Little Staughton – 582 and 109 Pathfinders – Airfield Simulation

Tommy Turner was my father and Sgt Pilot with 582 Pathfinders. He passed 30 years ago but instilled in me a deep love for flight and I’ve recently retired from 40 years in defence aerospace. Like many RAF siblings, all we have is a few photos in a drawer, a reminiscence or two, but no real appreciation of what they did or where they did it. We’d give much for an hour with them now, to ask questions about what, where, and when, but that time, alas, is past.

A burning desire to understand led to an interest in flight simulation. I decided to create the airfields dad flew from, so I could ‘fly’ – virtually – what he flew, where he flew from. This, combined with a copy of his Service Record, laid the breadcrumb trail so work could begin.

It’s been an amazing research project and given me a whole new appreciation of his journey, his skills. My first project, published last year, was to recreate Caron, 33EFTS in Saskatchewan. The video tells that story. Churchill reckoned BCATP – the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan – was possibly the decisive factor of the war.

Next, and currently work in progress, is Little Staughton, a major project to build the world’s most accurate simulation of a WW2 Bomber Command airfield – over 150 buildings currently modelled, based on a synthesis of Air Ministry Site Plans, LIDAR imaging, aerial photographs of the period, help from the Airfield research Group, the villagers and an ever-growing library of books. Once complete it will be made generally available so others can experience what it was like to fly a mission, day or night.

The plan then is to create a series of short videos to explain, 80 years later, exactly how RAF Little Staughton operated. We must honour them all, air and ground crew, never forgetting the price they paid.

Chris Laycock has, over the years, raised money for numerous military linked charities.  His new challenge for 2023 is trundling on behalf of Lincolnshire Bomber Command Memorial, the charity that owns and operates International Bomber Command Centre, in Lincoln.

Chris says:

“I have to use an electric scooter to complete the mileage for this challenge accompanied by my wife, Jo.

We have identified 54 major sites in the UK which were either airfields or memorials for Bomber Command during World War Two and the distance from Google Maps is 1,401 miles.  We are also incorporating the Derwent Reservoir Dam and the Dambusters Memorial in Woodhall Spa as 2023 is the 80th anniversary of Operation Chastise. The raid by 617 Squadron on the 3 dams in the heart of Germany. The last of the aircrew of the dams raid has recently passed. We must keep their memories alive.

Our aim is to raise £1000 or more for the IBCC.

My father flew bombers in the RAF, both Victors and Vulcans during the Cold War period and was the Station Commander of RAF Waddington during the Vulcan Black Buck raids on Port Stanley during the Falklands Conflict and I am affiliated to 44 Rhodesia Squadron, as Dad flew with this and other squadrons. 44 Squadron motto is Fulmina regis iusta “The Kings Thunderbolts are righteous”

My Grandfather also flew with 39 squadron and others and my great grandfather was also in the RAF.

58,761 young men and women, most volunteers, lost their lives flying with Bomber Command during World War Two and The IBCC is helping to keep the memory of these brave men and women alive.

We will trundle the equivalent distance on our local paths and roads adding up the mileage as we go.  Again, my wife Jo or affectionately known as Mrs L and our hounds Molly, Gracie and Mabel will also be there. I will post updates and photos as we go.

 

This is the link to our fund-raising page on Just Giving.

Update March 2023

Here is an update of our 2023 challenge for The International Bomber Command Centre.  

The plan is to visit 54 sites that Bomber Command used during World War 2 including the Derwent Reservoir and Dam finishing by December 31st. This will be by travelling the distance on our local routes and paths.   The total mileage is 1,401 miles and we have completed 372 miles. Our start point was Lossiemouth in Scotland and of the 54 legs we our now on Leg 7 RAF Marston Moor to RAF Driffield in Yorkshire a Leg of 45 miles.  

2023 virtual tour for International Bomber Command Centre 

Lossiemouth to Kinloss.  10m

Kinloss to Middleton St George 327

Middleton St George to Leeming 35

Leeming to Topcliffe 11

Topcliffe to Linton on Ouse 17

Linton on Ouse to Marston Moor 10

Marston Moor to Driffield 45

Driffield to Pocklington 15

Pocklington to Holme 12

Holme to Elsham  31

Elsham to Lindholme 24

Lindholme to Finningley 11

Finningley to Derwent 38

Derwent to Hixon 58

Hixon to Lichfield 17

Lichfield to Wellesbourne 46

Wellesbourne to Honeybourne 17

Honeybourne to Moreton in Marsh  11

Moreton in Marsh to Abingdon 35

Abingdon to RAF Westcott 32

Westcott to Wing 13

Wing to Upper Heyford 27

Upper Heyford to Silverstone 19

Silverstone to Chipping Warden 15

Chipping Warden to  Bruntingthorpe 34

Bruntingthorpe to Husbands Bosworth  9

Husbands Bosworth to Market Harborough 7

Market Harborough to Desborough 10

Desborough to North Luffenham 20

North Luffenham to Stradishall 73

Stradishall to Waterbeach 22

Waterbeach to Mildenhall 24

Mildenhall to Swannington 50

Swannington to Oulton 5

Oulton to Foulsham 8

Foulsham to Little Snoring 14

Little Snoring to North Creake 7

North Creake to Bottesford 91

Bottesford to Syerston 10

Syerston to Ossington 16

Ossington to Swinderby 16

Swinderby to Waddington 10

Waddington to Scampton 12

Scampton to Binbrooke 25

Binbrooke to ludford Magna 7

Ludford Magna to East kirkby 23

East Kirkby to Coningsby 13

Coningsby to Dambuster Memorial 5

Dambuster Memorial to Bardney 10

Bardney to IBCC 12

1,401 miles 3.8 miles per day. 

 

Ruth Allen-Williams has been a volunteer at the IBCC since 2017 helping, in the main, with the Learning team, escorting schoolchildren and other youth groups on guided tours, helping with workshops and craft days.

She is a passionate supporter of helping children understand their heritage and the power of Remembrance and is keen to help us raise funds to build a brand new Learning Centre in the grounds.  This is becoming more and more important as the demand for learning sessions increases and space in the building is in demand.  This building will provide a purpose-built facility that can be used by learners of all ages in an engaging and stimulating environment.  The target is not only to provide the space we need but to make the facility carbon neutral, ensuring that we play our part in protecting the future of the children and the planet.

Ruth says:

“I started jogging in my twenties and completed the Lincoln Half Marathon twice in the 1980s. Since then I’ve continued to run about 2-3 miles most mornings. I love being out in nature and I find the exercise is really good for my mental health. Even when I really don’t feel like going out I always feel better afterwards.  I’ve always wanted to do a full marathon but it’s only since I’ve been retired that I find I have enough time to devote to a full training programme.  I’m now in week 8 of my 27 week plan which takes me to Sunday April 16th, the date of the Boston marathon. (Not Boston, Massachusetts but Boston, Lincolnshire which is on the same day). I’m gradually increasing the length of my long runs each week and this weekend I plan to run 10 miles.

I want to raise money through sponsorship towards a new education building at the IBCC. As a volunteer tour guide and assistant to the Learning Officers, I really love working with the children who come to the centre to learn about the outstanding bravery of the young airmen of Bomber Command and the devastating effects of bombing and warfare. My hope is that their visits to the IBCC will inspire them to work towards peace and reconciliation in their own lives and in the world of their future.

I hope people will feel able to give something, however small, to add to my sponsorship and spur me on in my training for the big day.”

To support Ruth you can donate via her Just Giving page, just click here

Update – January 2023.

Hi everyone.

Happy new year to all. Here’s an update on my marathon training progress. Good news! I ran the half marathon distance 13.1 miles on Sunday morning New Year’s Day! My time was slow but I was running in Wales up a lot of steep hills in rain and wind so pretty challenging conditions. Training here is certainly good preparation for the flatter (hopefully more benign) route in the fens around Boston.

