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CHOPPER CORNER

Memories - the Bold and the Not-So-Beautiful

This month, I’m including copies of photos sent in by two lads who served in the SAAF – as flight engineers. Now, before I contin-
ue… let me state – chopper crews are/ were a bold bunch – especially the FE’s. They are also a passionate, loyal and trustworthy lot.
It took dedication and perseverance to become a chopper pilot or flight engineer… in the process one made friends for life. So…
when I say memories were made way back when – I mean memories for the ages.

OK… onto the story of this month’s photos. The two engineers in question are Eugene vd Merwe and Manie Jansen. I am purposely
not saying who sent in which photos – because that may incriminate one more than the other. So… I dare you – suggest if you may,
who is the FE in question – yes, that one of someone showing us way more than we actually want to see.

Now, I will add this… the engineer who sent in the “out of the Alo bare some of it” photo also sent in a caption… “the best side of a
flight engineer.” Mmmm… some would dispute that – but many would agree.

OK so, the other photos are taken from a Scope Magazine article saved in a scrap book. This appeared in that awful magazine as
a supplement on 09 Dec 1977 – phew… that was about the year I joined the SAAF! Right so… old memories live on! Choppers –
those magic machines will live in our minds – but, the friendships made will forever live – in our hearts! Thanks lads – the smiles
you share are truly in the ethos of this magazine – friendship building and memory sharing!

PS – That magazine wasn’t awful… unless you worked for the censor board of the day – no, the ladies had “stars” hiding all the
bits… just like I should’ve done with that engineer’s bits or should I say… butts? No… we’ve grown up, haven’t we?

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