Oswestry u3a is pleased to welcome back Janet Marsden for the second part of her moving and fascinating story about her father, Sergeant Jack Marsden, an RAF Flight Engineer during the Second World War.

Using Jack’s own recollections, eyewitness accounts and detailed historical research, Janet brings to life the experiences of a nineteen-year-old airman and his Lancaster crew during one of Bomber Command’s most difficult missions.

On the night of 3rd/4th May 1944, Jack and his six crew mates took part in the bombing raid on Mailly-le-Camp in northern France, a key German military training centre ahead of the planned D-Day landings. Their Lancaster was one of many aircraft caught up in a disastrous operation, with heavy losses suffered during the raid.

Janet will tell the story of Jack’s crew, including Australian pilot Garth Harrison and their fellow airmen, describing their training, their final mission, and the events that followed when their aircraft was shot down.

Through personal memories and historical records, this talk offers a powerful insight into the bravery, sacrifice and human stories behind the air war of 1944.

This is part of the ongoing programme at Oswestry u3a, where members enjoy learning, sharing interests, and meeting like-minded people. Find out more at oswestry.u3asite.uk.