 

February update – disaster has fallen!  Ruth injured herself in training and is unable to rain for the next four weeks.  This will leave too little time to get to where she needs to be for the April marathon in Boston.  However, she is determined to raise funds for the new IBCC Education building and so will now be running in the October Yorkshire Marathon.

Update April 2023

After a frustrating period of enforced “walk only” training, my leg is at last feeling well enough to begin a gradual return to running. My hope is to restart my previous training schedule some time later this month. I have an ultrasound scan coming up shortly to check there is nothing seriously wrong, so fingers crossed, that will confirm my injury is healing nicely. The upside is that now spring has arrived I will be able to train in warmer weather. Yorkshire Marathon here I come!

Update November 2023

I’m ready to run in the Pierrepont Plod event near Nottingham on Sunday 12th November (postponed for 2 weeks due to flooding). One circuit of the course is just over 5 km and any number of circuits can be completed within the maximum time of 6 hrs. My goal is to complete 4 circuits which would be a half marathon. This will be a significant step along the way to my final goal of a full marathon sometime next year. Wish me luck! All donations welcome.

For the last 18 months or so, during the lockdown periods I have been researching my mother’s ancestry. We didn’t know a lot to start with – her mother was not very forthcoming with details when she was alive, and sadly her father died when she was just 2. Fortunately, there was one thing in my favour – her maiden name, Mortensen, was unusual.

Checks using the Find My Past website found details of her Dad and his parents and brothers and sisters, and other relatives, going back to a Christian Mortensen who moved to Liverpool from Sweden in the latter half of the 19^th century. One of her father’s brothers, Edward was a Halifax Bomber pilot and was killed in action in 1943. He’s on the Memorial and is buried at Rheinberg in Germany.

Then at the beginning of this year, the 1921 census became available – a treasure trove of information became accessible and a great aid to those looking for ancestors. For me it was to open a door for my mum that she thought closed. A search revealed that one of my Great Great Uncles son’s, one James Christian Mortensen was also involved with Bomber Command in the War and was interviewed in 2018 by one of the team at the Centre.

This was a moment in time that will live with me forever. Showing my Mum the page, listening to the voice of a member of her family for the first time ever, but seeing the face of a family member for the first time. In her 70+ years, this was the first time she has seen or heard a family member. She still to this day has not met a member of her family or spoken to a living relative.

To hear the interview please click here 

For me, the power of the video helped my Mum understand more about her family – something she has never known throughout her life. The Memorial, through these attestations has proved to be a wider force for good – reconnecting people with parts of their families they never knew about.

I hope that soon Mum will get to speak or even meet a relative. I’ve already visited Liverpool, following my ancestors footsteps. My final trip this year will be to Lincoln, to visit the memorial in October.

My thanks to your website for bringing such joy to my Mum

Mark Coram, son of Anne Mortensen, Warlingham, Surrey.

My name is Chris Laycock. I am 57 this year and spent 35 years working for Hampshire Constabulary. I now live in Lincolnshire, as we needed a bungalow and I use a wheelchair to get about. My wife Jo and our 2 Spaniels accompany me on my travels.

My Father spent 30 years with the RAF and worked within Bomber Command on 15 Squadron on Victors, 44 squadron on Vulcans and was Station Commander at RAF Waddington at the time of The Falklands War.   When Dad retired he worked for 7 AEF giving cadets experience flights. Most recently he helped crew XM655, an Avro Vulcan, doing fast taxis at the wings and wheels at Wellesborne, Mountford.

In 1997 I was diagnosed with MS and I have been raising money for MS Society on a number of occasions

In 2020 I set myself a double challenge. Due to lock down.  Use our local tracks and paths and travel the equivalent distance from Land’s End to John O’Groats.  Also lose weight from 115 kilos to 100 kilos.  I used an App called Map my tracks to check my daily mileage and a calorie controlled diet to help with the weight loss.
Having completed the mileage I reset the journey to go from John O’Groats to the summit of Ben Nevis a further 186 miles.  I also reached 100 kg and reset to 95 kg. I hit 95 kg and I am close to 90 kg.   In all I have lost 7 stones, a third of my body weight.

We completed both these tasks and raised £1133.04 for the MS Society.

We then decided we would do a challenge for 2021/2022.  A friend put me in touch with Veterans in Action, a charity that helps veterans suffering from PTSD.  I worked out a 12 leg route starting at the Commando’s Memorial at Spean Bridge, Scotland and finishing at the Royal Navy Memorial in Portsmouth, a distance of 1036 miles, again hoping to raise £1000.  Each of the legs is to another Memorial or museum.  There are so many it was difficult to choose.   We have tried to include all services, including the Police, in the challenge.

We have just finished the 1st Leg of 136 miles to the Scottish National war memorial and are now travelling the 2nd Leg to the IBCC 285 miles.

If you can support John in his fundraising, please click here

One Night in December by Adrian Woolrich-Burt

Our project stemmed from Pete Chicken finding an original Navigator’s route map in an auction house in Wiltshire; interesting in itself, however a handwritten note on the top of the sheet showed that it came from his old Squadron, 57, and that it had been the chart used on the raid that night. Somewhat naively he and I thought we might spend a morning looking on google and finding its provenance. Seven years later, with the project expanding almost daily, all three of us are constantly intrigued and humbled by what and how much we have uncovered. All of our initial findings, and most of our presuppositions, have been proved wrong !

To some extent the operations on the night of the 17/18th of December 1944 were routine for Bomber Command, three raids, one to Duisberg, one to Ulm and one to Munich – around 1100 sorties in total. Losses and results were pretty typical for the period, with the Ulm raid encountering the most resistance. 57 Sqn lost two aircraft that night, one captained by an enigmatic Norwegian, Captain Evensen (who we initially thought might be South African) but appears to have been quite a character; and an experienced ex 106 Sqn crew led by FO Alf Donkin, with a second pilot FO Noel Culpan from the RNZAF on his first trip. This loss, although incidental to the crew who used the map and the central thrust of our research, has occupied a lot of our time. I read Culpan’s diary from cover to cover and was moved greatly. Pete has visited the crash site in France and built a very warm relationship with a nearby village. This culminated in a dedicated service at the crash site arranged by the local mayor and attended by junior pilots from the current 57 Sqn. Relatives of all but one of the eight aircrew on board managed to join in too. A lovely thing to have put together.

That said, our project is not specifically one of remembrance – there is a lot of that on the internet already – rather it is something that has tried to uncover the context, and almost superhuman technical challenges these young people had to face, and put them in perspective. Consequently some of our posts are a bit more nerdy than the average; the ones on spherical trigonometry or radio homing theory were a bit of an ask, yet our followers – or rather colleagues – as so many people chip in to help – don’t seem to be deterred at all. In fact, although we were quite prepared to bore our listeners, the podcasts on radio theory, sea survival, and a long one on ‘why there was not a German Lancaster’ have proved to be the most popular.

Some of the early podcasts are a bit ropey, especially the first one … but they do improve ! Bryan Wardell was a joy to interview, and has since become a close friend. As was George Keeling, an ex Halifax engine fitter, who tells his story magnificently. Most of the other podcasts are Pete, Rob, or myself, all ex RAF Aircrew of various categories and roles (Hercules, Puma, Phantom, VC10 and Nimrod), drinking a beer and chatting through what we have found. Rob and I are also current airline Captains flying the Boeing 737, so that helps in understanding how things have changed – or rather not changed – over the years.

We didn’t set out to gain a huge following, in fact rather the opposite, just a few like minded collaborators would be perfect. This was very much a voyage of discovery, not vanity.  There is still a huge amount to uncover on this one cold and windy routine night. As we say several times in the podcast, just unremarkable people doing some quite astonishing things. The truth is always so much more impressive than the Hollywood version.

