Open Personal Announcement for all.
It has taken some time, but I would like to announce the passing of my father who introduced me to this hobby some 50 years ago.
This is why I have not been active on the forums for a few weeks.
Dad was 94 and passed away quietly and peacefully in hospital with an infection caused by Lymphodemia.
While unable to serve during WWII because as an aprentice builder and therefore a reserved occupation (he did try but was refused) He joined the RAF Air Cadets and spent weekends on Bomber stations in Yorkshire and Lincolnshire helping to repair and maintain Lancasters. His memories were vivid and he recalls having free flights in Lancasters who were having air tests after repairs and being able to sit in the various crew positions.
The aircraft that came back with casualties were the ones that the air cadets were not allowed near and quite often he remembers that there were canvas sheets over rear turrets of a few Lancasters and on one occasion saw that the remains of the rear gunner being removed with the use of a high pressure hose before the turret was then removed and later he helped put a new one on and patched holes in the skin.
He does leave a huge hole in my life, but he stays with me in my heart.
James.