Today I spent a few hours in the Australian War Memorial. It brought back memories of my Granddad, recent wars and the devastating loss that conflict brings.
The Australian War Memorial is an amazing place, from the huge stone walls, to the panoramic view, the many diaromas and the tomb of the unknown soldier.
I am a pacifist, I do not believe that going to war solves anything, in this global economy I think trade and aide provide much better leverage than force. I do however have the highest admiration and respect for the men and women that felt strongly enough in our country, values and freedoms to fight and possibly die.
The newest exhibit is about the night bombing raids over Germany and Berlin. It is centered around a rebuild Lancaster bomber called “G for George” and includes some Messerschmitts as well as anti-aircraft guns.
This exhibit moved me as my Granddad was one of the men who fought and was lucky enough to return home. He joined the RAAF in October 1943 when he was 31, leaving behind his wife and my dad. He was trained and became one of the bomb aimers that made those night raids into Germany and Berlin.
I learnt this only in the last couple of years of my Granddad’s life. He showed us his medals, including the caterpillar, he told us how every person that survived, bailing out of a disabled plane. Luckily because of the skill of his pilot they made it to friendly territory before bailing, otherwise he would have to rely on his wits and a small silk map showing the location of the front line. I plan to request copies of his service record so I can find out more.
Being in the memorial became a little “difficult” at that point, I was feeling some very personal sorrow and regret. Regret I had not talked more to my Granddad, that I had not discovered more about this brave man and sorrow that he was gone. I left the crowds at that time and went to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, I just sat for 15 minutes in that quiet and very amazing place.
I have included some photos, but really they do not do the place justice.
Spitfire