RAF Bomber from WWII to return to Burma with Lottery Funding

A Second World War RAF bomber pilot has plans to visit Burma after receiving a lottery grant from the National Lottery. Raymond Shaw from Preston, aged 86 years old, supported the British troops towards the end of the war in the Far East. Now, many years later, the veteran is to return to look for the old airstrip and to travel around the Asian country that on his last visit he couldn’t fully explore and appreciate.

Mr Shaw flew a Hurribomber and said of his imminent trip:

"It is emotional and very interesting. From my position, being a pilot and flying, I did not spend time on the ground even though I was actually at a low level. It will be an organised trip as that's the best way to see upper Burma, as there are a lot of minor roads."

The pensioner enlisted in the RAF in 1941 and soared to Warrant Officer getting his wings in 1943 when he was sent out to Burma and India. In the 42 Squadron he helped to hold back the enemy until Mandalay was captured by the British in March 1945.

He saw colleagues die in his time serving abroad and lost his cousin Mr Ronald Smith who was captured by the enemy and later died on the Burma Railway.

A Big Lottery Fund spokesperson said:

"I am delighted that we are again able to use lottery funds to support our veterans and help ensure that the lessons of the Second World War and the sacrifices made by the wartime generation are not forgotten."

This fund is part of the Heroes Return 2 initiative which is helping veterans and widows to return to the sites of old battlegrounds.