@@mikebull1972 Yes there was a film about aircraft on the tv channel Yesterday last night and it was Laurence Olivier talking. Soon as i heard his voice i thought of this film of my Dad and showed it to my friend. He was "made up" - i made his day. Loved it. First thing he said was, Lets go to Easingwold and find the pub! Thanks for replying
@@concise707 thanks for this. It wasnt until i saw your email come up that i was able to see the Watchtower because it came up on the side links. Never seen it before and it was wonderful to see my Dad and he looked so tall and handsome as i remember him; what a great film. So glad to know that you knew him. Many happy memories. I remember walking along syerston airfield with the airedale terrier and my dad in his flying jacket and observing the minute silence. Big time. Crocks away, he still had those
I was extremely privileged to be a personal friend of a Lancaster Mid-Upper Gunner. He sadly passed away two springs ago, aged 95. He said just before his final departure, "I am now just too tired". Freddie told lots of anecdotes, of which I was in complete awe. One of these anecdotes referred to the skipper on a bombing a target in Germany. He told us they hugged land on the way back, flying so low over Holland they were literally hopping over buildings. Out over the North Sea, they were so low sea spray was hitting his upper turret. He told they all asked the skipper if he was at all worried about flying so low. The Skipper replied "Don't worry chaps, I have done this many times." Upon landing, the Skipper told them, "I forget to add in my sleep". Freddie survived numerous serious illnesses in old age. Each time the nurses would tell his wife to expect the worst very soon, but each time he would suddenly sit up in bed and ask for a Gin and Tonic. His wife told us he survived 35 missions and the worst he suffered was a scratch on one arm, so it seems not even the Good Lord can do anything to him.
Wish I had seen this when dad was alive - he was in 617 as tail gunner - he never talked about his time in the war until near his death. I found his log book and never realised what he went though - so proud of him and all the other young men and women.
@@markfryer9880 Dad started in 620 and then 149, joining 617 after the Dams raid. He was awarded the DFM. He served as rear gunner and was then a gunnery instructor. He ended the war decommissioning Rochford Airport and then joined the Police Force . Thanks for asking.
As a Yank I owe my freedom not only to my grandfather who flew out of Britain during WWII on a B-17 (gunner) I also owe it to the many British and Commonwealth soldiers, sailors, airman, as well as support personnel of WWII. They were truly the greatest generation. Respect and honor
The UK needed The United States badly to make the difference in defeating Germany. Somehow England held out from 1939 - 1942.The might of the United States was the final power needed to crush Nazis Germany. Thanks to all your countrymen who answered the call, who came to fight for liberty. God Bless America.
I knew a navigator on Lancs who flew two tours and was decorated DFC and bar. He didn’t like to talk about his experiences much. He had some terrible burn scars on his legs. He did say once that his job was like doing a very complicated maths exam in the dark and cold while people were trying to kill you. He was a modest man and had some serious grit about him. I liked him a lot. RIP Paddy.
What a wonderful rendition of the life of a crew in Lancasters. My uncle was an RAAF pilot in No. 90 Squadron out of Tuddenham, unfortunately failed to return from his 10th mission, and is now buried with his entire crew at Beklinden, Germany. Thank you all for your wonderful service. Stewart, Australia.
i am 70 now ,,but as a child in england in the small market town kingslynn ..there was a man who was badly burnt ,lancaster bomber crew ,,he always rode his bycycle with his shirt open ,horribly burnt poor man ,but as a small child he frightened me ,,i ran in the house and told my mum he scared me ,,she then told me how brave he was ,and what had hurt him so bad ,,after that i always waved to him ,,,,,,poor buggers ..there is a RAF cemetery in cambridgeshire,, it looks like a field of white wheat as far as you can see ,,also the brave american bomber crews who suffered so many losses ,,,,,as a teen before i came to canada i had the privaledge of a specatator at the filming BATTLE OF BRITAIN ,,,,,,god bless these brave boys ,,titanium balls and nerves of steel ,,
I worked in the NHS on an elderly patients ward and met Eric Stables who was a Lancaster pilot, he told me he was shot down over Germany and escaped back to England with help from a network of underground people and returned to flying duties within a few months.A very brave highly intelligent man who I respected and admired and very sadly saw him pass away. Rest in peace Eric.
You saw what the entire German airforce COULDNT do, which was to see his life ebb away. Luckily he lived a life worth remembering, and we do. Every day we remember them all. Rest in glorious peace
My uncle Mat Dale flew in a Lancaster Bomber during World War 11. He was a navigator and flew 83 missions. God knows how he did it. Thank you for the video, i really liked it.
I had the honor and privilege to meet jack many times in the George Hotel in Easingwold...he was a friend of my uncle called Shifter who introduced me....as time goes by the more you appreciate and respect every day what they did for us....so we must never forget..... i wont and i tell my children teach them what they sacrificed so they wont forget..... RIP Jack and thank you
Wonderful to see & hear Jack Currie here. Never had the honour of meeting him, so thankyou to whoever put this clip up. First read Lancaster Target when I was about 8yrs old. 30yrs later it’s still on my shelf, rather battered and worn through overuse. Along with its prequel and sequel, I still take it down every year or so for a re-read and it’s still as fresh, as inspiring and as haunting as the first read. It remains probably the best, most evocative memoir of Bomber Command through its darkest period: boredom, operations, fear, terror, loss, death, comradeship and occasional hilarity. And Currie is a wonderful writer, with a knack for storytelling. Probably one of my Desert Island books. Also visited the East Kirkby Lancaster a year or two ago, and had my copy stashed in my bag. Certainly adds an extra something to Jack’s narrative, there’s parts of it where it gets a bit of a squeeze if you’ve got long legs, with sharp edges everywhere to trip over or bang your shins or head against. Horrifying to imagine trying to escape it in an emergency, in the dark and hurtling towards the ground, or thinking of how Johnny Walker “banged his nut” while being thrown around in the fuselage as their Lancaster plunged through that storm on the way back from Hamburg.
Brilliant doco and a great man. A cousin of mine with RNZAF was a Pilot Officer with 49 Sq and flew Lancs surviving a tour of 25 Ops..49 Sq originally based at Scampton was moved to a new airfield at Fiskerton on 2nd Jan 1943 to make way for the newly formed 617 Dambusters Squadron. So many never made it back and this is why we will never forget....
