The end of the beginning - the 2000 Reunion
Epilogue . . .
This is by no means a full account of proceedings and we must mention that family and friends turned up from all over the world - literally, from Canada to New Zealand and we were privileged to have relatives of all three of R3821’s crew at the Service.
As a result of Ole's efforts, on the 4th, 5th and 6th May 2000, Blenheim R3821 returned to Denmark to help celebrate the 55th anniversary of the Liberation of Denmark. In a wonderful celebration, the Blenheim performed a Ceremonial Flypast during a Memorial Service at Vadum Cemetery where those killed on August 13th 1940 are buried, and also took part in other events to mark the Liberation of Denmark. On its return journey, it carried on board a small package containing the clock face that was recovered from the wreckage of R3821, in a small display case courtesy of the Royal Danish Air Force. The full story of its recovery is told elsewhere on this site.
At Aalborg it was presented to Jan and Ken Godfrey who, in turn, passed it on to the Blenheim Crew, for transport to Watton on the 13th August. Smudge Smith presented it to the Museum, during the Service. It was a very emotional moment to be holding a part of R3821, something so small but with such meaning. It is now on display in the Watton and we are very grateful to all involved in its arrival. As Frank said, he had to leave before the Blenheim departed at about 16:30. Our hosts, 611 VGS helped the push back and posed for pictures of their Gliders with the Blenheim.
The aircraft taxied out, back-tracked down the runway, maybe two hundred yards, to the east. It then turned and took off almost effortlessly in front of the small group who had been allowed to assemble on the airfield by the Glider Squadron’s control caravan.
After take-off the Blenheim did a wide circuit to the south of the field and then lined up as if to land again, but Blenheim pilot, John Romain, brought R3821 down to about 15 to 20 feet and aimed straight at the caravan pulling up at the last minute! Picture: Low Level! Several experienced aviators dropped down instinctively and I understood - for the first time - what it must have been like on the thick end of a low level shipping attack. One youngster from 6111 VGS said “Wow - that made the hairs on the back of neck stand up!" I must say I agreed with him.
Previous Page See the Picture Board for more photos from the reunion