A photo-story depicting a typical day for RAF Bomber Command during Operations in 1944.
The time is 0930. Members of the Ground crew complete the final finishing touches of their vital work. They have been working since the Lancaster and her crew returned at 0500. Luckily, not much needed to be done so time for some breakfast then back to work.
1500. The aircrew, having flown on operations the night before, are just having their breakfast - bacon and eggs! They dine with each other, regardless of rank.
1630. The crews selected for operations that evening head over to the Briefing room where they learn the target for tonight is somewhere over Germany. All have flown before and are volunteers.
Meanwhile... The Ground Crews are working tirelessly to ensure all is ready with the Lancaster for the evenings operation. The main job before they get forty winks is loading the payload for the raid. Its been good weather all day but its starting to turn...
Zero Hour Approches. The Crews have since signed out their flying clothing and are now getting kitted up.
The last few additions are made to the arming of the Lancaster ready for the crews to arrive.
RAF Transport is on hand to collect the crew and deliver them to their trusty flying machine.
After their pre-flight checks, the Sergeant hands over the Lancaster to the CO of the flight and the crew board.
Zero Hour. Start up is commenced, they wait for the signal to taxi for take off...
The signal is given. OPERATION CANCELLED. The weather would be too against them...
Sorry Charlie. No Gunners duties for you tonight!
This crew walk back while other Sky Giants are taxied back for the Ground crew to unload all munitions for the night. The crew will head to the pub for a celebratory drink - or several!