Kenneth Duddell - WWII RAF Avro Lancaster Flight Engineer Interview

[@michaelduddell2280]

This is my Grandad. Regardless of what people think, he fought to save us and our country and that is one of the reasons we are here today enjoying our lives. I am also Bomber command 9 & 617 Tornado squadrons and had great privilege to be at the unveiling of the bomber command memorial with my Grandfather in 2012. Great Man. x

[@Bruce-1956]

Thanks to your grandad and 125,000 others (of which 55,000+ didn't return) we have the freedoms we enjoy today. We will remember them.

[@JVerschueren]

Nice to see him still thinking on his feet, as he tries to explain an incredibly complex job in layman's terms. We're so used to automated Engine Control Modules, but these guys (and their counterparts on the B-17's) managed their engines by hand as they flew different altitudes and speeds. Quite the juggling act in the pitch dark and the cold, meanwhile managing their personal life support system and being under fire from the enemy. My hat is off to those people, working in conditions and incurring casualty rates we would, today, deem totally unacceptable, in order to preserve the liberties we enjoy today.

[@lloydellis5570]

“Regardless of what people think “ can you elaborate on this comment? Has there been negative comments?

[@lyndonredpath7214]

TehTonkz You havn't read many of the sites on this subject then?

[@kevinb5839]

You must be very proud of your grandad what a man I thank him and you for yoûr service

[@samrodian919]

How very moving to watch this man reminisce about his time in the RAF. Told with such humility. God Bless him. As I watch this in 2019 I expect he has passed on now, if so Let him Rest in Peace, as he did his duty so Heroically, as did all the boys, in the RAF, especially those in bomber command, who took the fight to the Germans on almost a nightly basis, yes they were mainly just boys of 18 to 22 At 24 and you were old. God Bless them ALL

[@MrBackoftheface]

What a wonderful man. I could spend a ridiculous amount of time listening to him.

[@Focus7ltd]

Glad you liked it. We weren't paid for this and it was an honour to do it. I could have listen to Ken talk all day. You must come to Elsham Wold and visit the museum rooms.

[@bonchance9241]

Mr Kenneth Duddell thankyou dear Sir , for all of us .

[@deborahbrown5528]

What these men could teach us about bravery and modesty. Today’s so called leaders should look at these men and look up to them

[@984francis]

Yes. YES. There's so much hubris these days. Agree with his politics or not, John McCain was treated shamefully by small, blowhard, yet dangerous men. They care nothing for history, courage, humanity or wisdom, just $$$$

[@russellherbert9670]

Yes yes yes

[@PaulabJohnson]

Thanks for documenting and preserving this wonderful man's story. His modesty is in inverse proportion to his bravery..we owe him and the other crew from Bomber Command an immense debt

[@YHBW1001]

Such a modest and gentle man. They were all just boys at the time, but had the courage of lions. When you go home, tell them of us and say, 'For your tomorrows, we gave our today.’

[@simon4tk]

A very helpful and moving picture of life as a crew member on Lancasters. My dad was a Flight Engineer in 576 Squadron between September 1944 and March 1945.

[@bordersw1239]

My father was ground crew at Elsham, repairing Lancaster radar. His uncle was Air Vice Commodore and Elsham was one of his stations, my dad never told anyone!

[@ShevillMathers]

Lovely man, one of so many, it took guts to do what they did night after night-sadly they don’t get the same recognition as ‘the few’, brave young men, one and all, I salute you. I served in Germany at RAF. Hospital Wegberg, my first medics posting in 1956. It was very interesting and insightful to talk with many locals and hear their stories- very very few wanted war- tragic for all who lived through it. Thank you for sharing this wonderful story, I am humbled by it.

[@jozzilion]

Thanks for posting this fantastic video, My Granddad was with 630 & then 617sqd. as a flight engineer in an Avro Lancaster named P for Peter, 'Prunes Pride' He flew 28 war ops. before the skipper was KIA. He also flew prisoners of war back & then went on to India, to RAF Digri. I've heard some some similar stories first hand of what Mr Duddell speaks about, even now I'm still amazed at what these gentlemen did.

