Bomber Command Memorial
BCM & UK TV
Thursday 28th June 2012:-
Live coverage of the BCM unveiling ceremony starting at 12:00 BST on BBC News - Channel 80
Bomber Command: a Tribute - 17:00 BST on BBC 2 (repeated at 23:20 BST)
Who Betrayed the Bomber Boys? - 21:00 BST on Yesterday – Channel 12
Tuesday 3rd July 2012:-
Bomber Command - 21:00 BST ITV 1 (repeated 5/07/2012 at 22:35 BST)
Live coverage of the BCM unveiling ceremony starting at 12:00 BST on BBC News - Channel 80
Bomber Command: a Tribute - 17:00 BST on BBC 2 (repeated at 23:20 BST)
Who Betrayed the Bomber Boys? - 21:00 BST on Yesterday – Channel 12
Tuesday 3rd July 2012:-
Bomber Command - 21:00 BST ITV 1 (repeated 5/07/2012 at 22:35 BST)
Last edited by spekesoftly; 28th Jun 2012 at 09:50.
Drove up Constitution Hill this morning round the back of the memorial, a very substantial logistics effort going into the preparations for tomorrow, broadcasting vehicles, catering vehicles, RAF teams, etc. Notices up warning that Constitution Hill is closed for the rest of today and tomorrow. Even for national events in London which we are used to, it looks like a very considerable effort is being made.
Unfortunately I can't now get away to stand on the sidelines, as hoped, but wish all of those who can well with it.
Unfortunately I can't now get away to stand on the sidelines, as hoped, but wish all of those who can well with it.
.... but I did break away to watch the ceremony on TV.
Bit of a shame the live presentation was on BBC News rather than BBC1 but I presume everyone now has all the channels.
BBC have obviously taken on board all the stick they got about the Jubilee presentations, this was a much more straight-laced and tighter presentation. Still could have done with a bit more about the aircraft, you almost got the impression that the commentator thought the same (references to "what really interests these old chaps is the aircraft") and he would have welcomed more briefing. However they were spot in in picking up whoever HM was speaking to, architect, sculptor of the figures, etc.
The Tornado five-some was a welcome extra flypast and the co-ordinated right turn was picked up spot-on from behind by the BBC helicopter.
Lancaster came over and dropped the red petals. Now then, old skydiver in me coming out but did these drop a bit short of the DZ ?
The service was in progress from the platform, facing south, interleaved with all this going on, and you don't get much forewarning as the aircraft come over the buildings in Piccadilly, so split-second timing essential. An amusing moment was when whoever the Top Banana was who was ending his section was speaking, he must have heard the Lanc's engines, did a sudden eyes-left and saw the aircraft come over The Ritz, and rapidly gabbled his last sentence
I didn't hear mention of Robin Gibb but didn't get to see it all. As I mentioned earlier, there was indeed reference to the supply drops into the Netherlands in 1945, and some from there were attending the ceremony.
I'll go and check it out at the weekend.
Bit of a shame the live presentation was on BBC News rather than BBC1 but I presume everyone now has all the channels.
BBC have obviously taken on board all the stick they got about the Jubilee presentations, this was a much more straight-laced and tighter presentation. Still could have done with a bit more about the aircraft, you almost got the impression that the commentator thought the same (references to "what really interests these old chaps is the aircraft") and he would have welcomed more briefing. However they were spot in in picking up whoever HM was speaking to, architect, sculptor of the figures, etc.
The Tornado five-some was a welcome extra flypast and the co-ordinated right turn was picked up spot-on from behind by the BBC helicopter.
Lancaster came over and dropped the red petals. Now then, old skydiver in me coming out but did these drop a bit short of the DZ ?
The service was in progress from the platform, facing south, interleaved with all this going on, and you don't get much forewarning as the aircraft come over the buildings in Piccadilly, so split-second timing essential. An amusing moment was when whoever the Top Banana was who was ending his section was speaking, he must have heard the Lanc's engines, did a sudden eyes-left and saw the aircraft come over The Ritz, and rapidly gabbled his last sentence
I didn't hear mention of Robin Gibb but didn't get to see it all. As I mentioned earlier, there was indeed reference to the supply drops into the Netherlands in 1945, and some from there were attending the ceremony.
I'll go and check it out at the weekend.
Originally Posted by WHBM
Bit of a shame the live presentation was on BBC News rather than BBC1 ........
Originally Posted by WHBM
I didn't hear mention of Robin Gibb but didn't get to see it all.
Last edited by spekesoftly; 28th Jun 2012 at 13:52.
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So moving....
Visited the Bomber Command memorial yesterday (30th) June with my daughter and better half, and possibly the most moving experience we've had together. A beautiful memorial, being visited by many foreign visitors including a German couple who were telling their young daughters (with respect and dignity) the reason for it's existence.
The memorial's location on Piccadilly (almost opposite the RAF Club) will ensure that RAF Club visitors will have an appropriate reminder of the sacrifice of those who went before.
