News

While in the UK last year, our Veterans Officer Barbara Hunter met Richard Willcock at a service at Woodhall Spa airfield. He was there to film the spreading of the ashes of John Bell, the last veteran of 617 squadron during the Second World War, on the runway.

After the service he told Barbara about a short film he was making called the Last Bomber Boys. Richard had interviewed many veterans in the UK but now he wanted an interview with a veteran who travelled across the world to fly with Bomber Command. Barbara knew just the candidate.

The Orman crew at Tuddenham
(Credit: NZBCA archives)

Barbara got in touch with Peter Orman, son of Lancaster pilot Ken Orman, now 101, and asked if his Dad would like to help. Of course he would! An interview was arranged.

Richard recently reported in:

Good news. On Monday we filmed our interview with Ken Orman. He was in great form and gave us a fantastic interview. He spoke about some things I haven’t heard him talk about before, which was an unexpected bonus. And I think both he and his son Peter enjoyed the experience. 

So firstly, thank you so much for your assistance. It wouldn’t have happened without you!

So we now await the movie!

Ken completed 38 operations from October 1944 through to April 1945 with 186 Sq. He was awarded both DFC and Bar. On a raid over Dortmund on 15 November 1944, a piece of the flak from a 105mm shell lodged in Ken’s face. Despite this he managed to maintain his aircraft on track and successfully completed the bombing run. He then piloted the aircraft back to England despite his injuries, only telling his crew what had happened once they were clear of danger.

For this action Ken was awarded the DFC. He was later awarded the Bar was for “a leading aircraft he was subjected to heavy flak and through his bravery set a magnificent example of skill and devotion to duty.”