A Raid Over Berlin

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London-born John Martin volunteered for the RAF as a trainee wireless operator in 1941, aged nineteen.

On completing his training, he was posted to RAF Kermington, in Lincolnshire. Here he crewed Lancaster bombers until, on the night of January 30th, 1944, on only his third operational mission, his plane was brought down over Germany. After a miraculous escape, his parachute opening in the chaos of a disintegrating aeroplane, he was captured and interrogated before being held as a prisoner of war.

After the Allies finally crushed the Nazi regime in the spring of 1945, bringing the war in Europe to an end, John Martin was liberated by British troops and repatriated back to life in Britain. He returned home to his family and was met by his fiancée, Adelaide, who he married shortly after. The couple went on to raise a family. John Martin, now aged ninety-six, lives in Cardigan, Wales.

I would like to give my thanks to my wife, Adelaide, for all her support and encouragement in writing this book. Thanks to Ann and Nick for all the help they have given in many ways. Thanks to Lynda and Jeremy for their encouragement, and to Lynda’s Book Circle who sent encouraging comments. Thanks also to our good neighbour, Pauline, for her support and encouragement, and to all the friends who gave support.

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