The Unheard Tapes of Bomber Command
World War Two
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34m
Over 55,500 men died flying with Bomber Command during World War Two; more than the number who serve in the Royal Air Force today. Flying at night over occupied Europe and battling German night fighters, anti-aircraft fire and mid-air collisions, they showed astonishing courage and resilience in the face of what often seemed to be insurmountable odds. On the 25 July 1943, Flight Lieutenant Stevens flew in one of the deadliest bombing raids on Essen. The moment he returned home, he made a recording of himself reliving the events of that night. Here, for the first time, we bring together the voice of the 21 year old and his present-day 96-year-old self, conversing across the years. With original recordings interwoven with a fascinating interview, Dan Snow presents a vivid insight into the life and bravery of this remarkable man and the extraordinary men he flew with.
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