Barnes Wallis's 90th birthday party
Title
Barnes Wallis's 90th birthday party
Description
Following the playing of the Dambusters' March, are speeches from the 90th birthday celebration for Sir Barnes Wallis. These include an introduction by Sir Arthur Harris, a message from Queen Elizabeth II, a speech by Bob Knights, a presentation, and a response from Lady Wallis on behalf of her husband.
Cassette card captioned ‘Speeches at Barnes Wallis’ 90th Birthday Party. Thatchers Hotel 24.9.77’.
A note captioned ‘Trevor Muhl compliments from Bob Knight’.
Cassette card captioned ‘Speeches at Barnes Wallis’ 90th Birthday Party. Thatchers Hotel 24.9.77’.
A note captioned ‘Trevor Muhl compliments from Bob Knight’.
Date
1977-09-24
Spatial Coverage
Language
Format
00:35:54 audio recording
Conforms To
Publisher
Rights
This content is available under a CC BY-NC 4.0 International license (Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0). It has been published ‘as is’ and may contain inaccuracies or culturally inappropriate references that do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the University of Lincoln or the International Bomber Command Centre. For more information, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ and https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/legal.
Identifier
ABarnesWallis19770924-0004, ABarnesWallis19770924-0001, ABarnesWallis19770924-0002, ABarnesWallis19770924-0003
Transcription
[Dambusters Theme playing]
Ladies and gentlemen, we’re just about to come to the part of this evening’s meeting and before I call upon our Commander in Chief to open the proceedings by saying a few words I’m going to ask Tony to read a very special telegram that he’s just received.
This telegram is from the Private Secretary to the Queen. “Her majesty sends her thanks to all those taking part in the Dambuster Squadron Reunion with a message of Jubilee greeting. She sends a special message of thanks to Sir Barnes Wallis whose ninety years spans the period from Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubilee to her Own Silver Jubilee.”
Here here.
[applause.]
BW: I think that is more than anybody else can say.
[applause]
It’s now my privilege to call upon our Commander in Chief. I would like to say our beloved Commander in Chief.
Here here.
Marshal of the Royal Air Force, Sir Arthur Harris.
[applause]
AH: Ladies and gentlemen, and particularly Lady Wallis and our number one wizard here sitting next to her.
[applause]
AH: I’ve been asked to say a few words which I always find frightfully difficult especially when I see all the old lags all around me.
[laughter]
AH: The trouble is that I’m old, garrulous and rather gaga but I still know exactly what you fellows achieved. I had the privilege yesterday of talking to all the Cadets at Sandhurst and I told them what the strategic bombers really achieved in the war and that I’d got the information straight from the horse’s mouth namely the top leaders on both sides in the war and that was that they had achieved three major victories. The first was the biggest victory on land by depriving the enemy of so much of their resources that their defeat became inevitable. Secondly, the major victory in the air because they drove the enemy back entirely on to the defensive so that our invasion forces never saw, or seldom saw an enemy aeroplane. That was due entirely to the strategic bombers and when I say strategic bombers I give our American friends a full fifty percent credit for their share in the game.
[applause]
AH: And finally, and finally I said we achieved the strategic bombers the biggest Naval victory in the war and there is no doubt about that. We got that straight from the horse’s mouth. We destroyed more submarines and more submarine building facilities than anybody else. We destroyed more capital ships of the enemy’s than anybody else. We destroyed more the entire merchant marine on which they depended for their essential resources and we destroyed by the hundred their small fast craft such as small torpedo high speed boats and gun boats. Well, that’s what you old lags took a major share in. And at the bottom of all this who was at the bottom of it all? This old lag here.
[applause laughter]
AH: This old number one boffin of ours and I give him every credit for everything he did which was a vast amount when it came to defeating our enemies but for one grave dereliction of duty and if you fellows were in the age you were thirty or forty years ago you’d have had him around after dinner in the Mess. You would have given him a Mess Court Martial and you would have threatened him. I don’t know whether you’re going to do it tonight.
