Lest we forget

THREE Kiama diggers gathered on Monday to reminisce about their wartime memories on the eve of Anzac Day (today).

Jerrara"s Neil Hawkins, Minnamurra"s Gordon Grellman and Kiama"s John East met at the Memorial Arch in Hindmarsh Park to remember past battles and view a modern manifestation of their service. All three served in the RAAF during World War II, under Bomber Command, one of the driving forces of the D-Day Invasion of June 6, 1944.

Mr Hawkins and Mr East flew in four-engine bombers including Lancasters and Halifaxes, while Mr Grellman was a pilot bombers such as twin-engine Mitchell"s.

Kiama-Jamberoo RSL Sub-Branch president Dave Munro described all three as legends for their distinguished and decorated service.

On Monday they saw a print owned by Jamberoo collector John Harris, entitled D-Day June 6th, 1944, painted by renowned military artist Frank Wotton in 1996.

The print is one of only 850 in the world and signed by the Allied pilots depicted in the painting.

Their message was simple , they are thankful to be alive after serving in one of the most dangerous wings of the armed forces in World War II.

The Australian crews that flew under Bomber Command in Europe in World War II comprised two percent of Australia"s armed forces, but suffered 20 percent of its casualties.

"To me Anzac Day means I"m still alive , Bomber Command lost 51 percent of its personnel during World War II , we"re three of the survivors," Mr East said.

Mr Hawkins said: "Anzac Day brings back lots of memories for me , meeting all those who made it, knowing that they endured the same things I did."

Mr Grellman said: "In my mind Anzac Day is about casting my mind back, recalling those times and dead comrades and those who lost their lives in subsequent years."

When the Kiama Independent met with the three diggers, the reverence of passers-by was clear.

Despite the respect they hold, none considers themselves heroes.

"I"m just a common man , my country asked us to come forward and volunteer and we did," Mr Grellman said.

"Once the war ended I was more than happy to go back on to civvie street."