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Originally Posted by Harry Ree  I think that you will find that a front line Bomber Command Squadron on operations for most of the war and finishing hostilities operating four engined heavies such as the Halifax and Lancaster had around 1000 casualties.The airfield memorials tend to highlight this.
A tremendous sacrifice by the men and youth of Britain, of the then British Empire and those from the occupied countries.The fact that the operational squadrons were kept up to strength after suffering such high losses of aircrew must be a tribute to the recruitment and training organisation of the Royal Air Force.
The losses of aircrew in the single raids on Peenemunde and Nuremburg were particular devastating for some squadrons,overall,the former raid being regarded as successful while the latter proved to be a tragic operation.
They and their groundcrew continue to be remembered. |
If I recall correctly, Australian Bomber Command veterans were 2% of all Australian volunteers in the 2nd world war and almost 23% of the casualties.
They too paid the price for a free Europe.