[laughter]
AH: To be debagged —
[laughter]
AH: For a grave dereliction of duty in failing to produce with all the magnificent things he did produce for us the one bomb that the Army really needed and I’m sure if he really hadn’t been so lazy and had given mind to it for a quarter of an hour and had roughed it out on the back of an envelope he could have done it. And that was to produce a bomb for the Army which created a vast crater to embarrass and entrap the enemy or a crater which automatically filled itself up as soon as it sensed the approach of an Allied soldier.
[laughter — applause]
AH: And in that was his one failure. I’m sure you will agree. And now it’s not for me to go on with the evening’s entertainment and as I say I’m old, garrulous and gaga and I’m going to sit down now before somebody shoots me. Thank you.
[laughter – applause]
Well, sir, we always obeyed I hope your orders and instructions during the war and waited eagerly for them. Can I assure you that we still sit and eagerly listen to anything you have to tell us now. I have at home a recording of your last talk to Bomber Command in May when I was out of the country and I assure you that will be one of my treasured possessions. If I don’t get the chance again this evening on behalf of all the squadron I do thank you Sir Arthur with all my heart for having come, both of you, for having come with Lady Harris to really make this evening.
[applause]
Well, now I know we’ll all agree that there can’t have been another contender for the post of AOC who would have seen us through better than Sir Ralph did in the war.
[applause]
Even though you were a bit strict at times. So it’s my great pleasure now to call upon Sir Ralph to say his words on this great occasion.
[applause]
RC: Sir Arthur, Sir Barnes, ladies and gentlemen, I was trying to think just how many years ago it was that I first met Sir Barnes Wallis and I came to the conclusion that it was sixty two. And we first met on a very wide-open space outside the town of Barrow in Furness and we were there to watch the withdrawal from his building shed of the naval airship R9 and that I suspect they possibly have given the first thought of building a decent airstrip because this one certainly wasn’t a decent airship. Building a decent airship through Sir Barnes because sure enough a few years later came out of that most marvellous, good looking and efficient airship the R100 which flew across the Atlantic to Canada and back. Something on which I don’t want to cast any aspersions of the R101 which was a government designed airship and unfortunately —
[laughter]
Unfortunately came to grief in France as we all know with a very sad loss of life which we’re all very sorry. Now, from that I began to think well now how many in those sixty two years? How many things has Sir Barnes done for this country which are really notable and I started to tick them off on my fingers but I ran out of fingers and I had to go down to my toes and I couldn’t get there. Anyway, there has certainly been one thing after another and we think possibly about the Dams as being one of the great points. But in a way and I may be wrong and you may not agree with me when I say this but in terms of damage to the Germans I would say that Johnny [unclear] last —
[recording interrupted]
[Tape repeats –]
[Of the R101 which was a government designed airship and unfortunately [laughter] unfortunately came to grief in France as we all know with a very sad loss of life which we’re all very sorry. Now, from that I began to think well now how many in those sixty two years —]
It was something really stupendous. Something which the hurl of Bomber Command plus the American 8th Air Force peppering them with five hundred pounders had been quite unable to achieve. Now, there’s just one other side to Sir Barnes’ character that I would like to draw your attention because it may not be known to everybody and that is his kindliness. His kindliness. You may or may not know that he adopted two children to help them. And when he got an award he gave it unstintingly to Christ’s Hospital in which he has always had a very great connection and regard. So may I join in what Sir Arthur has said in expressing our praise to Sir Barnes and wishing him the best of luck and many more years of life.
[applause]
Well, we’re very happy Sir Ralph to be here once again and to listen to you addressing us and I hope there will be many other occasions when you come back and join one or other functions. And we much appreciate everything that that you’ve said on our behalf about Sir Barnes. Has my great moment come?
Yes.
Tony?
[pause]
Well, ladies and gentlemen and I now address myself to you, Sir Barnes. I don’t want to use any unseemly words on a happy occasion like this but you did give us a devil of a time with some of the things you asked us to do.
