Until recently, the heavy losses of German civilians in bombing raids has overshadowed the heroism of the airmen. As a soon-to-be-unveiled memorial in Green Park will finally honour Britain’s bomber boys, so this film recognises their service and their sacrifice.
The Bomber Boys’ mission was to take the war to Germany and destroy its industrial heartland through thousands of nightly bombing raids. But Germany was defended to the hilt with anti-aircraft batteries and fighter aircraft. As a result the attrition rate amongst Bomber Command crews in WorldWar II was 80 per cent.
Life expectancy on the job was just two weeks. Of the 125,000 who volunteered, 55,000 died, 15,000 were wounded and 10,000 taken prisoner. Most of those who lost their lives were less than 25 years old, many of them teenagers. Primitive equipment and aircraft hindered Bomber Command's early efforts - they were often unable to even find their targets. But the mass production of two new bomber aicraft, the Halifax and the Lancaster, helped turn the airwar. The raids played an important role in weakening the German war effort – although it tragically cost the lives of hundreds of thousands of German civilians.
The hostility in Germany to the British ‘terror fliers’ led to some of the downed airmen ending up in Buchenwald, one of the most notorious Nazi concentration camps. Some of the last survivors speak for the first time about how they escaped death in the camp, suffering malnutrition, disease and brutal punishments at the hands of SS guards.
Comments (93)
4 months ago
Dr Jones
This is pointless TV unless you make it available same with the world most dangerious airports.Come on channel five!
3 months ago
Gary Robinson
What is pointless about heroism to the extreme. its about time these guys were honoured. Grandson of Harry Robinson DFC
3 months ago
David Rowe
My digital TV is not receiving this evening and I can't get it online either. This is disgraceful in Remembrance week.. I have the highest regard for Bomber Command and am bitterly disappointed not to be aboe to see this programme.
3 months ago
Juni Jardaneh (nee Clark)
I am the daughter of a Halifax bomber pilot. I am currently watching this riveting film.
3 months ago
John Lewry
My partners father was a Radio Officer on the Lancs. About time they were honoured for their bravery during WW2. If it wasn't for them, many others wouldhave suffered
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3 months ago
Mike Kane
Lets have this ON Demand. A great tribute to brave young men air and groundcrew.Per Ardua Ad Astra.
3 months ago
jane lett
My father was a navigator in Bomber Command, flight Lietenant Cyril (Jimmy) Lett. . I am so happy these brave men are going to be remembered. They were so young. There's was a major contribution to winning the war. Thank you.
3 months ago
Mark Curtis
Thank you for such a great programme. We must never forget the sacrifice made by all those men both fallen and survivors, who fought the evil Nazi regime. They are real heroes.
3 months ago
Max Williams
I could kick myself, I've been looking forward to this all week but got the time wrong!!! I sincerely hope it will be available "On Demand" but I see it's repeated on Sunday. My website www.ordinarycrew.co.uk is my own gesture of remembrance to these brave boys.
3 months ago
Paul Welburn
Please, please, please let me play this programme "on Demand. My father flew 33 ops as a rear gunner and unfortunately now suffers from poor health and cannot discuss these events. I suspect the events and strain of these ops have been defining moments of his long life. National recognition of Bomber Command is long overdue
3 months ago
Chrissie Moffat
Missed this on TV due to work comitments but hopeful would be on-line. VERY disappointed that it is not ~ my Uncle was a Navigator in the Pathfinders ~ 156 Squadron and was awarded the DFC ~ this programme should be available on Demand 5 particularly since it is Rememberance Day tomorrow! - shame on you Channel 5!
3 months ago
Penny Maggs
My father was a Bomber Pilot who failed to return from a sortie so I have never had someone to call Dad.So glad their sacrifice has now been highlighted even though I could not watch it on CHANNEL FIVE !
3 months ago
Carol Mason
I missed the show and my recorder didn't work - I'm devastated! My father was a Lancaster Navigator - how do I get a copy of it please? Is it going to be repeated so I have a second chance to record it or will it be available on DVD? Did anyone have a recording they could they send me please? I'd be SO grateful - thank you.
