Rollo's RAF Days (Part 1 of 2 )

During WWII, Rollo Mitchell flew 52 sorties in a Lancaster bomber.

In 1998, Rollo's two sons interviewed him about his RAF days during the Second World War. A time when he was accidentally shot, his plane was nearly blown out of the sky and he received a medal from the King.

Rollo never talked about the war until this interview. This is his belated story.

Category:

Education

Tags:

• RAF
• Rollo
• Lancaster
• bomber
• WWII
• airplane
• Avro
• World
• War
• Two
• aircraft
• history
• 12
• Squadron
• Wickenby
• St
• Andrews
• Fife

[wuggahumftamuf]

What a great video my dad was based at RAF Wickenby ground crew L. A .C RH CUTLER i wish we had done something like this for 12 /626 squadrons regards Ray.

[blackrobin5]

Who knows, maybe they brushed shoulders. Thanks for your comment. I'm certainly very glad I recorded this when I did.

[DTM270868]

What a great man. Thank you for sharing this fantastic story. My great uncle was also based at Wickenby but did not make it back to Australia. On the night of the 18 Feb 1945 my great uncle F/o Kenneth Hollaway and his crew were lost while "gardening" off the German coast. Hearing your fathers story has given me an insight into my great uncles life. Once again thank you

[blackrobin5]

@DTM270868

Thanks for your comments. Sorry to hear your great Uncle didn't make it back. Having read about the various flights, I'm surprised anyone made it back. My dad was very lucky.

[aquasprite230]

My father attended the 83rd Squadron Pathfinder Force reunion in 1987. It was held in Adelaide Australia. Peter O'Connor his navigator was secretary of the PFF then, and lived in Australia. Your father still looks great. He must of been just a kid when he was in the service.

[blackrobin5]

My dad passed away in 2003. The footage was shot on an old video camera in 1998. It was only this year I had the technology and skills to edit his interview. It's a great thing to have. Hed love to have known he was on youtube!

[Keithyspielberg]

A fantastic collection of important war stories, told by a warm and important man.

[petefromsurrey]

Great video, a very brave man, thank you.

[ryko26]

really loved watching this, what a great man.

[adamlyal]

Excellent.

[aquasprite230]

My father was considered the old man among his crew at the age of 26. He was from Canada, signed up with the RCAF but was put into the RAF Pathfinders while stationed in England. We grew up with his stories.. especially after he had a few beers. Not alot of talk about the missions, but talked about some of the funny mischief that went on with some of the guys during leave.