Hi,
I am pleased to confirm that the “Bomber Boys” (WW2 RAF Bomber Command Veterans) are back at the Wings Museum this April, we are never quite sure when or indeed how much longer these events will go on for. As we all know many of these men are well in their 90’s and it is a very hard day for them, they are not getting any younger, but I know they love what they do. They do it to raise money for their memorial, so please let’s make sure we support them. Past events have been a huge success and I very much hope to see a few “forumites” attend that have perhaps come close to coming before but not quite managed it. Also a great opportunity to visit the museum!! We also have a few newbies lined up which have never yet attended any form of signing!!
Here’s the bumpf…
Back due to popular demand. WW2 Veterans of RAF Bomber Command will be attending at the Wings Museum, Balcombe, signing items in aid of The Bomber Command Memorial Fund. This is a rare opportunity to meet a remarkable group of men who, as young men (now in their 90’s), flew all the British ‘heavy’ bombers of WW2—the Lancaster, the Halifax and the Stirling, as well as the remarkable “Wooden Wonder” Mosquito Fighter/Bomber. Among their numbers are 3 holders of the D.F.C, aircrew who ‘baled out’ of their stricken aircraft and were detained as PoWs, ‘Pathfinder’ pilots a member of 617 ‘Dambuster’ squadron, Air Gunners, Pilots, Bomb Aimers. First signing at 11am second signing at 3pm.
These crews faced formidable odds, odds seldom appreciated outside the Command. At times in the great offensives of 1943 and 1944 the short-term statistics foretold that less than 25 out of each 100 crews would survive their first tour of 30 operations. On a single night Bomber Command lost more aircrew than Fighter Command lost during the Battle of Britain. Yet the crews buckled on their chutes and set out with unshakeable resolution night after night.
Museum open 10am – 5pm. Museum admission: Adults £8, Over 60’s £7, Children 5-15 years £4, Family Ticket (2 Adults and up to 3 Children) £22, Children under 5 FREE. A £10 donation to the Bomber Command Memorial Fund is requested to secure all the signatures. Please see website for times of this even
Unit 1, Bucklands Farm, Brantridge Lane, Balcome, West Sussex RH17 6JT
Sunday 26 Apr 2015
By: hawker1966 - 29th April 2015 at 16:51
Wow that is a fantastic amount of money raised for a Great appeal “The bomber command memorial” as i said before a big Thank you must go out to the ” The Wings Museum” curators and the much valued volunteers and of course the very much valued Bomber Boys and Waafs.
Its very good news also that this event is growing each time it is staged, i will certainly be there at the next event and urge anyone that couldnt be there this time to try for the next.. as every penny helps towards a very good cause..
I have to tell you of a great site when returning to my car after the first session of signing, was witnessing the Bomber boys returning from there lunch at the tea rooms, and the site of 617 Squadrons John Bell M.B.E DFC getting out of his car after driving back to the Museum with 2 other former airman, Wondering to myself how they managed to find there way back, no doubt there would of been a flight navigator on board..(just think of the stories those great men would of swapped on that journey.. )
References the Wife, Redhillwings as i said before she thoroughly enjoyed the day and the displays, i guess im one of the lucky ones as she is quite understanding of my passion, but maybe im not quite there as yet ref to her spending her money on my hobbie but who knows.. she does love the fortys ie fortys weekends etc (Dance).. so never say never lol..
Again cheers for a Great Sunday.
By: Arabella-Cox - 29th April 2015 at 13:38
The Wings “Bomber Boys” veteran signing event raised the impressive sum of £1,314.69 for the Bomber Command Memorial, the best ever to date. In fact the “boys” raised more at Wings than compared to a signing they attended recently at the RAF Museum at Hendon!!
At first visitor numbers seemed to be a little less than previous events but we retained a steady flow of visitors over a greater period of time. 11 Bomber Command veterans attended the event with 2 new members who had never signed before. The museum is always working on attracting new veterans for future signings.
After a roast dinner and the odd glass of wine at High Beeches Tea Rooms provided by the museum, the veterans returned for an afternoon signing. I must thank all our volunteers, morale was exceptional and everyone excelled in their given duties. Watch this space for a future Bomber Boys at Wings.
Nice to see Hawker66 and his Mrs – Keep working on her mate, she will soon be spending her dosh on the hobby:dev2:
By: hawker1966 - 26th April 2015 at 17:46
Just got back from the “Bomber Boys” signing event, as normal a fantastic turn out from the veterans (12 in all) really pleased as managed to get one of my aviation prints signed by all of them, including a very charming WAAf of whom during the War was stationed at the exteremly busy Stanmore filter room.
A very enjoyable day as a whole, realy enjoyed the tour of the 3 on going Museum projects.I was facinated by the Ju88 engine re build that took in excess of 4 years to complete..
A big THANK YOU to all the RAF veterans and also to the Museums Curators and Volunteers for arranging the event and for making a great day out for me and my wife.
(Lets hope there are many more)
Brad,
By: hawker1966 - 25th April 2015 at 19:30
I will be there..
Anyone who hasnt as yet visited this year, there are some nice new exhibits to witness..
Going by previous times i have visited the signing events (its certainly not to be missed..)
By: Arabella-Cox - 24th April 2015 at 10:38
This Sunday 26th will see a unique gathering of very special men at the Wings Museum, all of who have served with Bomber Command including: Bomb Aimers, Flt. Engineers, Pilots, Navigators, Air Gunners, Wireless Operators & a special duties WAAF. They servered in the following squadrons: 619, 617, 35, 102, 7, 582, 76, 608, 40, 12, 106, 189, 90, 196, 75 NZ, 460 RAAF.
We will also have two members of 617 Squadron with us on Sunday including John Bell & Charles Avey. The first signing starts at approx 11am. The museum will then take them to lunch when they will return for a second afternoon signing at approx 3pm but I suspect it will start around 2.30pm. Books and prints will be on sale, we are hoping for this to be our best “Bomber Boys” yet and we hope we can raise as much money for the Bomber Command Memorial as possible. Hope to see some of you there.
By: Arabella-Cox - 10th April 2015 at 09:13
I am delighted to report we have a NEW “Bomber Boy” attending on the 26th April – Flt. Sgt. Smith a tail gunner with No. 90 Squadron. Mr Smith has never signed before and will attend with his grandaughter on Sunday 26th April – it kicks off at 11am with a morning and afternoon signing. I am still working on two more possible aircrew who have not yet signed before. Don’t forget this is to raise money for the Bomber Command Memorial so these gents need our support, hopefully see a few of there?
By: hawker1966 - 25th March 2015 at 16:09
Good news a truly Great event and Museum.. i totally recommend it
to anyone who hasnt as yet attended.
(Just entered into my Diary)
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March 25, 2015 at 9:49 am