I WAS privileged to attend the unveiling and dedication service for the RAF Bomber Command memorial in Green Park on June 28, as a member of the Elvington French delegation.

At last a fitting, striking memorial to the gallant 55,573 bang on target in the heart of the capital.

Having followed in The Press the story of Freddie Johnson DFC, I hope he found the occasion inspiring and memorable, albeit tinged with sadness.

Another Second World War veteran from our area who pressed on and reached the venue, in the spirit of Bomber Command, a humble Christian man whom I’ll not embarrass by naming, served as a flight engineer in No 15 Squadron in his youth.

Interestingly, he was later ordained into the Methodist church.

For a number of years he served as a chaplain at the Yorkshire Air Museum and is a RAFA stalwart.

Although baking ranks of other veterans and their supporters separated us, so we couldn’t attract his attention, it was heartening to see him there.

Jolly good show. I’ve always wanted to say that!

Derek Reed, Middlethorpe Drive, York.