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The Flying Spaniel

Michael, a three year old cocker spaniel owned by Sqn Ldr Budden DFC, DSO was reported as ‘grounded’ following his master’s capture after he bailed out over German occupied France on the only raid that the dog didn’t accompany him.

Michael’s log book, if he were allowed to possess such a thing, would read;

Started flying at three months of age. First leaflet flight of the war at Sylt, 5th September 1939.

First bombing raid of the war at Sylt, March 1940.

Several raids on Norway.

Several raids on Berlin and other German towns.

Raids on France and Holland.

Wounded in back leg from shell splinter during raids on Gneisenau & Scharnhorst.

Flew home in a bomber which was shot to a skeleton (see story A7259853).

Michael usually sat on the second pilots lap watching the bursting flack and attacking German fighters with an imperturbable interest. Then his master married and his new mistress decided that he must stay at home. She thought that if her husband had to bale out Michael might cause a fatal delay.

On his master’s next flight he was shot down and taken prisoner and Michael lay around the house dreaming.

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