Stringbag

I was so excited when this Fairey Swordfish, built in 1941, flew right over the house this afternoon. It is a special aircraft for our family. Lieutenant-Commander Anthony 'Steady' Tuke flew one for four and a half years in the front line, clocking up 110 operations, three forced landings and two DSCs, the first aged nineteen. He was declared medically unfit due to war service and became the group secretary for the Essex branch of the National Farmers Union.  That's how MrQ became friendly with him. I was introduced to him at The Essex Show and he told MrQ, a confirmed bachelor, that I was the girl for him. 

After we were married Tony continued to visit the nursery to deal with our insurance. Our children loved him. He was a wonderful role model who encouraged our son's interest in aviation. He told us of his exploits on aircraft carriers and that the Swordfish was known as the 'Stringbag.'