[@bobg9741]

What a gentleman, who describes his experiences very modestly. My father, who was also a Flight Engineer on Lancaster's, completed a 45 operation Pathfinder tour with 97 Squadron out of Woodall Spa and Bourn, from Dec 42 to Dec 43, he was awarded the DFM and survived the war along with the rest of his crew, like Kenneth he was full of praise for their groundcrew. After coming off ops, the RAF in their own perverse manner posted him as an instructor at Lindholm , on Halifax's, an aircraft that he hated and considered it to be very inferior to the Lancaster. As many of you have already said, we owe so much to that generation of hero's on land sea and in the air.

[@GoodOlTimesOnlyGayer]

Thank you Mr Duddell - appreciate your memories that you shared and your courage.

[@TheVocalMale]

What a great man - it's important to know about these stories so we can keep them alive in the years to come. Tremendously brave men!

[@jonco2969]

For the life of me I don't know how you did it sir.. God bless you.. Totally Amazing.. The Lancaster is and always will be.. Bloody brilliant.. 👍🏻

[@jonnybottle]

Wonderful! I found this by chance, and as a North Lindsey boy (from Winterton, the other side of the Ancholme from Elsham) I know all the places mentioned - I learned to drive on Elsham and Blyton (and Hibaldstow) airfields and often drank in the Expiring Prizefighter (aka Dying Gladiator. My Dad used to be in there before and after his meetings at the council offices, likewise in Bigby St.) Who else could have heard of Crowle? ;). And I identify all the more with the story because my Cousin from Wintringham, near Wintertob, was also a Lancaster flight engineer with 101 Squadron, based at Ludford Magna near Louth. Don't apologise, The RAF is, after all, the organisation that saved civilisation. Thanks for posting :).

[@Focus7ltd]

Thanks for your reply. Can't put into words what they did and went through. Sorry about your father in law. Glad you liked the film.

[@pab777]

Still looks so youthful. What a bloke.

[@chrisbateman3687]

When I was growing up, I lived next door to a wartime flight engineer. He flew two tours in both Lancasters and Halifaxes. Only being a child, I didn't get the opportunity to talk to him in any meaningful way about his service. I wouldn't have known what to ask him, and wouldn't have understood his answers anyway. He was a very humble man. The only thing I remember him saying was, when I showed him the Airfix kit of the Halifax I'd been given for Christmas, he said "Ah good. I liked the Halifax. Lancasters were a bit tinny". RIP, Sid.

[@phabdian]

Fantastic interview. Wish I could say something worthy of this man's courage, and casual modesty. I can't.

[@robynn144]

What a kind, nice and brave gentleman. Thank you for sharing your story with us, mr. Kenneth Duddell. Bless you, sir and thank you for fighting for our freedom during World War 2, in the night skies above occupied Europe and GErmany. I salute you, Flight Sergeant Duddell. Sincere regards from Denmark.

[@adamskinner5868]

That was great, thanks for putting the interview online, it was really interesting. We have it so good today it's hard to imagine being put in that position, having to go, the very real risk that you will be among the many guys killed or missing after each trip, night after night for years. They were brave men who suffered real hardship and all of them have earned our respect.

[@Paggerd]

Wonderful just wonderful, what a generation. We could and should learn a lot from them. Thank you for preserving for posterity their experiences and marvellous attitude to the hardships of war.

[@jaywalker3087]

Having been posted to Binbrook myself, with 5 and 11 squadron flying Lightnings , I have always been interested in its history. I knew Ausies were there and now I know it was 460 squadron. Thankyou so much.

[@On4bbq]

Thank you Sir. The world needs badly men like you. Now and maybe even more nowadays. Respect. Respect. Respect. Great man indeed.

[@Nog311]

So much shit on You Tube and you can only thumb down them......and a great video like this you can only thumb up....It needs more much more than this.

[@MauriatOttolink]

Nog311 So what 6 total idiots were thumbs down for this? Come on...Name yourselves...Own up!

[@dinglebay100]

What a wonderful and modest gentleman, fascinating accountant of his war time experiences, thank you so much.

[@jonrome2839]

My uncle Edwin was flight engineer in Lancaster ED476 which didn't return from a raid on Duisberg. I wish I'd known him. Luckily my Dad survived the privations of the siege of Malta, otherwise I wouldn't be writing this.

[@Focus7ltd]

Love and warm wishes to Ken who is poorly at this time.

[@davidwest9685]

Awsome respect for this decent guy and his well presented memories. Thank you sir.

[@stanwizz2351]

Brilliant

[@StephenDPRK]

An incredible interview of a remarkable man and time. Thank you for sharing.

