Shropshire airman salutes Bomber Command Memorial

A Shropshire veteran who flew more than 70 bombing missions during the Second World War joined airmen from around the world to see the Queen unveil a tribute to their fallen colleagues.

The Bomber Command Memorial in London's Green Park remembers the sacrifice and bravery of the 55,573 RAF crew who lost their lives in the conflict.

John Trotman, from Marchamley Wood near Wem, was among more than 5,000 surviving airmen who joined the royal party for the unveiling of a memorial, which features a 9ft bronze sculpture depicting a seven-man bomber crew returning from a mission.

Mr Trotman, 90, who flew Wellington and Mosquito bombers and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and Bar, said: "The memorial is recognition after all these years, but it is also paying tribute to the memory of fallen friends, whose planes crashed, blew up or were shot down, or who just went missing. It was not uncommon."

See also:

• Memorial day at last for the Bomber Boys