The Scottish Mail on Sunday

Lanc saved my life

- © John Nichol Extracted from Lancaster by John Nichol (Simon and Schuster)

where the rear gunner sat and how it must have been a lonely job, I gently interrupt to tell them that the old man in the wheelchair is one such veteran. The children and their teachers stare at Ron in amazement.

The guide asks him if he might say a few words. Levering himself out of his wheelchair and leaning heavily on his walking stick, Ron looks into the eager faces and is suddenly overcome with emotion.

Eyes glistening, he finds it impossible to speak so I step forward to tell children what it was like to sit in the rear turret, how cold it was, how dangerous it could be.

Eventually, a teacher steps forward to take his hand.

Turning to her class, she says: ‘Children, what do we say to this gentleman and his friends for what they did for all of us during the war?’ ‘Thank you!’ they yell in unison.

I look over to Ron. Tears are running down his face. ‘Seeing the Lanc up close again brings back so many memories,’ he tells me later. ‘She took me to war and looked after me in the worst of times. You can see how strong and powerful she looks. Her strength undoubtedl­y saved my life.

‘The Lanc is the reason I have a family – my own children and grandchild­ren.’ He pauses. ‘You know, I really miss my old crewmates – even after all these years.

‘I still say a prayer and raise a glass of whisky to them every night. Every single night, without fail.’

Sadly, Ron Needle died last year, finally reunited with his crew.

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