"Our trips were much shorter than [those of] the heavy bombers – one or two hours mostly – but much of their flying time was over friendly territory. We could be over the enemy in 20 minutes."
The only Australian among his crew of four Englishmen – pilot Ted Burn, navigator/bomb aimer Dave Kirk and fellow air gunner Jim Freeman – George began his eventful tour in early August 1944, as the war approached the terrible crescendo of the Battle of Normandy; the German armies were gradually being encircled, worn down and destroyed, prior to the Allied breakout from north-west France.
George's logbook catalogues his trips, beginning with, "August 4, Ops 1 – Bombing. Marshalling yards at Montfort-sur-Risle; August 6, Ops 2 – Bombing. Ammunition dump at Livarot."
Other Odd Bods also feature including David Moreland and Laurie Larmer. The book, Heroes of the Skies, by Michael Veitch is published by Viking, $34.99, and is available as an e-book.
PS: Odd Bods President Walter Eacott has purchased the audio version of this book and recommends it to sight challenged members.
PS: Odd Bods President Walter Eacott has purchased the audio version of this book and recommends it to sight challenged members.
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