R.A.F Bomb Aimer Ernest Collins
"Ernest Collins was my Grampa and he served as a Bomb Aimer in the Lancaster bombers during WW2, when he was about 20-22.  I believe he served in various countries, including Egypt.  I think he was quite traumatised by the war and I only ever heard him speaking about his experiences once, although I wanted to know more, of course, but I think was deeply affected by what he had to do - being a Bomb Aimer, I'm sure he had a very good idea of the devastation he was causing as he despatched the bombs. I overheard him talking about the bombing of Cologne one night whilst I was doing my history homework - I wrote a few scant details in the margins of my essay and got reprimanded for my untidiness by my teacher - he spoke about the complete devastation and the terrible feeling of guilt he had.  But I wasn't allowed to ask him any questions of my own, and when he died in 1987 I felt an immense loss of his experiences.  He did pass on to me his passion for Lancasters, though.  He had photos and prints on the walls of his house, and I still think they are incredibly beautiful aircraft." 

"I don't know where the enclosed picture was taken. My Grampa is on the left, very cocky and confident-looking !  Maybe someone will recognise who his two comrades are - unfortunately there are no names on the back of the picture.  Alas, I don't know how many missions he flew or where he was based "

"Thank you very much for giving me this opportunity to share stories of my family members.  I can only imagine how immensely helpful this site is to other people who lived through and took part in the war.  The internet is a marvellous tool for this kind of thing - Grampa would have loved it."

Jackie.    

  
Ernest Collins, on the left, with two of his R.A.F comrades.

Do you remember Ernest or any of his comrades ?