Events

2018 Annual Commemorative Day Service

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IMG_8241Our service held in the Western Gallery at the Shrine of Remembrance on Sunday June 10th was presented to a full congregation keen to remember and honour those who served in Bomber Command during World War 2.

Master of Ceremonies Michael Veitch reminded us of the words of the late author and veteran Don Charlewood who said he often pondered the loss of what might have been had the fallen been able to fulfil their potential as scientists, artists and politicians.
Our Chairman Paul Dipnall spoke of the horrific loss of Australian life during those years.
Guest speaker Air Commodore Glen Braz CSC DSM paid eloquent tribute to our veterans, past and present.

The ceremony continued with the laying of wreaths and was completed with a flyover by both the RAAF Museum Point Cook and the Royal Victorian Aero Club.

Link to the video of the event

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2018 ANZAC Day march

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The Chairman and Committee of the Bomber Command Commemorative Association (Vic) extend a very warm welcome to all veterans and family members to participate in the 2018 ANZAC Day march.

As we have in recent years our committee is coordinating the Bomber Command section which is due to set off around 11.30AM from the steps of St. Paul’s Cathedral. We will be assembling there from 10.30AM. We will eventually formate on the eastern side of Flinders and Swanston St as the lead group for all RAAF squadrons.

We hope you and your family members can participate this year to remember your loved ones’ service to their country in Bomber Command, who distinguished themselves in so many remarkable ways.

It is your participation that helps ensure the importance of the role of all who served is not forgotten through the passage of time. It is our obligation as a committee to ensure this is always commemorated and not allowed to be forgotten.

No matter what your age please come along and proudly march in memory of the fallen.

As in the past we have secured the support of the Air League of Australia who will be providing Air Cadets to carry the historic Bomber Command banner. Please look for the banner on the steps of St. Paul’s as a rallying point when you arrive.

This year we will also have the support of the middle school of Carey Baptist Grammar and St. Leonards College who are our adopted schools under the Shrine of Remembrance education policy. We do this to ensure the legacy of all servicemen and women is carried forward to the next generation.

For anyone with mobility problems we can provide vehicles for your comfort. You can still participate but please let us know in advance if you require motor vehicle assistance. We will do everything possible to ensure you are able to participate.

The future success and legacy of Bomber Command servicemen and women rests on all of us to support and participate in good numbers.

If you have any questions regarding the participation of family members please direct them via email to this website (www.bombercommand.org.au) or to our Facebook page.

So come along, participate, meet like minded friends and proudly support the veterans and the fallen of Bomber Command.

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Christmas 2017 luncheon

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On December 13th 2017 Bomber Command Commemorative Association – Victoria held a Christmas luncheon at the Toorak Services Club.
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 From left Paul Dipnall, chairman, Gerald McPherson, Arthur Atkins DFC, Bill Rudd, Jack Bell, Jan Dimmick, vice-chair.
Hosted by Club president Mike Fogarty the luncheon was the idea of our vice-chair Jan Dimmick where a small number of World War 2 veterans and their partners/carers were invited to join us to recognise their service and to celebrate the end of the year.
Among those present were two centenarians and one who was about to have his 100th birthday, it was a remarkable gathering.
Centenarian Arthur Atkins DFC served in the RAAF during the war as a pilot of a Lancaster of 625 Squadron. He flew a tour of 31 operational sorties and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross.
Jack Bell who turns 100 on December 20th 2017 was a wireless operator who was shot down in a Bristol Bombay North Africa. He was badly injured in the crash and spent the rest of the war as a prisoner, first of the Italians and then the Germans.
While in an Italian prison camp Jack met Army private Bill Rudd who was also serving in North Africa when he was captured in 1941.
Gerald McPherson was a tail gunner on Lancasters with 186 Squadron and served a tour of 38 operational sorties.
It was our privilege to hold this event to thank these brave men.
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