THE GENERAL STEPS OUT

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 2, Issue 136, 15 March 1940, Page 2

THE GENERAL STEPS OUT

The Greek dictator. Gcnei'al Metaxas, recently created a number of new generals in the Air Force. One of these went on a tour of inspection at a Mediterranean station where the commander suggested: " "General, if you like we will try out a new flying boat." * lEm "I shall pilot it myself," said the General, and installed himself in the pilot's seat, with the commander at his side. All went well until the commander noticed that the General was gliding down towards a near by aerodrome. "Excuse me, General, but if you want to come down, it would be better to come down on the sea, for tliis is a flying boat, not an aeroplane, that you are piloting." -w "Of course, commander —what was [ thinking about?" and the GeneraT turned towards the landing basin, where he came down safely. While the machine was still floating, and turned to the commander and said; "Commander, I tfiank~you heartily. I am extremely satisfied with you, your machine is in an excellent condition; and I shall not forget the tact with which you drew mjr attention to the incredible blunder I was about to make. shall send in a very good report, and your fifth stripe is not far away* Having said which, he turned round, opened the door, and stepped into the sea.