[@mickm234]

A great insight. Real history, I didn’t realise they swapped around so much...

[@asc.445]

What a wonderful gentleman. Amazing interview.

[@tiamatxvxianash9202]

Thank You. a very moving interview

[@lisaburnett3368]

Thank you for your service to our country sir. God bless.

[@sr633]

God bless you sir. So in the know even now. A piece of England's war effort for sure.

[@BobFarnell]

Wonderful Interview, I am so thankful and Grateful for these "OldBoys, Heroic Boys"

[@Lancaster730]

Lovlie Bloke ,The Memorial service at Elsham Wolds seems so Empty without him & his lovlie Wife Val

[@glenbrugge7430]

My grandfather was an engineer on Lancs.

[@plumjam]

What a lovely man.

[@jonathanpope81]

Thank you for your service and thanks for this valued film.

[@rosie121000]

I feel about 1 inch tall listening to this guy 👏👏👏👏

[@petercliff4023]

Sir, you are a hero and a very brave man. Thank You.

[@patriciabracken7546]

With respect sir.. Thank you for you're service.. My daughter lives in Scunthorpe..

[@davidmcclelland1260]

We owe our freedom to incredibly brave and unassuming men like him

[@hawkeye4528]

Thanks for posting, all such brave men and a facinating insight into an aircrew role that was essential but often overlooked.

[@antoniosouza2194]

Respeito , admiração , tiveram trabalho duro , alguns não voltaram para casa , mas fizeram o que tinha de ser feito .....................................

[@mjarail]

One of my friends was a Wireless op/Air Gunner with 420 Sqdn based out of Tholethorpe, Yorks.

[@fastyaveit]

this guy made a difference

[@shakkers7956]

Thank you Ken. R. I. P.

[@zoltanmagyar1273]

Very big thank you for this video,and for preserving a piece of history this way. I just wish,educators would use these types of programs as part of history classes in high schools.Not only as historic value,but as I see it,this WWII hero,represents a certain human value,which is near to extinction these days.

[@peterabbott6095]

This man along with all the others who bravely fought in WW2 and were cruelly deprived of the pride of having served in bomber command and given their all, many the ultimate price deserve our undying respect and admiration. They undertook a difficult and extremely dangerous job they were told was vital to the war effort and allied victory. People make the mistake of looking in hindsight and out of context to make judgements on these brave men. Any blame for the strategies during the war have to rest with those in charge who drew up the offensive measures and not those who had to carry them out.

[@tsbedford]

Lest We Forget Per Ardua Ad Astra

[@streetlugechris]

Great to have these stories told.

[@bgg4865]

The Lancaster you see flying in the first half minute of the video is "The Phantom of the Ruhr", HobbyKing brought out an RC model of this very aircraft. It's the pride of my collection. It sports the HW-R of 100 Squadron both sides, unlike the 2007 refit where it has the HW-R on the port side and the BG-B of 550 Squadron on the starboard side.

[@Focus7ltd]

BGG it was filmed flying over the site of RAF Elsham Wold in North Lincolnshire.. thank you.

[@Focus7ltd]

You should be, he is a great bloke.

[@Buck1954]

Excellent Program.

[@ghegun]

Great video!!!

[@woodcutter2479]

Wonderful gentleman....

[@kenneth2656]

Outstanding.

[@rocketman48]

great video Ken thanks

[@davidpurcell9815]

I wonder if he knew my mother, she was a civilian based at Wickenby. She used to do electrical work like changing runway bulbs, etc.

[@paulgrep3193]

I salute you sir!

[@raphaelvoilquin9533]

Je vous adresse tout mes respects.

[@melbrooksonbusiness4396]

Respect.

[@taddrez]

My grandad was a flight engineer.he ended up training people from new Zealand

[@simonrichardson5077]

Good video,thanks

[@detectiveofmoneypolitics]

0:05 Economic investigator Frank G Melbourne Australia Was following a very exciting and rewarding experience of "G" for GEORGE, that flew 90 Missions and never shot down over Europe in WW2 "90 Missions" came home to Australia , After Coming back did Flights to sell "WAR BOND'S , as it toured the capital city's of Australia. Our beloved "G" for GEORGE at the "Australian War Memorial" Canberra ACT Australia

[@anthonybillaustralia2182]

Fabulous...but the background music makes it difficult to hear - it's not a question of taste the music makes it difficult to hear him speak.

