The Biggles Dragon.

**Naharaht** · 08-16-2015 13:20

Click image for larger version.

Name: DSC00767.jpg
Views: 71
Size: 188.9 KB
ID: 173515

Click image for larger version.

Name: DSC00768.jpg
Views: 71
Size: 186.7 KB
ID: 173516

The City of Norwich in the United Kingdom has been invaded by dragons this Summer. However, before the U.K. Wing Commander decides to lead our squadrons on a strafing run to come to our rescue, I had better explain that it is an interactive arts sculpture trail called 'GoGo Dragons!' as an attraction for tourists, an activity for children and to raise money for a children's charity called Break.

There are 84 large and 120 small sculptures made from fibreglass, I think. Each has been painted by a different artist or artists according to a theme they have chosen. The one I have shown has 'Biggles' as its theme. Maps are available showing where each dragon is located. Each has a letter on its base to crack a coded message. There are sticker books available and other things. After the trail finishes in September the dragons will be auctioned for charity. This is the third such venture. The two previous ones had elephants and gorillas.

**matt56** · 08-16-2015 13:35

This is splendid, David! What a great scheme and execution

I wonder how much he'll raise when auctioned at the end of the exhibition? It would be a neat tie-in to a Biggles display at some museum or airfield...

Thanks for sharing him!

All the best,
Matt

**Lt. S.Kafloc** · 08-16-2015 13:53

The very best of luck to them too. I feel a bucket at Doncaster for this one chaps.

**Nightbomber** · 08-16-2015 13:55

Impressive!

**Baxter** · 08-16-2015 14:11

Flight sergeant? I thought Mr Big was an Officer

**matt56** · 08-16-2015 14:11

Where would you keep him, Neil? Is there room in the back garden, and would SWMBO allow Dragonkind to linger?

All the best,
Matt

**Tonx** · 08-16-2015 14:27

Fantastic - thank you for starting this thread.

It shows how like I have just mentioned in another thread how Biggles is still popular today. The timeless creation of Captain W E Johns with a genuine sense of adventure.

I picked up on the Flt Sgt rank shown on the dragon as well - if you look at the sleeve there is another commissioned rank depicted which I believe is Flying Officer.

Also the Flt Sgt rank is the wrong way round: It should be Crown. On top of Wings. On top of Stripes.

**Naharaht** · 08-16-2015 15:01

Originally Posted by Baxter

Flight sergeant? I thought Mr Big was an Officer

Yes, I wondered about that because Biggles was always an officer. He was a Lieutenant, Captain and finally a Major in WW1 and a Squadron Leader in WW2. The only time he was a sergeant was when he started in the Special Air Police and then he was a Detective Sergeant.

**Flying Helmut** · 08-16-2015 18:06

Nice idea - thanks for bringing this to our attention.

**milcoll73** · 08-16-2015 23:29

wow the raf really goes for some old school aircraft dont they?

though for something called "gogo dragons" this one isnt dressed like id expect!

!!!! brilliant idea! i hope it does well!!!!

**Setarius** · 08-17-2015 12:00

Nice thanks for letting us know about this. Keep an eye open and let us know when the auctions will be.

**Biggles downunder** · 08-17-2015 13:41

I wonder what sized game mat you would need and what deck you would use for armament

**Baxter** · 08-17-2015 14:24

I think you would have to toss all participants into a bouncy castle

**Boney10** · 08-17-2015 14:56

T

Originally Posted by Aussietonka

Fantastic - thank you for starting this thread.

Also the Flt Sgt rank is the wrong way round: It should be Crown. On top of Wings. On top of Stripes.

Never seen that , all the Flight Sgts I ever saw were wings then crown then stripes

**Naharaht** · 08-17-2015 16:34

Click image for larger version.

Name: Flight Sergeant James Hyde.jpg
Views: 42
Size: 94.6 KB
ID: 173636

Click image for larger version.

Name: Flight Sergeant John Monks.jpg
Views: 42
Size: 12.2 KB
ID: 173637

Click image for larger version.

Name: Modern RAF_Flight_Sgt.jpg
Views: 42
Size: 152.0 KB
ID: 173638

Click image for larger version.

Name: Modern Flight Sergeant aircrew.jpg
Views: 42
Size: 95.7 KB
ID: 173639

The first two photographs show Flight-sergeants from WW2. The second two are modern Flight-sergeants. The gentleman in the last photograph has two sets of wings. The gold wings below the crown denote that he is aircrew. This seems to be a modern addition.

**Naharaht** · 08-17-2015 16:39

The auction of the dragon sculptures will be held on 1st October 2015 in The Forum, Norwich, U.K., Dale.

To find out more about GoGo Dragons you can visit its website at http://gogodragons.co.uk/

**Tonx** · 08-17-2015 16:45

Originally Posted by Naharaht

The first two photographs show Flight-sergeants from WW2. The second two are modern Flight-sergeants. The gentleman in the last photograph has two sets of wings. The gold wings below the crown denote that he is aircrew. This seems to be a modern addition.

Explains everything - thank you very much for adding these photos. It is the aircrew wings which confused me into thinking the Rank Insignia was Crown on top of Wings.

Chris: I stand corrected - you are correct in what you have informed me about Flt Sgt (non Aircrew) Rank Insignia.

too

**Boney10** · 08-18-2015 01:13

I was Signals so I only met and served with engineers and admin Flights, not had much to do with aircrew, except for a flight from UK to Cyprus in a Herkybird, so as I said I only met Flights without the gold wings.

**Flying Officer Kyte** · 08-18-2015 03:25

Nice thought Neil, but judging by the prices that the Gorillas went for last time, we would not even be in with a shout.
Bidding starts at £500. Bit steep for a garden talking point, or even for a Drome one, and they say talk is cheap.

Rob.

**Tonx** · 08-18-2015 05:58

Originally Posted by Boney10

I was Signals so I only met and served with engineers and admin Flights, not had much to do with aircrew, except for a flight from UK to Cyprus in a Herkybird, so as I said I only met Flights without the gold wings.

I came out of the Armed Forces 18 years ago now having mainly liased with Flt Sgt (Aircrew) ... So my previous belief that Flt Sgt was represented by the same Rank Insignia came from recognition skills disuse. Also known as bad memory!

A ride in a Herkybird is indeed an unique experience never to be forgotten: However somebody else I know who served for five years longer than myself chalked up several rides in the VC10. Classic

**flyingryno** · 08-18-2015 23:37

Nice. They seem very formable. I only know of Norwich because my game from Mayfair, British rails, I really enjoy that game and the series.

**Naharaht** · 10-02-2015 05:23

At the auction last night, the Biggles Dragon was sold for £5000. I did not buy it. In total the auction of all the dragons raised £369,500 for the children's charity known as BREAK.

**Guntruck** · 10-02-2015 05:34

Excellent work!

**Flying Helmut** · 10-02-2015 06:03

Originally Posted by Naharaht

At the auction last night, the Biggles Dragon was sold for £5000. I did not buy it. In total the auction of all the dragons raised £369,500 for the children's charity known as BREAK.

Fantastic!