My grateful thanks for this wonderful glimpse of Jack Currie and the Lancaster. These men have been my biggest heroes all of my 80 years of life. They lived on the edge of death but never wavered. I thank them all for my freedom. RIP Jack.
I too am greatful to these, and all the others that fought to ensure my freedoms. Thank you! It's something I've never forgotten. This clip is the first time I've actually seen Jack Currie.
@poison and shite: Like a coward, you blocked me before I could reply but: you forget the fact that that bastard Hitler started WWII - so if you want to blame someone for "bombing German citizens" ultimate responsibility lies with Hitler!! But the freedoms the allies ensured for you and I by bombing German towns, was to ensure that that megalomanic dictator Hitler and his shite lost WWII. Thankfully Hitler and his shite DID lose - otherwise you (without daring to utter our smug opinions!) and I would currently be working for the Greater German Reich, as prisoners in some factory, mine or field!! 😘👍
@@nickdsylva932 Sometimes the flight engineer had a rudimentary knowledge of flight, sufficient to pilot aircraft back to friendly shores, where the crew could bale.. Often though if the Pilot was incapacitated, it was time to leave the aircraft, preferably as soon a possible.
Weynester71 Please contact the International Bomber Command Centre (see their website) about having the logbook digitised for inclusion in their Digital Archive project. This records these heroes' memorabilia for posterity and for the wonderment of future generations.
@@concise707 I inherited my FIL's logbook showing 67 missions flown as a tail gunner, the bulk of them with 357 Sqdrn in the far east I should contact that org. you suggested also as this history needs recording.
@@brustar5152 Yes, please do! The IBCC is attempting to record for posterity such documentation by means of their Digital Archive. Don't prevaricate, do it nlt this weekend!👍
Read his three books covering his US training, Lancaster time and finally on Mosquitos. A truly gifted writer as well as a truly brave man, one of many thousands of heroic men and women of that era. Hats off and much respect to that generation.
Absolute respect to all the men who served. My early years were spent listening to family talking about the war and it spurred me on to join the raf in 1984 . Best days of my life but luckily i didnt go through what the elders did. Many thanks to you all aircrew and erks alike.
Fascinating, particularly the tour round the Lanc. Not easy to move around in. Films like these have to be preserved as part of our heritage. We will Remember them, we will Remember them.
What a marvellous film this is. Remember my mum and dad saying as kids that they felt safe hearing the roar of the Merlin’s forming up over their heads during the war as they watched above. Growing up I also revered the Lanc just as much. It wasn’t until I got up close and personal doing the taxy run at East Kirby that I felt it a much more sinister piece of Thirties technology designed to kill and send so many young men to their premature deaths. Astonishing experience all the same and massive respect to the likes of Jack Currie....
I've just watched this documentary, brilliant, as I have a friend who was a rear gunner in a Lancaster, his name George Manuel, I have a few interviews with him as he wanted to talk about his stories. We love him to bits, he is now 98 and still going strong. Bless you, George, you are an inspiration to us all.
Just watched this documentary then at the end it said “he now lives in Easingwold” that’s where I live. Shame he died in 1996, he’s buried in the church in Easingwold. Amazing man
I worked thirty years in the CAF Search and Rescue on Buffalos and Labrador helicopters. So much of this is so real to me I can actually smell it . Thanks for this.
Every bomber crew were very brave men, the odds were always stacked against them, yet they got in there planes and did their duty. Over fifty five thousand of them never returned and i salute every member of bomber command.
Thank you. The film has given me some insight into my Dad's life as a Lancaster bomber Navigator. Wish I'd been able to chat with him about it. As it is, my only connection is a strong psychological reaction every time I hear the sound of these engines.
NAPPLEB25 from your comment I take it that your father was one of the 57000+ hero's who never came back? If so, I and everyone who reads this commend your dad for his bravery, and sacrifice.
I wanted to write something in tribute, but then I read your comment Elizabeth and realised I couldn't better it in a million years. Beautifully expressed.
Amen.56,000 bomber command casualties, that seems somehow incomprehensible,just so sad that there were so many who died so young with so many dreams to be realised still.
Lucky lad to go that many missions Gordon we all are thankful for your service. My friends brother Edward Bryan bless him was not so lucky. You were in the most dangerous place you could be. Bless all the Australian boys for coming to our aid at the most perilous time.
@kev googlestein It is almost two complete tours if you take 30 ops as the standard number. It could vary a bit due to the time of war, the operational tempo and the number of crews who had completed tours.
I was lucky enough to spend time with a Wickenby Lancaster veteran a few years ago. A nicer and man you will not meet. This excellent film has brought back happy memories. Thank you to each and every one of those crews.
A great man and understated hero. A man of character was Jack and all his compatriots who endured those grim days of sacrifice performing their duty unselfishly in Bomber Command. Much respect and appreciation to Jacks’ and his crew’s memory. Their legacy of selfless courage remembered with deepest admiration and gratitude.
He comes across in his books very much as he does in this film, witty yet quite matter of fact and and to the point. Now reading 'Mosquito Victory'. A fine man. RIP.
I worked with an older friendly man when I first started working in the early 80's.I learned from my co-workers that he was a bomber pilot during WW2.He never said and I never asked.I had great respect for him and it was a pleasure to work with him.
I've been trying to find documentary this for 25+ years.....brilliant, superb, enthralling and fascinating. It saddens me that most of these great hero’s have passed. The music still has the same effect on me now as it did in 1980....
Kept his locker key in his pocket as a lucky charm .... nice story, this piece of metal had probably more value for him than any orher object he could get.
Brilliant narration. The polite banter over the intercom indicated the certain flavor of offhand intrepidness that you Brits seem to be born with. Almost fell out of my chair when Currie related "...he had been passing wind and followed through a little strong..." It's a known liability of unpressurized high altitude flying, but I'm still chuckling.
I recorded this with my very first video recorder back in 1980, and still watch it occasionally. There were in fact two separate programmes....Currie only featured in this one.... I bought his book : Lancaster Target. It is a beautifully written, and gripping tale of his and his crew's exploits during those dark days. He later wrote a second book, 'Mosquito Victory' detailing his career after operations on the Lancaster. He became a pathfinder, and saw out the war flying the 'wooden crate'. He was and still is a hero of mine....RIP Jack.