To find out more about this project, please click here

If you can help Pete, Adrian and Rob with the project please click here

It should be pointed out that all Royal Air Force Mountain Rescue Teams post war had a team leader and a small permanent staff, whilst the rest were volunteers drawn from all trades. Note: There were numerous Mountain Rescue Teams in the 1950s both in the UK and overseas, today due to the use of helicopters not available in the past there are only 3 Teams based in the UK, RAF Valley, RAF Leeming & RAF Lossiemouth

From the early 1950’s the RAF Valley Mountain Rescue Team were led by the very experienced and capable Flt Sgt Johnnie Lees and attended several fatal aircraft crashes during this period to 1960. They were also called to assist in many climber/walker civilian incidents, two of which will be related in this article with extracts from the RAF Valley MRT Log book, one earning Johnnie Lees a George Medal. Note: These Log Book extracts have been slightly altered with extra information for the benefit of the reader who might not be versed in the acronyms used in the day.

Aber Falls Rescue Sunday 1^st December 1957

The following transcript is an extract from the RAF Valley Mountain Rescue Teams Log Book number 445 that covers 05 October 1957 to 18 October 1958. It begins on Saturday 30^th November 1957 when the team was deployed for a 36hr exercise based at Caer Llugwy in the heart of the Snowdonia National Park.  After a full days training had ended the call came for the MRT to assist in a rescue. On a dark chilly night the team rescued a student injured and trapped along side the Aber Falls that were in full spate. 120’ ropes had to be tied together (this was the normal length of rope available at the time) with the possibilities of knot jamming problems. For this rescue Cpl Tech Vic Bray was awarded a Bronze Medal from the Royal Humane Society.

CARNEDDAU & TRYFAN

36 hr exercise

Saturday 30^th November 1957

Plt Off North + 20 camped at Caer Llugwy 107/750573 (Old map reference)

Travelling there in the 2 QLs (Bedford QL 3 ton truck), LR (Land Rover) & Trailer

Sunday 1^st December 1957 (Fine but cold)

Navigation Parties on Carneddau :-

Team Members: Blamey, Major, Barrows & Neal

Route: Pen yr olerwen – Carneddau Llewelwyn – Penyr Helgi Du-Pen Llithrig y Wrack – Creigion Gleision – Anson above Cornel – base (Wartime crashed Anson aircraft)

Rock Climbing on Tryfan

Team Members & Climbing exercise:

Bray & Cartledge – Arete; Binderman & Garland – Apex

Dewar & Pearson – Gashed Crag; Keegan & Douglas

Lees, P/O North & Fairgrieve – First Pinnacle. Rib with Chimney finish (which is still Very Difficult with the recently inserted second chockstone!)

Lees & Bray then climb down Notch Arete & V Arete on the west face while others went down the North ridge to the A5.

1750           Some were picked up by the QL & the rest returned to base a few minutes later in the LR.

1755           When the LR arrived the navigation parties and others had just been alerted for a civilian rescue & were reloading the QL.

CALLOUT

(Apparently 2 students from Bangor were climbing the rocks just to the west side of Aber Falls* when the leader fell. He damaged his head but stopped, or was arrested by the rope to the second, belayed 100’ below the top on a ledge about 3’x1’, of shiny rock, outwards sloping. The second man descended on the rope to a stance on about the same level but could not traverse across to him. The ledge was about 100’ above the foot of the cliff. Firemen and police had been unable to get to the injured man who stood swaying for several hours, muttering somewhat deliriously.)

1800                   The QL was dispatched towards Aber while Flt Sgt Lees rang Valley for more information. The Landrover then pressed on after the QL. Head Quarter 18 Group (Part of Coastal Command covering the North Sea) had arranged a police car escort which was of great assistance to the QL when it met in the Nant Ffracon Pass – the A55 coast road was quite busy but with the police car in front the QL was able to maintain a steady 50 mph, so the Landrover was very pushed to catch up.

1900              Thus the two parties arrived at Bont Newydd (107/663720 – old map reference) simultaneously & rushed up to the falls with ropes & flares etc. A ground flare was set off & after a few minutes it was decided to lower a man down the 300-400’ face from above & thus bring the injured man down. A party of the most experienced rock climbers then went up the scree to the east of the falls onto the track, up it & across the stream to a convenient tree on the ledge above the falls.

A preliminary reconnaissance was carried out, then Cpl Tech Bray & Flt Sgt Lees were lowered on four 120’ ropes tied together, Lees being attached just above Bray by prusik loop (slip knot). On a ledge 100 ft down Lees untied while Bray went down, so that the shouts and directions from Bray could be shouted back up the cliff to P/O North & his lowering team – it was difficult to hear above the roar of the falls only 10 feet to one side. (Due to the noise form the Falls this verbal contact proved impossible)

Bray reached the injured man clipped him onto his rope, fired a 2 star red to warn the lowerers of the now doubled load, and then climbed & slithered on downwards and sideways, assisted by the original rope from the second (the “Second” is the partner climber who follows lead climber), to the helping hands of other Team members, the odd policeman & several firemen, all lashed to stout trees by huge hemp hawsers.

2100                          The man was taken by the Team to the Landrover scout car at the head of the track, & thus to the civilian ambulance which had come up the track as far as it could from Bont Newydd. The patient was transported to A&E at Bangor.

2130              The lowerers meanwhile had an amusing half hour throwing a rope down so that Lees could catch and tie on to it & then be hauled bodily up to the top. Of course, by now all the “flares G.I. yellow” (Ground Illuminating) had long since been expended, so it was not quite as easy as it sounds!

The Team eventually collected all of the equipment & stowed it in the vehicles. A quick ‘brew’ had been made at Bont Newydd by the drivers, & then we returned to the Caer Llugwy camp site for the rather overdue supper, telephoning Valley Air Traffic Control to keep them informed, en route.

2350              The newest member, Barrows (first weekend end out) who had been left behind had done a remarkably good job keeping the food warm without ruining it & was most popular.

Monday 2^nd December 1957

1230             Team returned to Valley for lunchtime (Station Commander had been informed by Duty Officer after telephone request)

Remarks by Non-Commissioned Officer in charge MRT (Flt Sgt JR Lees)

A tricky situation: I’m glad someone asked for our assistance as this was no picnic for firemen etc. The police escort was a good thing and might be used to advantage more often if it can be laid on by someone with a telephone i.e. Valley or Pitreavie Castle. The Press headlines understated it when they said “…clinging to ledge…..waited 5 hours for Mountain Rescue Team to rush 40 miles” ! I am quite (glad) that the QL was going faster than 8 mph when I passed it in a Landrover!

Apart from another bouquet to Cpl Tech Bray, those who stood & paid out or pulled on ropes for ages should be commended for their patience in the chilly darkness – Andrews, Cpl Dewer, Cartledge & Pilot Officer North; also those organizing at the receiving end below, particular the A.S.F. representation again, Cpl Hughes & SAC Blamey. In fact the Team worked very efficiently both together and in individual groups – -another occasion stressing the need for judgment and initiative in each member.

21/1/58 Lees Flt Sgt

Remarks Officer in charge MRT

A praiseworthy rescue by all concerned – from Cpl Tech Bray to Barrows, It is hoped that the 500’ rope request as a result of our experience will be forthcoming.

DW Wright Pilot Officer

Remarks Station Commander

An excellent show by all

D Shaw Group Captain

Knotted Ropes

Dangers of use in Rescues. The use of knotted ropes in any form of rescue situation on a steep crag with a person being lowered for any purpose raises the possibility of the rope running through a crack in the rock face and the knot jamming as it tries to follow, leaving the rescuer suspended and unable to move up or down. To avoid this hazard Lees had long campaigned for longer ropes, and two ropes of 500 feet were on order and expected to arrive in the near future.

