You could have heard a pin drop on Monday September 15, night when more than 120 visitors packed St. James’ church, Bishampton to listen to two eminent military experts talk about the strategic manoeuvres which took place in the Battle of Britain, and the vital part which Bomber Command offensive took in ensuring victory over the Germans.

The audience were gripped as Air Marshall Sir Robert Wright, FRAeS and Air Commodore Graham Pitchfork MBE, FRAes, gave a fascinating insight into World War II’s distinctive battles - including the Battle of the Ruhr, the Battle of Berlin, and the famous Dambusters raid. They painted a very graphic picture of the courage and sacrifices made by the young men and women who made up Bomber Command, which was formed originally in 1936 with the aim of providing a deterrent to aggression.

Aircrew, with an average age of just 19, were thrust into air warfare with rudimentary navigational equipment and artillery and were expected to carry out night-time raids under heavy fire. Pilots were drawn from the UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the Commonwealth, as well as from occupied countries such as Poland and Czechoslovakia.

Air Commodore Pitchfork explained that 55,573 aircrew lost their lives during the war –a staggering figure - especially when compared to the fact that this a greater number than those that serve in the entire Royal Air Force today.

Sir Robert Wright, now retired, was formerly Controller of the Royal Air Force Benevolent fund, which is custodian of the Bomber Command memorial in Green Park London dedicated by HRH Queen Elizabeth II in June 2012. It features seven striking larger-than-life bronze statues depicting an aircrew returning from battle.

Air Commodore Graham Pitchfork, is a key member of the RAF Historical Society Committee and the author of many historical books related to aviation and air crew.

Martin Dickinson, Chair of FOSJ, thanked both men for a fascinating presentation. The charity’s next event is a Harvest Supper in the Villages Hall, on Saturday, October 18.

LESLEY MILLER