Flash 8
My late Fathers Halifax crew had an "older" Canadian skipper (24) but the rest of them were under 21, and in my Fathers case 18 yrs 6 months when shot down. The skipper was nicknamed "Granddad" by his young crew. Unfortunately both he and 3 others did not survive being shot down. My Dads 21st Birthday was spent watching the bombing of Hamlin while eating raw potatoes in a field while on the run after escaping from a POW column. As you say it is amazing what these young men did. As for "Bomber" I totally agree with you , a terrific book well researched and according to my Father a very accurate portrayal of what it was like, to both being in a bomber and being bombed. He experienced the latter courtesy of the 8th Air force and Bomber Command, and also had his column strafed by roving US fighter bombers on numerous occasions in 1945, the latter causing many fatalities and injury to POW,s.
Regards
Mr Mac .