Day 7 Hendon Museum

Eddie in front of a Messerscmitt similar to the ones he
would eyeball to shoot down as a rear gunner.

Q & A's by 8 year olds and the Veterans

The day's agenda was a trip to the airforce museum at Hendon. A substantial complex of large buildings containing all manner of aircraft including Lancasters, Liberators, Hallifaxes and a walk through Sunderland.

The chaps had a relaxed time wandering through the displays of engines where Walter could explain at length the various idiosyncrasies of each engine type and each recognized aircraft bought a memory or reflection.

Bomber Command UK Vets & Signed Lancaster Print

Perhaps a highlight for the Vets was an impromptu question and answer session they had with a group of 8 year old school children from Aldwickbury school from Hertfordshire.

The kids asked many curious questions which the men enjoyed answering. The kids and their teachers were very appreciative of the willingness of the men to give them their time and experiences.

A poignant moment came after lunch when we watched an audio-visual presentation of the start of the war and the lead up to, and action of the Battle of Britain. 

This was quite disturbing for the men and a school group was also present at the screening.

Jonathan and Eddie spoke to the kids at the end and explained it was their responsibility to see that it never happened again.

At 2 o'clock we met up with a group of BC veterans for a cup of tea and general chat about their experiences. 

They presented everyone with a tie and the men signed a Lancaster print. 

One of these chaps managed to sign up when he was just 16 and was a rear gunner when he was 17!

This chap, Harry Irons flew over 50 missions and on one occasion was flying with a German/Jew pilot who had to return and bomb his old home town. 

Overall, the day was very informative particularly for the rest of the tour group and rewarding for the Veterans who were able to share their experiences with both fellow vets who knew of what they went through, but also the important role of educating the future generations of the horrors of wars. An emotionally draining day.

Keith Park Memorial

Thoughts from Jonathan Pote Tour Leader:
Apparently we were supposed to be met by a museum guide, but by the time she turned up we had dispersed into the museum.  In the Bomber Hall I was by the Lancaster (R5868) and so was a class of eight year olds.   They were being asked questions by their teacher and filling in their work sheets. I offered a couple of comments, then thought I knew a better authority or two.   Quickly I rounded up Des, Doug, Eddie and Harry (Wally had vanished - he has become the most active  - and very knowledgable - person) as she rounded up all her class and we had a most wonderful Q & A session.   Murray was able to get the seated childen in the foregound, the veterans standing beyond and the Lancaster towering over them all.   The image of the tour for sure. Both kids and the lads were great with their questions and answers, but I had to call a halt eventually.   Janet took an email  address so we can send photos.
 
The museum is fantastic, we headed over to the 'Wings' cafe by the Battle of Britain hall for lunch and with a bit of prior work we got seats for the hourly film. Before that Eddie came face to face with an Me 110. I had briefed him beforehand and went with him. Many years ago he sat in his Stirling rear turret at night as one crept up on them. At point blank range (less than one hundred yards) they both opened fie.   Eddie was not hit, the Me 110 was shot down.   And two days ago Gill asked him on camera "were you scared?"    I think his answer was deleted.   He was visibly shaken by the sight, but kept his composure.
 
The film of the Battle of Britain was screened over the very aircaft that had fought it, Hurricae P2617 that fought in France and over Kent, Spitfire X4590 (?), an Me 109 shot down by 66 Squadron over Kent plus examples of most of the other types. Again we had thirty eight year olds from a different class and afterwards I told them who they were with. More Q & A, wonderful to be present at.
 
At 2 PM we went to the Boardroom and sat around a table with five from the UK BCA. Again, an honour to be present. I was also prevailed upon to sign a print of the Augsburg raid (seven out of twelve Lancasters lost, a VC won. I felt very awkward putting mine amongst some very famous names.  I noted all the UKBCA chaps answers so will append their stories when I can. One was a gunner from 9 Squadron, so I took his photograph.   He was delighted Chris would join IX(B), who celebrate their centenerary in two years time.  Doug Radcliffe gave me thirty ties from the dedication ceremony 'issue' for the NZBCA, as well as one to each of us, a very nice gesture.