Brave crews remembered

The dedication and bravery of the aviators who formed the Australian contingent in the RAAF’s Bomber Command have been acknowledged 79 years on, in services around the country in May and June.

CAPTION: Musician Will Madden plays the Last post at the 79th Anniversary Commemoration Ceremony of Bomber Command held at the Air Force Memorial, Torrens Parade Ground in Adelaide. Story by Flight Lieutenant Jessica Aldred. Photo by Sergeant Murray Staff.

Services were held in Canberra, Adelaide, Sydney and Ipswich to commemorate the 10,000 Australians who formed the RAAF air and ground crews in Bomber Command.

On giving the reflections address at the commemoration service at the Australian War Memorial on June 6, Officer Commanding No. 86 Wing, Group Captain Anthony Bull said it was an honour and privilege to convey the Bomber Command veterans’ reflections of their service.

“As with all our veterans and fallen colleagues, it lies at the core of our military ethos to reflect upon and remember their service and sacrifice,” Group Captain Bull said.

“The challenges, both mental and physical, of serving in Bomber Command were particularly difficult.

“The courage and technical mastery displayed by the aviators of Bomber Command rightly deserve our respect – they serve as exemplars of our values; service, courage, respect, integrity and excellence.”

In Air Force’s centenary year, more than 11,100 Air Force members who lost their lives have been remembered, and around 4,100 of these were serving in Bomber Command.

CAPTION: Bomber Command veteran, Squadron Leader (Retd) David Leicester, DFC and Bar, OAM in front of an Air Force Centenary banner featuring his photograph at the 79th Anniversary Commemoration Ceremony of Bomber Command held at the Air Force Memorial, Torrens Parade Ground in Adelaide. Photo by Sergeant Murray Staff.

 

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