He wrote a trilogy about his experiences during the war. 'Wings over Georgia' describes his training day in the US, 'Lancaster target', the tour and 'Mosquito Victory' describes he time until the end of the war. Brilliant stuff. RIP JC
He passed away shortly before he finished another book called 'echoes In the air' which was a collection of true accounts of aviation ghost stories including one of his own, it's a great book which was finished by his friend IIRC.
Fantastic documentary about RAF Bomber Command , very brave men for sure ! I take it is Richard Todd he himself a Decorated British Para who jumped on D-Day. Marvelous presentation by Mr Currie . Great set of pipes as was Mr Todd. Would have been honored to shake both of their hands ! Thanks for posting this , terrible history we need not forget ! A few years ago I made it a point from day one to visit and pay my respects at The RAF Bomber Command memorial in London ! Very moving experience ! Lest We Forget! TC
What a great documentary, I really enjoyed it. When I was a teenager, I had the honour of being friends with Flt Lt Trevor Muhl who was a bomb aimer with 617 Dambuster squadron. He wasn't on the dams raid, but he did drop Tallboy and Grand Slam bombs later in the war. He is buried in the churchyard in the village where I live.
So pleased to have come across this video,we visited East Kirkby last month and watched as the Lancasters engines fired up. It brings a lump to your throat just hearing and feeling the Merlins roar. Everyone should make the pilgrimage a wonderful place. This fantastic film and his character comes shining through,what a real hero ,every boys perfect image of his kind! Thank you all for your service Rip
My dad was a fitter/mechanic on Lancaster bomber engines - he kept them ticking along. One of the unsung heroes, men and women who kept the aircrews safely aloft.
I was recently asked to write a commemorative poem about the life of those that flew in Bombers, hope you don't mind but the feed in this film gave a good taste of life aboard the Lancaster, thanking Jack & all the other crew that helped to keep this country free.
I am lucky as a carer because i live-in and care for George Harris DFC who at the grand age of 94 is still doing well. He was a Lancaster pilot during the war and trained in the USA before returning to the UK. He tells me that he Pranged a halifax losing half a lung in the process ( i have seen the scares) and bashing up his first Lanc. He flew with 101 squadron from Ludford Magna and If you have a copy of Bomber Squadron at War you can see a picture of him on page 192 standing in the middle of a crew photograph with his hands on his hips. He is currently reading Jack Currie's book Wings over Georgia which he says mimics his life in so many ways.
mate49 id love to know more about mr Harris and what individually letter coded or serial coded lancasters he flew with 101. My grandfather was at Ludford from early 44 to early 45.
Ludford Magna was referred to by the crews as Mudford Magna, for obvious reasons. New base hurriedly built, few pathways, disturbed soil and grass, plenty of people walking about.
The finest generation, proud to say my dad and his generation, and these men who flew in these missions stand along side giants of history, bless am all.
It is (or was) The George in the Town Square. Call in, order a pint and drink to the memory of Jack and 57,861 that served in Bomber Command (ETO) and didn't survive. And reflect on their sacrifice.
If only more people in britain realised they stand on the shoulders of giants, we owe these so much for our todays, im lucky as my generation are the grandchildren of this generation and fondly remember men from all parts of the services when they was alive still and very much apart of the towns community's... To talk to and learn so much from....
Legend ,,,, tracked him down and spoke to his wife just too late just missed out on meeting the man I will always regret that Read the book whatever you do best written on the subject very moving
Currie was amazing, his three books have been read so many times but, they still inspire me. We Brits produce these people in times of need and if you believe in the Round Table, Albion will always win
Brilliant post of a video I had never previously seen. Incredible recollections by SQNLDR Currie. I doubt we will ever see their like again. I will source his books now and fill in the whole story. Thanks for posting
Our inspector of Schools, during the 1960's and early 1970's, was a rear gunner on the Lancaster bomber. He spoke to us on Remembrance Day about how lucky and blessed he was to survive the war. Most of the important merchants and leaders in our University town, Antigonish, Nova Scotia Canada had fought in the war. They had an authority and swagger that came from their responsibility and leadership. As students we knew that they demanded and received respect. To a man they said how ugly war is and how fortunate they were to survive when so many did not live to see the end of the war. May the souls of those who died rest in peace and may light perpetual shine upon them. Amen.
A lot of the combat footage is from Night Bombers out at Hemswell. The pub is in Lissington which is a couple of miles north east of Wickenby. The airfield overfly at the end doesn't quite look like Wickenby although it's been dug up a lot since 1980. There's a black and white section of an airfield construction near the beginning. That could be Skelly as you can see what looks like Burton ridge in the background. And if my memory serves correctly he was a lucky soul as more aircrew died from Wickenby than at any other station. The airfield is still going and I did a few hours there in the late 90's. There are a few guys still around Lincoln. I did a job a few years ago for a pilot of Rhodesia Sqn who was 94 (I think) who lived on Hykeham Road. A proud (Welsh) man but not inclined to talk about the war.
Jack was almost exactly a year older than my dad who started ops in June 44 as a Pilot Officer on Lancs, with 49 Sq. I was a total idiot at 21 and my dad was in charge of a crew over enemy territory at the same age....Sheeesh.
Thanks for posting this documentary up. Never knew that a new crew was a 'sprog', it's the name I've always called new babies. My maternal grandpa was Squadron-Leader Gordon (pop) Hawes, he was a Pathfinder who flew in 62 sorties for 635 Squadron where he was a Navigator. His only injury was getting the heal of his shoe blown off and on one sortie to bomb Hitler at the 'Eagles nest' they missed him by half an hour. It was interesting to hear Jack's description of life on the base and tour of the inside area in the plane and the different positions including the navigators spot (12:18). On another post I learned about the FIDO system which helped planes to land during thick fog. Aircraft fuel was pumped under pressure through pipes with holes which were laid along either side of the runway where they set light to the pipes so the planes landed between the blazing fuel lines. Pop died in our home in Somerset around 1986.
