1454 and it's birthday time. No, that's not the year of the event nor the time of day but the RSARS number of the celebrant, Jim E. Fry G4SKR seen in our first picture proposing a vote of thanks in typical Royal Navy fashion (yes, Jim served with the Fleet too) to LHVP Jack Cooper G3DPS.
In Jim's words "Well I went down to the Middle Wallop Rally, my youngest daughter giving instructions that I was to be back by 1130 on the Sunday for an early lunch, so I dutifully returned on time only to curse her next-door neighbour for parking all those cars on the road outside.
Only when I walked through the garage and saw Jack sitting in the corner and 37 others (family mostly) did I realise 'something was up' especially as they were all looking at me. I noticed that the Yeoman had hoisted banners signalling "Happy Birthday" but even then did not think it was for me as my big day was three weeks away! The crew had brought the date forward, so the family could all be there together as some were going to be away on holiday on the real date.
To see Jack there was a big and pleasant surprise, he enjoyed himself, he supervised the procedure of cutting the cake in proper military fashion and gave the order to "Draw swords!" with more than a hint of expectation for his slice!"
PS: Don't ask which birthday it was! The answer will be "Nothing to declare Sir!"
