I spent many years in the Lincolnshire area and went around many old and new airfields, whilst in the RAF, I have met many Veterans at the Leuchars early breakfast. and they share their stories, I have recently met Eric Thirkell , but he does not say much of his days, through conversations over a few years I understand he was involved with Lancaster. and possibly Wellingtons.

Found both this video and his "The Watch Tower" and I wish I could find more ! He had an amazing narrative voice that I could listen to forever❤ Yesterday the book "Lancaster Target" arrived from UK . A Christmas present to myself ❤

Incredibble footage, departure at dawn at the command of that noisy giant for a deadly mission, seems so sinister, could have been a one way ticket, the crew knew it yet discipline prevailed. RIP to all airmen, you deserved a better life.

Excellent film. If you want to know more..... 𝗧𝗔𝗟𝗞 𝗢𝗡 𝗛𝗜𝗦𝗧𝗢𝗥𝗬 𝗢𝗙 𝗥𝗔𝗙 𝗘𝗔𝗦𝗧 𝗞𝗜𝗥𝗞𝗕𝗬 - 𝟭𝟮 𝗡𝗢𝗩 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟰 𝗟𝗼𝘂𝗶𝘀𝗲 𝗕𝘂𝘀𝗵 of the Lincolnshire Aviation Heritage Centre is to hold a presentation entitled '𝗔 𝗛𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝗥𝗔𝗙 𝗘𝗮𝘀𝘁 𝗞𝗶𝗿𝗸𝗯𝘆' at the Town Hall, Main Road, New Bolingbroke, Lincs PE22 7LD on 𝗧𝘂𝗲 𝟭𝟮𝘁𝗵 𝗡𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟰 from 7:30pm-9:15pm. Admission is just £4 on the door. The Town Hall is a white building with three large arched windows facing the Main Road (B1183 'Seven Mile Straight') and is signposted from it.

Just found this brilliant nostalgia my late dad was in 2 command was on the raid on st Nazaire. RAF army navy all heroes

Here's a question... Did Currie receive acting training?

Thank you so much for sharing this video, what a great video this is, i have the Jack Curry Lancaster Bomber documentary, that's fantastic, But I've never seen this one, So thanks very much, I'm hoping to be able to make a KZbin video of Lancaster Legend part two, which I have copied from VHS to DVD in my collection, Hopefully pretty soon 👍 Cheers Paul

I recorded this on VHS when it came out, I have it transferred to DVD now, An epic documentary indeed 👍

Sorry if this is a dumb question but is that actually mr Currie or is it an actor playing him? In what year was this made?

Thanks to the likes of Mr. Currie, we can watch films like these. He seems to be understanding of the supernatural legacy of the Bomber County, and given how close that leaving this mortal coil, not to speak of the deaths and anxieties on base, is it any wonder that many of these now lonely places speak of aircrews that return in ethereal guise.

And Just Jane is getting near to completion... I must visit East Kirkby, great video.

What a wonderful, truly wonderful film. I'm full of awe for all those brave souls. I've had the privilege of occupying the mid upper turret in 'Just Jane' during a taxy run and it's something I'll never forget - can't wait for her to return to the air. I live near Manston, here in Kent and the Spitfire museum is well worth a visit - they have a Spitfire Nd Hurricane on display - awesome! They also have a Spitfire simulator you can fly and I have done that, flying under the Dartford crossing bridge in the process! Wonderful experience. However, a Lancaster cockpit and front fuselage section has recently been installed and later this week I shall be 'flying' the Lanc as it has been converted to a flight simulator! Can't wait - what an honour. The museum is well worth a visit if you are in the area.

One forgets how quiet 1986 was! Great memories!

I have always liked any of the videos and other material about Jack Currie. I'm a published Poet/Author, but that poem at about 15.00mins beats me by a mile. Deep; very deep.

Just came across this - the bravery of those men is unbelievable, knowing the chances were they wouldn't live through their tour. I wonder how young men today would react.

My little cottage is more or less at the end of the runway of one of the oldest operational airfields in the uk. It was once the home of one of the base's pilots. As a child of the 60's who has been lucky enough to actually speak with many WW2 and even a few WW1 veterans I'm ashamed of some of the things happening in my country. Far right neo naziz on the streets rioting and being whipped up by irresponsible politicians. I met a man who was a tank squadron commander at the 60th anniversary commemoration of D Day which I'd been invited to attend by the Normandy Veteran's Association. He asked me to promise to do everything I to keep Europe safe and free from the kind of politics and hate he fought against. I have so much mor respect for these men than what we call the boomers who although they've enjoyed all the benefits of a long peace seem filled with hate and xenophobia. I'll say no more other than in war no one really wins. A very interesting video although I'm a sceptic where ghosts etc are concerned.