Term spog is also used for first years for those of us who were lucky to go to private schools which were modeled on public schools like Eton in the uk. I would say a fair chunk of officers went to such schools.. My father served in army in ww2 in Egypt but I met some of friends they never discuss the war itself just the parties he a couple friends who also served in the airforce flying spitfires 2 lost part of their faces due been burnt and wore a fake mask like face but managed to get married and have kids . Totally agree their generation was the best generation. Thankyou guys for your service!
Just seen this. Humble respect and gratitude to all these brave souls in Bomber Command from a 'Baby Boomer" now in his 70s. I owe my life of freedom to you. My father served in the RAF in Radar. He voluteered for aircrew but was turned down after pneumonia - otherwise a 50% chance I wouldn't be here - what a pity that would have been!
Until I saw inside the aircraft I really never had any idea how difficult it was to move around the aircraft . No wonder so many never ever made it out of their aircraft when it was hit and sadly crashed to their death . Those men that flew in these aircraft were certainly very brave knowing their chances of completing a tour were very slim .
The escape hatch was too small so made bailing out even more dangerous. A study was done and if the hatch size had been increased by just 2 inches it would have increased surviveability by some 57% (if I remember the number correctly) but the powers to be didn't think it worth the effort. Be the aircrews that didn't get out would have thought different. Bloody pollie REMF!.
Yes! I'm astonished at how difficult and awkward it is to move inside the Lancaster. It must have been damn near impossible in the dark with a heavy and bulky flight suit, harness straps, parachute on your back - AND also trying to work against the centrifugal/centripetal forces - to get out in time!! Brave men!! Every single one of them!!
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caterpillar_Club _ they along with survivors of another club - en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guinea_Pig_Club - used to meet in a pub (Duke of St Albans, Swithins Lane) near where I lived as student, over 40 years ago. They had such stories, of such casual bravery, one told me listening to the jukebox in that pub was the worst experience of his life! Remember them well, lovely blokes
Jack Currie was some man. I have thoroughly enjoyed this documentary. Especially with Richard Burton adding his wonderful speaking voice on narration. Thank you to everyone involved especially Jack and his crew.
Interesting to watch this as it gives me more insight to my uncle Claude Edward John O'KEEFFE Sgt RAAF (405061) who was a Air Gunner on Halifax Bomber W.7822 of 78 Squadron which took off from RAF Station, Linton-on-Ouse at 2009 hrs 26/09/1942 that went down off the Danish Coast 3 hours later after it sustained critical Port outer engine damage. My uncle never came home and along with 20,000 other servicemen is Commemerated to the Runnymede Memorial War Cemetary. I have a picture of my uncle and his crew at the Air Base Linton-on-Ouse North Yorkshire, England taken not long before that fateful mission. May they all RIP, Lest We Forget.
Alison, the most amazing thing about this documentary is the truly human face your dad brought to this historical, what I can only call, document. Huzzah!!
Thanks for all your wonderful comments about this film , would just like to add : He was my Dad and i,m very proud ! Alison.
Hi Alison, Jack was your dad? How wonderful! Have always loved his works, and I'm glad so many people have enjoyed my upload of this video.
@@mikebull1972 Yes there was a film about aircraft on the tv channel Yesterday last night and it was Laurence Olivier talking. Soon as i heard his voice i thought of this film of my Dad and showed it to my friend. He was "made up" - i made his day. Loved it. First thing he said was, Lets go to Easingwold and find the pub! Thanks for replying
He's been a hero of mine for 30 year's, A Lancaster pilot will forever be something incredible.
I knew your Dad, Alison. You should be VERY proud.
@@concise707 thanks for this. It wasnt until i saw your email come up that i was able to see the Watchtower because it came up on the side links. Never seen it before and it was wonderful to see my Dad and he looked so tall and handsome as i remember him; what a great film. So glad to know that you knew him. Many happy memories. I remember walking along syerston airfield with the airedale terrier and my dad in his flying jacket and observing the minute silence. Big time. Crocks away, he still had those
I was extremely privileged to be a personal friend of a Lancaster Mid-Upper Gunner. He sadly passed away two springs ago, aged 95. He said just before his final departure, "I am now just too tired".
Freddie told lots of anecdotes, of which I was in complete awe.
One of these anecdotes referred to the skipper on a bombing a target in Germany. He told us they hugged land on the way back, flying so low over Holland they were literally hopping over buildings. Out over the North Sea, they were so low sea spray was hitting his upper turret. He told they all asked the skipper if he was at all worried about flying so low. The Skipper replied "Don't worry chaps, I have done this many times." Upon landing, the Skipper told them, "I forget to add in my sleep".
Freddie survived numerous serious illnesses in old age. Each time the nurses would tell his wife to expect the worst very soon, but each time he would suddenly sit up in bed and ask for a Gin and Tonic. His wife told us he survived 35 missions and the worst he suffered was a scratch on one arm, so it seems not even the Good Lord can do anything to him.
Wish I had seen this when dad was alive - he was in 617 as tail gunner - he never talked about his time in the war until near his death. I found his log book and never realised what he went though - so proud of him and all the other young men and women.
What time period was he with 617 Squadron, The Dam Busters?
@@markfryer9880 Dad started in 620 and then 149, joining 617 after the Dams raid. He was awarded the DFM. He served as rear gunner and was then a gunnery instructor. He ended the war decommissioning Rochford Airport and then joined the Police Force . Thanks for asking.
brave guys ,,,All,,,,verrrry right to be proud
As a Yank I owe my freedom not only to my grandfather who flew out of Britain during WWII on a B-17 (gunner) I also owe it to the many British and Commonwealth soldiers, sailors, airman, as well as support personnel of WWII. They were truly the greatest generation. Respect and honor
Really? The Germans would have just come over here and taken over the US? Transocean Amphibious Invasion huh?? 🤣🤣🤣
Thanks 👍
Heroes all
The UK needed The United States badly to make the difference in defeating Germany. Somehow England held out from 1939 - 1942.The might of the United States was the final power needed to crush Nazis Germany. Thanks to all your countrymen who answered the call, who came to fight for liberty. God Bless America.
@@postwar46 and the us needed us
I knew a navigator on Lancs who flew two tours and was decorated DFC and bar. He didn’t like to talk about his experiences much. He had some terrible burn scars on his legs. He did say once that his job was like doing a very complicated maths exam in the dark and cold while people were trying to kill you. He was a modest man and had some serious grit about him. I liked him a lot. RIP Paddy.