3 months ago
Richard Drabble
FAO David Rowe, this programme is repeated on Sunday 13 th 12.50 pm Channel 5
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3 months ago
Rosemary Paterson
Rosemary Paterson My father John Wall was a bomber pilot, he passed away in 1999.I would like to find out more about his time in bomber command? i think he was one of the crew seen leaving a plane on this programme x 2. Did anybody out there know him?
3 months ago
Jane Lett
To Chrissie Moffat The programme is going to be repeated on Sunday at 1pm. My dad was in the pathfinders, I will have to look in some of his papers from the war to see what squardran he was in. Strange to think they may have trained together, dad was 19 when war broke out, he was training to be a teacher at the time. He was also awarded the DFC. It's a shame they were not recognised more. My dad said they were told they would live in a land fit for hereos but when it came to it they were treated quite shodily really; I think there was so bitterness about that. Dad talked about all of the different nationalities in the crews and how they were so close.
3 months ago
Bryony Thorne
As with the above comments, please make this programme on demand. My grandfather was one of these brave men and I would love to watch this, but with three small children all under five years old, I can't sit down and watch at the times shown live on TV. On demand please!
3 months ago
Jane Lett
To Paul Welburn, your father was so lucky to survive that many ops as a gunner they were so vulnerable in those turrets. I shudder to think. I take my hat off to him. My dad told me how they lost their gunner on one op but otherwise made it safely back home.
3 months ago
Liampezz
Here I am searching for the important programme I could not see on the TV but no, it is not available on demand. Other trivia is nonetheless. Come on Channel 5
3 months ago
jezza
This is a program that SHOULD be on demand! Why isn't it?????
3 months ago
Tony Fleming NZ
A request was made to the British Government for an official Bomber Command medal. This request was considered for some time and has been rejected. My Father was an instuctor on Airspeed Oxfords and flew late in the war with 550 Squadron. A very good website about 550 is at:http://www.550squadronassociation.org.uk/index.php We in New Zealand would love to see this doco too.
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3 months ago
Phil Darling
About time these men were given the honour they deserve. Heroes everyone My late brother in law was a Tail Gunner on Wellingtons right from the start till the end completing 95 ops and decorated with the DFM and DFC
3 months ago
Claire
Why can't I watch this online?? I missed half of it due to Sky fail.....amazing prog, please show again!!
3 months ago
Celia
My Grandfather was a bomber boy and was missing in action ,later confirm that his plane was shot down. I found this program very moving and for the first time really understood what these brave young men did for their country.
3 months ago
Dan Pugh
Devastated that I missed this....Grandfather died two years ago who was a wireless operator with 10 Squadron at Melbourne flying in Halifaxes.He felt utterly betrayed by the treatment they recieved after the war.He never wanted medals just recognition for his lost friends.Will watch repeat with a sad heart and massive pride on Sunday.
3 months ago
Penny Maggs
so pleased I would be able to watch this on demand but to no avail. The whole attempt was a disaster sound was bad, kept freezing etc,had to keep restarting. such a shame
3 months ago
Dan Hughes
My grandad was a navigator in the RAF he is pictured at 8.17 in this documentary (bottom right) he was 17 when he did his first mission and went on to do a further 40 odd missions. i am so proud of him!! R.I.P all those in all areas of the armed forces, who laid down their lives so we could have the freedom and luxuries we have today. Lost but never forgotten
3 months ago
Mike Clarke
Mike Clarke My father was a flying officer (only 18 years old!!) with RCAF 425 Alouette squadron on Halifax bombers, and made 34 sorties, he died 24th Sept this year, shame he missed it. Well done showing it. He told me he lost a lot of good friends during the missions. It helped me appreciate what they went through.
3 months ago
Jim Tattersall
My dad flew a tour in 1943 as a bomb aimer in Lancs with 12 Squadron. I have now met the sons of the F/E and R/G. It's nice to see a programme which tells it as it was for our Dads warts and all! I just wish our Government would recognize their amazing courage and heroism with a belated campaign medal.
3 months ago
Bryony Thorne
Thank you for listening to us and making this program On Demand. I have now watched it and feel very proud that my Grandfather was one of these men. Unfortunately, he was lost on one of the missions, but the program was very moving and showed how hideous life must have been for them all. It's time they were honoured properly - we owe so much to them all.
