Conversation with George Arthur Cook

Conversation with George Arthur Cook

Transcript of interview. Wireless operator air gunner on 49 Squadron flying Hampdens at RAF Scampton. Recalls joining up in 1939 and training as wireless operator air gunner. Posted to 49 Squadron on Hampdens and did 33 (32) trips. Describes worst experience on operation to Duisburg with heavy anti-aircraft fire, aircraft damage and hand wounded. Mentions rest after tour at RAF Cottesmore but still flew on 1000 bomber operations to Cologne and Essen (attacked by Me 109). Then followed by more training before flying Catalina out to India then Ceylon. Relates experiences on tour on 205 Squadron at Koggala in Sri Lanka. Commissioned in 1945 and returned to United Kingdom and demobbed in 1946. Further conversation, relates anecdote of attempt to get training course mates the same posting which did not succeed (others went to 106 Squadron). All other mates who went to other squadrons were killed in action. Lists two killed in action; Sgt Eric Butler shot down 10/11 April 1941 and Sgt William Burrell lost 21 April 1941.

2007-02-21

2007-09-08

Five page printed document

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