Family of Lancaster bomber crew member watch it land at Hawarden
Jack Oliver, from Hawarden, was a rear gunner in the iconic Avro Lancaster bomber in World War Two - taking part in 42 missions.
Jack Oliver (Image: Family handout) In RAF bombers, nearly 50 per cent of crew members were killed during the Second World War - but, remarkably, Jack remained unharmed. This gave rise to his nickname of 'Lucky Jack' and people were desperate to fly with him on board.
After the war, King George VI presented Jack with a medal and letter of thanks for his efforts during the war - after which he remained in the RAF. He died in 1999 - aged 81.
Last Friday, his family were at Hawarden Airport to see the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight's Lancaster bomber return there - 80 years to the month it rolled off the production line at what is now the Airbus wings factory.
The Lancaster bomber and two Spitfires pictured during the flypast on Friday. (Image: Russell Challinor) Jack's daughter, Vanessa Roberts, her niece, Michelle Sherratt and Michelle's 12-year-old son, Quinn, were all in attendance.
"As the Lancaster came into view, all of a sudden all I could think about was my dad stuck in that little bubble at the back being a rear gunner and all the dangers he went through.
"I was incredibly emotional and wept into my niece's arms and I so wish he could've been here to see this.
"I felt very privileged to see these great planes with my own eyes and it is on my bucket list to be able to go into that little bubble one day to see where my dad spent those terrible days and nights."
Quinn, Michelle and Vanessa pictured on Friday. (Image: Handout) MORE NEWS:
Michelle recalls Jack telling her about one mission where his toe was stuck in the rigging of the plane as a German plane approached. He was able to yank his toe free, breaking it in the process, so he could fire the machine gun.
Vanessa added: "My dad had PTSD from seeing so many of his friends' planes being shot down. I remember my mum used to have to wake him up as he was shouting in his sleep.
"He was my hero."
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