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3 months ago
Ann Cotterrell
A good programme. The amazing stories of these men should be told. My father, (Bill) Frank Poyner was one of them and used to talk about how young they all were. His friend, Russell Margerison, featured in the programme, has a website is www.boysatwar.co.uk
3 months ago
Kevin Heneghan
Let us hope that the Prime Minister sees this film and corrects a long-overdue injustice. Nearly 50 percent of all aircrew were killed. All Bomber Command aircrew faced unimaginable terrors to win us the freedom we enjoy today. A special campaign medal would also be welcomed by the Commonwealth countries. I'm ex-Army, by the way, not ex-BC.
3 months ago
Flight Sgt Hugh High
My Father Flight Sgt Hugh High was an upper gunner in No, 9 Squadron flying in Lancasters, he was based at RAF Bardney, he would talk about his skipper Pilot Officer Bill Williams, there was a reunion for them a few years ago at the Royal British legion in Princes Risborough where we lived, I have his flight log book now and have studied it, he was on ops for the bombing of the Turpitz. as all the others I feel tremendously proud of him and think it's time they are honoured, it's a shame he died in 1996
3 months ago
Gemma Cloutman
My Grandad Cliff Williams was shot down and taken POW he escaped 3 times and got 3rd time lucky, I Am very proud and love reading through his Log Books. My other Grandad was Air Vice Marshall Geoffery Cloutman He received and OBE for his services to the Queen- RIP to your Both, and thankyou for fighting to make our country a safer place Lest we forget.
3 months ago
Antony Jacubs
Thank you Channel 5 for the oportunity to see this wonderful film. These men were amongst the very bravest of the war which they shortened it has been said by about 6 months. It is such a shame that the survivors have had to wait this long for a memorial and a disgrace that they were never given a Bomber Command medal. Long may they be remembered.
3 months ago
Merelina Finlay
What about the bomber pilots that were shot down earlier in the war? my father Colin Kendall,was one of these,shot down on his way back from Munich.and was reported missing presumed dead,on November 11th 1940.He was flying a Handley Page Hampden,which were withdrawn soon afterwards .
3 months ago
merelina finlay/kendall
what about the bomber pilots before 1942? this was a riveting programme,but my father Colin Kendall was shot down in his Handley Page Hampden in 1940.
3 months ago
Henry Young
Senior politicians should be ashamed not to award a campaign medal for these RAF crews. There are so few of them left now. It is not too late to make amends so why don't they do it?
3 months ago
Dave Humpries
What a superb,moving series.As an Air Cadet in the '60s our CO was an ex-pathfinder navigator and it is only in recent years that one realise's the job these 20 year olds did. The same goes for the young lads who lived and fought through the Somme and Ypres trenches.It's a pity the series has been de-valued by the re-enactments that's included the well fed actor prancing around as a Somme soldier.Let's please keep to real footage when honouring these true heroes who we owe our freedom to.
3 months ago
Dave Humpries
What a superb,moving series.As an Air Cadet in the '60s our CO was an ex-pathfinder navigator and it is only in recent years that one realise's the job these 20 year olds did. The same goes for the young lads who lived and fought through the Somme and Ypres trenches.It's a pity the series has been de-valued by the re-enactments that's included the well fed actor prancing around as a Somme soldier.Let's please keep to real footage when honouring these true heroes who we owe our freedom to.
3 months ago
Julian
I'm proud to see my father Andrew Wiseman, appearing in this documentary.
3 months ago
Paul Welburn
To Dan Pugh. Further to my earlier post. My father was also with 10 Squadron at Melbourne flying as a rear gunner. Introduce yourself to the boys currently flying at Melbourne, they will make you welcome. They offered to take my father for a few circuits - his first flight of any kind since his last op in 1945. Thank you Channel 5 for responding to all the requests for On Demand - thank you!
3 months ago
Andrew J. Hitchman
I am the very proud son of a bomber pilot, the first pilot of Halifax bomber Friday 13th Dad did 35 ops and was awarded the D.F.C. Theses brave lads deserve recognition for what they achieved and should be remembered for the vital part they played in the war effort
3 months ago
Mike Leverington
Ronald Leverington (featured in the programme) is my father. All the time we were growing up and whilst my Mother was still alive, he never spoke of his experiences. He didn't want her to know what he had suffered. Only in the last few years has he opened up about it all. Recognition is long overdue.
