Gordon Thorburn has written a book about a WWII Lancaster bomber, W4964. During her career, 244 airmen flew in W4964, none were killed while doing so, but 103 of them died subsequently on other missions. (Image: Archant)
A Suffolk author has written a detailed account of a faithful Second World War bomber.
Gordon Thorburn’s story of one hardy Number 9 Squadron Lancaster is his third book about RAF bomber Command.
The former advertising copywriter, from Laxfield, was inspired to write Luck of A Lancaster following an encounter in a Norfolk pub. He said: “My only connection with the forces had been making model planes as a boy - but this came out of a chance meeting in The Cherry Tree at Harleston with a chap who had flown this Lancaster and told me about its hundreds of missions.”
No lives were lost on W4964’s 107 operations, but 103 of the 244 airmen she flew died in other missions.
The book is available at www.pen-and-sword.co.uk.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here