G-G praises Bomber Command at memorial service
Governor-General Quentin Bryce has praised the courage and skill of the members of Bomber Command who were killed in World War II, at a commemorative service at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra.
Around 500 people attended the service to pay tribute to around 10,000 Royal Australian Air Force personnel who served with Bomber Command, which was based in Britain during World War II.
More than a third of them lost their lives and 3,486 airmen were killed in action, 546 died during training operations and many others were captured and held as prisoners of war.
Ms Bryce paid tribute to their gallantry courage skill and sacrifice.
“On behalf of all Australians I offer our praise, our thoughts and our thanks for all who served in Bomber Command,” she said.
Before laying a wreath, the Governor General recognised the dangers they faced and praised the intensity with which they fought.
“Among the many who have served our country in armed conflict, they are outstanding,” she said.
“For the intensity with which they fought, the dangers they faced, the conditions they survived and the rate at which they gave their lives.”
http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2009/05/31/2585595.htm?section=australia
Photo: Lancaster ‘G for George’ at the Australian war Memorial.
Photo: RAAF operated Lancaster nose of ‘Old Fred’ at the Imperial War Museum, London.
By: Eddie - 1st June 2009 at 02:29
Mark – there are also a couple in Canada that saw action – KB882 (6 sorties) and KB839 (26 sorties) – and ironically enough, they are both displayed outside in post war schemes. I’m all for representing all phases of Lancaster service, but it seems odd that the two Canadian combat veterans languish outside in post-war spec, while Lancs that saw no wartime service get reverted back to bomber spec and displayed indoors…!
By: mark_pilkington - 31st May 2009 at 23:45
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Its great that 3 combat veteran mark I Lancasters from RAAF Bomber Command squadrons survive today, although one is only a cockpit, and while I’m pleased that Australian wartime heritage is preserved, its also a shame that only RAAF squadron aircraft survive.
(I know the RAF Museum example has earlier RAF squadron history)
Of course Just Jane as a mark VII and the Mark X at Duxford play important roles in commemorating the memories of Bomber Command but without those returning to the UK and the retention of the BBMF flying example there would really only be the RAF Museum aircraft preserved?
It is sad that post war Britain wasn’t able to retain a few more of the wartime examples, to survive into preservation given the important role they played in the war.
Were there other examples originally set aside for preservation? or was the post war recovery efforts not interested at the time?
regards
Mark Pilkington
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May 31, 2009 at 9:39 am