242231 W/O. Donald Smith Royal Air Force A Flight 153 Squadron from:Hednesford, Staffs. From 1944 to 1945, my dad Donald Smith, completed approximately 33 missions as Mid Upper Gunner mostly with Pilot Potter in Lancaster Bombers from Scampton, (153 Squadron - A Flight). He remembers Pilot Potter once passing out as they sped up the runway for take off, resulting in the Lancaster spinning several times on runway and grass with full fuel and bomb load and scattering ground crew, WAAFs, etc., who had lined up to see them off and wish them well. Lanc (letter 'I') eventually stopped and no one was hurt. Pilot Potter was taken to hospital and did not return to the Squadron.
Dad doesn't say much about his time in the air, other than it was very cold at times, but remembers the great breakfasts after missions and also catching rabbits around the airfield to sell to the local butcher. Now in 2017, Dad is doing well and will soon be 93.
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