BBC NEWS | Magazine | The trembling ace The air aces of World War I - like the Red Baron - left a rich mythology that persists to the present day. But the man who was, perhaps, Britain's best pilot, remains little known. A 90-year-old photo album discovered recently in northern France, reveals possibly the last picture of Britain's "highest scoring" fighter pilot from World War I. BBC2 Saturday 21 March 8pm - 9 pm Timewatch: WWI Aces Falling The story of Edward Mannock and James McCudden, the British fighter pilots who rose from modest backgrounds to become two of the country's greatest World War One aces. But as their tally of victories grew, so did their chances of dying. Timewatch recounts Mannock and McCudden's battle to survive against the odds - and the 90-year mystery surrounding their deaths.
Thanks for flagging that up Peter - this is a programme I worked on with my friend John Hayes-Fisher (who is also a member here). Hope the aviation buffs like it!
Thanks for flagging that up Peter - this is a programme I worked on with my friend John Hayes-Fisher (who is also a member here). Hope the aviation buffs like it! Paul, I for one will be watching this programme with great interest. Bit of a deviation for you Paul, the air war?
Yes, well the story of Mannock and his grave site had always interested me, and he is on my local war memorial here in Canterbury. Plus it is always a please to work with John. We hope to do justice to some WW2 stories at some point.
Meant to also add that you will see artwork by our friend Soren in the programme! We had to use his artwork as since he appeared in My Family At War he is too expensive in person...
Meant to also add that you will see artwork by our friend Soren in the programme! We had to use his artwork as since he appeared in My Family At War he is too expensive in person... Paul, one has to pay for star quality.....
As is usual, another excellent presentation from Timewatch. I thoroughly enjoyed it. I hope that they do review the evidence about the possibility of the unknown grave being that of Mannock. Are any CWGC graves ever exhumed to check out DNA evidence?
I taped the programme as my 'domestic manager' (wife) wished to watch Casualty on the other side. One of these days I'll assert my authority and watch what I want when I want. Don't hold your breath....
Don't forget Peter you can watch it on BBC iPlayer. I'll have to catch first 10 minutes, was watching Twins on ITV2 & forgot to turn over in time. Oops Sorry Paul. Thought it was rather good. Where were Soren's pics? I missed them. EDIT Aha! BBC - BBC Two Programmes - Timewatch, 2008 - 2009, WWI Aces Falling One at 4 minutes 28 seconds.
They were quite early on, so you probably missed 'em. Are any CWGC graves ever exhumed to check out DNA evidence? No, CWGC have never allowed that.
BBCI for me - I was in confernce with a Belgian friend discussing the Anglo-Irish- Belgian invasion of Hitler's Fortress Europe which will be reenacted in June.
Watched it later to night, thought it was a very good and informative programme. Well done Timewatch and Paul. Owen, I'll probably watch it again on iPlayer as you suggest.
That was an excellent programme - you had to feel for Maddock - tortured by his own fears and his "nerves". The location by Paul of his grave does make sense and you are left wondering why the authorities won't look at the facts as Andy Saunders suggests. Timewatch again shows itself to be a flagship history porgramme for BBC , nice art work as well....anyone catch the name of the artist ?
Timewatch again shows itself to be a flagship history programme for BBC..... Shame it was the last one ever.
Meant to also add that you will see artwork by our friend Soren in the programme! We had to use his artwork as since he appeared in My Family At War he is too expensive in person...
I kind of missed it as I was selling my prints at a hotel, saw it on a massive screen without the sound it looked really really good, well done! I was thinking of putting my prices up after it was aired here!
Shame it was the last one ever. There's a Timewatch on next Saturday about the construction of the Pyramids of Giza, but The Sunday Times describes it as 'an irritating, infantile edition ' so perhaps it would be better to have finished with yesterday's programme. This is the last ever season then?
This is the last ever season then? I have been told by someone in the know that , yes , that is the last one.
