A day out with Just Jane - NX611

[Octopus]

My father in law was 80 a couple of weeks ago and last Autumn, the misses and her siblings were discussing what we should do to "mark" the occasion! Being a youngster during the war anything WW2 related has his interest so we clubbed together and bought him a day with Just Jane.

I have a family interest in this topic as one of my mum's cousins lost his life in Feb '45 as a Navigator in the RAF Pathfinder Force with 635 squadron, so I went with him!

On route I arranged for us to visit the Pathfinders museum at RAF Wyton - and had a private tour and presentation by the voluntary staff - and found things about my family history too!

So here is Just Jane:



The day included many things but the treat is the "taxi ride" in the Lancaster, and my "position" was in the bomb aimers position and this was my view out during the ride:



Hearing 4 Rolls Royce Merlin engines are close quarters, at up to 2000 revs (it takes 3000 to take off) is something I will not forget in a hurry.

On a more sober note, over 55,000 air crew lost their lives while serving with Bomber Command and the average life expectancy for a new crew was just 1 week - my relative completed 46 missions and received the DFC. What these guys, most of which were in their early 20's, did for US, is something that should never be forgotten.

This is the website for the heritage centre for anyone who's interested - and yes its not cheap!

The only place in the UK where you can ride in a Lancaster Bomber - Lincolnshire Aviation Heritage Centre

 

[ruston]

I had the privilege to work with men and women that served in WW11.
One of whom went through the whole desert campaign ,and right through to Normandy, another was a tail gunner in a Lancaster.

I have an immense respect for all armed forces and emergency services.
Well done for what you did.