I think everything seems very well thought of in the production of this mini series. But I have always thought Zaddy and especially Haddy seems very British in their way of choosing their words. Am I right?
I mean the chaps came straight from Poland and Czechoslovakia didn't they?
I would imagine they would be given English lessons during their training in the UK. They would not be sent to an RAF Squadron without a word of English under their belts! For one thing, they would need to learn basic radio procedures.
The excellent Czech film "Dark Blue World" goes some way in showing this, as does "Battle of Britain" with the unfortunate Polish pilot who gets apprehended by farmers who think he's German.
Yeah, that scene in "Battle of Britian" was great!
Polish Pilot, rolling up his parachutte: "....Goot Afternune!"
British farmer, armed with pitchfork: "...Good afternoon, my bloody ass! Get your hands up, you Boche bastard!"
Great stuff!
Never seen Battle of Britain, but that sounds bloody hilarious! I would agree in terms of Dark Blue World, however--great film, that.
shareUnfortunately, in the actual battle, at least one Polish pilot was apparently killed by civilians who thought he was German. I haven't been able to verify this story.
Czech and Polish air force officers tended to be from the upper classes, and well-educated. Most of those that came to Britain, after their countries were occupied, had reasonable English. This is shown in a scene in 'Battle of Britain' where Polish pilots are unable to understand orders not to engage the enemy, but immediately break into cheers when told - in English - that their squadron has been made operational. Their British commander (Barry Foster) clearly realises he has been 'had'.
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OP is spot on ... you barely hear any accent at all. Sadly this mini-series hardly acknowledges the contribution of the non British pilots in the defense of Britain. For instance the Polish 303 had more kills (126) than any other squadron. It is safe to say that were it not for foreigners the battle would have been lost. Simply put England had run out of pilots.
See here
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Non-British_personnel_in_the_RAF_during_the_Battle_of_Britain
The thing that got me a little, was how they sort of 'glossed over' Zab & Haddy's burning hate of the Germans...the book made it very clear they would kill Germans in planes, in chutes, on the ground & in liferafts when given the chance.
Why can't you wretched prey creatures understand that the Universe doesn't owe you anything!?