THE AMPHITHEATRE BUTTRESS RESCUE Friday 3^rd January 1958                                             

The following transcript is taken from the RAF Valley Mountain Rescue Teams Log Book number 445 that covers 05 October 1957 to 18 October 1958. This rescue on a cold winters night was undertaken with limited equipment including ropes too short for the task and in very difficult terrain. Flt Sgt Johnnie Lees was awarded a George Medal for his pivotal part, bravery and outstanding leadership in this rescue, the only Mountain Rescue Team member to achieve this high award to date. Johnnie Lees went on to receive a British Empire Medal for his work in developing and improving the RAF Mountain Rescue Service over a ten year period throughout the 1950s.

Craig Yr Ysfa, Carneddau

Friday 3^rd January 1958 – Saturday 4^th

1626   Telephone call from Mr Holland (Idwal Cottage Youth Hostel), Mountain Rescue (M.R.) organiser for Ogwen District to Flight Sergeant (Flt Sgt.) Lees in M.R. Section, of accident on Craig yr Ysfa.  He handed telephone over to Colonel J.R.G. Finch who reported as follows having just returned from the crag:

“Members of the newly formed Army Mountaineering Association were climbing Amphitheatre Buttress under difficult snow conditions.  Much new snow had fallen in the last 2 or 3 days, followed by frosts.  At approximately 1430 hrs all had abandoned the climb, but for Major Hugh Robertson and his second.  They were above the crux when the leader fell and was injured but remained on the ledge where the second, Lieutenant Roger Eagle, was belayed (Old Map Reference 107/693637).

Colonel Finch and one or two others of the more experienced of the party attempted to reach the ledge from the gullies on either side but could not do so” (this would not be easy in summer) “and the majority of the party had gone to Idwal Cottage Youth Hostel. for the rescue equipment there (4 – 5 miles).”

As soon as this had all been explained, the Officer in charge, Pilot Officer North then Flying Wing Adjutant was informed and asked to inform the Station Commander and request his permission to proceed.

1630 Tannoy for MRT.Since Colonel Finch had suggested that some of the party might have been able to commence evacuation, and that they then would use the southwest approach, via Ffynnon Llugwy, Lees was able to point out the road-head and Ambulance point to Flight Lieutenant Jones, who had come to offer assistance, although he could not leave camp due to night flying.  The base was to be Glan Llugwy farm but a strong possibility that if the man was still on the crag when we arrived, the evacuation route used would be Cwm Eigiau, Hafod-y-rhiw.  Fortunately the Medical Officer (MO) is a local man.  All MR. transport thus diverted to Glan Llugwy to start with (See no.1 on map).

1655  As soon as a few of the best climbers had arrived Flt Sgt Lees left in Land Rover with much rope, first aid equipment and the new back pack hand held search light that was experimented with at Christmas.  (Party was Pilot Officer North, Corporal Tech Bray, Senior Aircraftsmen Andrews and Douglas).

1740 Called at Idwal Cottage in case of further developments.  None.  On to Glan Llugwy (Map Reference 684612).  Andrews had the pleasure of the aircraft accumulator and searchlight on the Everest carrier while the other four took as many 120’ ropes as they could carry.

Moonlight and frost – rapid ascent to the col between Craig yr Ysfa and Pen yr Helgi Du. Just above, the army types were coming down to meet the party in case we had intended going to foot of the cliff.

1900  The army party, in a maze of rope, were about to lower the Thomas stretcher (they had brought up from the Youth Hostel) down the gully immediately to the South of the top of Amphitheatre Buttress (See no.2 on map).  After a short consultation they were persuaded to hold fast until an accurate appraisal of the injured man’s situation was made.

The RAF five then descended, using ropes as handrails and tying on another each time 120’ was up, to the Pinnacles.  Here we were joined by an army officer who had much trouble traversing the first part of the knife edge, so on Bray’s advice an attempt to turn the Pinnacles on the Avalanche Gully (South) side, was made.  Several severe moves led to a short ledge and out on to the open buttress below the Pinnacles.  100’ of easy heathery slopes then to the top of the pitch above the crux and the steep lower half of the climb. Descent 35’ vertically by abseil landed Lees, Bray and Andrews on the ledge where the injured man lay, semi-conscious, delirious, head wounds only.  The other two remained above and passed down the ropes thus leaving some room to move on the ledge.

It would have taken the whole team all night, and scores of rope, to get a stretcher to this ledge, so it was decided, since the man did not have any apparent injuries other than to his head, to lower him, “pick-a-back”, into the Amphitheatre – about 150-200 feet down a near vertical wall, (the steeper the better really, as the rescuer had less actual climbing to do, merely has to keep the patient off the rock).

2100 Obvious evacuation route now down into Cwm Eigiau and Hafod-y-rhiw (to old Map Reference 724648 see no.3 on map).  Pilot Officer Wright and the rest of the team (actually half a Team, the Christmas duty team being on late grant) numbering 7 personnel, had by then arrived at the Amphitheatre below.  P/O. Wright and Williams then went back over the col and down to Glan Llugwy to bring the Land rover Ambulance round to Cwm Eigiau, and also the other vehicles, Bedford QL lorry (QL) 23AF40 (Le-Mar) and one of the new Bedford RL lorries (RL) 59AE05 (Cpl Wicks).

Colonal Finch and his men were bringing the YH Thomas stretcher round from the top of the crag meanwhile – to the col, down, and then up in the lower part of the Amphitheatre – assisted by the six other MR. chaps.

Major Robertson was then sat in a coiled rope, “Tragsitz” fashion, and clipped to Lees’ chest prusik behind.  Andrews then paid out the Major’s rope and Bray that of the NCO i/c (Lees), and amid delirious protests the pair were slithered over the overhang and down to the ledge below the crux.  A descending traverse of the wall and then straight down into the Amphitheatre where two army novices did little to assist!

Fairly straightforward stretcher carry (and slither on snow covered heather) to Hafod-y-rhiw – no ambulance!  Hard work for the few RAF personnel – much or all of the fight had gone from the army novices.  (Colonel Finch and one or two other officers worked as hard as anyone though).  Pilot Officer North & Co. went up the climb slowly, coiling ropes, taking with them Lt. Eagles, who appeared pleased to carry umpteen ropes after his long cold wait.  They then took the RAF Thomas stretcher from the col down to Helyg (See no.4 on map), as the lights were well down Cwm Eigiau.

Ambulance met 1½ miles down the road – apparently a policeman had misguided the driver (from Motor Transport section) and P/O. Wright, so they had spent some time driving round Llanbedr y cennin, White Hart and Bwlch y gaer region.  Major Robertson taken to Llandudno General hospital.  QL took Army and R.A.F. personnel round to Helyg where Pilot Officer North’s party, ropes and stretcher were collected.  (Note:  RL will not go under pipes at MR 759671 – too high).

Team returned to Valley in the early hours of Saturday 4^th.

Remarks Non-Commissioned Officer in charge MRT (Flt Sgt JR Lees)

This was as difficult a rescue situation as any I have heard of in this country, and could never have been carried out without the first class performance of the usual “backbone”.  This sort of miniature “Eiger Nordwand” rescue may not be the team’s operational function but does, since we do it, need the special equipment mentioned at the Mountain Rescue annual conference at Air Ministry (MoD) (harness on the Austrian “Tragsitz” style e.g.).

Remarks Officer in charge MRT

The NCO in charge’s remarks are most valid, it is necessary to use training periods most carefully.  I do not feel we should be distracted by schools and fire service units to the extent of neglecting the very necessary training of the team.

The latest comments about Major Robertson are dated 23^rd January 1958, “Hugh Robertson is now off the danger list and should be out of hospital on sick leave within ten days.”

Flight Sergeant Lees bore the brunt of the rescue in a most outstanding manner – an extremely severe rescue which would have been well-nigh impossible had it not been for the fine, full moon night.