BW: But you did them.
No, not always. Well, Sir Barnes I’m going to present you with a little gift on behalf of all the squadron not all of whom sadly are present here today and in doing so would like to say to you that to us you are the father of the squadron. Without you there would have been no squadron. No 617. And so with that thought and also although I know that we are only together for a short time this evening for us the preparation and the anticipation and the fact that some have come from Australia and some from Canada especially and only for this occasion is a measure of our appreciation and our affection for you.
[applause]
[background chatter]
And Sir Barnes, Sir Barnes. Sir Barnes there is a second dereliction of duty. You haven’t got a Squadron Crest.
BW: Have we not?
You haven’t.
No.
And it’s now made good.
[applause]
You must sit throughout the proceedings —
[more background chatter.]
BW: Alright.
2100 – 2130 dead air
[applause]
You must sit throughout the proceedings –
This is the public address system here —
BW: Thank you very much indeed for all the things that you have said.
MW: Shut up. I’m doing this.
BW: Listen to my wife.
MW: Time for me? Is it time for me to speak?
By all means madam.
MW: Right. Now then, I’ve got quite a lot to say.
Lady Wallis.
[applause]
MW: Mr Chairman, that’s you.
[laughter]
MW: Mr Chairman, Sir Arthur, ladies and gentlemen, thank you very much on behalf of my husband for all the kind things you have said about him and also which you haven’t put in, for the lovely presents you have given him. The lovely birthday presents you have given him. He didn’t put that in because he didn’t know he was getting any.
[laughter]
MW: Well, unfortunately his doctors have forbidden him personally to reply but I hope you accept me as his substitute. On learning the nature of this party his mind turned to some lines written long ago by Rudyard Kipling and I will send the three verses that he has chosen out of that poem which is called, “The Old Men.” “This is our lot if we live so long and labour unto the end. That he outlive the impatient years and much too patient friend. And because we know we have breath in our mouth and think we have thought in our head. We shall assume that we are alive, whereas we are really dead. The Lamp of our youth will be utterly out, but we shall subsist on the smell of it. And whatever we do, we shall fold our hands and suck our gums and think well of it. Yes, we shall be perfectly pleased with our work, and that is the Perfectest Hell of it. Now this is our lot if we live so long and listen to those who love us. That we are shunned by the people about and shamed by the Powers above us. Wherefore be free of your harness betimes, but being free be assured, that he who hath not endured to the death from his birth he hath never endured.” And I think in a way that applies to the squadron. I say at first I was going to say something else then. Oh yes. The first time he saw everybody, all his squadron together the only time he’s ever seen it all together was when he briefed them before the actual raid on the dams. Wasn’t it? Wasn’t that right?
BW: Yes. But you weren’t there.
[laughter]
MW: But I am here. I’m stood here. Now, let me just say something for myself now. He made me say that. This is from myself. Now, as you know 617 Squadron has always been his beloved child. More to him than anything else. How often have I been jealous of this wretched squadron which has always come first. Well, rightly of course because of your incredible bravery and skill. No wonder he loved you all. It is only by his nagging at his doctor and the final permission of a consultant that he is here at all tonight. Actually, of course he was determined to come. And most of us know how infernally obstinate he is. Not to say stubborn he can be. Anyway, it has been the happiest of parties for us. We cannot thank you all enough for all you have given to him and given to England.
[applause]
Other: Lady Wallis.
I’m asking Lady Wallis if she would allow Sir Barnes to be just obstinate enough one step more to say three words to us sitting down.
MW: One, two, three.
[unclear]
Other: Eve. Eve Gibson is just going to give Sir Barnes a bouquet of flowers.
Lady Wallis.
Other: Lady Wallis.
Yes.
[applause]
MW: Now, you’re going to speak sitting down a few words.
BW: Can I?
MW: Yes.
BW: What am I going to say?
MW: Oh darling, just, ‘I love you all. You’re jolly wonderful and I’m very happy to be here.’
