Bomber Command veterans gather memorial backing
They took part in some of the most hazardous and dangerous missions of the Second World War.
The men of Bomber Command had the perilous task of flying high above Germany in order to destroy key Nazi targets.
In total 55,573 airmen died during the war, about 50 per cent of their entire number.
But despite their sacrifices the men have never been honoured with a memorial for their bravery.
On Saturday, 16 veterans from Bomber Command were at Garsons Garden Centre in Titchfield to meet members of the public and drum up support for a campaign to raise the funds for a memorial in London.
So far they have 1.5m for the Bomber Command Memorial Appeal.
But they need to raise 3m for the memorial – which will be built of Portland stone with a centrepiece of a bronze sculpture of seven bomber crew members looking up at the sky.
Geoff Rushton, 86, of The Spur, Gosport, was one of the veterans meeting people at the garden centre.
He said: 'Bomber Command have not got a memorial and it's about time we did. Half of us were lost, we were all in our 20s at the time.
'We have been raising money towards this for some years so it would be good to be able to have it within the next two years before we are all gone.
'A lot of people do not realise that by doing what we did we effectively ended the Blitz. We are often overlooked.'
Brian Bennett, 92, from Alverstoke, Gosport, retired as an Air Commodore.
He said: 'It has been quite nostalgic to all be here. We are trying to raise some money for a deserving cause.
'I lost two of my crew in the war and that's why it's so important we honour these men.'
On Saturday people had the chance to buy books, cards and prints at the centre, with all money going towards the memorial fund.
Sammy Morgan, who organised the event and is spearheading the campaign to raise the funds for the memorial, said: 'It has been fantastic with a great turn out for the veterans.
'They are amazing men and it's great to have them all together like this to help try and raise this money.'
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Saturday 26 May 2012
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