Posted on 03/28/2010 6:19:49 PM PDT by Stoat
The dashing young airman who became the poster boy of the RAF during World War II has been revealed – 65 year after the conflict ended.
Squadron Leader Ian Blair, now 91, was 22 years old when the famous snap was taken in 1940 after his daring flying in north Africa earned him a medal.
But he didn’t realise his fame until two years later when, on a break in Bournemouth, he saw his face on a propaganda notice warning 'Careless Talk May Cost His Life'.
Flying ace: Squadron Leader Ian Blair with the classic World War II poster he unwittingly posed for at age 22
The poster, aimed at raising morale on the Home Front and spreading vital educational messages, was one of the most enduring images of the war.
Last week, a recently unearthed stash of mint condition pictures sold at auction for more than £25,000 after attracting bids from around the world.
Mr Blair, from Brentwood, Essex, who was born the year the RAF was formed, yesterday told of the moment in 1942 when he first saw the poster.
He said: ‘I wasn't even aware that it had been produced. The photo had been taken two years earlier, in North Africa, when I was a 22-year-old corporal.
‘I didn't think anything more of it, and then all of a sudden, there I was, hanging on the wall of a post office.’
In the famous image, Mr Blair is smiling in his airman's kit as if he hadn't a care in the world.
(Excerpt) Read more at dailymail.co.uk ...
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Dashing: Mr Blair was pictured in north Africa in 1940 after earning the Distinguished Flying Medal for bravery
Iconic: The well-known propoganda poster was among a selection recently sold for £25,000 at auction
Hero: Mr Blair with his medals on his dress uniform
Ping :-)
Good to see he is still with us.
What a dashing and inspiring figure he was in his day!
God bless you Mr. Blair, for your successful fight against the Axis and for your continued longevity!
He is still a handsome man!
you must be as old as my father. :^) (he's 75)
He can’t be British - look at his teeth.
Handsome indeed!
“”He is still a handsome man!”
you must be as old as my father. :^) (he’s 75)”
I’m a lot younger than that and I agree that he still looks good, age considered.
BTTT
that said, i salute him, and all the others who have served.
Had the same thing happen,...but then, enough about me...
Great post.
He's handled Messerschmidts before, but the press is another matter, and far more devious.
God Bless him, and all who fought for the freedoms we will likely have to fight for again and again.
God Bless him, he’s a hero. Sad to see the England he fought dying.
A hero indeed...
Perhaps he was accidentally exposed to good dental care during his stint in North Africa...
“He can’t be British - look at his teeth”.
That was before National Health Care
God bless Mr. Blair and all of the brave people who served.
He IS a handsome man, even today. I think the photographer did a cr@ppy job on purpose.
why can’t we be given the same chance to fight obama Communism as he was?,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
Yes, the hero’s are still with us but they get fewer by the day. I visted my 87 year old cousin on Saturday. He’s was a machine gunner with the 79th infantry division in WII.
Are you quoting Bill Ayers?
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