BW: I love you all.
[laughter]
BW: You are jolly wonderful and I’m very glad to be here.
[laughter – applause]
BW: This will be one of my most treasured possessions.
MW: You will have to polish it.
Right. Thank you very much.
[pause]
[applause]
BW: Thank you very much indeed for this wonderful token of your affection and regard. I’m delighted to have it. It will be one of the features in my house which will be shown to absolutely everybody.
[applause]
And now finally last. Lance Howard from Perth, Australia. One of the original members of the squadron who must have come the longest distance of anybody except Ross Stanford.
[applause]
LH: Mr Chairman, my lords and ladies and gentlemen, twelve thousand miles away from where we are tonight are some thirty odd Australians and New Zealanders eating their hearts out they cannot be here to celebrate this such important occasion. Ross Standford from South Australia and myself from Western Australia have that very great privilege and we bring to Sir Barnes and Lady Wallis our fondest love, our fondest remembrances. Our fondest thoughts of an example that which meant so much to all of us since the war. So much I think and I say this with all sincerity that those of us who have known Sir Barnes, have shaken his hand, have touched an immortal. Out of our efforts to bring something tonight we have a birthday card which has only fifteen names on it out of some thirty odd which should be there. I’ve [unclear] that at the time we were trying to get this around Australia which is a rather big place there was a postal strike on and we couldn’t get any more. But this is sent with our fondest regards and best wishes, Sir Barnes.
[applause]
LH: May I add in conclusion Mr Chairman —
[voices]
LH: May I add that I am sure that all of you, particularly the gentlemen know how much our wives have meant to us throughout our careers, throughout our lives. We, we wish they were all here but of course there’s not room for all of them. I know what my wife is thinking at this moment. She is not here.
MW: But that’s different times.
LH: Indeed, Lady Wallis. 3 o’clock in the morning. The Australian Division of the 617 Squadron Association has been able to contact the father organisation in England and has asked them to arrange a small present for Lady Wallis. She means so much to us that we felt that something like this which is an opal stone which means in many ways Australia is something that you may rather be happy to have and I give it to you with our fondest love.
[applause]
[background chatter]
Ernie, you’re the choirmaster. We’d like you to start us off to sing the proper song for Sir Barnes.
Come on Ernie.
[Singing “For he’s a jolly good fellow”]
BW: Thank you very much indeed for your friendship and good will. I can assure you this has cheered me up no end to be here with your tonight. Thank you again very much.
[applause]
I think thank you very much ladies and gentlemen [unclear] now we continue on with our meal.
Ladies and gentlemen, we’re just about to come to the part of this evening’s meeting and before I call upon our Commander in Chief to open the proceedings by saying a few words I’m going to ask Tony to read a very special telegram that he’s just received.
This telegram is from the Private Secretary to the Queen. “Her majesty sends her thanks to all those taking part in the Dambuster Squadron Reunion with a message of Jubilee greeting. She sends a special message of thanks to Sir Barnes Wallis whose ninety years spans the period from Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubilee to her Own Silver Jubilee.”
Here here.
[applause.]
BW: I think that is more than anybody else can say.
[applause]
It’s now my privilege to call upon our Commander in Chief. I would like to say our beloved Commander in Chief.
Here here.
Marshal of the Royal Air Force, Sir Arthur Harris.
[applause]
AH: Ladies and gentlemen, and particularly Lady Wallis and our number one wizard here sitting next to her.
[applause]
AH: I’ve been asked to say a few words which I always find frightfully difficult especially when I see all the old lags all around me.
[laughter]
AH: The trouble is that I’m old, garrulous and rather gaga but I still know exactly what you fellows achieved. I had the privilege yesterday of talking to all the Cadets at Sandhurst and I told them what the strategic bombers really achieved in the war and that I’d got the information straight from the horse’s mouth namely the top leaders on both sides in the war and that was that they had achieved three major victories. The first was the biggest victory on land by depriving the enemy of so much of their resources that their defeat became inevitable. Secondly, the major victory in the air because they drove the enemy back entirely on to the defensive so that our invasion forces never saw, or seldom saw an enemy aeroplane. That was due entirely to the strategic bombers and when I say strategic bombers I give our American friends a full fifty percent credit for their share in the game.
