Recently I was invited to a Zoom discussion with some other WW1 enthusiasts to talk about what we can do to keep the memory of WW1 alive in these post-centenary times. At that talk was Mike O’Neal, a longtime WW1 aviation enthusiast, and we quickly connected to get Mike on the podcast talking about his lifelong passion. 

 

Folks, if ever there is an example of being bold and striking out for what you want to do, here it is. In his teens, Mike wrote letters to various journals and WW1 veterans, and the results have been amazing friendships and working on some fascinating projects. He was listed as a contributor to journal articles in his teens, a WW1 aviator gave Mike his wings for good luck, he acquired his own biplane, and much more.

 

Join us for a great discussion on the beginning and development of Mike’s passion for WW1-era aviation. 

 

Relevant links mentioned in this episode:

 

“Over the Front” journal - https://www.overthefront.com/

 

American Society of Aviation Artists - http://asaa-avart.com/

 

Golden Age Air Museum in Bethel, PA - https://www.goldenageair.org/

 

The Aerodrome: Aces and Aircraft of WW1 - http://www.theaerodrome.com/index.php

 

Advisory: Nothing bad in the episode, but you may hear my family in the background talking, as well as one of the cats scratching and meowing at the door. Apologies, but our house is a lively one. There is always something going on. :)

 

The BFWWP is on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/BattlesoftheFirstWorldWarPodcast. 

 

Any questions, comments or concerns please contact me through the website, www.firstworldwarpodcast.com or the Battles of the First World War Podcast page on FaceBook. Follow us on Twitter at @WW1podcast, and on Instagram at @WW1battlecast. Not into social media? Email me directly at [email protected]. Please consider reviewing the Battles of the First World War Podcast on iTunes.