The E6B "Computer"

The E6B "Computer", that's what it was called way back then before Microsoft et al, was basically a circular slide rule with refinements. Among those were scales to convert nautical miles and knots into miles per hour and statute miles. There was also a scale to convert Centigrade to Fahrenheit. The slide rule portion had many uses including calculating distance flown into time elapsed and arriving at ground speed. By factoring in the wind you could calculate your ETA. (Estimated time of arrival).

The reverse of the E6B had a sliding graph that could be used to plot drift. For example if you used the "Double Drift" method you could calculate the wind as follows;

Have the plane turn 45 degrees right and fly this heading for two minutes. (This requires pilot cooperation). Read the drift angle on your driftmeter (another subject) and draw the resultant heading on the isinglass cover of the E6B. Turn 90 degrees left and fly that for two minutes. Draw this heading on the E6B. Turn right 45 degrees, which puts you back on course and take a third reading drawing this on the E6B. You will now have a triangle which will tell you the direction the wind is blowing from and with what force. The great God of Compensating Errors will tell you that this can be used. The isinglass (before plastic) can be erased and used again. Once you have your wind you can recalculate your position and ETA. Don't forget to subtract two minutes from the time run to compensate for the turns off course.

This poem is not mine but from an unknown author.

JUST A SIMPLE SOLDIER

"He was getting old and paunchy
and his hair was falling fast
and he sat around the Legion
telling stories of the past.

Of a war that he had fought in
and the deeds that he had done.
In his exploits with his buddies
They were heroes, every one.

And tho' sometimes to his neighbors
his tales became a joke
all his buddies listened
for they knew whereof he spoke.

But we'll hear his tales no longer
for ol' Bob has passed away
and the worlds a little poorer
for a Soldier died to day.

No, he won't be mourned by many.
Just his children and his wife
For he lived an ordinary
very quiet sort of life.

He held a job and raised a family
quietly going on his way
and the world won't note his passing
Tho' a Soldier died today.

When politicians leave this earth
their bodies lie in state
while thousands note their passing
and proclaim that they were great.

Papers tell of their life stories,
from the time that they were young.
but the passing of a soldier
goes unnoticed and unsung.

Is the greatest contribution
to the welfare of our land,
some jerk who breaks his promise
and cons his fellow man?

Or the ordinary fellow
who in times of war and strife
goes off to serve his Country
and offers up his life?

The politicians stipend
and the style in which he lives
are sometimes disproportionate
to the service he gives.

While the ordinary soldier,
who offered up his life
is paid off with a medal
and perhaps a pension small.

It's so easy to forget them,
for it's so long ago
that our Bobs and Jims and Johnnys
went to battle, but we know

It was not the politicians
with their compromises and ploys
who won for us the freedom
that our country now enjoys.

Should you find yourself in danger
with your enemies at hand,
would you really want some cop-out
with his ever waffling stand?

Or would you want a soldier
who has sworn to defend
his home. His kin and Country
and would fight until to the end?

He was just a common Soldier
and his ranks are growing thin
but his presence should remind us,
we may need his like again.

For when countries are in conflict,
then we find the soldiers part
is to clean up all the troubles
that the politicians start.

If we cannot do him honor
while he's here to hear the praise,
then at least let's give him homage
at the ending of his days.

Perhaps a simple headline
in the paper that might say
"OUR COUNTRY IS MOURNING
FOR A SOLDIER DIED TODAY."

Check back soon for more stories and information from Horace!