
freckle-faced, he had a boyish smile that remained throughout adulthood, as did
his open, cheery demeanour. He was a small lad who never filled up or out.
(Even by the time he reached 21 he was only 5 feet 6 inches tall and weighed 10
stone 4 pounds.) He was an average student but from an early stage was
considered an exemplary pupil. He joined the scouting movement at an early age
and developed a strong social conscience and great loyalty to his family. He
liked nothing better than messing about with boats or motorbikes, playing
sport, gardening with his father and animals. He loved the family collie dog,
Prince and when he was posted to 249 Squadron he soon adopted Wilfred the Duck
and Pipsqueak the Dog, both of whom feature in 249 reminiscences, photo albums
and the squadron history.
Because of some behind-the-scenes problem I cannot work out, I have not been able to load photos onto my blog for some days. So, I can't share a photo of Bill and Pipsqueak. Hopefully soon. In the interim, go to my facebook page and you will see one, as well as some more photos of Australian's and their beloved furry friends.
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