13/2/58           D.M. Wright    Pilot Officer

Remarks Officer Commanding Flying Wing

Excellent show for the team, and Flt/Sgt. Lees effort most commendable. 15/2/58

Remarks Commanding Officer

First Class team work again, with a successful rescue.  Well done. Law. Group Captain

The Jammed Knot Scenario

The jammed knot scenario almost happened during the Lees George Medal Rescue on Craig Yr Ysfa in January 1958, when the two knotted ropes supporting him were running through a crack 40 feet below the lowering stance (position) and unreachable, which gave the perfect set up for a potential knot jamming incident. Fortunately, Lees who was descending the vertical wall of the Amphitheatre with the casualty reached safe ground and detached from his rope above, the knot of which was about to enter the crack and jam. Had this happened and the descent had been further he would have suffered a ‘hang up’ with possible serious consequences for both of them, as they could only have been rescued from above with limited resources left in men and ropes; 1300 feet of rope having already been used in the operation!

More to come on MRT RAF Valley

Watch out for further information telling of the RAF MRT activities in North Wales in the late 1950s. This will include the arrival of the Tragsitz harness and 500 foot ropes mentioned in the above rescue.

Vic Bray

November 2020

 

 

 

The International Bomber Command Centre is appealing for local historical groups and societies throughout Great Britain to help record biographical information on the 40,000 British airmen and women lost to Bomber Command during WW2 as well as the pre-war and post-war periods of Bomber Command’s existence. This information will be added to our online Losses Database which already has more than 4 million pieces of information on the short lives of these brave souls.

To give the project a local flavour, we will send details of the airmen and women lost in your local area to work on. We’d like to know as much as possible about their lives before enlistment, including their home life, schooling, careers before enlistment as well as sports, hobbies and interests, plus any other interesting information you may find.

Online videos will be made available to give details of exactly what we are looking for and how to submit the information you find.

By adding this biographical information to the service information we already hold, you will be helping to create the most comprehensive record of their lives in anywhere in the world, for the benefit of current and future generations.

If you think you can help, please get in touch by emailing [email protected].

Thank you!

Dave Gilbert

Losses Archivist

The Epitaphs Project was inspired by one particular epitaph: that of 1553032 Sgt. Bill McDonald of 50 Squadron, who was tragically killed by machine gun fire from the ground on 25 October 1942 when his Lancaster was flying at treetop height to avoid flak defences during an attack on Milan. The remainder of the crew were mercifully uninjured and were able to nurse their damaged aircraft back to England where Bill McDonald sadly died in hospital. Because he was killed aboard a safe returning aircraft and therefore features in my forthcoming book (A Few Among Many), I became aware of his epitaph while carrying out my research. It is taken from his last letter home and reads: “Mother, I’ve weighed the risks, which I prefer to living in a world dominated by Nazis. Bill”.

I was so moved by this epitaph that I made it my business to look out for similar ones and was overwhelmed to find just how many of the Bomber Command losses have an epitaph on their headstones (around 30,000) and how varied and poignant they are. I realised immediately what a wonderfully rich addition they would be to the IBCC Losses Database.

It was always my intention to use crowd-sourcing via social media to gather them together, although I planned on beginning the project in autumn 2020 as a ‘dark nights’ project. However, when the corona virus pandemic struck and most people were confined to their homes with little to keep them occupied, it was immediately clear that the project should be brought forward – not only to allow it to come to fruition sooner but also to maintain public engagement while the Centre remains closed and additionally to give people something rewarding to occupy them during this difficult time.

As is invariably the case where IBCC is concerned, the public rose to the challenge admirably and almost forty volunteers came forward and together spent more than 450 hours recording the epitaphs.

Having already spotted that many of the epitaphs are quotes from poems, hymns and other literary works, I asked the volunteers to research them and offer some interpretation for as many as they were able. As expected, many are not in English and we have on-going work in getting more than 400 epitaphs in eleven languages reliably translated.

I also asked them to highlight the ones they found most moving. That there were so many should not be a surprise to us. It was the last deed that the loved ones of each of our almost 58,000 WW2 losses could grant to their their sons, daughters, husbands and wives, so little wonder that a great deal of thought went into them.

What has surprised us all is just what variety is to be found amongst them. There are some that contain the airman’s school motto, some that are in German, Dutch or French specifically so that they can be read in the country in which they are buried, while others are from literary works ranging from Horace (in Latin) to Alfred, Lord Tennyson to Dr. Seuss! We were equally surprised to find a few mildly humorous ones, all belonging to Australian airmen. Some of the most moving ones are none of the above- they are just words from the heart and are every bit as powerful.

What follows is just a flavour of the huge depth and breadth of epitaphs we have so far researched. There is much yet to be done; with 30,000 epitaphs to look through and categorise there will inevitably be some particularly touching ones that we have still to find.

Dave Gilbert

Losses Archivist

 

Epitaph Examples

Latin:

NEC TIMEO NEC SPERNO

Latin: I neither fear nor despise

(41743 P/O Rex Russell-Forbes)

 

NON NOBIS SOLUM SED TOTI MUNDO NATI

Latin: NOT FOR OURSELVES, BUT FOR THE WHOLE WORLD BORN

(913313 Sgt Henry Johnston)

 

DULCE ET DECORUM EST PRO PATRIA MORI

Latin:  It is sweet and fitting to die for one’s homeland.

Horace Odes 3:2:13 and also the title of the poem of the same name which refers to the quotation as “that same old lie” by Wilfred Owen.

This features on 15 epitaphs.

 

FORTI NIHIL DIFFICILE

Latin: To the determined, nothing is difficult

(436323 F/L Bernard Williams)

 

NON NOBIS SOLUM SED TOTI MUNDO NATI

Latin: NOT FOR OURSELVES, BUT FOR THE WHOLE WORLD BORN

(913313 Sgt Henry Johnston)

 

Other Languages:

MIZPAH

Hebrew for “watchtower”. As mentioned in the biblical story of Jacob and Laban, making a pile of stones marked an agreement between two people, with God as their watching witness.   (Genesis 31:44-50).

(Various airmen)

 

KAEMP FOR ALT, HVAD DU HAR KAERT, DO, OM SAA DET GAELDER!

From a Danish hymn often used at funerals- Live and die for what you love! Cherish and defend it!

All three verses:

1. On your way! Be brave and true! Should the road seem endless, walk where God is near and you never can be friendless.
   2. Stars above the clouds still shine through your darkest hour! In the Lord’s own prayer you find courage, peace and power.
   3. Live and die for what you love! Cherish and defend it! Then you lift your life above things that waste and end it.

(128521 F/O Arne Helvard)

 

IL VECUT CE QUE VIVENT LES ROSES, L’ESPACE D’UN MATIN

French: He lived as long as roses live, the span of a morning

(1198786 Sgt Rene Partington)

 

O RYFEL! CHWERW EI OFWY’N RHOI’I FAEN MUD AR EIFION MWYN

Welsh-‘Oh war! its bitter visitation. Sets its silent stone on gentle Eifion.’

(127970 F/O Henry Clement)

 

GEROEM ZAGINUV U BOYU ZA CANADU I ZA SIMEISTVU SVOYU. TSARSTVO YOMU NEBESNE

Russian – He died heroically in the battle for Canada and for his family. The Kingdom of Heaven is his.

(J/90310 P/O Nicholas Novack RCAF)

 

HERREN GAV, HERREN TOG, HERRENS NAVN VAERE LOVET. SIDSTE HILSEN FRA DANMARK

Norwegian: The Lord gave, the Lord brought, the name of the Lord be praised. Last Greetings from Denmark.

(J/89120 P/O John Norgaard RCAF)

 

BELOVED SON OF J.&A. COATES, ROSSENDALE, LANCS., ENGLAND “HIJ STIERF OPDAT GIJ VRIJ ZOUDT ZIJN”

Dutch: He died so you could be free. Seems to have been added in Dutch so that local people could read it, since he is buried in Bergen-op-Zoom Cemetery, Netherlands.

