Veteran makes a return to wartime landing site

A Second World War veteran returned to the spot where 75 years ago his crew were forced to make an emergency landing in their Lancaster bomber plane. Dick Raymond travelled from Barnstaple, Devon, to Headcorn Aerodrome, formerly known as Lashenden Airfield. It was his first visit since the incident happened.

The 95-year-old is the last surviving member of the seven-man ‘Lashenden Lancaster’ crew which landed there in 1944 after they were shot at during a raid on Munich.

The enemy fire broke two of their engines and the crew were forced to frantically throw equipment out of the plane to gain height and avoid crashing.

The day was filled with surprises for Mr Raymond, who was the flight engineer on the plane. He received a framed certificate declaring him an honorary member of the Lashenden Air Warfare Museum meaning he can visit any time, for free.

Trevor Matthews, trustee of the museum, said it was a great way for them to say thank you for his actions in the past.

Mr Raymond said: “It was unbelievable but a bit embarrassing really. I’m just lucky enough to be the last surviving member.” Helen Povey, the daughter of his fellow crew member, Ken Lane, also attended the event which Mr Raymond was unaware of until he arrived. Mr Lane, the Lancaster pilot, and Mr Raymond were close friends after their RAF days. Ken sadly passed away two years ago but Mr Raymond has stayed in touch with his daughter. He said: “I like to see them because Ken was such a lovely chap and saved my life so many times, to be in touch with his daughter is great.”

After their emergency landing at Lashenden, Mr Raymond and his crew returned to their base at Coningsby, Lincolnshire, the next day.

In May 1944, just a month after Lashenden, the crew were shot down in another Lancaster over the Dutch/German border and became prisoners of war.