Thank you Jack Currie for all you did for us.
What a wonderful rendition of the life of a crew in Lancasters. My uncle was an RAAF pilot in No. 90 Squadron out of Tuddenham, unfortunately failed to return from his 10th mission, and is now buried with his entire crew at Beklinden, Germany.
Thank you all for your wonderful service. Stewart, Australia.
i am 70 now ,,but as a child in england in the small market town kingslynn ..there was a man who was badly burnt ,lancaster bomber crew ,,he always rode his bycycle with his shirt open ,horribly burnt poor man ,but as a small child he frightened me ,,i ran in the house and told my mum he scared me ,,she then told me how brave he was ,and what had hurt him so bad ,,after that i always waved to him ,,,,,,poor buggers ..there is a RAF cemetery in cambridgeshire,, it looks like a field of white wheat as far as you can see ,,also the brave american bomber crews who suffered so many losses ,,,,,as a teen before i came to canada i had the privaledge of a specatator at the filming BATTLE OF BRITAIN ,,,,,,god bless these brave boys ,,titanium balls and nerves of steel ,,
I worked in the NHS on an elderly patients ward and met Eric Stables who was a Lancaster pilot, he told me he was shot down over Germany and escaped back to England with help from a network of underground people and returned to flying duties within a few months.A very brave highly intelligent man who I respected and admired and very sadly saw him pass away. Rest in peace Eric.
Well said pal
You saw what the entire German airforce COULDNT do, which was to see his life ebb away.
Luckily he lived a life worth remembering, and we do.
Every day we remember them all.
Rest in glorious peace
My uncle Mat Dale flew in a Lancaster Bomber during World War 11. He was a navigator and flew 83 missions. God knows how he did it. Thank you for the video, i really liked it.
I had the honor and privilege to meet jack many times in the George Hotel in Easingwold...he was a friend of my uncle called Shifter who introduced me....as time goes by the more you appreciate and respect every day what they did for us....so we must never forget..... i wont and i tell my children teach them what they sacrificed so they wont forget..... RIP Jack and thank you
Wonderful to see & hear Jack Currie here. Never had the honour of meeting him, so thankyou to whoever put this clip up.
First read Lancaster Target when I was about 8yrs old. 30yrs later it’s still on my shelf, rather battered and worn through overuse. Along with its prequel and sequel, I still take it down every year or so for a re-read and it’s still as fresh, as inspiring and as haunting as the first read. It remains probably the best, most evocative memoir of Bomber Command through its darkest period: boredom, operations, fear, terror, loss, death, comradeship and occasional hilarity. And Currie is a wonderful writer, with a knack for storytelling. Probably one of my Desert Island books.
Also visited the East Kirkby Lancaster a year or two ago, and had my copy stashed in my bag. Certainly adds an extra something to Jack’s narrative, there’s parts of it where it gets a bit of a squeeze if you’ve got long legs, with sharp edges everywhere to trip over or bang your shins or head against. Horrifying to imagine trying to escape it in an emergency, in the dark and hurtling towards the ground, or thinking of how Johnny Walker “banged his nut” while being thrown around in the fuselage as their Lancaster plunged through that storm on the way back from Hamburg.
Concur 100%. Had the delightful pleasure of meeting the man on several occasions too; an absolute honour.
Brilliant doco and a great man. A cousin of mine with RNZAF was a Pilot Officer
with 49 Sq and flew Lancs surviving a tour of 25 Ops..49 Sq originally based at
Scampton was moved to a new airfield at Fiskerton on 2nd Jan 1943 to make way
for the newly formed 617 Dambusters Squadron. So many never made it back
and this is why we will never forget....
My dad was a Lanc pilot with 49Sq too. He flew out of Fulbeck, Fiskerton and Syerston.
Awesome, so glad to have found this. My grandfather served with 467 Squadron (RAAF) out of Waddington. He was aircrew - wireless operator
Classic. Who needs spice when you have Currie. Priceless. I thank you Jack.
My grateful thanks for this wonderful glimpse of Jack Currie and the Lancaster. These men have been my biggest heroes all of my 80 years of life. They lived on the edge of death but never wavered. I thank them all for my freedom. RIP Jack.
I too am greatful to these, and all the others that fought to ensure my freedoms. Thank you! It's something I've never forgotten. This clip is the first time I've actually seen Jack Currie.
@poison and shite: Like a coward, you blocked me before I could reply but: you forget the fact that that bastard Hitler started WWII - so if you want to blame someone for "bombing German citizens" ultimate responsibility lies with Hitler!!
But the freedoms the allies ensured for you and I by bombing German towns, was to ensure that that megalomanic dictator Hitler and his shite lost WWII. Thankfully Hitler and his shite DID lose - otherwise you (without daring to utter our smug opinions!) and I would currently be working for the Greater German Reich, as prisoners in some factory, mine or field!! 😘👍
The Lancaster had one pilot. Who flew the airplane if the pilot was injured or killed?
@@nickdsylva932 Sometimes the flight engineer had a rudimentary knowledge of flight, sufficient to pilot aircraft back to friendly shores, where the crew could bale.. Often though if the Pilot was incapacitated, it was time to leave the aircraft, preferably as soon a possible.
It's 2021, the thanks still go to Jack and his fellows. We will Remember them, we will Remember them.
What a fantastic piece of film!! RIP Jack, I wish we'd met.
Great documentary.. my uncle was Flt Lt N Stent who was a Lanc pilot with 100 Sqd. He was KIA in Feb ‘43. I’m lucky enough to have his logbook.
Weynester71 Please contact the International Bomber Command Centre (see their website) about having the logbook digitised for inclusion in their Digital Archive project. This records these heroes' memorabilia for posterity and for the wonderment of future generations.
@@concise707 I inherited my FIL's logbook showing 67 missions flown as a tail gunner, the bulk of them with 357 Sqdrn in the far east I should contact that org. you suggested also as this history needs recording.
@@brustar5152 Yes, please do! The IBCC is attempting to record for posterity such documentation by means of their Digital Archive. Don't prevaricate, do it nlt this weekend!👍
Sadly, so many uncles were lost. Marriage and parenthood denied to them.
