Testimony and Truth
Memory and memorialisation. Exploring the evidence behind the account.
57 Squadron Wireless Operator Keith J ‘Steve’ Stevens’ name appears on a tour and a half’s worth of operations with Bomber Command. Steve took part in his first operation whilst at OTU in September 1942. Arriving at Scampton he resumes his tour in December which culminates in June of 1943. He would stay with 57 moving to East Kirkby and becoming the Squadron’s Signals Leader. Now commissioned Steve continued to fly on an ‘ad-hoc’ basis with various crews, finding himself shot down in July of 1944. Steve successfully evaded capture and was liberated by American forces advancing through Clermont in September.
Steve recorded his memories in a 2003 self-published account titled Flak, Fighters and Fliers. Armed with this book and various archives his nephew, Alistair, has trodden the well worn but often problematic path of memory versus the evidence.
Here in discussion with Dr Dan Ellin of the IBCC Digital Archive, Alistair explores how we are able to be critically analytical about testimony and explore the evidence whilst remaining respectful of the courage and professionalism of our veterans.
The evening starts with a delicious hot supper in The Hub Café at 18.30.
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The speakers:
Dr Dan Ellin is the archivist for the International Bomber Command Centre Digital Archive housed at the University of Lincoln. A Social and Cultural historian, Dan’s research examines the lives and emotions of the men and women who served with Bomber Command during the Second World War, and how the bombing war is remembered.
Alistair Campbell-Grieve is a keen amateur historian of conflict. Alistair has a background in intelligence, his day job is focused on evidence and developing information. It is this skill that Alistair has brought to his current book project focusing on his Great Uncle’s career.
Alistair served with 2 Royal Tank Regiment in Helmand Province, Afghanistan and enjoys cycling, collecting records and rare books.