They were shot down on their way back from Duisburg. They were shot down by a German night fighter with an upward facing gun. One of the wings and it's engines were on fire. All the crew bailed out over Germany. Except the rear gunner and the plane that ended up in Holland. All survived.

They were all taken prisoner. Marched up the Rhine as the Allied advanced. They were starving hungry and played cards for the crumbs after the bread was cut.

They were attacked twice as POW's by American fighters. Once they were strafed by a Mustang whilst marching and they all ran for cover. The other time their train was strafed by American fighters. Lots of rounds came through their carriages. My grandfather said his carriage was full of the blood and guts of the other prisoners. But by some miracle he wasn't hit.

He went back to Holland and with the help of locals found their plane. My gran - George's wife is still alive at 96 and has part of their plane. He also went back to Germany and found their prison camp, which is now a forest. It made him realise how long he had lived.

George was the most wonderful man. My grandfather. He died a few years ago. He spent his life feeling wronged about bomber command not receiving the war medal or a memorial. Including traveling to London and speaking to MPs as an old many. Campaigning for their right to receive these. He was instrumental in assisting bomber command gaining both. He got his clasp and visited the memorial. A crowd gathered around him as he told their story. Some were crying. Others commended him.