3 months ago
Martin Willetts
A fascinating programme, a long overdue debt to the crews courage and sacrifice. My ex-wifes Uncle Peter Kille was an air gunner, shot down in a Lancaster 1943. I never knew till now that some crews had been sent to Buchenwald. How scandalous that Bomber Command have never been properly honoured till now. Yet another example of our limp spined politicians & our mania with Political Correctness!
3 months ago
Keith Derwent
My grandfather T.G. Grant was a navigator with XV Squadron flying the Stirling Mk111. He was shot down September '43 on a raid to Mannhiem. During the years spent as a PoW he was actively woking with the 'x' organisation at Luft 111 and was moved along with other senior ranks to Beleria following the discovery of the first tunnel. Post war he campagined for recognition. Excellent programme channel 5, thank you.
3 months ago
Martin Willetts
To Andrew Hitchman. Note your Dad's 1st op in Halifax "Friday 13th" was fated Nuremburg raid and he also flew same aircraft on it's 11th op, may 1st. My late Dad, Ken Willetts was a friend of later Friday 13th pilot, Derek Waterman from Hoddesdon, whose crew did 26 ops in "Friday" and completed their tour in it. Hope you have the in depth "Friday 13th" article & Halifax feature in Flypast magazine, issue December 2008? Regards Martin, living 1 mile from Hoddesdon!
3 months ago
Jacki Murphy
Was very emotional to watch my dear old grandpa Ron Leverington on this programme. I am so very proud of him. I wrote to the prime minister years ago about giving these men some sort of recognition and received a reply to say that it was all well documented in the history books!!! Disgusting! The documentary was just the tip of the iceberg, some of the things he endured were so absolutely horrific it gives me nightmares just thinking about it, so cannot imagine what it was like to actually live through it.
3 months ago
Peta Butcher
Dear Ron (Leverington); I am so proud to know him and to have acted and sung with him at the Lyndhurst Drama Club over a number of years. I had no idea of these past horrors endured by him and the 'Bomber Boys'. He is a charming and gentle soul.
3 months ago
Ann deem
My brother, who was posted missing 4 days before I was born, was a 21 year old navigator on a Lancaster of 7 squadron, based at RAF Oakington, which was lost on the raid over Duisberg on which Russell Margerson was shot down. His name is on the RAF memorial at Runnymead. May I recommend 'RAF Bomber Command Losses of the Second World War, 1944' by W R Chorley which lists all aircraft and crews who failed to return during ops that year. A sobering read. We can only imagine what these young men saw and endured but this programme has helped to bring it into focus for those too young to remember.
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3 months ago
Debs lawson
my father volunteered on his 18th birthday and was signed up at cardington Beds to become a navigator. He flew these missions and also talks very little about it, Brave men and now he is 87 and enjoyed watching this history
3 months ago
Pat Martin
Pat Martin Had the pleasure of meeting Hugh Everett, a charming man, felt very humble in his company, wish some of the useless people of today could hear his and the other heroes stories. Thank you Hugh
3 months ago
John Sykes
It was good to see Andy Wiseman, he was a member of Casey's crew. He Is Navigator of Digger, and came back over the Pyranees, and I met him afterwards. I am John Sykes, and did a total of 39 missions, and kept in touch with all the crew members, who aside from myself and my friend Chris) were all Australian Allies. we trained in South Africa and Canada. It would be wonderful to contact Any Wiseman again- i would love to hear from you. Thankyou for this documentary.
3 months ago
Amy Dawes
My wonderful grandad features in a photograph at approx 8 minutes into the programme. He was a navigator of the Halifax, and I am SO proud of him, for fighting for his country time and time again- he completed over 40 ops.! I have never underestimated his achievement, but this documentary made me realise how much these people did for their country. When you read this, I hope you know how proud of you I am, Granda! x
3 months ago
Dave Greaves
In the last few seconds of the film, there are a group of aircrew walking past 2 parked Wellingtons. My father is in the second group, 3rd from the right. There is a still from the film in a book about World War 2 that is at my mothers house. My father recognised himself. He told that everyone was cheesed off because they had been flying the night before and were all woken up early to do the publicity film! It was all staged for the camera. I seem to remember that my father said it was filmed at Mildenhall, but I am not sure.
