Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Bob Pattison was my uncle, married to my Aunty Bet, the sister of my father.
As kids we knew Uncle Bob had been in the air force during World War Two but never knew the details of his service and bravery due to his humility. He would give little snippets always with humour. He piloted Lancaster bombers flying more than 30 missions. All this as a young man in his 20s, responsible for getting his crew back safely. He told how he taught his navigator the basics of flying the Lanc in case Bob was shot up, the navigator might be able to get the plane home. I wish I had recorded Uncle Bob's memoirs but left it too late. Even in his 80s, he knew how much fuel his Lanc held, how far it would fly fully loaded and despite the losses he saw, could always give you funny story. A man of integrity, intellect and although proud of his service, never wanted any fuss.