My friend Flt Sgt Bob O’Dell died yesterday after a short illness. Bob was a flight engineer who flew his tour on Halifaxes with 408 “Goose” Squadron at Linon-on-Ouse; the only Brit in a Canadian crew. A typically modest man, he loved the Halifax:
“Oh blimey yes, a super aircraft, they really were; the engines were. When they fired up a Merlin it sounded like Heinz 57 beans didn’t it, bloody awful things. But ours used to waffle, ooh a lovely sound they were. And they were reliable, a lot of people had experiences with one or two pots knocked out, and they still kept going.”
His last visit to an RAF station resulted in a never-to-be-forgotten night in the Officer’s Mess at Coningsby late last year.
Rest in peace Bob
Steve
By: Steve Bond - 23rd June 2011 at 14:25
Kevin,
Thank you so much for those very eloquent words; much appreciated. I shall pass them on to the family.
Best regards
Steve
By: kev35 - 23rd June 2011 at 14:22
When you see a photo like the one above it always reminds me of ‘the common unconsidered man….’ A life prepared to be sacrificed in the cause of freedom fortunatley became a long life lived in the peace for which he was prepared to make that sacrifice. No words can ever be enough to convey the enormity of what that has meant to the generations since. Nothing can ever repay the debt. What will remain, unbroken for generations to come, is the gratitude of those who choose to remember.
God speed you to your rest.
Kevin Mears
By: trumper - 23rd June 2011 at 13:20
R I P Thank you
By: Moggy C - 23rd June 2011 at 13:17
Remembered with respect and gratitude.
I’m sure we are all glad he lived to a decent age, unlike so many.
Moggy
By: Scott Marlee - 23rd June 2011 at 13:01
Rip Flt Sgt, Blue Skies
By: pagen01 - 23rd June 2011 at 09:47
Thank you for bringing to our attention some reminiscences and the sad passing of another brave airman, RIP.
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June 23, 2011 at 8:37 am