I knew an old lady who was incarcerated in a German death camp, when she heard Lancs going over at night it gave them hope.

@goratgo1970

2 ай бұрын

Bet she could still remember or hear that sound.

Respect to him and each and every one of them who went through ww2

@willmitchell255

2 ай бұрын

Thank you for your service sir

These voices and memories should never be lost

My Uncle Bernard (DFC) flew Lancasters with 50/61 sqdrn. He had some hairy times. One time he was shot up on the way back and had an engine fire. He dived is a/c as he was told which just made it worse so he dumped his crew out over Lincolnshire and landed it on his own at Coningsby where the ground crew put out the fire. They were still bollocking him about it 50 years later as they had to tramp across ploughed fields with their chutes and missed a cooked breakfast back at base!! I met them, amazing men, all sadly gone now.

@nfcpro

2 ай бұрын

wow... really interesting, many thanks!

@neilpemberton5523

2 ай бұрын

The whole idea of diving to literally blow out an engine fire just seems crazy. I'm sure his crew gave him heaps about ordering them to bail out as a disguised "thanks skipper" for getting them safely back to England.

@larryjenkinson4789

Ай бұрын

My dad was a rear gunner with 61 Squadron at RAF Skellingthorpe and 83 Squadron at Coningsby

What an absolutely Amazing Man. There are no words. 💔❤️‍🩹🫡

This is a truly underrated channel. This stuff is precious.

@jameslever3497

2 ай бұрын

Priceless

@jamesross1799

2 ай бұрын

It certainly is.

My father did this Lancaster bomber stuff…….survived all the missions and never spoke about it….. I wish I’d asked him about it a lot more often ( a heck of a lot more often , too late now , sad )

@namcat53

2 ай бұрын

Most vets will never talk with anyone but fellow vets; the only ones who can really understand. My Dad never told us what he'd seen....too horrible. He did tell me war is very bad.

@jfryer485

2 ай бұрын

@@namcat53My uncle was a navigator and goodness knows how he survived but he did. Again apart from knowing his job that was all we ever knew. He got enough money to start his own printing business after the war. He was always smiling and cheerful and cool bloke and I wonder if this was due to his time under attack and possible death or capture.

From one veteran to another I salute you Sir. God bless you and the best of health.

So glad you’re interviewing Australian/New Zealand vets! Great work Rishi.

Nice to hear a New Zealander being interviewed, a significant proportion of RAF aircrew were Kiwis. He must have served fairly late in the war to have been mostly flying by day against German fuel installations in a Lancaster.

@mikehunt8823

2 ай бұрын

There were 2 kiwis who got Victoria crosses for walking out onto their bombers wings to put out engine fires, at night , over Germany and under enemy fire! Balls of steel.

@importantjohn

2 ай бұрын

He doesn't sound like he is from NZ. Sounds very English

@garyhillman4993

2 ай бұрын

Wow unimaginable ! 🪖✈️

@Hughenn

2 ай бұрын

@@importantjohnthat’s definitely not an English accent.

@stevemorris3710

2 ай бұрын

@@importantjohn He is from New Zealand.

Got to see the British Lanc and the Canadian Lanc flying with 3 Spits and a Hurricane about 8 years ago, 12 Merlins in close formation, wonderful sight and sound. Total respect for this guy.

Thank you for covering Bomber Command - it's a controversial subject. My grandfather was a Lanc navigator himself but told me he was glad he never saw combat because it was a flip of the coin any time they went out on a flight. Thank you sir for your service, the RAF is the best in the world 🫡

Nice to here the old style Kiwi accent. Our speech has changed since those days.

God bless U Mate ! A great generation of Amazing men ! We have much to be proud of ? Love & best Wishes from🇦🇺 Downunder Australia !🙏❤️☘️🙏

What a fascinating gentleman. It's vitally important to record ,living history like this.

What a magnificent man. The trauma, fatigue, loss and toughness of the men of Bomber Command is underestimated. The losses were greater than fifty percent. I cannot imagine the challenges of flying whilst watching your mates fall out of the sky. Thank you.

