The Lancaster bomber

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Originally Posted by jon3950

My father was a pilot and flew Lancs in 186 & 617sqns. My mother was originally engaged to a rear gunner on the Dam Buster raid who didn't come back. Lancs are in our family DNA.

Have only had the pleasure of seeing one fly once, about 15 years ago in Liverpool - the BBMF one obviously. Didn't muck around, low level passes along the Mersey, absolutely mind blowing. Beautiful aircraft.

Cheers,
Jon

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A cousin of mine was ground crew on Lancasters, I can't remember where (same generation as me but much older, been dead for years). What he remembered was having to hose out the tail gunner from the tail gun position when the planes returned from missions.

John

A few years ago I was with my a Mum in an antique shop when we found a silver salver that was engraved with some words to the effect of a grateful squadron to its Leader for getting them through the Second World War.

I won't name him (as he had a big write up in the papers here and UK when he passed) but we were family friends and we thought perhaps it had been stolen.

Anyway my Mum bought it and contacted the family to ensure it would be returned. Turned out however that they had sold it among the deceased estate items and didn't want it.

Personally I couldn't believe it. Piece of family history lost. At least we have it and can let our kids know who this brave gentlemen was.