General Knowledge Quiz

[Gloster]

When T.E.Lawrence tried to join the RAF in August 1922 under the name John Hume Ross, he went to the recruiting office in Henrietta Street in central London where a Flight-Lieutenant Dexter had been primed to accept him. Instead he was taken in to be interviewed by another officer who new nothing about this and initially rejected him. Who was this officer?

 

[FrodshamJnct]

When T.E.Lawrence tried to join the RAF in August 1922 under the name John Hume Ross, he went to the recruiting office in Henrietta Street in central London where a Flight-Lieutenant Dexter had been primed to accept him. Instead he was taken in to be interviewed by another officer who new nothing about this and initially rejected him. Who was this officer?

I’m sure I’ve had this come up in a quiz before and the link is to the author of the Biggles novels? I can’t remember his/her name though so happy to defer if that is correct.

 

[D6130]

Captain W. E. Johns?

 

[Gloster]

I’m sure I’ve had this come up in a quiz before and the link is to the author of the Biggles novels? I can’t remember his/her name though so happy to defer if that is correct.

Captain W. E. Johns?

Indeed, gentlemen, you are both correct. The whole story is a thoroughly amusing one, but too long for here. I though it might fly for a bit longer.

If FrodshamJnct wishes to defer, then it is for D6130 to set the next question.

 

[D6130]

Thanks. Continuing on the same theme, what is name of the character who appears in two different Biggles books - one set in the First World War and another set in the Second World War - who tears a strip off our hero after a particularly hairy landing, only to find himself outranked by Biggles when he takes off his flying jacket?

 

[krus_aragon]

I disagree, Transylvania is an actual region of Europe, located in Romania, I believe.

On reflection, you are probably right. I was thinking it was one of these cases where a fictional place has almost the same spelling as a real one.

As a child, I was convinced that Dracula lived in Pennsylvania.

(Watching re-runs of Duckula probably didn't help me get my story straight, either.)

 

[Calthrop]

As a child, I was convinced that Dracula lived in Pennsylvania.

(Watching re-runs of Duckula probably didn't help me get my story straight, either.)

To say nothing of the kids' misapprehension that Pennsylvania is the place of manufacture of the world's supply of pencils...

 

[MotCO]

Thanks. Continuing on the same theme, what is name of the character who appears in two different Biggles books - one set in the First World War and another set in the Second World War - who tears a strip off our hero after a particularly hairy landing, only to find himself outranked by Biggles when he takes off his flying jacket?

I don't know, but did you know that an undiscovered Biggles story has just been found - Biggles Flies Undone

 

[Gloster]

It is something like Bulkham that starts with B.

 

[D6130]

It is something like Bulkham that starts with B.

You're right that it begins with a B....but it's not that.

 

[Loppylugs]

Dunno, but just to get things moving Bill Bailey

 

[MotCO]

, only to find himself outranked by Biggles when he takes off his flying jacket?

Airman O Bugg**?

 

[D6130]

Airman O Bugg**?

Afraid not....shall I spill the beans?

 

[MotCO]

I think you've beaten us.

 

[D6130]

He was Lieutenant/Flight Lieutenant Bitmore. When Biggles removed his flying jacket to reveal his Captain's/Squadron Leader's pips/stripes (WW1/WW2), he asked for Bitmore's name and rank and then said to him "Well Bitmore....I think you've bitten off a bit more than you can chew!" - much to the amusement of the nearby airmen.

Open floor:

 

[341o2]

If I may.
One of Germany's leading singers, the bass-baritone Thomas Quasthoff was born defective in 1959, one of many due to the same cause.

What was it, and as a bonus, how did it cause him severe difficulties in the early part of his career?

 

[MotCO]

If I may.
One of Germany's leading singers, the bass-baritone Thomas Quasthoff was born defective in 1959, one of many due to the same cause.

What was it, and as a bonus, how did it cause him severe difficulties in the early part of his career?

Blindness?

 

[Peter Mugridge]

Late 1950s?

That surely has to be Thalidomide?

 

[341o2]

You are right. The wonder drug prescribed for morning sickness to pregnant women.

How did this cause particular difficulties for Quasthoff?

 

[SuspectUsual]

You are right. The wonder drug prescribed for morning sickness to pregnant women.

How did this cause particular difficulties for Quasthoff?

Turning over the pages of sheet music?

 

[millemille]

You are right. The wonder drug prescribed for morning sickness to pregnant women.

How did this cause particular difficulties for Quasthoff?

He was born without a mouth, hence him being known as the "Mumbling German".

His best selling record "Unintelligible", a cover of Nat King Cole's "Unforgettable", spent 14 weeks at #1 in the German hit parade...

 

[341o2]

He was born without a mouth, hence him being known as the "Mumbling German".

His best selling record "Unintelligible", a cover of Nat King Cole's "Unforgettable", spent 14 weeks at #1 in the German hit parade...

He certainly had a mouth and an excellent voice - I have heard him as bass soloist in Bach's St John Passion - and after retirement from singing performed the speaking role in Schoenberg's Gurreleider. His musical interests do include jazz

Turning over the pages of sheet music?

Very close. Apart from being around 18 inches shorter than the average man, his arms are more like seal's flippers. He was rejected by more than one music college, why?

 

[341o2]

Doesn't look like anyone is going to get the answer which was his inability to play a musical instrument. Music colleges require the study of two, the voice counts as one, so Quasthoff was rejected on this basis, despite recognition of his excellent voice. He studied privately.

As Peter Mugridge got the main answer right, I pass the floor to him

 

[Peter Mugridge]

Thank you.

Films:

Who was the only character to appear in every film in the Airport series?

 

[444045]

I believe it was George Kennedy before he moved to Dallas then the Naked Gun movies.

 

[Peter Mugridge]

That's the actor, and is correct, but I asked for the character..............





..........the floor is, however, yours.

 

[444045]

Apologises Peter, the character was Patroni, played by George Kennedy, didnt read your question correctly.

 

[444045]

Which tv series were these fictional headmaster/mistress in charge please :

1/ Morris Cromwell,

2/ Mandy Carter.

3/ Principal Skinner.

4/ Bridget McCluskey.

5/ Professor James Edwards MA.

 

[341o2]

No 5 would be Whacko, played by Jimmy Edwards, also noted for his portrayal of Pa Glum in Take it from here
No4 Grange Hill

 

[MotCO]

3. I'll guess Grange Hill
2. I'll guess Please Sir