The arrival of Canadian Warplane Heritage's Lancaster nick named VeRA was an emotional and thrilling event for many of
the veterans who attended the flypasts and ceremonies.
One was Ken Matthews, who flew with 419 squadron as a Flight Engineer on Lancasters from May of 1944 to October 1944. As part of Capt. Joe Hartshorn's crew he completed his tour with 419, then continued on with the RAF.
Back then as a young RAF Sergeant he spent a many hours on Canadian built Lancaster X aircraft, so when he was invited to be one of the veterans at the arrival of VR-A from Canada, he saw it as a chance to show his family the type of Lancaster that took him over the enemy skies on all those operations. Along with his wife Vera, Ken met another VeRA.
Not only was it a chance to remember the times gone by with 419 with other air force veterans, he was able to have his family there as he was presented with his "Bomber Clasp" as part of a ceremony for the men of Bomber Command who were able to attend.
One was Ken Matthews, who flew with 419 squadron as a Flight Engineer on Lancasters from May of 1944 to October 1944. As part of Capt. Joe Hartshorn's crew he completed his tour with 419, then continued on with the RAF.
Back then as a young RAF Sergeant he spent a many hours on Canadian built Lancaster X aircraft, so when he was invited to be one of the veterans at the arrival of VR-A from Canada, he saw it as a chance to show his family the type of Lancaster that took him over the enemy skies on all those operations. Along with his wife Vera, Ken met another VeRA.
Not only was it a chance to remember the times gone by with 419 with other air force veterans, he was able to have his family there as he was presented with his "Bomber Clasp" as part of a ceremony for the men of Bomber Command who were able to attend.
