Last Week I attended the Funeral of a Very Good and Long Term Friend of mine, Ken Gregory aged 89.
I have known Ken for 35 Years, we flew Model Aeroplanes together from the Late 70's, Ken Flew Lancaster Bombers with 115 Squadron at RAF Wichford in Cambridgeshire, after the War he joined Transport Command and Flew in Avro Yorks and Liberators all over the World.
Ken completed 23 Bombing Missions over Germany and in France in support of the Troops following D Day, before the War ended, but the Missions he talked about most were the "Operation Manna" Flights where they dropped food to starving Dutch Civilians.
He recalled Flying Low and Slow and being able to clearly see the Germans, who were still in Occupation, lowering their Flak guns giving the Lancaster's a free run to drop their supplies, for his actions the Dutch Government actually sent him a Medal only a few years ago.
This Medal joined his others and his recently awarded Bomber Command Clasp on the Union Jack adorning his Coffin.
I have taken Ken on numerous Occasions to Air Shows and the Lincolnshire Lancaster Association Day at the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight at RAF Coningsby where I am pleased to say he was always treated very well, especially by current Lancaster Aircrew.
Ken was a Very Gentle Man and a Gentleman too, I was Proud to have been his Friend.
RIP Flying Officer Ken Gregory 115 Squadron Royal Air Force.
Sorry to be a bit Maudlin.
Regards Paul
I have known Ken for 35 Years, we flew Model Aeroplanes together from the Late 70's, Ken Flew Lancaster Bombers with 115 Squadron at RAF Wichford in Cambridgeshire, after the War he joined Transport Command and Flew in Avro Yorks and Liberators all over the World.
Ken completed 23 Bombing Missions over Germany and in France in support of the Troops following D Day, before the War ended, but the Missions he talked about most were the "Operation Manna" Flights where they dropped food to starving Dutch Civilians.
He recalled Flying Low and Slow and being able to clearly see the Germans, who were still in Occupation, lowering their Flak guns giving the Lancaster's a free run to drop their supplies, for his actions the Dutch Government actually sent him a Medal only a few years ago.
This Medal joined his others and his recently awarded Bomber Command Clasp on the Union Jack adorning his Coffin.
I have taken Ken on numerous Occasions to Air Shows and the Lincolnshire Lancaster Association Day at the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight at RAF Coningsby where I am pleased to say he was always treated very well, especially by current Lancaster Aircrew.
Ken was a Very Gentle Man and a Gentleman too, I was Proud to have been his Friend.
RIP Flying Officer Ken Gregory 115 Squadron Royal Air Force.
Sorry to be a bit Maudlin.
Regards Paul
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