Read his three books covering his US training, Lancaster time and finally on Mosquitos. A truly gifted writer as well as a truly brave man, one of many thousands of heroic men and women of that era. Hats off and much respect to that generation.
Absolute respect to all the men who served. My early years were spent listening to family talking about the war and it spurred me on to join the raf in 1984 . Best days of my life but luckily i didnt go through what the elders did. Many thanks to you all aircrew and erks alike.
Fascinating, particularly the tour round the Lanc. Not easy to move around in. Films like these have to be preserved as part of our heritage. We will Remember them, we will Remember them.
The most beautiful bomber of the war and a fascinating video! Thank you all! From a thankful and awestruck Yank!
What a marvellous film this is. Remember my mum and dad saying as kids that they felt safe hearing the roar of the Merlin’s forming up over their heads during the war as they watched above.
Growing up I also revered the Lanc just as much. It wasn’t until I got up close and personal doing the taxy run at East Kirby that I felt it a much more sinister piece of Thirties technology designed to kill and send so many young men to their premature deaths. Astonishing experience all the same and massive respect to the likes of Jack Currie....
I've just watched this documentary, brilliant, as I have a friend who was a rear gunner in a Lancaster, his name George Manuel, I have a few interviews with him as he wanted to talk about his stories. We love him to bits, he is now 98 and still going strong. Bless you, George, you are an inspiration to us all.
George Manuel, now features in 7 clips on You Tube on his experiences of being a tail gunner czcams.com/video/YTo2k8tZvlo/video.html
Just watched this documentary then at the end it said “he now lives in Easingwold” that’s where I live. Shame he died in 1996, he’s buried in the church in Easingwold. Amazing man
Steven Sherwood Used to go to Dr Spink for my medicals.
I worked thirty years in the CAF Search and Rescue on Buffalos and Labrador helicopters. So much of this is so real to me I can actually smell it .
Thanks for this.
Every bomber crew were very brave men, the odds were always stacked against them, yet they got in there planes and did their duty. Over fifty five thousand of them never returned and i salute every member of bomber command.
100%.
Thank you. The film has given me some insight into my Dad's life as a Lancaster bomber Navigator. Wish I'd been able to chat with him about it. As it is, my only connection is a strong psychological reaction every time I hear the sound of these engines.
NAPPLEB25 from your comment I take it that your father was one of the 57000+ hero's who never came back? If so, I and everyone who reads this commend your dad for his bravery, and sacrifice.
Thank you.....everyone of you...I have no doubt that I may owe my life to you, brave, and frightened young men.....rest in peace....your duty done.
I wanted to write something in tribute, but then I read your comment Elizabeth and realised I couldn't better it in a million years. Beautifully expressed.
Dear Mr.Wilkinson. Many thanks for agreeing with my sentiments...I am truly grateful.
Amen.56,000 bomber command casualties, that seems somehow incomprehensible,just so sad that there were so many who died so young with so many dreams to be realised still.
Our friend Australian Engineer Gordon Hall went on 57 missions with Bomber Command. Came home too and married the love of his life.
God bless the Aussie,s long live Australia 👍
thanks him for his service please
Lucky lad to go that many missions Gordon we all are thankful for your service. My friends brother Edward Bryan bless him was not so lucky. You were in the most dangerous place you could be. Bless all the Australian boys for coming to our aid at the most perilous time.
@kev googlestein It is almost two complete tours if you take 30 ops as the standard number. It could vary a bit due to the time of war, the operational tempo and the number of crews who had completed tours.
kev googlestein oh yes. Few managed ONE tour (30 ops), let alone three....
Cannot imagine doing this at their age.....
I was lucky enough to spend time with a Wickenby Lancaster veteran a few years ago. A nicer and man you will not meet. This excellent film has brought back happy memories. Thank you to each and every one of those crews.
A great man and understated hero. A man of character was Jack and all his compatriots who endured those grim days of sacrifice performing their duty unselfishly in Bomber Command. Much respect and appreciation to Jacks’ and his crew’s memory. Their legacy of selfless courage remembered with deepest admiration and gratitude.
I am hardly 5 minutes in... What a gem of a film. This is a profound piece of history. Respect 🙏🏽
He comes across in his books very much as he does in this film, witty yet quite matter of fact and and to the point. Now reading 'Mosquito Victory'. A fine man. RIP.
TristanOfEngland I
Never seen this before,but absolutely loved it,nothing but respect for everyone of these heroes ❤
I worked with an older friendly man when I first started working in the early 80's.I learned from my co-workers that he was a bomber pilot during WW2.He never said and I never asked.I had great respect for him and it was a pleasure to work with him.
I've been trying to find documentary this for 25+ years.....brilliant, superb, enthralling and fascinating.
It saddens me that most of these great hero’s have passed.
The music still has the same effect on me now as it did in 1980....
Can’t find the right words to say Thankyou ,Lest we forget
Kept his locker key in his pocket as a lucky charm .... nice story, this piece of metal had probably more value for him than any orher object he could get.
Brilliant narration. The polite banter over the intercom indicated the certain flavor of offhand intrepidness that you Brits seem to be born with. Almost fell out of my chair when Currie related "...he had been passing wind and followed through a little strong..." It's a known liability of unpressurized high altitude flying, but I'm still chuckling.
Oh my word! Having read all of Jack Currie's books, I am staggered to stumble across this! Thank you SO much for having posted it!!
I recorded this with my very first video recorder back in 1980, and still watch it occasionally. There were in fact two separate programmes....Currie only featured in this one.... I bought his book : Lancaster Target. It is a beautifully written, and gripping tale of his and his crew's exploits during those dark days. He later wrote a second book, 'Mosquito Victory' detailing his career after operations on the Lancaster. He became a pathfinder, and saw out the war flying the 'wooden crate'. He was and still is a hero of mine....RIP Jack.
He wrote a trilogy about his experiences during the war. 'Wings over Georgia' describes his training day in the US, 'Lancaster target', the tour and 'Mosquito Victory' describes he time until the end of the war. Brilliant stuff. RIP JC
He passed away shortly before he finished another book called 'echoes In the air' which was a collection of true accounts of aviation ghost stories including one of his own, it's a great book which was finished by his friend IIRC.
