There were actually nine members in dad's crew. I don't know why the ninth person doesn't appear in the photo. That, of course, still leaves one gun position unfilled. And that is answered by the fact that dad, as waist gunner, manned BOTH the left and right waist positions.
See what a hero he was! He actually fought for two men.
You're right, of course, by that time we had achieve total air superiority. The Luftwaffe was all but destroyed. I do not say that lightly, BTW, since that war was a real tragedy for all sides.
As to the beer, unfortunately, except for my nephew, none of us drink. Naturally, I've told the journalist that's been helping us with all this that we're willing to fake it so as not to insult anyone.
How can we not? Considering all they are doing for us.
This is all hush hush, and anyone reading who actually happens knows my father -- it could happen, right?
-- is forbidden to tell him, but they are actually planning a meeting with the mayor of Grimbergen and a flyover of the crash site. It should be fun.
Ed.