Thanks to all of those whose tireless efforts ensured that Bomber Command's effort and sacrifice has at last been recognised.
The memorial's location on Piccadilly (almost opposite the RAF Club) will ensure that RAF Club visitors will have an appropriate reminder of the sacrifice of those who went before.
Thanks to all of those whose tireless efforts ensured that Bomber Command's effort and sacrifice has at last been recognised.
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Some chancer admen cashing in?
https://www.paydayuk.co.uk/payday-lo...-tv-advert.php
If we were to protest it just means more publicity though.
If we were to protest it just means more publicity though.
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Bomber Command Memorial Fund
As there is a shortfall of £827,000 which should cover the cost of the opening ceremony, with no lottery or state funding for this particular item, should I sell my house for £200,000 to donate to the Fund . Then I can go into a care home costing £500 per week or £24,000 for the government to pay. As an ex-aircrew of WW2, what do you think of that idea?
Hugh :
Don't worry, the Prime Minister has "told Whitehall to find the money". And, as I understand it, in no uncertain terms.
Victory for campaigners as David Cameron pledges to foot Bomber Command bill - Telegraph
This disagreement among overpaid civil servants over precisely which Whitehall budget was going to pay for this has, apparently, hacked off the PM once again with the professional standards of the civil service, where they were apparently more prepared to let you good guys who supported the memorial be subject to strain and worry than to appear to lose to their mate down the corridor.
The initial letter which was written in the PMs name which said they weren't going to do so, one of hundreds of letters a day that go out, was apparently drafted by these clueless public officials. Yes, you should check everything that goes out in your name, but there's far too much of it and you need to rely on your staff. Which didn't happen here. Sounds like some mandarin is looking at the wrong end of the next few honours lists now
Don't worry, the Prime Minister has "told Whitehall to find the money". And, as I understand it, in no uncertain terms.
Victory for campaigners as David Cameron pledges to foot Bomber Command bill - Telegraph
This disagreement among overpaid civil servants over precisely which Whitehall budget was going to pay for this has, apparently, hacked off the PM once again with the professional standards of the civil service, where they were apparently more prepared to let you good guys who supported the memorial be subject to strain and worry than to appear to lose to their mate down the corridor.
The initial letter which was written in the PMs name which said they weren't going to do so, one of hundreds of letters a day that go out, was apparently drafted by these clueless public officials. Yes, you should check everything that goes out in your name, but there's far too much of it and you need to rely on your staff. Which didn't happen here. Sounds like some mandarin is looking at the wrong end of the next few honours lists now
Last edited by WHBM; 6th Oct 2012 at 07:20.
I have already asked this on the RBL thread, but does anyone know if there is anything planned at the Bomber Command memorial on Remembrance Sunday? I am in London that day and rather than tag onto the Cenotaph service I thought I'd go and pay my respects in Green Park. Can't imagine I'll be the only one, but will there be anything in the way of a formal service, does anyone know?
Paxing All Over The World
In the last 25/30 years, civil servants have been given the same instructions as commerce: DON'T SPEND ANY MONEY ON ANYTHING. So they pass it on to the next department. Eventually, the bill has gone full circle and waits for a political (or CEO) to decided who pays.
In commerce, this regular problem stays private but govt is now supposed to be open and so the problems spill out.
Remember that no one is allowed to "use your common sense" anymore. We read this every day in postings in the SLF forum where agents can no longer 'do the right thing' by the customer. Very often, nor can the civil servants. I have not worked in central govt but have been in local and in (mainly) commerce for over 30 years.
In commerce, this regular problem stays private but govt is now supposed to be open and so the problems spill out.
Remember that no one is allowed to "use your common sense" anymore. We read this every day in postings in the SLF forum where agents can no longer 'do the right thing' by the customer. Very often, nor can the civil servants. I have not worked in central govt but have been in local and in (mainly) commerce for over 30 years.
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Sounds like some mandarin is looking at the wrong end of the next few honours lists n
"Sounds like some mandarin is looking at the wrong end of the next few honours lists now"
Maybe that should be "Looking at the right end of a P45"!
Bloody atrocious debacle. Especially as they have just announced £5M for schoolkids to go to WW1 battlefields. (Not that it is a bad idea, but amazing how they can drum up funds for 'popular' vote winning ideas)
Maybe that should be "Looking at the right end of a P45"!
Bloody atrocious debacle. Especially as they have just announced £5M for schoolkids to go to WW1 battlefields. (Not that it is a bad idea, but amazing how they can drum up funds for 'popular' vote winning ideas)
Bob - Thanks for that - I missed Bomber Command, but as a one time member of Strike Command I hope they wont object to a mere whippersnapper of 65 tagging along!
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I suggest that someone who feels strongly about the day and its association with the bomber boys starts a thread. It will not be disregarded or go without proper recognition. Feel free.
PPP
PPP
