You get a lot of time to think when you're gliding on the thermals.

Mostly the feeling of flying like a bird makes them nice thoughts, but everyone gets a little melancholy at times and this mission is enough to make anyone think hard.

One subject that has taken my mind recently is the word "volunteer". I remember becoming one when I joined the "Silent But Deadly" squadron, but I thought that you had the chance to choose your missions; ie. attempt to avoid those that were likely to be suicidal. That isn't the way the army see it. Once a volunteer, always a volunteer, seems to be their assumption.

This one has to be the last - one way or the other!

If I succeed then my future is assured - I'll be remembered in all the history books, rich beyond my dreams and set up for life. If I don't ... I don't want to think about that.