Article

2012-06-17 Britain

BBC buries footage of new RAF Bomber Command memorial

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Posted by 2012-06-17 09:29|| || Front Page|| [2 views ] Top

#1 I salute you, every man and woman, every pilot, every crew member and mechanic. ALL!

The crews of Bomber Command fought night after night under heavy fire and extreme conditions with grievous losses. For example, of any 100 airmen who flew, 55 were killed on operations or died as result of wounds: three were injured on operations or active service: 12 were taken prisoner of war: two were shot down and evaded capture, while 27 survived a tour of operations (approx. 30). Approximately 4,000 Australians died in Bomber Command in the Second World War. 10,000 Canadians, 1,700 New Zealanders and nearly 1,000 Poles also made the supreme sacrifice. Many other nationalities such as Americans (Hundreds of whom served in RAF Bomber Command), French, Belgians, Czechs and South Africans also died in the service of Bomber Command. It is also often forgotten that around 1,500 ground crew and over 90 WAAFs were also killed.

Over 55,000 Bomber Command aircrew were killed.

At long last a memorial to these crews has been built and is due to be opened by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on 28th June 2012

Posted by Besoeker 2012-06-17 11:52|| 2012-06-17 11:52|| Front Page Top

#2 Amen, Besoeker. And here's to their fighter escorts, as well.

Posted by Odysseus 2012-06-17 15:32|| 2012-06-17 15:32|| Front Page Top

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