Everyone here? Sorry I’m late. Good morning all. Marvellous to see besides pilots, navs and gunners several WAAF’s have joined us, plus my old crew, T-Top Ten sitting at the back. Excellent. Especially wanted you lot on this little jaunt. Good show for volunteering. Knew I could count on you all. Told Group how we’re game for anything on this station and I was right. Made my blood boil when I heard three other mobs have turned the job down.

Anyway, let’s get cracking. Just get these briefing room doors locked . . .

I‘ll open the curtain so everyone can take a good look at the diagram and our target. There! That’s a shock, isn’t it, eh! North Wales - Denbigh Moors - Brenig Dam.

Quieten down everyone. As you all know Bomber Command have had some extremely successful raids using the bouncing bomb and Butch intends utilizing the weapon again. However we’ve had worrying reports it didn’t run as straight and level as hoped.

Now, take a good look at the diagram. For those who’ve never seen one, this is Barnsey’s bouncing bomb. Notice something odd? Well done that man, it’s had a slight modification. As you can see the missile has been fitted with a joy stick, stirrups and saddle. The scientific boffins think it’ll have far greater accuracy with someone steering. Fact of the matter is we’re in the experimental stage and the RAF can’t afford to waste our more valuable people testing it out. That‘s why you‘ve been chosen. Yes, I know, jolly exciting stuff but quieten down everyone. And would someone remove the idiot hauling on the door handle trying to get out. It’s locked, man. Key’s in my pocket. Return to your seat, this instant. So, any questions?

Protective clothing? Hmm… hadn’t thought too deeply about that one. On the face of it, being slammed into a wall at 200 mph, there doesn’t seem much point. In fact it’s a shame to waste what you’ve got so we’ll have your gear, flying jackets, boots etc., they’ll come in useful for your replacements. We’ll be dishing out swimwear. Might be a bit chilly in the bomb bay during the journey but I’m sure you’ll all manage.

What‘s that, Sergeant Sulcus? Can you keep your mask? Don‘t see why not. And the chap I can’t see sitting next to you? Ah, Sergeant Ant! Yes, of course you can go along. We’ll get someone from ground crew to adjust the stirrups.

Will I be joining you? Afraid not. Won’t have the time. What with condolence letters to write and your funerals to arrange. Simply far too much to do . . . like my wife . . . and some of yours!

Is it a suicide mission? Well of course it is! What a bloody stupid question! We all have to make sacrifices, Sergeant. There’s a war on don‘t you know. And you won‘t be forgotten. We’ve had a word with the local council up in Wales and they’ve agreed to put your names on a plaque and attach it to a toilet block at the Brenig.

Right then. That’ll do for now. Need to get into my best blue’s as I’m orf for lunch with Group. Have a hunch there’ll be a gong in this for me, once I give him the news you’re all up for it. Thanks for that, chaps. If you have any more questions I’ll be back later today. Cheerio for now.

I say Ais, rather fetching pink lurex speedos you're wearing. As for your suggestion. I think not. We're talking about precision bombing and I rather think the welshmen living in the nearby valley wouldn't be too happy about being nuked. More importantly the squadron wouldn't get their memorial on the toilet block. Wingco.

Hiya Tempy. I'll let you off this time as all crews excused due to bad weather over target. By the way, I took up your suggestion and sent some of my work to an agent. It's been years since I submitted anything and when I last did so, my cat would run with me to the letter box when the post arrived. He must sense something's up because he's back in position at the front door! Karen

Sah! Permission to speak, Sah?

I have a contact in the Japanese Navy Air Force. This kind of thing is right up his alley, Sah.