[applause]
AH: And finally, and finally I said we achieved the strategic bombers the biggest Naval victory in the war and there is no doubt about that. We got that straight from the horse’s mouth. We destroyed more submarines and more submarine building facilities than anybody else. We destroyed more capital ships of the enemy’s than anybody else. We destroyed more the entire merchant marine on which they depended for their essential resources and we destroyed by the hundred their small fast craft such as small torpedo high speed boats and gun boats. Well, that’s what you old lags took a major share in. And at the bottom of all this who was at the bottom of it all? This old lag here.
[applause laughter]
AH: This old number one boffin of ours and I give him every credit for everything he did which was a vast amount when it came to defeating our enemies but for one grave dereliction of duty and if you fellows were in the age you were thirty or forty years ago you’d have had him around after dinner in the Mess. You would have given him a Mess Court Martial and you would have threatened him. I don’t know whether you’re going to do it tonight.
[laughter]
AH: To be debagged —
[laughter]
AH: For a grave dereliction of duty in failing to produce with all the magnificent things he did produce for us the one bomb that the Army really needed and I’m sure if he really hadn’t been so lazy and had given mind to it for a quarter of an hour and had roughed it out on the back of an envelope he could have done it. And that was to produce a bomb for the Army which created a vast crater to embarrass and entrap the enemy or a crater which automatically filled itself up as soon as it sensed the approach of an Allied soldier.
[laughter — applause]
AH: And in that was his one failure. I’m sure you will agree. And now it’s not for me to go on with the evening’s entertainment and as I say I’m old, garrulous and gaga and I’m going to sit down now before somebody shoots me. Thank you.
[laughter – applause]
Well, sir, we always obeyed I hope your orders and instructions during the war and waited eagerly for them. Can I assure you that we still sit and eagerly listen to anything you have to tell us now. I have at home a recording of your last talk to Bomber Command in May when I was out of the country and I assure you that will be one of my treasured possessions. If I don’t get the chance again this evening on behalf of all the squadron I do thank you Sir Arthur with all my heart for having come, both of you, for having come with Lady Harris to really make this evening.
[applause]
Well, now I know we’ll all agree that there can’t have been another contender for the post of AOC who would have seen us through better than Sir Ralph did in the war.
[applause]
Even though you were a bit strict at times. So it’s my great pleasure now to call upon Sir Ralph to say his words on this great occasion.
[applause]
RC: Sir Arthur, Sir Barnes, ladies and gentlemen, I was trying to think just how many years ago it was that I first met Sir Barnes Wallis and I came to the conclusion that it was sixty two. And we first met on a very wide-open space outside the town of Barrow in Furness and we were there to watch the withdrawal from his building shed of the naval airship R9 and that I suspect they possibly have given the first thought of building a decent airstrip because this one certainly wasn’t a decent airship. Building a decent airship through Sir Barnes because sure enough a few years later came out of that most marvellous, good looking and efficient airship the R100 which flew across the Atlantic to Canada and back. Something on which I don’t want to cast any aspersions of the R101 which was a government designed airship and unfortunately —
[laughter]
Unfortunately came to grief in France as we all know with a very sad loss of life which we’re all very sorry. Now, from that I began to think well now how many in those sixty two years? How many things has Sir Barnes done for this country which are really notable and I started to tick them off on my fingers but I ran out of fingers and I had to go down to my toes and I couldn’t get there. Anyway, there has certainly been one thing after another and we think possibly about the Dams as being one of the great points. But in a way and I may be wrong and you may not agree with me when I say this but in terms of damage to the Germans I would say that Johnny [unclear] last —
[recording interrupted]
[Tape repeats –]
[Of the R101 which was a government designed airship and unfortunately [laughter] unfortunately came to grief in France as we all know with a very sad loss of life which we’re all very sorry. Now, from that I began to think well now how many in those sixty two years —]
It was something really stupendous. Something which the hurl of Bomber Command plus the American 8th Air Force peppering them with five hundred pounders had been quite unable to achieve. Now, there’s just one other side to Sir Barnes’ character that I would like to draw your attention because it may not be known to everybody and that is his kindliness. His kindliness. You may or may not know that he adopted two children to help them. And when he got an award he gave it unstintingly to Christ’s Hospital in which he has always had a very great connection and regard. So may I join in what Sir Arthur has said in expressing our praise to Sir Barnes and wishing him the best of luck and many more years of life.
