Speaker: Brian Fernley.

Brian spent most of his working life in the telecommunications industry, starting as an apprentice, then moving into design. From there he joined the training department eventually becoming the UK Technical Training Manager for Siemens Communications. He has always been interested in aviation history and, as well as having written an interactive guide for Newark Air Museum, Brian has been involved with aviation archaeology. 

The Talk...

This was the name by which Ian Fleming referred to Sidney Cotton when they worked together in military intelligence during the Second World War. The story of Sidney Cotton is quite remarkable, from his early days in Australia, learning to fly in the Great War and hunting for seals in Newfoundland. From there he went on to spy for the Secret Service and develop aerial photography beyond what the RAF was capable of at the start of the Second World War. In the post war period, he was involved in gun running for what he believed was a noble cause in addition to being profitable! Sidney Cotton was a remarkable man who made and lost fortunes many times over and lived a life few of us can imagine.  A fascinating character I'm sure you'll love to hear about!