3 months ago
Dee MacLean
My Dad, 'Geordie Wade' was a Bomb Aimer in 433 RCAF at Skipton - they only just made it back from Nuremburg after losing an engine - still going strong at 89 years!!
3 months ago
PM Sloan
Philippe Sloan To Chrissie Moffat, my wife's guardian was in 156 also in 1943 and then 576 as it apparently became(due to losses). Based at Alconbury when at 156. Also a Navigator. brave boys indeed.He is still going strong.
3 months ago
Linda Brough
Thankyou for making this superb programme available on On Demand - please also make a DVD. My dad Charlie Brough was a 19 year old flight engineer in 195 squadron at Wratting Common and would only very rarely mention his experiences. He died of cancer 14 years ago at the age of 73 disappointed that the Bomber Boys had not been officially recognised. This film puts things right at long last.
3 months ago
Tim Read
My Uncle PO Harold Mitchell was killed in 1943 flying a Lancaster as part of 166 Squadron at Kirmington - so young and with such huge responsibility - I am just watching this on Demand as missed it during the week - fantastic to see the original film footage and some in colour - such bravery they all showed.
3 months ago
Nancy Forester
My father, Cliff Hallett, was in a Halifax shot down over France in June 1944 and was hidden by the Resistance in Freteval woods for three months with other airmen. They all managed to escape back to England - yet another story of bravery by so many young men. Dad said the programme described his experiences very well and is pleased that their contribution is being acknowleged at last. He's now aged 89!
3 months ago
Louise Ringer
My dad Graeme Kennedy was a gunner on the Lancaster bombers he flew 60 missions and survived , this programme made me realise how brave all bomber crewes were. I feel so proud of what my father did at such a young age. He never talked about it. Iam totally in awe of all of these men. The recognition is long over due for bomber command. The memorial should have been built years ago.
3 months ago
john ex forces
only one of the 65 made a uncalled for remark and that being a doctor, if it wasn't for the unselfish bravery of those boys in blue that doctor could very well have done his training under dr mengle, thank goodness there are decent doctors about, no one forced him to watch the programme
3 months ago
Dave
My Grandafather was a tail gunner on Wllingtons and then and Engineer in Halifax's. We use to talk for hours about his experiances until Dementiastarted to remove themone by one until his death. I remember all of them and try to tell my kids about how brave all those men where and also the braverey of the ones left behind. I still serve in the RAF in a flying career and only wish to be as brave as them.
3 months ago
Terry
My uncle flew over 35 missions for 100 Squadron in Lancasters. He met my dad (a Normandy veteran) during the war. My dad said "You don't look too happy. What's up?" My uncle said "We've just lost our tail gunner. There was nothing left, We had to sweep him out of the aircraft." They all demand our respect and everlasting gratitude.
3 months ago
Janet.
My father was a navigator in a Halifax that was shot down over Hanover in 1944. Fortunately he survived prison camp and was liberated in 1945. He was 23 years old and I know that a helluva lot of these flyers were even younger.These men deserve our respect and gratitude for what they did for this country. Please show the programme again as my 89 year old mother missed it and would love to see it.
3 months ago
Ben Ferguson
My grandfather, Norman Ferguson DFC, with luck on his side, completed his tour of ops as a Lancaster pilot in April-September 44 from RAF Spilsby. He & his crew managed to survive a crash landing in a Wellington in training & survived having the nose blown off the lanc during ops, managing to nurse it back to base. I imagine this was nothing out of the ordinary for the 1000's of brave crewmen who served during the war. Just 1 week after he had completed his ops & went onto training new pilots, the Lanc that he used most freqently was lost over Geramany on its 1st outing with its new Australian crew. To me this is a very sobering thought. I am 26 now and find it very difficult to comprehend the level of responsibility these lads were given, at up to 8 years younger than me. Being a heavy bomber pilot at 22?? They must have had to grow up fast... Their generation have my upmost respect. This memorial needs to be consructed NOW while at least a handfull of their surviving crew members are still here to witness it.
