Posted on 06/06/2007 9:25:15 AM PDT by DogByte6RER
Lucy pin-ups banned by RAF
ROYAL Air Force chiefs have risked a bust-up with their pilots by forcing them to black out pictures of pin-ups painted on their planes - including Hampshire glamour girl Lucy Pinder.
In the 1940s it was common to see the likes of Rita Hayworth and Jane Russell adorning the fronts of Lancaster bombers and flying fortresses setting off en route to their German targets.
Countless more pictures of anonymous girls were splashed across aircraft, in poses almost as risque as their crews' missions were risky.
Sixty years on, when British airmen fighting the Taliban in Afghanistan decided to bring the practice into the 21st century, one of their first choices was Lucy, from Winchester.
But their plans were shot down before even getting off the ground - by politically correct bosses worried about offending female crew members and Muslim locals.
Senior commanders got hot under the collar when they heard about the paintings, and immediately ordered that any drawings on Harrier jets be blacked-out to silhouettes only.
RAF Strike Command feared that having too much flesh on display ran the risk of putting off female recruits, who could view the images as sexist.
And in a country where many women wear full burkhas, there was also the worry that pictures offending local culture could spark a diplomatic incident.
Concerned that even the outlines were too provocative, they have now ordered the images be removed completely.
Saints fan Lucy is disappointed the troops weren't allowed to have their fun. Last November she visited Afghanistan with pal Michelle Marsh as part of a morale-boosting tour, and even signed one of the planes carrying her picture.
She was shocked to hear of the enforced cover-up, saying she thought the pictures were "harmless fun".
"It's very flattering, and it's nice that they get to do something that takes their minds off things for a while," the 23-year-old told the Daily Echo.
"It's a shame they've got to change them to silhouettes. Rules are rules, but I don't think it's offensive.
"It's just the way it goes these days. They're doing a very hard job out there and we should all appreciate it.
"It's a very serious situation out there and it's a bit of frivolity, but it's just the lads having a bit of fun and light relief.
"Anything that can cheer them up for a bit must be nice."
Last night RAF bosses defended the ban as entirely appropriate, saying in a statement: "The Royal Air Force values and recognises the contribution of service personnel regardless of gender, race, religion, sexual orientation or social background.
"To this end, the RAF promotes working in an environment that is free from harassment and where personnel are respected both for the contribution they can bring to the team and the value and potential they offer as individuals."
9:00am Tuesday 5th June 2007
By Jon Reeve
Maybe covered by a veil would be ok?
The Comm. Air Force has a show coming up, but I refuse to go. I will not support this organization since they caved and sold out their heritage.
WHO GIVES A DARN if people get offended.
"Well it's one, two, three, what are we fightin' for?"
"Don't ask me, I don't give a damn..."
"Next stop's Afghanistan..."
yep.
I saw a article on Drudge a few minutes ago. By the end of the year, Mohammed or some variation of that name will be the most popular boy’s name for newborns in England. It’s too late.
I’ve given my sons books about this stuff, and do not see any harm at all in letting “boys be boys”. Before you cross me off as a “bad mom”, please take time to check the link here that has many nose art paintings.
Maybe you could also check out “Glamorous Glennis” “Memphis Belle” and “Enola Gay” and “Texas Ruby”. Who says that the girls didn’t fight in WWII? These paintings honored women and were the battle scarves of the modern day knights.
Agreed!
The British have surrendered.
This looks like a potentially excellent thread.
I'm guessing (and I'm not saying it's right) that the men don't need to be reminded "what they're fighting for" when they're fighting alongside them.
My father-in-law spent WWII at Tinker AFB painting girls on planes, after religious groups complained about the girls he put dresses on them with water colors, it pleased the people complaining and they didn’t know that once the plane was in the air the dresses washed off and the guys had their girls
That’s pretty funny! Never heard that story.
“Nothing personal, but how about teaching your son to respect those who put their asses on the line to protect your Christian butt.”
AMEN!!!
Now guys risking their lives for the cause of freedom can’t have pictures of hot women on their planes because it might bother the feminazis and Muhammadens!
Oh yeah, there are some good pictures on the thread!
ping
Hats off to Lucy!
"Last night RAF bosses defended the ban as entirely appropriate, saying in a statement: "The Royal Air Force values and recognises the contribution of service personnel regardless of gender, race, religion, sexual orientation or social background.
"To this end, the RAF promotes working in an environment that is free from harassment and where personnel are respected both for the contribution they can bring to the team and the value and potential they offer as individuals."
First The RN and now The RAF.
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