Thanks to nuclearpak and fatman17,
I now know that the PAF did not have either of the two TF-86s and that the T-33 was the OCU trainer in this period.
Its important to be able to eliminate certain lines of research.
Most Forum Members will know that the majority of my web site details are from Public Domain and information sent me from actual pilots and their families.
Rarely a week goes by without someone requesting help to find out what happened to a family member or friend.
I explain I do not represent any official organisation, the web site is a personal endeavour to preserve and record history as accurately as possible.
Where I am able I will ask people who may know the best course of action to obtain helpful information. I put this particular request to the Forum and I am pleased to say that the members have (again) responded in a very positive manner.
I am certain that if Najam obtains details of his great uncle's loss he will allow me to share it with the Forum.
Every request I receive is slightly different.
The internet is a great place to share research and further our knowledge and correspond with "those who were there."
Its a lot quicker than when I used to rely on snail mail (that seems so long ago now)
One thing I have learnt, "truth" really is stranger than fiction.
Where I have made an error (typo etc) on my web site or misinterpreted the available information I am always pleased to receive constructive comments and amend the mistakes. When data conflicts I will point this out.
With "Data Protection Laws" and "Customer in Confidence" being applied in many cases where it was never intended, companies that many years ago (pre internet - remember those days
) were proud to let the world know about lives saved by their parachute or ejection seats can no longer provide such data and sadly their archives remain closed to researchers.
I am always happy to receive requests and help where I can but in the end it is up to the family to make the decision to persue their searches. Sadly many of the requests I get are for pilots and crews who have died.
In the early days of the project I was uneasy at including details of those who died so I omitted them in case I caused offence or distress to the surviving family members. It was the request and comments by the widow of one pilot, (his F-106 crashed and his "new design" ejection seat failed) , who asked if I would include her husband,s details. She told me she would be pleased to see that her husband was remembered.
Many families have sent me photos and details of their loved ones who paid the ultimate price to add them to the web site. Many of the biography pages have been compiled with the help and input of the family.
My final two requests (for the forseeable future), please can you mention the project to anyone who you think may be able to add information on losses, bailouts and ejections, and secondly, if you do spot a mistake on the web site to let me know?
Thank you.
With respect
Mike
