Lancaster’s role was enormous

Re: Seeing warplanes a pure joy (Sept. 23)

Too many people do not comprehend what the Lancaster and its kind truly represent on the 75th anniversary of D-Day.

In addition to supporting the invasion of Nazi-occupied Europe, the Lancaster was specifically assigned to deal with the V1 and V2 Nazi Terror Weapon production, assembly and launch sites. These weapons were aimed blindly at large cities like London, beginning in June 1944. Six thousand civilians were killed and 17,000 injured until the allied invasion advance overran the launch sites in November 1944. It was during this time that three of the highest medals for bravery were awarded posthumously to Canadian airmen, and Lt. Joseph Kennedy (JFK’s brother) for these dangerous missions. That is why I thrill at the sight of our Lancaster when it passes over my house. Robert James Williamson, Hamilton