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3 months ago
Alan Dobson
To Moderator: Re message 20 days ago from John Sykes. I am a friend of Andy Wiseman's and know his address. Is there any way that you - the moderator - can put John Sykes in touch with me via my email address? thanks
3 months ago
Roger Minost
I would be grateful if this film could be made available 'on demand'. The curator of our WW2 aviation museum tells me that it shows a very short clip of my father in his Douglas Boston surrounded by flak, as he weaves to escape being hit. His jacket, now in the museum, shows that he did not avoid all of the flying metal! I would love to be able to see it, as I understand it was originally on 'The World at War' but I have never tracked it down. Can you help?
2 months ago
Roger Minost
Just to confirm that, yes, a short clip of a Boston avoiding flak was my father, flying for the Free French 'Lorraine' squadron over the V2 rocket site of 'Bois de La Justice' in France.
1 month ago
Jude Brigley
Like many others here I missed this programme although I have been told a picture of my father rear gunner Graham roach appeared in it. Surely it would be worth selling this film as a DVD if we can't download it.
1 month ago
Mic Coley
Memorial very over due! What ever the moral questions ,asked now, about area bombing the crews were not the policy makers and for them to be punish them for this policy 'error' (if you consider it to be so) is unforgivable.
26 days ago
tony
God bless them all
24 days ago
eric elmhurst
Bomber boys is supposed to be available until 9 Nov 2012. Everytime I try to view it I get a message that says not avilable, please check back soon. Why is'nt channel 5 showing it on demand, if it is listed?
18 days ago
harry irons DFC
Thank you all for your interest in bomber boys only a small amount was shewn of the terror Bombercommand suffered
17 days ago
ColinStephen
Even online one can't escape from those godawful adverts ....
17 days ago
pete goodrum
I believe that one of the veterans interviwed is a Mr Culverwell, who was my teacher. Can anybody verify this pease?
15 days ago
Anne Saxon
this was a wonderful film. I hope it will be available on DVD so that I can show it to friends in America. My Father was at RAF Waddington during the war, but he spoke very little about it. This film makes it clear what heroes they all were. He sadly passed on 10 years ago. I wonder if anyone out there remembers LAC Sam Tatton based at RAF Waddington?
14 days ago
Ian Wray
True heroes and hard men. What would the world do without people like this. Google said it was unavailable, but I clicked it anyway and watched it with no problem,
14 days ago
steve l
real brave men heroes of the war dr jones wot sort of comment is that just realise what it could have been like with out these men playing there part in history have some respect things like this should be on tv more often.
11 days ago
Neil Barney
An excellent program, my late father Gordon Barney served in Bomber Command in 195 squadron. I have spent some time researching after my mother gave me his RAF log-book. He was a sergeant air gunner - a tail end Charlie rear gunner.
10 days ago
Margaret Smith
My father James Furnivall was rear gunner really proud of him my mother said he did about 30 trips , he was in Lancasters also with the Americans
10 days ago
Andreas
Germany ... a stain on the map. Shame on Germ any. Play by the rules you started. You should pay Poland and Greece for the pain you caused. France...wake up!
9 days ago
Andrew
Im glad that bomber command is finally getting some recognition. My grandfather flew on stirlings at the start of the war and then on lancs. I look up to him so much and cant imagine what they went through.
3 days ago
Stewart Blunt
Our father was in 102 Squadron - Halifaxes - we knew so little as he was never inclined to tell. Reluctantly left RAF in 1953. At least we know some of it now - and can begin to understand what young men went through.Subsequent generations are so fortunate by comparison.
1 day ago
Matt Wheeler
My uncle, Warrant Officer Aubrey Delgado, was a wireless operator/air gunner flying initially with 40 Squadron on Wellingtons and latterly with 103 Squadron on Lancasters (PM-X). He will be 90 in March. He was shot down once in 1941 and had two forced landings. I am hoping to talk to him later this year and record his voice for the family record. Although he has mixed feelings about his service but I am immensely proud of him and all those who served.
16 hours ago
Linda Oxford
These men were so brave and had no sense of self preservation. They did their job for their country and families and they did it without moaning or wanting to be transfered out. These men had honour and pride in themselves and their crew and I am surprised they have not been awarded for their bravey before now. !
15 hours ago
Linda Oxford
These men were so brave without a thought for their own safety, I am glad that they will be finally thanked for their sacrifice. I wonder if we have that kind of honour and resiliance today however given such circumstances I am sure we do, we see it today in our armed forces across the world.