A wonderful chap happy to share his events and challenges. Not many people left so it’s important to get the stories on film so future forces and family can see wh😢they saw.

A modest, compassionate Hero.

Lancaster Had no co pilots I believe. So you can imagine the unbelievable stress they were under. Fly all the way to the target and return. Mostly at night and in bad weather too. They didn’t have GPS back then. You had to follow a line drawn on the map and guess wind direction from charts and magnetic deviation to obtain a “true course “. Bravery !!!!

@robertstallard7836

2 ай бұрын

They had "George", the autopilot, and the Flight Engineer could fly the aircraft in a basic manner to allow the pilot to go and have a whazz or whatever. Navigation wasn't as straightforward as it is now and, yes, they did rely largely on the Navigator and his slide rule, but they had GEE, a radio-navigation system with accuracy on the order of a few hundred metres at ranges up to about 350 miles (560 km). From 1943, H2S, a basic in-aircraft radar setup was available that helped ascertain major features of the target area (the course of rivers etc).

@shaunmcclory8117

2 ай бұрын

The stamina and concentration required for hour after hour always amazes me, in particular on the dams raid when they flew all the way there and back at an incredibly low level when a lapse in concentration would've meant death of all on board in seconds, these men were brave beyond belief

@Jimimac73

2 ай бұрын

​@@robertstallard7836dead reckoning

@IntrospectorGeneral

2 ай бұрын

There was a folding seat next to the pilot's position which was typically occupied by the flight engineer to assist during take offs and landings. The Lancaster flight manual referred to this as the 'Second Pilot's Seat'. A second control yoke was fitted to a few Lancasters post-war in aircraft used for maritime patrol and mapping. I believe that the Lancasters of the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight and the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum have the duplicate yoke. The Avro Manchester, about 200 of which were rebuilt as Lancasters, had dual controls although this requirement was apparently deleted while the Manchester was still in production.

@richardmarshall4322

2 ай бұрын

Only the Stirling had duel controls. All the others, Whitley Wellington, Manchester, Halifax and Lancaster were one pilot. The position of Flight Engineer introduced when the four engined types were introduced often had basic piloting skills.

We need to treasure veterans like Ken. All the best, sir.

Amazing story. Bless this man

This needs to be kept safe! A truly remarkable hero.

Truly special. My neighbour operated in Lancasters. 9hrs to Germany and back. At one stage the life expectancy of these guys was around two weeks. Being an infantry combat veteran myself, he told me some crazy shit stories. Nice that Ken remembered the tiffies, they work bloody hard to keep the men fighting. Rip Len Morley. Huge respect.

What an amazing old boy. Heroic. God bless him.

From the bottom of our hearts we thank you

Thank you friend.

My mum built Lancaster Bombers at Avro Yeadon in the war. She would rivet the outer skins onto the fuselage. Her mate Nellie was on the inside of the plane holding a ‘dolly’ against the skin. If the rivet went in wrong, she would knock it back out with a hammer. They worked high up on scaffolding, no health and safety. Mum said it was the best job she ever had and the money was very good. The flat roof of the factory was painted green to look like fields and they had paper mache cows that they moved around periodically to fool enemy aircraft.

@larryjenkinson4789

Ай бұрын

According to the 61 squadron ORB's at least one of the Lancs my dad flew in on ops was made at Yeadon.

My dad was an Irish volunteer, he was a tail gunner in Lancs from 43 onwards. Flew for the RCAF and RAF. I find it extraordinary how these men can talk about such horror in such a seemingly casual way. Those men were made of something special back in the day.

We don’t really know how brave these chaps were. We wouldn’t be here now be it not for these guys Real heroes!

Wonderful man is Ken . Humble , honest , noble typical of the sturdiness of his courageous peers who served King and country and to which we owe so much . Lest we forget .

This man sounds like a new Zealander alot flew with bomber command even flew that bomber in the dam buster bouncing bombs Respect New Zealand armed forces ww2 1939 to 1945

Bravo, sir. I’m glad you survived the war, and got to live on afterward.

