75th Anniversary
Readers may like to know that yesterday, the 75th Anniversary, Ceremonies were held both at the Stèle and in the Carré des Anglais in the Cemetery. Relatives of 4 of the families had been traced and were present. Unfortunately the Balcomb family were unable to participate as Eric Balcomb's oldest son died just a few weeks ago.
Highly emotional day, yet full of pride, as the airmen were honoured in the presence of the Paris Air Attaché, the local MP and various French dignitaries, representatives of the RAFA and the RBL and about 40 Standard bearers from French Veterans' Associations. Excellent temporary exhibition created from documents and photos from the families, a local school childrens' project, a large, scale model of a Halifax built by the Modelling Club and loans from the Yorkshire Air Museum at Elvington.
Copies of Eric Balcomb's Log Books revealed 2 interesting snippets: he had parachuted from a stricken Whitley near Doncaster just a few months before and that the unfortunate Sergeant Rudlin was flying with the Godwin crew for the first time that day.
An unforgettable and highly charged day with brilliant sunshine, 500+ participants and accolades all round for the organisation. Absolutely heart-warming.
Last edited by df850; 17th Aug 2016 at 08:50.