Gordon Mellor was the Navigator in a Lancaster Bomber shot down over Belgium.  He survived and was fortunate to meet members of the Comète Line, who secreted him to Belgium, France and eventually over the Pyrénées and into Spain. He recently discovered that not only had his group been infiltrated by the Germans, but one of his RAF travelling companions was the cousin of Lord Haw Haw. He passed away in January 2018. Please note that not all of Gordon’s interview is currently online. Contact us if you would like to see more.

Terence Crowley was an aircraft engine fitter during the Berlin Airlift. He was stationed at RAF Uetersen near Hamburg. Upon joining the RAF in 1946, Terence was sent to north Yorkshire and commenced his role working on Vickers Wellington twin engine bombers. After gaining valuable experience, familiarising himself with the aircraft and completing training with high marks, he was posted to several difference locations throughout England. This range of postings took him to RAF bases from the west midlands to Bedfordshire and ultimately to Norfolk where he began work overhauling Lancaster bombers. Speaking with great humour Terence recalls how, having never flown before, he was unexpectedly required to became part of a crew for a test flight of a Lancaster bomber which he himself had been responsible for fitting the engines in. Shortly afterwards, he was dispatched to Germany, working on a variety of planes from communication aircraft to any aircraft needing attention during the Berlin Airlift. He recollects many fond memories of his time in Germany, including mixing with fellow workers from Germany and America, ballroom dancing and delivering newspapers to Berlin. In addition to his role as engine fitter, Terence was given added responsibilities including tanker driver and VIP fitter, looking after both dignitaries and their planes. He talks knowledgably about the daily wider operations of the RAF and reflects on the deep sadness of discovering a colleague had been lost at sea. Terence felt relief when the air lift was over but commends the efforts of all involved in a project he remarks as being “well worth doing”.

Mark Harding recounts his journey from working at Tesco to enlisting in the army at 19, inspired by his father with the aim of protecting the innocent from bullies wherever they were. He began his military career in the infantry, embracing each challenge without looking back. His service took him to conflict zones such as Bosnia, Kosovo, Iraq, and ultimately Afghanistan. Mark seized every opportunity to improve his skills, including jungle training in Belize to become a sniper, which proved invaluable during his last two tours.

In 2010, Mark's life dramatically changed when he was shot and paralysed in Afghanistan. Initially treated at Camp Bastion, he was transferred to Selly Oak Hospital and placed in an induced coma. Upon awakening, Mark faced the devastating news that he would never walk again. Refusing to accept this fate, he embarked on a challenging rehabilitation journey, using functional electronic stimulation to aid his recovery.

Mark's determination led him to become the sole disabled member of the GB Dragon Boat racing team, representing his country in international competitions. Additionally, Mark has transformed his experiences into motivational speaking, inspiring and uplifting others with his remarkable story.