[aap1966]

Looking after an 86 y.o. tonight who flew in Bomber Command over Europe. Lancasters. Interesting chat.

Volunteered on his birthday.

Got shot in the head over Germany which put him out of action for a few weeks then back to flying. Still gets migraines. His captain had wanted to land in liberated France, he said that if he was going to die, it would be at home.

Coming back over the Channel on 1 engine, losing altitude and frantically trying to get at least 1 other re-started. I got the impression this was not an isolated incident.

Watching the Spitfires trying to fight off the Messerschmidts trying to get to the bombers.

Watching a lot of mates not come back.

Best trips were his last 4, dropping food to starving Dutch from 500 feet.

His crew survived the war, only he and the rear gunner (Canadian) are still alive, and still in regular contact. Full of praise for his other crew members. Still gets the dreams. Modest, unassuming guy. Employed a German immigrant in his business after the War. Bears no grudges.

I told him I was proud to shake his hand.