[applause]
Well, we’re very happy Sir Ralph to be here once again and to listen to you addressing us and I hope there will be many other occasions when you come back and join one or other functions. And we much appreciate everything that that you’ve said on our behalf about Sir Barnes. Has my great moment come?
Yes.
Tony?
[pause]
Well, ladies and gentlemen and I now address myself to you, Sir Barnes. I don’t want to use any unseemly words on a happy occasion like this but you did give us a devil of a time with some of the things you asked us to do.
BW: But you did them.
No, not always. Well, Sir Barnes I’m going to present you with a little gift on behalf of all the squadron not all of whom sadly are present here today and in doing so would like to say to you that to us you are the father of the squadron. Without you there would have been no squadron. No 617. And so with that thought and also although I know that we are only together for a short time this evening for us the preparation and the anticipation and the fact that some have come from Australia and some from Canada especially and only for this occasion is a measure of our appreciation and our affection for you.
[applause]
[background chatter]
And Sir Barnes, Sir Barnes. Sir Barnes there is a second dereliction of duty. You haven’t got a Squadron Crest.
BW: Have we not?
You haven’t.
No.
And it’s now made good.
[applause]
You must sit throughout the proceedings —
[more background chatter.]
BW: Alright.
2100 – 2130 dead air
[applause]
You must sit throughout the proceedings –
This is the public address system here —
BW: Thank you very much indeed for all the things that you have said.
MW: Shut up. I’m doing this.
BW: Listen to my wife.
MW: Time for me? Is it time for me to speak?
By all means madam.
MW: Right. Now then, I’ve got quite a lot to say.
Lady Wallis.
[applause]
MW: Mr Chairman, that’s you.
[laughter]
MW: Mr Chairman, Sir Arthur, ladies and gentlemen, thank you very much on behalf of my husband for all the kind things you have said about him and also which you haven’t put in, for the lovely presents you have given him. The lovely birthday presents you have given him. He didn’t put that in because he didn’t know he was getting any.
[laughter]
MW: Well, unfortunately his doctors have forbidden him personally to reply but I hope you accept me as his substitute. On learning the nature of this party his mind turned to some lines written long ago by Rudyard Kipling and I will send the three verses that he has chosen out of that poem which is called, “The Old Men.” “This is our lot if we live so long and labour unto the end. That he outlive the impatient years and much too patient friend. And because we know we have breath in our mouth and think we have thought in our head. We shall assume that we are alive, whereas we are really dead. The Lamp of our youth will be utterly out, but we shall subsist on the smell of it. And whatever we do, we shall fold our hands and suck our gums and think well of it. Yes, we shall be perfectly pleased with our work, and that is the Perfectest Hell of it. Now this is our lot if we live so long and listen to those who love us. That we are shunned by the people about and shamed by the Powers above us. Wherefore be free of your harness betimes, but being free be assured, that he who hath not endured to the death from his birth he hath never endured.” And I think in a way that applies to the squadron. I say at first I was going to say something else then. Oh yes. The first time he saw everybody, all his squadron together the only time he’s ever seen it all together was when he briefed them before the actual raid on the dams. Wasn’t it? Wasn’t that right?
BW: Yes. But you weren’t there.