Chris Dannatt @###:edii
Fantastic documentary about RAF Bomber Command , very brave men for sure ! I take it is Richard Todd he himself a Decorated British Para who jumped on D-Day. Marvelous presentation by Mr Currie . Great set of pipes as was Mr Todd. Would have been honored to shake both of their hands ! Thanks for posting this , terrible history we need not forget ! A few years ago I made it a point from day one to visit and pay my respects at The RAF Bomber Command memorial in London ! Very moving experience ! Lest We Forget! TC
in Rememberance of All the Young Men
of RAF Bomber Command
we remember you
& love you still
Here Here!! Bless them all and raise one for those that never returned.
I'm sorry that his wonderful documentary on the Augsburg raid is taken down.
czcams.com/video/z2deq8gbYV4/video.htmlsi=lWhD9DCpoCaufC0s
Brilliant. Thank you. We owe so much to these men.
"Its ok skip, Its baked hard now" Classic!
What a great documentary, I really enjoyed it.
When I was a teenager, I had the honour of being friends with Flt Lt Trevor Muhl who was a bomb aimer with 617 Dambuster squadron. He wasn't on the dams raid, but he did drop Tallboy and Grand Slam bombs later in the war. He is buried in the churchyard in the village where I live.
To them ... we owe ! Our 💖 FREEDOM 👍 & ~ Eternal 🔥😍GRATITUDE ✔
So pleased to have come across this video,we visited East Kirkby last month and watched as the Lancasters engines fired up.
It brings a lump to your throat just hearing and feeling the Merlins roar.
Everyone should make the pilgrimage a wonderful place.
This fantastic film and his character comes shining through,what a real hero ,every boys perfect image of his kind!
Thank you all for your service Rip
True legend and hero... thank you for what you did for us
They are all my heroes..
Never forgotten.
Rest in peace..
Fly high with the angles.
Freedom is never free...
Lest we forget.
❤
Here's to you, Jack. Thank you.
My father was an instrument fitter on Lancaster's . Loved the aircraft and the crews he tried to protect by doing his job . Canada .
Rip Jack you are forever in our thoughts.
My dad was a fitter/mechanic on Lancaster bomber engines - he kept them ticking along. One of the unsung heroes, men and women who kept the aircrews safely aloft.
My grandfather was a lancaster mechanic but died in an air raid.
@@theravedaddy sad loss!!
@@Toncor12 sadly they wernt the only ones but ill remember them until im gone, lest we forget.
Gentle, informative, evocative.
Thank you for posting.
I was recently asked to write a commemorative poem about the life of those that flew in Bombers, hope you don't mind but the feed in this film gave a good taste of life aboard the Lancaster, thanking Jack & all the other crew that helped to keep this country free.
That country is "free"? When did you last elect a "head of state"?
@@deeremeyer1749 Oh dear, another crazy,why do you have to be so self absorbed you think everyone wants to hearing your demented whinge? Go away fool
Iwas born in lissington and remember many hrs of fun exploring the old wickenby base also went to school in wickenby
Len Deighton's Bomber novel is a great read.Recreates a typical raid in 1943.
Smashing film. Jack Currie has been a hero of mine since I read his brilliant books. It really must have been strange "commuting" to Battle every day!
Percy, why is there a number plate in your nae?
we must never forget about these great men in bomber command RIP GENTLEMEN
Thanks for this! It gives me tears in my eyes seeing these heroes!
An absolute MUST SEE for anyone and everyone who has lived their past century or so in relative freedom and safety.
Very enjoyable and sometimes chilling trip down memory lane.
I am lucky as a carer because i live-in and care for George Harris DFC who at the grand age of 94 is still doing well. He was a Lancaster pilot during the war and trained in the USA before returning to the UK. He tells me that he Pranged a halifax losing half a lung in the process ( i have seen the scares) and bashing up his first Lanc. He flew with 101 squadron from Ludford Magna and If you have a copy of Bomber Squadron at War you can see a picture of him on page 192 standing in the middle of a crew photograph with his hands on his hips. He is currently reading Jack Currie's book Wings over Georgia which he says mimics his life in so many ways.
mate49 id love to know more about mr Harris and what individually letter coded or serial coded lancasters he flew with 101. My grandfather was at Ludford from early 44 to early 45.
mate49 ol
Is he still alive today.
Ludford Magna was referred to by the crews as Mudford Magna, for obvious reasons. New base hurriedly built, few pathways, disturbed soil and grass, plenty of people walking about.
The finest generation, proud to say my dad and his generation, and these men who flew in these missions stand along side giants of history, bless am all.
In Easingwold, Yorkshire, there is a pub with Currie Corner - the spot where he used to sit.
It is (or was) The George in the Town Square. Call in, order a pint and drink to the memory of Jack and 57,861 that served in Bomber Command (ETO) and didn't survive. And reflect on their sacrifice.
I visited Wickenby today and cycled to Snelland. It doesn't change. God bless the men ( and WAAFS) of Bomber Command . The bravest of the brave.
May They All Rest In Peace We Will Remember Them All - Least We Forget
This should be placed onto a DVD . ,including his story of RAF East Kirkby
What a hero Jack was. You must be very proud of your father. We are too.
Respect to everyone of you. Thank you for what you gave :)
I particularly like this film because it reflects how terrifying and deadly this activity was. Currie was a legend.
If only more people in britain realised they stand on the shoulders of giants, we owe these so much for our todays, im lucky as my generation are the grandchildren of this generation and fondly remember men from all parts of the services when they was alive still and very much apart of the towns community's... To talk to and learn so much from....
Legend ,,,, tracked him down and spoke to his wife just too late just missed out on meeting the man I will always regret that Read the book whatever you do best written on the subject very moving
Currie was amazing, his three books have been read so many times but, they still inspire me. We Brits produce these people in times of need and if you believe in the Round Table, Albion will always win
Wonderful documentary. Thanks for posting. I can highly recommend Mr Currie's books too.
