Wartime memories talk at Strathaven Probus Club
3 February-
:- President Graham and speaker Gilbert Gray enjoy a cup of tea at the interval
President Graham welcomed members and, in particular, new member Robert Lightbody to the meeting of Strathaven Probus Club.
A letter was read to members from Jennifer Thom, thanking the Club for its invitation to her choirs to perform at the Club's recent dinner.
After conducting the routine business of the Club, the President introduced club member Gilbert Gray as the speaker for the day. Gilbert recalled his experiences as a World War II flight engineer on Lancaster bombers under the title "Did You Ever Meet Hitler ? " .
Not yet 15 years of age when war broke out, Gilbert was called up in March 1943. Within a year of entering active service in May 1943, half of his training class had been killed in action. He joined 106 squadron, part of 5 Group commanded by 'bomber' Harris. Gilbert recounted his experience on his first mission flying as one of 12 Lancasters to bomb an arms factory at Salbris, 40 kms south of Orleans. 4 Aircraft and 29 crew did not return from that mission.
Gilbert went on to describe his combat missions in support of the D-day landings. His squadron operated more or less continuously over the period 6th, 7th and 8th June targeting railways to prevent reinforcements reaching the battle areas.
Immediate past president Alan Findlay, in his vote of thanks, commented on the fact that it must be difficult for the bulk of today's population, unlike most club members, to have any appreciation of what were, to most members, no more than childhood memories.
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