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FLIGHT TO SCOTLAND
by Virgil R. Marco Sr., 366BS Tail Gunner, 305BG We finally received our
overseas orders. Our crew was booked on separate luxury civilian flights at La Guardia Airport. It appeared that the Air Force was determined that some of us would make it to England. I was suffering from a
hangover again that morning. After consuming a large breakfast of sausage and eggs, I soon found out that this meal did not agree with my hangover. When our plane was up over the Atlantic, I became violently
sick at my stomach. I had the paper bag in my hand when the steward noticed that I was about to throw up. He gave me a cup of water and airsickness pill. In a short time I was a new person. Our
first stop was Gander Air Base, Newfoundland where we ate while the plane was being refueled. The base was almost buried in snow. Large mounds of snow were created on both sides of the runways by the
snowplows to accommodate the landing of many planes traveling to England. The next stop was Iceland. There was no snow on the ground. There were no trees. The temperature was barely above
freezing and the wind was blowing constantly. Leaning forward toward the damp, cold wind we found our way to the enlisted men's mess hall that was one of the many Nissen hut buildings scattered about the
base. I remember we had chili and crackers. We began to complain about the menu, but after the first bite, we began to compliment the cook on his very tasty chili. This was the first time I had
"Texas style" chili since leaving Dallas. We finally reached our destination, Prestwick, Scotland. It was dark when we landed. The next morning I saw the most beautiful
countryside I had ever seen. |
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