[laughter]
MW: But I am here. I’m stood here. Now, let me just say something for myself now. He made me say that. This is from myself. Now, as you know 617 Squadron has always been his beloved child. More to him than anything else. How often have I been jealous of this wretched squadron which has always come first. Well, rightly of course because of your incredible bravery and skill. No wonder he loved you all. It is only by his nagging at his doctor and the final permission of a consultant that he is here at all tonight. Actually, of course he was determined to come. And most of us know how infernally obstinate he is. Not to say stubborn he can be. Anyway, it has been the happiest of parties for us. We cannot thank you all enough for all you have given to him and given to England.
[applause]
Other: Lady Wallis.
I’m asking Lady Wallis if she would allow Sir Barnes to be just obstinate enough one step more to say three words to us sitting down.
MW: One, two, three.
[unclear]
Other: Eve. Eve Gibson is just going to give Sir Barnes a bouquet of flowers.
Lady Wallis.
Other: Lady Wallis.
Yes.
[applause]
MW: Now, you’re going to speak sitting down a few words.
BW: Can I?
MW: Yes.
BW: What am I going to say?
MW: Oh darling, just, ‘I love you all. You’re jolly wonderful and I’m very happy to be here.’
BW: I love you all.
[laughter]
BW: You are jolly wonderful and I’m very glad to be here.
[laughter – applause]
BW: This will be one of my most treasured possessions.
MW: You will have to polish it.
Right. Thank you very much.
[pause]
[applause]
BW: Thank you very much indeed for this wonderful token of your affection and regard. I’m delighted to have it. It will be one of the features in my house which will be shown to absolutely everybody.
[applause]
And now finally last. Lance Howard from Perth, Australia. One of the original members of the squadron who must have come the longest distance of anybody except Ross Stanford.
[applause]
LH: Mr Chairman, my lords and ladies and gentlemen, twelve thousand miles away from where we are tonight are some thirty odd Australians and New Zealanders eating their hearts out they cannot be here to celebrate this such important occasion. Ross Standford from South Australia and myself from Western Australia have that very great privilege and we bring to Sir Barnes and Lady Wallis our fondest love, our fondest remembrances. Our fondest thoughts of an example that which meant so much to all of us since the war. So much I think and I say this with all sincerity that those of us who have known Sir Barnes, have shaken his hand, have touched an immortal. Out of our efforts to bring something tonight we have a birthday card which has only fifteen names on it out of some thirty odd which should be there. I’ve [unclear] that at the time we were trying to get this around Australia which is a rather big place there was a postal strike on and we couldn’t get any more. But this is sent with our fondest regards and best wishes, Sir Barnes.
[applause]
LH: May I add in conclusion Mr Chairman —
[voices]
LH: May I add that I am sure that all of you, particularly the gentlemen know how much our wives have meant to us throughout our careers, throughout our lives. We, we wish they were all here but of course there’s not room for all of them. I know what my wife is thinking at this moment. She is not here.
MW: But that’s different times.
LH: Indeed, Lady Wallis. 3 o’clock in the morning. The Australian Division of the 617 Squadron Association has been able to contact the father organisation in England and has asked them to arrange a small present for Lady Wallis. She means so much to us that we felt that something like this which is an opal stone which means in many ways Australia is something that you may rather be happy to have and I give it to you with our fondest love.
[applause]
[background chatter]
Ernie, you’re the choirmaster. We’d like you to start us off to sing the proper song for Sir Barnes.
Come on Ernie.
[Singing “For he’s a jolly good fellow”]
BW: Thank you very much indeed for your friendship and good will. I can assure you this has cheered me up no end to be here with your tonight. Thank you again very much.
[applause]
I think thank you very much ladies and gentlemen [unclear] now we continue on with our meal.
Collection
Citation
“Barnes Wallis's 90th birthday party ,” IBCC Digital Archive, accessed May 19, 2025, https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/collections/document/50244.
Item Relations
This item has no relations.