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john daly
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Bomber Command Memorial.

The unveiling of the Bomber Command Memorial in London on the 28th June has angered Veterans who want to attend. Some of the survivors have not had an invite and lots of those who have a ticket are to be put in the "Salute Area" which is to the side with large screens so they can watch the proceedings on T.V.. As all of them are aged between 86 and 92 years old quite a few are in wheelchairs with carers so would like to be down at the front.
It appears that a large amount of Prime viewing tickets have been allocated to Dignitaries and Politician not to the Veterans.
It would be a disgrace if any of these men who this Memorial were not allowed to attend and also be in a Position to see the events.

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17/06/2012 16:15:37

john daly
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Have just read today that The Aussie government has arranged for 32 veterans to be flown to England for the Ceremony, free accomodation, five nurses and two Doctors.

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17/06/2012 16:19:35

Colin Hall
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Quoting: john daly
Have just read today that The Aussie government has arranged for 32 veterans to be flown to England for the Ceremony, free accomodation, five nurses and two Doctors.

While the New Zealand Government through Veterans Affairs and the RNZAF are flying 32 veterans plus carer’s ! The RNZAF Boeing 757 leaves on the 24th I think.

Bomber Command Veterans to Travel to London Dedication

Thirty-two veterans, aged between 87 and 94, who served in the Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) with Bomber Command, will attend the dedication and unveiling of the Bomber Command Memorial in London in June.

Around 6000 New Zealanders served with Bomber Command between 1939 and 1945, bombing various targets considered crucial to the war effort, as well as undertaking many other well known operations, including the Dam Busters raid.

More than 90 expressions of interest were received, however around 40 applications were subsequently withdrawn by veterans themselves as they reconsidered their ability to make such an arduous journey.

Veterans’ Affairs New Zealand General Manager, Rick Ottaway, said he was delighted to have a strong delegation of RNZAF veterans able to travel to London for the dedication and unveiling of the Bomber Command memorial on 28 June 2012.

“It’s great to see so many veterans able to travel to London to commemorate the 1,851 RNZAF servicemen who lost their lives serving with Bomber Command.

“It’s an honour to give these brave RNZAF veterans the opportunity to attend the dedication and unveiling and to allow them to share their stories.

“I acknowledge that there will be some disappointment amongst those who are not able to attend the London-based event, however we will support those veterans to attend a ceremony to acknowledge their service here in New Zealand.”

To be eligible to be part of the delegation, each veteran was required to have been a member of the RNZAF and served with Bomber Command. Each veteran was medically assessed to ensure they are fit to travel and participate in the events in London.

The veterans will travel to London by RNZAF Boeing 757. All international travel, accommodation, on-ground transport, and medical costs are being funded by Veterans’ Affairs New Zealand.

The 70 metre long memorial built in London’s Green Park to honour the men of Bomber Command has been paid for by the public and benefactors.

Attached is a list of some of the veterans confirmed to attend the Bomber Command memorial dedication and unveiling – 28 June 2012.

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17/06/2012 18:31:40

Pamela Forbes
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It appears that the number of tickets available for the opening ceremony of the Bomber Command Memorial, something that is long overdue, is 6,500.

I don’t know how many survivors of those bomber crews there are or how many would be able to attend but I should imagine the numbers are not high given that they are now in their late 80’s or early 90’s.

Those survivors should not only be given the best of the front row seats but should be treated as VIP’s.

Families of those lost should be next in line for seats.

As for politicians....... I’m sure there must be a sewer close by which would be suitable for them to watch the ceremony from and ponder on the meaning of patriotism, bravery and self-sacrifice.

I had the priviledge of knowing one of these brave men who lived in my village. He was a pilot who flew the maximum number of missions possible on bombers and miraculously survived. Like others of his ilk he was a modest and charming man.

Give a man an inch.........and he thinks he’s a ruler.

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17/06/2012 21:52:01

Rev. Roger Perry
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Bomber Command Memorial

The most appalling thing is the BBC. Not content with ruining the River Pageant for HM’s Diamond Jubilee, they will be showing repeat programs on the main channels instead of covering Her Majesty opening of this monument. No wonder many are referring to the BBC as the Baghdad Broadcasting Clowns.
The boss of the BBC should be instantly dismissed from his post, as should the entire program planning dept.

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17/06/2012 23:13:48

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