Brilliant post of a video I had never previously seen. Incredible recollections by SQNLDR Currie. I doubt we will ever see their like again. I will source his books now and fill in the whole story. Thanks for posting
Our inspector of Schools, during the 1960's and early 1970's, was a rear gunner on the Lancaster bomber. He spoke to us on Remembrance Day about how lucky and blessed he was to survive the war. Most of the important merchants and leaders in our University town, Antigonish, Nova Scotia Canada had fought in the war. They had an authority and swagger that came from their responsibility and leadership. As students we knew that they demanded and received respect. To a man they said how ugly war is and how fortunate they were to survive when so many did not live to see the end of the war. May the souls of those who died rest in peace and may light perpetual shine upon them. Amen.
That was just fantastic to watch wow what a film brilliant 👏 🇬🇧🇬🇧
A lot of the combat footage is from Night Bombers out at Hemswell. The pub is in Lissington which is a couple of miles north east of Wickenby.
The airfield overfly at the end doesn't quite look like Wickenby although it's been dug up a lot since 1980. There's a black and white section of an airfield construction near the beginning. That could be Skelly as you can see what looks like Burton ridge in the background.
And if my memory serves correctly he was a lucky soul as more aircrew died from Wickenby than at any other station.
The airfield is still going and I did a few hours there in the late 90's.
There are a few guys still around Lincoln. I did a job a few years ago for a pilot of Rhodesia Sqn who was 94 (I think) who lived on Hykeham Road. A proud (Welsh) man but not inclined to talk about the war.
Thanks for your additional info
Jack was almost exactly a year older than my dad who started ops in June 44 as a Pilot Officer on Lancs, with 49 Sq. I was a total idiot at 21 and my dad was in charge of a crew over enemy territory at the same age....Sheeesh.
I remember reading Jack Currie's account of the Peenemunde raid of Aug. 17, 1943. First class all the way.
bloody brilliant video. Lest we forget.
Watch this so many times, one word for them all, Heroes and not forgotten
The book is a great read....highly recommended
Thanks for posting this documentary up. Never knew that a new crew was a 'sprog', it's the name I've always called new babies.
My maternal grandpa was Squadron-Leader Gordon (pop) Hawes, he was a Pathfinder who flew in 62 sorties for 635 Squadron where he was a Navigator.
His only injury was getting the heal of his shoe blown off and on one sortie to bomb Hitler at the 'Eagles nest' they missed him by half an hour. It was interesting to hear Jack's description of life on the base and tour of the inside area in the plane and the different positions including the navigators spot (12:18).
On another post I learned about the FIDO system which helped planes to land during thick fog.
Aircraft fuel was pumped under pressure through pipes with holes which were laid along either side of the runway where they set light to the pipes so the planes landed between the blazing fuel lines.
Pop died in our home in Somerset around 1986.
Term spog is also used for first years for those of us who were lucky to go to private schools which were modeled on public schools like Eton in the uk. I would say a fair chunk of officers went to such schools.. My father served in army in ww2 in Egypt but I met some of friends they never discuss the war itself just the parties he a couple friends who also served in the airforce flying spitfires 2 lost part of their faces due been burnt and wore a fake mask like face but managed to get married and have kids . Totally agree their generation was the best generation. Thankyou guys for your service!
Lest We Forget...
Thank god these brave guys aren't around now.......to see the mess the world is still in.
"Was the sacrifice worth it".
So much admiration for my father's generation and it looks like we are about to piss it up against a wall!
Just seen this. Humble respect and gratitude to all these brave souls in Bomber Command from a 'Baby Boomer" now in his 70s. I owe my life of freedom to you. My father served in the RAF in Radar. He voluteered for aircrew but was turned down after pneumonia - otherwise a 50% chance I wouldn't be here - what a pity that would have been!
Until I saw inside the aircraft I really never had any idea how difficult it was to move around the aircraft . No wonder so many never ever made it out of their aircraft when it was hit and sadly crashed to their death . Those men that flew in these aircraft were certainly very brave knowing their chances of completing a tour were very slim .
The escape hatch was too small so made bailing out even more dangerous. A study was done and if the hatch size had been increased by just 2 inches it would have increased surviveability by some 57% (if I remember the number correctly) but the powers to be didn't think it worth the effort. Be the aircrews that didn't get out would have thought different. Bloody pollie REMF!.
Yes! I'm astonished at how difficult and awkward it is to move inside the Lancaster. It must have been damn near impossible in the dark with a heavy and bulky flight suit, harness straps, parachute on your back - AND also trying to work against the centrifugal/centripetal forces - to get out in time!! Brave men!! Every single one of them!!
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caterpillar_Club _ they along with survivors of another club - en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guinea_Pig_Club - used to meet in a pub (Duke of St Albans, Swithins Lane) near where I lived as student, over 40 years ago. They had such stories, of such casual bravery, one told me listening to the jukebox in that pub was the worst experience of his life! Remember them well, lovely blokes
If you get chance go to east kirby you can look and go inside a lanc called just jane me and my son did its amazing just how small it is inside 👍
Jack Currie was some man. I have thoroughly enjoyed this documentary. Especially with Richard Burton adding his wonderful speaking voice on narration. Thank you to everyone involved especially Jack and his crew.
It was Richard Todd!
His imitation of Richard Burton is world class. 😂
Interesting to watch this as it gives me more insight to my uncle Claude Edward John O'KEEFFE Sgt RAAF (405061) who was a Air Gunner on Halifax Bomber W.7822 of 78 Squadron which took off from RAF Station, Linton-on-Ouse at 2009 hrs 26/09/1942 that went down off the Danish Coast 3 hours later after it sustained critical Port outer engine damage. My uncle never came home and along with 20,000 other servicemen is Commemerated to the Runnymede Memorial War Cemetary.
I have a picture of my uncle and his crew at the Air Base Linton-on-Ouse North Yorkshire, England taken not long before that fateful mission.
May they all RIP, Lest We Forget.
Wonderful video. One of many of our hero Bomber Boys. Heroes all. Thank you so much.
Alison, the most amazing thing about this documentary is the truly human face your dad brought to this historical, what I can only call, document. Huzzah!!
I've also been looking for this for 30 years. Fabulous vid. Thanks so much for posting.
An excellent film and an excellent insight! Read the book many times, a true legend!
16:45 Nice song called “ I’ll get by” by Carroll Gibbons, good lads all of them
Thank you for that, i always wanted to know the name of it.
I love the haunting music in back ground which is played 3 or 4 time