My dad was was a gunner and just like that gentleman was extremely modest about it. In fact everyone I've met who was in bomber command tended to down play it. Given the dreadful loses that bomber command suffered I have total admiration for these brave men who were of course little more than boys at the time, not that you would ever here them describe themselves as brave, if they said anything it was usually " well we had a job to do so we did it" I'm sure it was the same the the American aircrews as well. Words like hero and brave are thrown around far too easily these days, often to describe footballers and the like for doing something they are paid millions for at no risk to themselves. Its nice that channels such as this one still highlight people like this fascinating man who really are heros and have displayed true bravery.

Amazing. My grandfather has similar experience. Thank you for your service.

Wonderful man reminds me of my father

Incredible generation! Modest, unassuming, and radiating integrity.

Absolutely fascinating.... he really does take you back.

I salute you sir ,a true hero . Regards Dave from Scotland Ex RAF

We owe so much.

What a legend, the greatest generation for sure!

Tanks you, for wat you did for my country.

Hero. Thanks for documenting these men. Especially British veterans who unlike their allies don't talk about it as much.

@RememberWW2

2 ай бұрын

This is a New Zealand veteran Thanks and GOD BLESS THE WWII VETERANS

@Hew.Jarsol

2 ай бұрын

@@RememberWW2 Yes Commonwealth etc love it.

Absolutely wonderful! What a hero. Thank you for your tremendous channel!! ❤️

Wing Commander Ken Rees was a very close family friend. Only when I read his remarkable book "Lie in the dark and listen" Shot down near the end of the third tour, he was next out of the tunnel in The Great Escape, thus surviving being murdered along with the fifty who were caught. Brave young men indeed.

Wonder how long ago this interview was. If this wonderful gentleman was flying circa 1940 or 41, at, say, age twenty, he'd be approximately 102 in 2024. A privilege to watch this.

@bonza167

2 ай бұрын

I know of someone close to our family who turned 100 last year, Australian who served in Lancs and other planes as a radio operator in Britain. survived 30 missions over Europe, but only just, and until recently was quite able and still driving his car until a fall in the back yard disabled him

@TheHorsebox2

2 ай бұрын

@@bonza167 Wow, that's a much lived gentleman. You are indeed privileged to know him. Thanks for sharing.

@goratgo1970

2 ай бұрын

Bud Anderson US P-51 pilot triple ace is still with us either 102 or 103 now.

@TheHorsebox2

2 ай бұрын

@@goratgo1970 Another great man. Thanks for the info.

Nothing but admiration for these special men ..my father was in the RAF as a navigator these men were real Gentleman.we don't have such honourable men like that anymore...God love them..

To see a man thrown back into hell, that's what this is. Wonderful that he survived and is still with us for this video. Thank you very much Rishi for producing this.

Humble brave courageous man.Thank you.

Bless this man for thinking and caring that his mission over Koln might have damaged the cathedral. However, those who sent him were more likely hoping for it's destruction

Brilliant interview and what great stories, thank you.

My grandads brother was lost attacking Dortmund. He was the bomb aimer of a 186sqn lanc. They (the crew) FTR 3/4 2 45.

Brave men all of them unlike the whining lot of youngsters of today

Precious memories so good to be recorded - funny remarks about Denmark

My grandfather was ground crew 150sq.

People like this are our national treasures

Great respect

I love listening to our old heroes,god bless them xx

I think many of us can relate to your experiences. Nature has a healing effect. I started to hug trees much to the amusement of my wife!

Brilliant

Just subscribed 👍 first time I’ve viewed your work , it’s excellent 👌 thanks 🙏 for sharing

My gosh how brave

Good on you Mate 👍

New Zealanders and Australians, first class servicemen and first class men, resourceful and practical, that’s what I have learned from the reading I have I done. We were very lucky to have them as allies and friends.

I did a DNA test and discovered my unknown Grandfather was FL Lt Greenaway a Spit pilot with the 91 at Manston, he escorted the Lancs over Germany from Jan1945, he may have escort Ken but I only have a small copied section of Log Book I'm still searching for the full book. I was able to finally tell my Dad (aged 79) who his dad was and show him a photo. You can't believe these guys did these things.

Bless him!

