The Diaries of Russell James Sparrow 1908 to 1991
I was home on leave when the war in Europe ended on 7 May and for two days there were celebrations, bonfires, dancing in the streets and later on a Victory tea and sports for the children at which I did a bit of clowning. th
After VE Day There were all sorts of crashes, some fatal, and one of my pals who was a long distance walker and had taken part in the London to Brighton race, was the only survivor from a crash because of his small stature. He was trapped in the rear turret but hacked his way out, through one of the Perspex panels, but was very severely burned. We were soon on the move again, back to Tilstock for a day and then on to Saltby near Melton Mowbray when I made a diversion to see Stella (my cousin) in Birmingham and then to Needham. We were flying in Halifaxes now and after a few weeks doing glider towing and container dropping, as well as continental trips, formation and low flying we were sent to Matching Green, near Dunmow in Essex. Soon after arrival, we the crew were sent to London for Yellow Fever jabs, and Halifax Bomber as these were due on the Friday and we were not flying again until the Monday we decided to make a weekend of it. Bob, who was on the Chelsea books, Ken and Val were all Londoners so went home. But Norman, Bill and myself had a night at the Russell Hotel and went to see the test match at Lords on Saturday. 48