[@Focus7ltd]

Anthony Bill, Tasmania, AUS sorry you may get a better result twiddling with your audio settings on your device.

[@BrickworksDK]

It's got nothing to do with audio settings. It's a simple case of a rather soft-spoken man, a somewhat low audio, and overly loud background music making it hard to hear what's being said.

[@michaelpalmer937]

Hi , l own him and all in ww2 my 71st birth day .....,,this Jan 2nd 2020 .....True quite hero's ? Thank you.

[@Dav123xyz]

Great video spoiled only by unnecessary and distracting music.

[@davidnelson3757]

Respect

[@James-pb1st]

Avro Lancaster, they most beautiful bomber word war II.

[@pauldirac808]

Drop the music and let us listen to this really interesting man .

[@vickystubbs5454]

This man is my "grandad" , and for me it is soul destroying to hear him talk about his children and grandchildren at the end of this video, but how he fails to mention that he walked out on us over 10years ago!!

[@UAL320]

??????

[@IanLanc]

Is he still with us ?

[@Focus7ltd]

ian8354 I’m afraid I’m not sure...

[@IanLanc]

@@Focus7ltd So many of our hero's/veterans have passed away over the past 5 years :(

[@ant7936]

Excellent interview, thanks (shame about the awful background "musak"). My mother was a WAAF, ground crew, working on/ repairing instruments.

[@modulfleirfall]

Great video, but stupid background music.

[@WH-um2gx]

'Would love to hear a re-edit without the "dramatic" music. We olde folke do at times have problems hearing the essence that is being overpowered by the non-informative.

[@Aubury]

Moving story, of a generation back, from mine. Of their war against fascism. A very English courage..

[@flexwrite]

We could use a whole lot of these guys (and their parents) just about now. Sometimes I wonder...what happened between the 50s and now?! What a bunch of self-righteous sissies we became as a society. Ah, well...

[@bevanson]

Fine old chap, great descriptions. Unnecessary musical accompaniment, adds nothing.

[@iannonhebel677]

Lancaster Bomber tribute song - kzbin.info/www/bejne/kJPQZp5qfrWYj7M

[@deja00]

Hmm... I don't know about that music. I mean it's nice. It's great moving music. But I am uncomfortable being manipulated by it. Those bomber guys burned several German cities to the ground. Countless civilians perished in massive firestorms. And then you play that music to that scenario. I am not a fan. But it's a good interview. A valuable source for historic research.

[@Focus7ltd]

The film wasn't made for you tube, the sound mix was fine at the cinema, on the TV and on the dvd. You tubes compression when uploading flatters the audio out. It's beyond our control.

[@deja00]

@@Focus7ltd It's good music, no problem.

[@stuarttaterz7554]

the nazis killed 40.000 civilians dropping bombs on the uk before we started.

[@dennismason3740]

Carries his own Lanc dashboard wherever he goes. Cheers.

[@Focus7ltd]

The instrument panel is at the RAF Elsham Wold Museum where the interview was conducted...

[@danrothenbush2241]

CAN SOMEONE EXPLAIN WHY THAT DAMN STUPID MUSIC HAS TO BE INCLUDED

[@wayinfront1]

Fascinating, but that stupid bloody music is annoying, unnecessary and distracting.

[@bnipmnaa]

Poor audio quality, far too much bass

[@petermclauchlan8793]

To 》 These 👌 Heroes ~ ~ GALLANT 😙 MEN ~ in their 👍 FLY ING MACHINES { Now MOSTLY " VICTIMS of TIME & FATE " ~ We ☆☆☆THANK YOU ☆☆☆ & We *WILL* 🙌*REMEMBER 💝 YOU ! ! 👀✌👍 & Thank God ALL MIGHTY in Jesus Name 😊

[@avrolancaster4776]

El más hermoso bombardero inglés de la segunda guerra mundial. deben preservarlos todos junto al Spitfire son el símbolo del pueblo inglés contra el nazismo. Hermoso avión como quisiera tocar uno.

[@alistairbishop5128]

1

[@petermclauchlan8793]

😍FREEDOM IS *NOT✔ FREE ! 🤔 😍Thanks✔✔✔ to ***ALL✔✔✔ ALLIED ✔ COMBATANTS✔ (Army✔ , Navy✔ & Air Force ✔) *&✔ their *NON *Combatant "Supporters"✔... Amen.