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14th July 1943 I was still in school, the War was at its height and Dad was on Active Service with Bomber Command. During the afternoon I was called from my class to attend the Headmasters Office where I found my Mother awaiting me. Not knowing what was going on, the Headmaster said that I was to be released from school early and my Mother would take me home.
Nothing was said as to why this should be happenning. During the long walk home, about 2 miles, Mum did not say a word. Once we arrived at our Billet, we were evacuees living with a Welsh Family, Mother sat us down, us being my Elder and Younger Brothers, and told us that news had been delivered by telegram that Dad was reported missing after air operations on the 12/13th July 1943. I was aged 10 at this time. It was difficult to understand what it all meant and Mother explained to us that it was likely that we would never see Dad again. Which turned out to be true because on the next day the second telegram arrived stating that Dad had been killed in action whilst on operations to Turin Italy.
That was the day my childhood stopped and I and my brothers had to grow up rather fast.
It was not until many years later that I pieced together the full story of Dad last flight and eventually wqs able to visit his Grave and ask the Question... Why.... with all that is going on in the world today why why why did he and all those other have to die?

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