INCREASED SUPPORT FOR BOMBER COMMAND VETERANS
Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Warren Snowdon today announced additional support to help more veterans get to London for the dedication of the Bomber Command Memorial on 28 June.
Mr Snowdon said the Department of Veterans’ Affairs had undertaken a nomination process for representatives from the Bomber Command veteran community to participate in a commemorative mission to attend the dedication in London.
“The significance of this occasion and the strength of the response from the veteran community has made it clear the usual parameters for a commemorative mission were not going to be sufficient for this occasion,” he said.
“I am pleased to announce the Government will now help more Bomber Command veterans to get to London.”
The eight places originally announced for the official mission party will now be increased to 30 places. A dedicated team including doctors, nurses and RAAF personnel will support the mission.
Further support, including a travel subsidy of $5,000 and assistance to participate in Australian commemorative services, will also be provided for all other Bomber Command veterans who travel independently to attend the dedication.
“Veterans can still apply for a grant facilitated through the RAAF Association to help them get to London,”Mr Snowdon said.
“The Department of Veterans’ Affairs is working closely with the Bomber Command Association and the RAAF Association to ensure veterans who are not part of the official mission party receive the advice they need to make their own arrangements to get to London.
“I look forward to announcing the members of the official mission party in the coming weeks and encourage Bomber Command veterans who have not yet nominated for a grant to contact the RAAF Association.”
Some 10,000 Australians airmen served with the Royal Air Force’s Bomber Command during the Second World War. Of these almost 3500 were killed in action and some 650 died in training accidents in the United Kingdom – making the bombing campaign against Germany and Italy Australia’s costliest campaign of the Second World War.
Media inquiries: Minister Snowdon: Lidija Ivanovski orMarcus Butler 02 6277 7820 or 0407108 935 / 0417 917 796