 

The one that should perhaps be the motto for IBCC volunteers:

TIS NOT THE DUTY OF THE DAY OR THE RACE YOU HAVE TO RUN BUT THE THING YOU NEEDN’T DO EARNS THE GREAT “WELL DONE”

(999616 Sgt. James Tinker)

 

Literary quotes:

TO THE WORLD YOU WERE JUST ONE, TO US, ALL THE WORLD

(Adaptation of a quote from Dr. Seuss)

 

ALL YOU HAD HOPED FOR, ALL YOU HAD, YOU GAVE. LOVINGLY AND PROUDLY REMEMBERED

From O Valiant Hearts by John Stanhope Arkwright

(580435 Sgt Cecil Colbourn)

 

AT THE GOING DOWN OF THE SUN AND IN THE MORNING WE WILL REMEMBER HIM

From the Fallen Poem by Robert Laurence Binyon (1869-1943)

There are 1160 instances of this quotation.

 

THEY SHALL GROW NOT OLD, AS WE THAT ARE LEFT GROW OLD

From the Fallen by Robert Laurence Binyon (1869-1943)

There are 100 instances of this quotation.

 

YOUR HAPPY SMILE IS WITH US ALWAYS. GOOD NIGHT, CHAS., TILL A BRIGHTER DAWN

A Brighter dawn is a reference to Bible Old Testament Proverbs  4:18. There is also an Easter hymn “A brighter dawn is breaking”

(1167363 Sgt Charles Tracey)

 

SOME CORNER OF A FOREIGN FIELD THAT IS FOR EVER ENGLAND

From The Soldier by Rupert Brooke

There are 109 instances of this quotation, or variants of it.

 

ONE CROWDED HOUR OF GLORIOUS LIFE IS WORTH AN AGE WITHOUT A NAME R.I.P.

From the poem “The Call”, said to be written by Major Thomas Osbert Mordaunt during the Seven Years War. Also attributed to Sir Walter Scott.

(1183439 Sgt Bernard Willmer)

 

DUST INTO DUST, AND UNDER DUST, TO LIE, SANS WINE, SANS SONG, SANS SINGER, AND – SANS END!

Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam Stanza 23

(1253256 Sgt George Jackson)

 

OUT OF THIS NETTLE, DANGER, WE PLUCK THIS FLOWER, SAFETY

Shakespeare, Henry IV, Part 1, Act 2, Scene 3

(424212 F/O Geoffrey Pinn)

 

SWIFT DEATH AFLAME WITH OFFERING SUPREME AND MIGHTY SACRIFICE (Excerpt from THE AIRMEN – a poem from the Great War)

(185745 F/O James Rice)

 

SUNWARD HE CLIMBED AND SLIPPED THE SURLY BONDS OF EARTH

Adapted from “High Flight” by John Gillespie Magee Jr, who died, aged 19, on 11 December 1941

(1257889 Sgt Peter Maxwell)

 

From the heart:

INTO THE MOSAIC OF VICTORY WAS LAID THIS PRECIOUS PIECE

(58 occurrences)

 

HERE PAT SLEEPS NEAR HIS CREW OF FOUR IN HIS LITTLE BIT OF TEXAS FOR EVERMORE

(R/97834 F/S Pat Templeton)

 

HE WENT WITH SONG TO BATTLE STRAIGHT OF LIMB, TRUE OF EYE, STEADY AND AGLOW

(741674 Sgt Norman Cartwright)

 

WE CANNOT THINK HIS LIFE IS ENDED BECAUSE HE NEVER SAID, “GOODBYE”

(550817 Sgt Stanley Broadhurst)

 

HIS LIFE A BEAUTIFUL MEMORY, HIS ABSENCE A SILENT GRIEF

(Various airmen)

 

BUT THE APPLE PETALS, WHEN THEY FELL, WERE WHITE.

(103534 P/O Anthony Scott-Martin)

 

TO YOU WHO ARE LEFT BEHIND IS A TASK . . . CREATE A NEW ORDER SO ALL MAY LIVE IN PEACE

(R/72335 F/S Reginald Robb)

 

SO IMPATIENT, FULL OF ACTION, FULL OF MANLY PRIDE AND FRIENDSHIP

(934409 Sgt Eric Dixon)

 

FATHER, IN THY GRACIOUS KEEPING LEAVE WE NOW OUR LOVED ONE SLEEPING

(970388 Sgt Albert Moorcroft)

 

A PAGE IN MY BOOK OF MEMORIES IS GENTLY TURNED TODAY. NORMAN JR.

(R/54831 F/S Ernest Jefferies)

 

TEARS IN MY EYES EVER GLISTEN; MY HEART IS ALWAYS SAD FOR THE HUBBY I LOVED – LORNA

(1271552 Sgt Edwin Carter)

 

References to fallen siblings:

HE WAS THE FIRST OF THREE TO FALL

(564122 Sgt John Branton)

 

TO HIS GLORIOUS MEMORY. AT REST WITH HIS THREE BROTHERS. “THY WILL BE DONE”

(40105 F/O Donald Garland)

 

HIS BROTHERS, JOSHUA AGE 29, LOST OVER ITALY 30.1.1944 AND HAROLD AGE 19, KILLED IN GERMANY 7.4.1945

(1520153 AC1 Dennis Smollan)

 

IN MEMORY OF JIMMY AND HIS TWO BROTHERS PETER AND KENNETH. MOTHER, FATHER AND GEOF

(581294 W/O James Nutt)

 

WITH HIS BROTHERS LEONARD AND GORDON, WHO ALSO DIED FOR THEIR COUNTRY

(934086 Sgt Lionel Perry)

 

References to children

It is often thought that the majority of airmen were single but in fact at least 12,000 of the losses on the memorial walls were married and no doubt many had children:

ALSO HIS WIFE LILIAN, CHILDREN BRIAN AND NOVA KILLED BY ENEMY ACTION. THEY LIVE WITH US IN MEMORY STILL

(1446712 AC2 Royal Potter)

 

“RESTING WHERE NO SHADOWS FALL” EVER REMEMBERED BY WIFE AND FOUR LITTLE ONES

(755649 Sgt Thomas Walker)

 

GONE, BUT NEVER TO BE FORGOTTEN BY YOUR LOVING WIFE AND THREE LITTLE SONS

(1894705 Sgt Leslie Gower)

 

ALSO BABY SON THOMAS FRANCIS BORN AFTER HIS FATHER’S DEATH. DIED AGE SEVEN MONTHS. “UNSEEN THEY’RE NEAR ME”

(655460 W/O Thomas Heyes)

 

DEEPLY LOVED AND MISSED BY WIFE LYDIA, AND CHILDREN SHEILA AND MICHAEL

(1896100 Sgt Joseph Plant)

 

EVER REMEMBERED BY WIFE NANCY, CHILDREN ENA, ROBERT, JOAN, MAM, SISTERS & BROTHERS

(1034631 W/O Ralph Howe)

 

GOODBYE, DADDY. MICHAEL AND GEORGINA

(75471 S/L George Alexander)

 

MY DEAREST HUSBAND ERIC. I’LL SEE YOU AGAIN, SUNSHINE. WIFE JEAN, BABY TREVOR

(157916 F/O Eric Bolton)

 

Gentle humour:

NICE GOING MICHAEL! FAMILY AND FRIENDS PROUD. GOOD LUCK NOW MATE

(426507 F/S Louis Baker)

 

A GREAT SURFMAN FROM BYRON BAY, AUSTRALIA’S EASTERLY POINT

(405576 F/S John Dening)

 

A GREAT INNINGS, PAL

(423710 Sgt Jack Frazer)

 

Flight references:

HE DIPPED HIS WING AND FLEW BEYOND THE HORIZON OF OUR SIGHT. A PROUD MEMORY

(741435 Sgt James Ward)

 

HE’S OUTSOARED THE SHADOW OF OUR NIGHT AND LEFT THE VIVID SKIES SIGNED WITH HIS HONOUR

(1604944 Sgt Mervyn Tansley)

 

AS A BOY HE LONGED TO FLY, LATER FLEW, BUT TO DIE FOR HIS COUNTRY. GOD BLESS HIM

(62277 F/L Tristan Salazar)

 

A PATHFINDER. “PEACE”

(1289138 F/S Donald Gooby)

 

ONE OF OUR AIRCRAFT IS MISSING BUT THE CREW IS SAFE

(1338950 Sgt Raymond Bates)

 

Last Letters/messages:

MOTHER, I’VE WEIGHED THE RISKS, WHICH I PREFER TO LIVING IN A WORLD DOMINATED BY NAZIS. BILL.