I am hardly 5 minutes in... What a gem of a film. This is a profound piece of history. Respect 🙏🏽

Designed by men and women,built by craftsmen for heros to fly,you can say that about any RAF aeroplane of WW2.We must never forget them. Lest We Forget.

Originally watched this back in the 1980s it was fantastic then and is a memorial in its own right. 👍

I particularly like this film because it reflects how terrifying and deadly this activity was. Currie was a legend.

In my airline days as a new 2nd officer flew with Flt Lt George Laing DFC of Bomber Flight Berlin fame . George was based at East Kirkby did 50 missions

A month ago talked with a 102 lanc pilot said he only did 23 mission war ended . Only did 23 missions that was their mentally as if that wasn’t good enough . A real pleasure to talk him his daughter had never heard him talk about his experiences before . I had a career as an airline pilot so he opened up . I had flown with my Lancaster pilots during my career when I was a lowly 2nd officer . Flt Lt Gorege Laing DFC of Bomber Fight Berlin fame was one of them

Wow, how elegaic and understated, like the guys who flew such as my uncle, Denis Law.

Great history & rare perspectives, thanks for this. (Just bought his book).

‘Are you sure?’ ‘Sure I’m sure. Main briefing four o’clock.’ Currie, Jack. Lancaster Target . Crecy. Kindle 版.

I won’t bother now skipper it’s baked hard. 🤢

Ripples...........

These gents risked their lives for Britain and many was killed...

My unlce was an american raised in english public schools ,when he joined up he was sent back to america on the arnold plan where he became a check pilot for the raf He was given USAF wings and on returning to england he joined a pathfinder squadron. He only made7 missions. The attricion rate was very high.

A great film and a great man!

Thanks 🙏 fascinating piece of history i have always been interested in World 🌎 War 2 aircraft and airbases in the UK

Very brave men, whose children and grandchildren have virtually given away the country the fought and died for.

God I miss this generation so much. Thank you so very much for your service.

What a hero Jack was. You must be very proud of your father. We are too.

I too am the proud daughter of a pilot. He flew for 630 from East Kirkby before transferring to 617.

The finest generation, proud to say my dad and his generation, and these men who flew in these missions stand along side giants of history, bless am all.

A different breed

sound poor.

Marvellous - such understated heroism! - we're not the German searchlights and guns ever bombed?

Jack Currie was some man. I have thoroughly enjoyed this documentary. Especially with Richard Burton adding his wonderful speaking voice on narration. Thank you to everyone involved especially Jack and his crew.

My father went through the war as a navigator and then a pilot later.

They are all my heroes.. Never forgotten. Rest in peace.. Fly high with the angles. Freedom is never free... Lest we forget. ❤

G'day Mike, It breaks my heart to think of the 58K+ young airmen from all over the UK, Australia, New Zealand and Canada who, as Sqn Ldr Jack Currie said, "Died in blood and flame...", while serving in Bomber Command. This is the second half hour film I've seen Jack Currie do; the first not many years after the war's end. He has a knack of capturing the mood, atmosphere of his brother flyers, so many of whom found their graves in some forgotten ground or ocean depths between England and Germany. Of course, we can't overlook the gallant sacrifice of their American cousins who flew, fought and died in their B-17s and B-24s. It was a terrible business; slowly lumbering across the Channel and various countries to deliver their bomb loads. Trying to dodge enemy fighters and flak guns who found bombers, forced to fly straight and level on their bomb runs, such easy pickings. It was documentaries, books and radio broadcasts about their exploits that, many years later, inspired me to join the RAAF. Vietnam was still going on and, in that war, with our modern aircraft, we all knew there would never again be a recreation of mass bomber raids as there was in WW2. So many things were different for us, yet the pilots of our Canberra’s, Phantoms and F-111s, still had to 'suit-up' and be driven out to their aircraft as it was in the old days; doubtless with the same trepidations, nerves and outwardly good, even black, humour to hide even the tiniest quiver of the hands. The same general orders applied: find and destroy the enemy. I could see and almost feel their mind sets but never experience them for myself. The only 'flying' I did in the RAAF was in the cavernous interior of C-130s when any Skipper needed some assistance from some 'ground gorillas' to move special cargo about at either end or help out when one of them was carrying a load of passengers, etc. So, thanks again, Mike. Films like these from the late Jack Currie mean more to me than any set of actors playing at aircrew in a feature film, as good as some of them are. Cheers, and all the best. Bill H. ex-486 Sqn. and others.

Fantastic 🇬🇧🇬🇧

That was just fantastic to watch wow what a film brilliant 👏 🇬🇧🇬🇧

fascinating

Liebgott from Band of Brothers at 7.05

What an amazing documentary… thanks 🙏🏻

Brilliant all Hero's bless em, was lucky enough to have a taxi ride in Just Jane at East Kirkby and went in all crew positions.

I have so much respect for these brave men !!!