Squadron Leader Lewis was, as far as I know, the only officer in the RAF allowed to have his Harvard aircraft polished instead of painted. It was the job of myself and my mate Cox to polish the plane once a month, spending all day Saturday doing so, usually using about 4 tins of metal polish on it. One particular month when it was due to be done, Cox was on leave so it fell to me doing it all. My only regret is that I never had a photo of it, it looked spectacular, particularly when the sun was shining.
On the following Monday Squadron Leader Lewis told me he was going up at 2pm and could I make sure the plane was ready. We did our usual checks on it and signed the Log Book. At 2pm he appeared and got in 'Jig Mike' as it was known, (the letters on the side being JM). When flying solo the straps on the back seat had to be firmly tied to make sure they did not fall down whilst doing aerobatics. So I asked if he was flying solo. His answer shook me. "Yes Johnson, why? Do you want to come up with me?" Never having been up before I declined the offer knowing he would be doing aerobatics. He then said "Go and get a parachute and helmet" Still declining the offer he then asked if I had done and inspection and signed the log book, and if so then the pilot was in his rights for the technician to fly with him. For the second time came the order " Go and get a parachute and helmet and get Cox to start me up" Just as he taxied to the runway he said, "Don't worry Johnson I'll be lenient with you". I'm sure he heard my knees knocking.
To be continued.