_edited.png)
_edited.png)
Mascots & Lucky Charms​
​
When you are ready, simply press PLAY below
Transcript
SFX: Music. Unintelligible radio chatter from a control room. The hum of machinery.
ANTIS: Hello adventurers! Antis here, your Woof Commander. And I have a story for you all about Mascots and Lucky Charms.
SFX: Static noises. Radio fades. Machinery Ambience.
Did you know that some of our brave Royal Air Force servicemen from World War II had their very own special mascots or lucky charms? They carried with them whenever they headed out on their operations. Some believed they brought good luck or gave them an extra boost of bravery when they needed it the most! Just like my favourite stuffed toy - Bert the Bear. (Toy squeak) Yeah, you always make me feel brave, Bert!
SFX: Putting on a Jacket, zipping up the zipper and picking up a bag. The general ambience of an air-craftsman getting ready.
Think of all the adventures those mascots and good luck charms got to go on - tucked into uniform pockets or propped up in cockpits, flying over nighttime seas, dodging enemy attacks and carrying out top secret operations. Wow. I’m going to tell you about some of my favourite mascots. And of course, I have to start with our very own Flight Lieutenant Percy the Parachuting Penguin!!! Yes, our Percy - he’s famous!
Percy was a lucky mascot to RAF Flight Lieutenant Stan Chapman during World War II. Woah, imagine getting to fly with a real Flight Lieutenant!! AND! Can you believe it? Our Percy even survived a stint as a prisoner of war!
SFX: Fade to inside of aircraft flying. Motion of aircraft movement.
Let me set the scene. 1944. It was a challenging mission over enemy territory. Percy was tucked inside Flight Lieutenant Chapman’s flying jacket. Percy knew as long as he was tucked inside that flying jacket, they would be okay no matter what was thrown their way. It was his job as Flight Lieutenant Chapman’s Lucky Mascot to bring them luck and make sure they got home safely. But Percy’s bravery was put to the test - and his parachuting abilities, too!!
SFX: Alarm Noises. Jumping out of an aircraft. Parachute opening. Gliding through the sky. Landing.
Because as they flew over Germany, Flight Lieutenant Chapman and Percy were forced to parachute from their burning Halifax aircraft and directly into enemy territory. That’s how Percy became known as the Parachuting Penguin! As if bailing out of their aircraft wasn’t enough, after landing, they were captured by Nazi forces and made prisoners of war. But Percy lived up to his lucky mascot status. Percy kept Chapman’s spirits up during their time as prisoners – listening as the Flight Liuetenant whispered all his fears and hopes to Percy and reminding Chapman that he was never alone. Our brave Flight Lieutenant and Percy survived and finallly made it home to tell the tale. Percy doesn’t like to boast, but he’s totally a hero.
SFX: SFX Fade. Music Continues.
The mascots and lucky charms came in all shapes and sizes, from kangaroos to gremlins to birthday candles and cake decorations - some were even handmade. I even heard of a black cat charm. Ugh. I’m not a big fan of cats…and I thought black cats were unlucky, but not for navigator John Charles of the 192 squadron!
Can you spot some of the mascots and lucky charms on display here? Which one is your favourite?
Oh and what would you have as your lucky mascot? I’d definitely take you Bert. (Toy squeak) Oh and I couldn’t forget you, Ducky. (different toy squeak). Oh or my favourite chew toy! Oh or my favourite red ball. Ooh ooh or my cosy blanket! Oh or my squeaky carrot, or my puzzle toy, or my-
PERCY: Antis! There you are, I’ve been looking for you.
ANTIS: Percy! I’ve just been telling them all about your heroic adventures.
PERCY: Ah, well. Just doing my duty.
ANTIS: You’re my hero, Percy!
SFX: All Fade.