(553032 Sgt. William McDonald)

 

DON’T WORRY: I AM ALRIGHT

(926082 Sgt Frank Wood)

 

HIS LAST MESSAGE TO ENGLAND “MISSION ACCOMPLISHED” LOVED BY ALL. A GENTLEMAN

(43977 F/O Arthur Mitchell)

 

“NOW I AM DEAD, BUT LIVE, LIVE IN YOUR LIFE AND LOVE” J.F.B.

(1395372 Sgt John Burton)

 

School/ University mottoes:

OF WITHAM, ESSEX “GARDE TA FOY”

Old French: Keep Your Faith – the motto of Magdalene College, Cambridge

(40216 F/O Henry Evitt)

 

PAULATIM ERGO CERTE “SUNSET AND EVENING STAR AND ONE CLEAR CALL FOR ME”

Latin: Slowly therefore surely – the motto of Latymer Upper School, which Joseph attended.

Poem is Crossing the Bar by Alfred, Lord Tennyson, later set to music as a hymn.

Latymer School lost an incredible 26 of its alumni in Bomber Command.

(1281206 Sgt. Joseph Medhurst. According to Latymer, who have produced a marvellous book commemorating their fallen, he was known to his friends as “Mouse”).

 

BELOVED SON OF J. & M. TOWNS OF WHISSENDINE, RUTLAND, ENGLAND “QUASI CURSORES”

Latin – LIKE RUNNERS – the motto of Oakham School, Rutland

(1182661 Sgt George Towns)

 

“RATHER DEATHE THAN FALSE OF FAYTHE”

Motto of Battersea Grammar School

(1253462 Sgt William Holmes)

 

QUANT JE PUIS STONYHURST

French: As much as I can – Stonyhurst School Motto

(952897 Sgt Henry Halliwell)

 

Brief but speaks volumes:

I AM A JEW

(1158295 Sgt. Israel Jacobovitch)

 

Mysterious:

HOME, SULPHUR SPRINGS TEXAS, U.S.A. UNKNOWN BY HIS COUNTRY, YET WHO GAVE MORE?

Probably a reference to the fact that he was forced to enlist in Canada while his own native USA was neutral.

(J/15855 P/O William Tyler RCAF)

 

DESSINATEUR, PAYSAGISTE ET LINEAIRE (French: DESIGNER, LANDSCAPER AND UNSWERVING)

(J/88344 P/O Joseph Huot RCAF)

To look up those lost in Bomber Command click here

For other stories and news items please see our Blog Space here

During my one-week work placement at the International Bomber Command Centre in Lincolnshire I was involved in various projects and activities.

Work Placement Day One

On the first day of volunteering at I took a tour of the centre’s exhibits and displays to familiarise myself with the core values and principles of the centre. They acknowledge the efforts, sacrifices and commitment of the men and women, from sixty-two different nations, who came together in Bomber Command during WWII. I was then invited to view the centre’s collection, select a number objects that peaked my interest and create posts to showcase the objects on social media. This was an interesting task to be involved in because I was given access to a variety of items that told the often-sobering stories of ordinary people who served with Bomber Command that I wouldn’t have otherwise had access to. For example, some of the log books I was examining came to an abrupt end with the words ‘missing in action’ printed in red. This hands-on experience also helped me to gain an appreciation for the real lives behind these stories which can often be hard to connect with by just simply looking at objects or trying to imagine what something was like.

Day Two

I helped in the Collections room, here I scanned family memorabilia relating to Bomber Command sent in by the public for preservation in the IBCC Digital archive. This task gave me insight into personal family stories, details of bombing missions, the many different roles performed by aircrew and the extreme danger they were exposed to. Furthermore, it was sobering to view aircrew engaging in activities such as ice skating during their down time in Canada – serving with Bomber Command gave many the opportunity to travel abroad which they may otherwise have never done. Scanning old photographs gave me insight into archiving techniques.

Day Three

I helped prepare for a Dutch school visit in March. This visit is of special importance as it marks the 75^th anniversary of Operation Manna. For many who took part in Operation Manna, it was their last operation of the war. The Germans blockade had stopped food getting into western Netherlands and as a result many thousands had starved to death during the ‘Hongerwinter’. In response the RAF filled their four engine heavy bombers with food, not bombs, to drop on the Netherlands. We were working on a walking tour of Lincoln for the school. This experience opened my eyes to this incredible operation.

Day Four

On my final day, I undertook a trial run of the tour route, a crucial part of trail development. We discovered an Operation Manna memorial outside of Lincoln bus station featuring a wooden Lancaster surrounded by plant pots of tulips, it is missing a plaque but will be a welcome addition to the tour. At the centre I helped present collection items to a masters student who was researching the representation of aircrews. This was interesting as I was able to handle clothing and equipment worn bomber crews, again helping to tell their story. Later, I returned to the Collections room, my time there was  cut short due to technical issues with the scanner. This gave me more time working on the walking tour, we eliminated unnecessary information and highlighted other parts that need more research.

Doing a work placement at the IBCC was an extremely valuable experience, it gave me an insight into potential career paths within the heritage sector which directly apply to the history degree I am currently studying. I realised how important it is to maintain the memory of all of those who suffered and served with Bomber Command for education.

Daniel Wright

University of Lincoln

Are you interested in becoming an IBCC volunteer? Click here for more information.

Daniel had a first hand insight into the treasure we keep in our collections. Our Digital Archive allows you to view these no matter where you are in the world and is available here

How Volunteering Saved My Life…

Volunteering saved my life. It all started on 24^th August 2014, two Avro Lancasters and my natural curiosity led me to Google, and to learn that the Lincolnshire Bomber Command Centre was asking for volunteers.  My love of history and having grown up with stories from grandparents, how could I resist?

My first foray was to research the losses database, from which I discovered a renewed passion for World War 2 history and the people who had served. Both my grandfathers served, though neither in the RAF.  So, I actually blame Richard Todd and the Dam Busters movie for that.

Fascinated by history and learning that Bomber Command had been ignored and vilified after the war made me angry. I believe that anyone who serves their country is due respect. If volunteering at the IBCC could help right the wrong, then I was going to do it.

Once I had done the losses database the foundation for the centre, I began spreading my wings. One of these was interviewing veterans for the archives. What a pleasure and honour that was. Many-a-happy afternoon chatting with a veteran who didn’t believe that had anything to say. That their story was not of interest. Only to find a few hours later and they had told their entire life story.  Often having told stories and escapades that even their own family didn’t know about.

It was, and is, a lovely feeling knowing that I am helping to build a memorial and archive that can serve their memories for now and for future generations. What better way to learn history than to hear it from the people who were actually there? They are the ultimate storytellers of events that soon will become faded to many people. Too many generations between today and then.

I found the more I volunteered, in whatever capacity, the more addicted I got. The more I needed to know and learn. When I first began, I knew very little, now my nickname is ‘The Oracle’. I spend my days answering questions or solving genealogy puzzles.

Not only did I volunteer for the archives, but I needed my fix more often, and so began helping at events and functions. I was travelling a round-trip of 320 miles about every two months to be able to assist where possible, and when the opening came, I was here for a whole week. But with the opening came the knowledge that my volunteering days would be coming to an end. 

