The Second Warld War was not my war, it was part of my late uncle's life, Stanley Stephen.
But because of him and a great many others I was brought up in a land of peace and opportunity. And for that I am extremely grateful.
Stanley, or uncle Stanley was my mothers brother. Born in Airdrie, Scotland, he had a love of aviation and wanted to fly from an early age. It was the war, sadly, that gave hime that opportunity.
Stevie, as he was later known, survived his tour of duty as an Aerial Bombardier and Front Turrent Gunner on 'Lancs'. He was not presented with a campaign medal.
After the war he invested his gratuity in the Glasgow school of art and pursued the life of an artist. A most civilised accomplishment.
I remember Uncle Stevie with great affection. And still miss him now. Nobody who ever met him would ever know his past. Indeed his best friend of thirty years would only find out by pure accident at a dinner party induced by a little wine in the mid-70s.
God bless you Stevie, your crew, and all the others of RAF Bomber Command.
Your Nephew,
Loz Wilson
Recommended story
Story with photo