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On the night of April 3rd 1943 a ´óÏó´«Ã½ Journalist accompanied a Pathfinder Crew in a Lancaster bomber on a raid on ESSEN. He made a sound recording during the bombing run over the target which was broadcast some time later by the ´óÏó´«Ã½. My husband was a member of that crew and telephoned to ask had I heard the recording when broadcast. Unfortunately I had not, probably having been on fire watch duty at Burlington House (only a stone throw from Broadcasting House) where I was employed at the London Divisional Food Office. My husband suggested jokingly that I should telephone Broadcasting House and ask if I could hear the recording, so I did and was immediately invited to go.

I was taken to a studio by a charming young lady who played the recording to me; what an experience to hear the voices of all the crew including my husband calmly carrying out such a dangerous mission the young man from the ´óÏó´«Ã½ must have had a lot of courage too. (I often wonder who he was?). A record entitled ‘RAF OVER ESSEN’ was made and sold to raise money for the Benevolent Fund — I bought one from a record shop in Oxford Street and still have it in safe keeping.

There have been times since the war when I have heard this recording in various programmes bringing back many memories. Thanks to the ´óÏó´«Ã½ for their kindness in those eventful days.

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