I was bereft and lost. I was still on contact with people at the archives and centre, but something was missing. So, on a whim, I ‘jokingly’ asked “Give us a job”. Two days later, they asked if I was serious, as it obviously meant moving to Lincolnshire from Essex. Nine weeks later, I had left my old job, moved to Lincolnshire and begun a job I could only dream about.

Now my days are spent front-of-house, meeting and talking to visitors and family to the centre. It is an utter pleasure and joy to be able to follow my dream through. It still feels like a dream. I have met wonderful people, heard amazing stories and had opportunities that I could never done before.

The volunteers I have worked with, and who are a massive part of the centre are amazing. They are a family who love the same things as I do. They are informative, friendly, supportive and fun. Life is pretty good now, and all because of Richard Todd and the two Lancaster’s.

Start your romance with the people who suffered and served with Bomber Command and listen to their extraordinary experiences here, on our Digital Archive

Want to find out about becoming a volunteer?  Click here

The Reluctant Researcher

Roughly 21 years ago in a previous life I was working as a mobile Surgical Chiropodist, most of that work involved seeing people over 75 on a regular basis. Several clients rapidly became friends as it’s hard not to sit for an hour in someone’s house and not hear part of their life stories. More often than not WW2 popped up in conversation, this was not a subject we’d covered more than briefly in school and not coming from a family with any military background or history it was an area I knew little if nothing about.

My main hobby at that time was amateur archaeology, and our local area did seem to have quite a lot of both known and unknown Roman activity, and I’d been involved in several local projects exploring and recording Roman sites. So, when one of my regular farmer clients announced he had boxes of fragments of Roman Pottery he’d picked up over a period of 50 years in his barn, and would I like to look at it, I couldn’t wait to get out there to have a look!

True to his word there were several large boxes of different size shards of amazing pottery, I was in my element, but he was more interested in a piece of metal on top of one of the boxes, it looked like a bit of old tractor to me!!!

He kept coming back to this piece of metal and in the end distracted my attention away from the pottery with a request, the village he lived in wanted to do a Millennium exhibition in the Church to mark historic events and he felt this piece of metal was important to the history and could I research it for him.

All he knew about it was it was part of wreckage from a WW2 accident on one of his fields. He had no idea of the date, just that it was winter, dark and very cold, he thinks there were 6/7 men killed as he’d had the terrible job of assisting the recovery team and he thought it was a Wellington.

With so little information to go on my only option was to read Chorley’s Bomber Command Loss books page by page….all of them….twice….as my first reading showed no Wellington’s lost there, and as Newark Air Museum found for me, the piece of wreckage was from a Lancaster. I can’t describe the emotions I experienced reading through those books, page after page of lists of names, I was shocked at my total ignorance of this event and humbled by some of the stories.

Along with a couple of others we did unpick the full story of Lancaster W4270 QR-T, although it took 11 years to find relatives for all the crew, we built a Memorial, and recorded a short film to tell their story, and I remember saying in the voice over how we wished all could be commemorated in such a similar way.

From that day on barely a day goes by when I don’t find/get a request for help, sadly the most common request is for photos and as my fellow researchers will know they are often the most difficult to find, I always hope that we can trace other crew members relatives who may just have one. So, from really not being at all interested in Bomber Command research it is now very much part of my daily life, still with probably only a 50% success rate, but hundreds if not thousands researched, but like many other similar researchers I now
know some of the first places to look!

This is why to me the IBCC is so important, the walls and Memorial are wonderful, a fitting tribute, but to me the importance is it has created a fantastic free to use and easily accessible research resource where families can send copies of any crew photos/documents, any research we do now as time move on needs recording if future generations are to be able to access and learn from it.

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As a volunteer Tour Guide at the International Bomber Command Centre I am very aware of the need for fund raising for the centre.  Therefore on April 23^rd 2020 I intend to replicate the Land’s End to John O’ Groats cycle ride I undertook 47 years ago to the day.

As you can imagine there are now new challenges attached to it – age is one, I’m not getting any younger and the fact that the majority of today’s A class roads, if not all, are now too dangerous to utilise.

What hasn’t changed, except for running repairs because parts are difficult to obtain, is the bike.  I will be using the same Claud Butler that has transported me thousands of miles over the last 50 years. It normally doesn’t come out if it’s raining now!

To give you a little background to how all this came about I have to go back to 1972. I owned a rather tired looking B.S.A. pushbike whilst stationed at RAF Thorney Island on the Hampshire coast. As my RAF mates kept reminding me at the time that the initials stood for Bits Stuck Anywhere I thought I would upgrade.

So I gave it away and bought a second hand Claud Butler for £14 and stripped it down and rebuilt it in the confines of my barrack block bed space at the base. Problems occurred every time there was a C.O.’s room inspection as I had to hide various parts in wardrobes and lockers.  I had previous history in this department as 12 months prior I had done exactly the same restoring a tandem – now that was difficult to camouflage.

Once the bike was complete word soon spread of my desire to do an End to End as a solo challenge. But you can’t do anything quietly on a RAF camp and within days I had a riding companion and a 2 man crew towing the Station Commander’s caravan.

The trip was made official and completed in six and a half days and a cheque was presented to the Sunshine Home for the Blind in East Grinstead.

Winding the clock forward now to October 2019 and a thought kept surfacing as to whether it could be done again as it approached the 50^th anniversary. Mentioning it to my son brought the response ‘Well if you are going to do it, do it before it’s too late.’ Never has he said a truer word as three years ago I underwent a major 5 hour operation for prostate cancer – but that’s another story.

So on Wednesday 23^rd April 2020 the pushbike will be wheeled out – it had better not be raining!- and using country lanes , B class roads and GPS we will see together whether we can add another thousand miles to the clock.

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The Squadron Apple

Raised by Doug Campion and planted at Easton Walled Gardens, Lincolnshire.

In 2002, right at the beginning of the restoration of Easton Walled Gardens, the phone rang.  It was Doug Campion, a neighbour from Colsterworth and a keen amateur tree grower asking if I would like any trees. Of course, I said Yes. Despite being in his 90s, he helped me plant an oak and a walnut. Then, one day, Doug arrived with a small apple tree he had grown from a pip. We planted it together and waited.

The first fruits soon came and much to our surprise they were good. Large, firm, yellow-green apples festooned the tree in October and November. It looked like this new variety was a keeper. Each year, the tree continued to grow and produce fine, healthy crops.

What should we call it? Doug was proud to have been a RAF engineer and my grandfather had been in 12 Squadron during WW2 and flown Lancasters and Wellingtons from sites across Lincolnshire. After two years of flying missions, his flight navigator recorded in his log book: ‘Pilots’ 21^st birthday.’  He met my grandmother while she was serving in the WAAF and they were married for over 50 years.

Meanwhile in Lincoln, Tony Worth was coordinating an international drive to commemorate those in Bomber Command who had fallen. At an inaugural fundraising event surrounded by a Lancaster, veterans and young airmen and women, it seemed obvious to me that we should honour those who had risked and given so much. After some discussion, we called it ‘The Squadron Apple.’

But we only had one tree. Apple varieties have to be cloned to keep them true which means taking a small piece of wood (‘the scion’) from the parent tree and grafting it on to a new rootstock. The first year produced rather scrappy results (none of the gardening team at Easton had ever tried to propagate trees like this before) but in 2018 we made some good clean unions and began to keep a small stock of these trees for RAF commemorations.  The newly finished International Bomber Command Centre found out about our offer and on 30 January 2020 we delivered three trees to site manager, Roger Williams. The trees will be planted in the grounds in the next few weeks. Eventually they hope to make crumbles for visitors to the restaurant using their own apples.

To find out more about the Easton Walled Gardens visiteaston.co.uk