In lieu of an abstract, here is a brief excerpt of the content:

168 Appendix C We’re the Boys of No. 1 BFTS We’re the Boys of No. 1 BFTS, To our country’s call we bravely answered “yes”; Crossing oceans at our peril, we have landed here in Terrell, And how Texas first affects us we will leave you all to guess: And though flying is the thing we’re here to do, We don’t forget we’re propaganda too; So ‘neath starry-spangled banners we’re so careful of our manners, We’re the Boys of No. 1 BFTS, Oh yes! The British Boys of 1 BFTS We’re the Boys of No. 1 BFTS And the Kaufman County Airport’s our address; It’s a quiet little spot on down amongst the fields of cotton But we’re never quite forgotten by the public or the Press; And when we’re tired of doing rolls and lazy eights We tramp into the town and look for dates; And if girls are coy or callous, well, we thumb our way to Dallas, We’re the Boys of No. 1 BFTS Oh yes! The British Boys of 1 BFTS List of Fatalities 169 We’re the Boys of No. 1 BFTS Our instructors give us trouble, we confess; For their fire we are the fuel, when they take us up for dual Their remarks are something cruel—still we’re learning none the less; And there’s a photograph on ev’ry locker door Of mother—or of Dorothy Lamour; And often you are able to see lots of Betty Grable With the Boys of No. 1 BFTS Oh yes! The British Boys of 1 BFTS We’re the Boys of No. 1 BFTS And our very grateful thanks we must express; For though we’re now in clover it will very soon be over, We shall see the Cliffs of Dover and be clearing up the mess; But when we’ve finished off the War and seen it through We shall think of Terrell, Texas, and of you; And though sea and sky may hide you they never can divide you From the Boys of No. 1 BFTS Oh yes! The British Boys of 1 BFTS. ...

Share