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My grandfather James 'Eric' Hall served in the RAF between 1941 and 1945 as an RAF Volunteer Reserve Corporal, Instrument Repairer , in 5 Group , 97 'Strait Settlements' Squadron. This was a Pathfinder Squadron of Lancaster Bombers - meaning that 97 was an elite squadron of 'target marker' aircraft.

I can recall two brief stories that may Grandfather told me .

On D-Day he was involved in the usual checks and testing that he did prior to a raid ,however, on this occasion he also helped to load the bombs into 97 Squadron aircraft that were dropped on St Pierre du Monte at 0450 hrs 6.6.1944 .

On another occasion he told me that he had been making a cup of tea in the Disperal Hut on the airfield at Bourn in Cambridgeshire and had just walked out of the hut when a flak damaged Mosquite Bomber crashed on landing and smashed right through the hut he had left only moments before - this was his 'closest shave' during world war two !

His Service Book which I have , states that he ' shows special aptitude for work requiring patience , skill , and exact workmanship' . He was awarded a Mention in Dispatches on 2nd June 1943 for distinguished service, more than likely as a result of his hard work and dedication to duty.

My Grandfather was very proud of the the small part he played in the Second World War. He was one of the many thousands of unsung heroes who toiled ceaselessly behind the scenes during the war.

The attached photo shows a Lancaster from 97 Squadron which my Grandfather worked on . This particular Bomber was signed and dedicated on the production line by the then Queen Elizebeth and was therefore known as 'Elizebeth' by the Squadron .

There is an excellent website about 97 Squadron at the following address - it contains many interesting photo's and anecdotes about the squadron . The site is run by Des Evans a member of 97 Squadron Groundcrew who served with my Grandfather .
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