Thank you from veterans of the British Berlin Airlift Association

At the end of the day we were all asked to comment about what we learnt from the day, both the students and veterans.  Here is a selection of comments:

What is the importance of a heritage project such as this one?

"It is undoubtedly vital that these bits of modern history are carefully shared and recorded for the future." (Alec Chambers, veteran)

 "To carry on this piece of history when we've long gone." (Anon. veteran) 

"The personal, human and 'small' stories that are so 'big' and significant." (Anon. volunteer)

"A hugely valuable archive for future years.  History is too often about huge events written from the point of view of the politicians and military leaders.  This project is to hear the testimony of the ordinary man, told as he wants to tell it." (Anon. volunteer)

"To pass on history from eye witnesses to the next generations is important as we need to remember and use this information for the future." (Anon. student) 

We also received a lovely thank you note via email from the BBAA veterans we met at Duxford:

Association Email News

Keeping members informed

Web site & Media
British Berlin Airlift Association
www.bbaa-airlift.org.uk

Date 14-03-2013

Bungay School Student Presentation

Regards.

Colin.

 Wednesday 13th March, our association were asked to assist students from Bungay School, who are working on a group project about the Berlin Airlift.  The event was held at Duxford Aviation Museum, and hosted by Legasee.

Legasee, as some of you, having taken part in video interviews will know, are a charity, dedicated to recording on video, the history of as many service personnel as possible.  These videos will be posted on their web site, and made available to the public.

We had a full day, starting at 10.30 am and finishing at 15.30 pm.  The students rotated in groups, at tables, to talk to as many veterans as possible.  after lunch, a talk was given by Joyce Murdoch, Learning & Access Manager at Duxford Museum, about the cold war period, and before finishing, we had a tour of the aircraft used by the RAF on the airlift, with veterans talking to the students about various aspect of operating the aircraft.

The students had obviously studied the subject well before the event, and had many questions to ask, so I think the finished project should do them credit.