Finally managed to visit the new memorial. Long overdue and a fantastic effort on the part of those involved to finally get the recognition deserved for those who served – and died.
Whilst there I had the privilege of talking to a gentleman who was a mid-upper gunner on a Halifax (Lancs after the war). He did five missions and had to bail out on the last on the way to Berlin as three of the four engines died. As he bailed out the Hali turned into a port spiral and nearly took him out on the way down. I think he said this was over “Halle” – I’m not quite sure of the spelling. Someone from Germany contacted him last year suggesting they were digging the crash site.
He lost touch with the rest of the crew despite several attempts to contact them. Stupidly I didn’t ask his name as I was rather overcome by the experience… Anyone likely to be able to identify the plane/crew from this scant info?
Thought it rather amusing that he was asked by some woman if he wouldn’t mind moving as she wanted her picture taken in front of the statues! Cheek.
I took some photos but I found it quite difficult as the plinth is quite high so it’s difficult to take any images which make you feel you are on the same level as the crew. Shame that.
I’ve put together a quick montage from the photos and from the BBMF Lanc.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/f22images/8173389696/in/photostream
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November 10, 2012 at 11:40 pm