Incredibly humble words of wisdom from one the many flying kiwis 👌👌

A very proud man. My Father was a Half-Track driver who ended up in Hamburg from Arromanches . :o)

Great guy.

What a great guy, very brave

Respect

Lancasters didn't have "Captains". There was only one pilot, no copilot. The pilot was "Flying Officer" or in the case of a Sergeant, "Flight Sergeant". The RAF were not fussy about nco's being pilots. With only few weeks training they were expected be be operational. Whereas US pilots were always officers. They took six months to get their wings.

A good family man ❤

Thank you team for bringing this story to us, it's good to see an Australian featured. Thank you for your Service Sir!

@Chooky88

2 ай бұрын

Sorry is he a Kiwi?

@alistairmunro4670

2 ай бұрын

Definitely a kiwi judging by his accent.

@garyhillman4993

2 ай бұрын

Kiwi actually

Brave men

God bless Sir

God bless you all.

My Gramps flew with 467sqn as a air gunner. 35 ops. Then with 100sqn. 12 ops. John Henry (Harry) Rayns. One lucky ‘b’ to have survived 47 ops. I have his log book.

Wow, to listen to a survivor of 38 sorties is amazing. He has seen countless deaths of fellow airmem that clearly still haunts him, yet remained steadfast. Definitely a damn stronger time of men and will.

New Zeelander!

Wonderful interview. Show photos from the past. How old is he? Discuss background.

@garyhillman4993

2 ай бұрын

He must be over 100 surely ?

as far as I heard, there was not one word about the victims on the ground, the many women and children who suffered a cruel death or trauma from the bombings. Beside this, I understand that the soldiers, pilots etc. had no choice and went through the same hell.

Least we forget, so sad that todays streets of the UK are just as dangerous if not worse.

What an absolute legend this guy and all his pals are. Godbless them all.

Living Legend! 👍🇦🇺

I met a guy in north London in a garage he was 18 flight Sargent on Lancasters and the story s were similar to this man he did 75 missions over Germany saw his entire squadron explode all around him the fear he said filled the plane they new there number was up the feeling told you he asked the crew what they thought and all replied this is it not going home they were being hit shrapnel going through the cockpit landing on his may west flight jaket burning the wool leather one end of the cockpit aver the engineers head he said he told the bombamer drop bombs just drop em . He told me you could feel the life return in the plane like air coming in to your lungs strang feeling but he knew the crew knew they were going to live . He was the only plane to return and was never reprimanded for not reaching the target . What men

So matter of fact Courageous Commendable Exemplary

What a bloke' Plums of pure unadulterated granite least we forget least we forget🇬🇧😐

Aerial photos showed Cologne flattened but the cathedral still standing.

The greatest generation 🍻

🇺🇲"God Bless Our Veterans and Active Warrior's!!!"🇺🇲 🫡

They didn`t take of not because they had no fuel, but because they didn`t get an order to take of. It wouldn`t had make a big difference anyway because they only had around 75 fighters in the Dresden area.

probably barely twenty at the time. . .imagine that. . .today

My fathers sister my aunty Betty flew spitfires and Lancaster's with the ATA

❤

When was this Interview made?.

When was this recorded ? Because he would be about 107 years old if it was recorded this year.

How did you find this veteran?

Essen is a pretty dangerous gig 😞🤦‍♂️

They were the bravest of the brave. They went through hell on every mission. Can you imagine the young ones of today doing that? nope.

I have never heard of a ‘mid under gunner’ in Lancs, does anyone have a link to a pic? I can’t find a thing on Google.

@FrankyForster-du8rk

Ай бұрын

There was port holes in Lancaster,s before and after, the Bomb Bay ,in the Belly ,they could be opened and 1 Browing Machine Gun ,could shoot at anything underneath a Lanc ,,The Luftwaffe Night fighter pilots new The under side of a Lancaster was its weakness ,The navigator Normally was the Crew Member who Shot the Single Belly Gun ,or the Co Pilot

@bfhfhfhdj

Ай бұрын

@@FrankyForster-du8rk thanks, never knew that, never got a chance to ask my dad before he passed. But he did have some good (I use the word carefully) stories about his missions.