At an event at Duxford today were Don Miller who’s book “Masters of the Air” which is being turned into the HBO mini series about the 8th Air Force and directed by Steven Spielberg. Also there were John Orloff who wrote the screenplay of Band of Brothers and will do the same for Masters of the Air, and Kirk Saduski, who was chief excutive for BoB and will be producing Masters of the Air. They said that production for Masters of the Air will start 2018/19. Some filming may take place in UK.

I hope I can clarify a few points. The honour nomination made last year wasn’t for the fact he was the last surviving British Dambuster, nor was it for his wartime exploits – despite what the press has been saying and indeed the subsequent campaign. Both of these are not reasons for receiving a honour. As I understand it, a specific honour wasn’t mentioned, once again not what the press are saying. He wasn’t turned down for a Knighthood, he was turned down for an honour by the Cabinet Office Honours Committee.
The nomination was actually for services to education (particularly related to Bomber Command) and for raising money for service charities (including the IBCC) which he continues to do at 95. These are two potential reason for a honour – the press and the subsequent campaign have totally missed this point.
Regarding accepting an award for a “group” – a group honour – this is not possible. However, a recepiant often says something along the lines that he or she is accepting it on behalf of group and the work they have done.
What’s concerning about this is what Johnny himself thinks about this. There is an element of certain people and the press pushing their own agenda. To use an elderly veteran for this isn’t nice.

A BBMF engineer said on a FB site that the Lancaster will not be painted in her new markings at Duxford, this was to be done at another location. If true she’ll like quite a sight, rather weathered, flying out of Duxford.

I think Spencer’s exact quote was, “when you own a Spitfire, you can paint it any colour you want”.

Remember in WW2 Britian operated on Double Summer Time (BDST), GMT plus 2. It was light in the evenings for a lot longer. You have to be careful when times are quoted.

I hadn’t noticed that, even when I was there! I can’t imaging there was that much more, further forward from the cut.

It’s the starboard wing, undercarriage and part of the fuselage of Lancaster JA914 coded DX-O from 57 Sqn, East Kirkby at the Deutsches Technik Museum (DTM), Berlin.
This aircraft was shot down during a raid on Berlin on 4th September 1943 at about half past midnight, from an altitude of 15,000 feet and some 25 miles from target and crashed into a lake with the loss of all crew.
The shoot down was claimed Uffz Fritz Brinkmann flying an FW 190 from Stab JG300.
CREW
Sergeant J.T. Carruthers RAF
Flight Sergeant W.E. Grindley RCAF
Sergeant H.I. Jones RAF
Flight Sergeant David Livingstone RAAF
Sergeant A. Moore RAF
Sergeant H.M. Porteus RCAF
Sergeant A. Sutcliffe RAF

The remains of the Lancaster were recovery from Wünsdorfer See near Zossen, south of Berlin on 29 September 1997.

Great museum. Worth a visit. Great city too.

You’re listening to the sound of 105 Wellingtons, 31 Stirlings, 29 Halifaxes, 15 Hampdens, 13 Lancasters and 4 Manchesters. Heading for Mannheim on 19 May 1942. 11 aircraft didn’t come back.
Quite a well known recording now that it’s available as a download and on CD. I first heard this on the radio, a programme called, “Down Your Way”, believe it or not, in the early 1970s.
A very atmospheric recording.