253306 Hans van_der_Kop Royal Air Force 320 Squadron Hans van der Kop was a friend who took me as a young city worker in London at the beginning of his career, to The Crown Inn, Chiddingfold every year, to celebrate his birthday with some of his old Squadron mates. The company reduced in size every year and at present I do not believe any of them still to be alive. The Crown Inn is the pub where they played games in front of the fire place waiting for the next scramble.
He served as a Navigator in a Mitchell fighter-bomber wit 320 Squadron. I believe that apart from the excursions to the German industrial zones, D-Day was the biggest event for him. Although Hans was older than my father he became a real friend, as he was a most committed golfer. Golf is still one of my great priorities in life (since my early teen-age years) and it is on the golf course we met.
Hans gave me his book about the adventures of 320 Squadron on D-Day. A remarkable story. Shame he is no longer around, he was great company. Born in Soerabaja in the Dutch Indies, he was a very good cook when it came to the Oriental dishes. Many a pleasant evening at his place was spent enjoying good food and talking about the past. I guess after flying in a Mitchell under fire, what can be more exciting? In later life he often harped back to the old days of the War, but also to memories of golf courses all over England and Scotland
|