Poignant visit to RAF Marham for relatives of crew members lost aboard ‘C for Charlie’ bombers
Relatives of crew members lost aboard RAF bombers during the Second World War recently paid a special visit to West Norfolk.
Last month, the 207 Squadron at RAF Marham welcomed relatives of two crew members lost aboard Lancaster bomber R5695 ‘C for Charlie’ and representatives from the International Bomber Command Centre (IBCC).
The visit, hosted by the Officer Commanding 207 Squadron, provided an opportunity for reflection, remembrance, and a connection between past and present generations of the RAF.
207 Squadron is one of the oldest and most distinguished units in British military aviation history.
Originally formed as No. 7 Squadron RNAS in 1916, it became part of the RAF in 1918, serving as a strategic bomber unit in both World Wars, notably flying Avro Manchesters and later Lancasters in key campaigns.
During the Cold War, it operated V-bombers as part of Britain’s nuclear deterrent before disbanding in 1982.
Reformed in 2002 for pilot training, it was later selected as the UK’s first F-35B Lightning training squadron in 2019 at RAF Marham, ensuring the RAF’s future airpower capabilities.
The Story of ‘C for Charlie’
During the Second World War, Lancaster bombers were at the heart of RAF Bomber Command, playing a crucial role in strategic bombing missions over Nazi-occupied Europe.
Among these aircraft was the Lancaster Mk I R5695, designated ‘EM-C’ and affectionately known as ‘C for Charlie’.
The aircraft and its crew took part in dangerous night-time bombing raids, flying deep into enemy territory.
On November 25, 1942, they embarked from RAF Langer on a night mission targeting Haselünne, Germany, but tragically never returned. They have never been found, with all crew declared missing in action.
Members of the missing C for Charlie crew:
• Pilot: Pilot Officer Alfred Joseph Parkyn, aged 27 – Royal Canadian Air Force, American
• Flight Engineer: Sergeant John James Gallimore, aged 26 – Royal Air Force, British
• Navigator: Warrant Officer Class II James Louis Guichard, aged 38 - Royal Canadian Air Force, American
• Bomb Aimer: Warrant Officer Class II William John Vandervoort, aged 26 - Royal Canadian Air Force, Canadian
• Wireless Operator / Air Gunner: Flight Sergeant James McGregor Allan, aged 24 - Royal Canadian Air Force, Canadian
• Air Gunner (Mid Upper): Pilot Officer Eugene Edward Chouiniere, aged 19 - Royal Canadian Air Force, American
• Air Gunner (Rear): Sergeant Jack Slater, aged 21 – Royal Air Force, British
• Air Gunner (Mid Under / Ventral): Sergeant Windsor Francis Richard Webb. Aged 18 – Royal Air Force, British
The IBCC
The IBCC, located in Lincoln, serves as a memorial, heritage site, and research centre dedicated to the history and legacy of Bomber Command during World War II.
It was officially opened in 2018 to honour the thousands of aviators who served in Bomber Command, particularly those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
On July 24, the IBCC will be hosting the fifth International Bomber Command Day. This year we will also be marking the tenth anniversary of the official unveiling of the Memorial Spire.
The Spire, standing at 31.09 metres, is the tallest war memorial in the UK and symbolizes the wingspan of a Lancaster bomber.
The Walls of Names list over 58,000 names of those who perished while serving in Bomber Command, including aircrew from various Allied nations.
A Journey Through History at RAF Marham
As part of their visit, relatives of Flight Engineer Sgt John Gallimore and Mid Gunner Sgt Webb were guided through RAF Marham’s Aviation Heritage Centre.
Dedicated to preserving the station and wider RAF history and run by a small band of volunteer, the centre houses an extensive collection of displays, including wartime memorabilia, historical documents, and personal accounts from aircrew who served at the base.
For the families of C for Charlie, the visit was a moving experience, as they were able to see first-hand the rich history of the RAF and the sacrifices made by countless aviators.
Artefacts from the Bomber Command era, including uniforms, mission logs, and even remnants of downed aircraft, served as powerful reminders of the challenges faced by those who took to the skies in service of their country.
The Marham Aviation Heritage Centre now offers a virtual reality experience of the 1943 Berlin Blitz, developed by the BBC and Immersive VR Education.
This brings to life a historic wartime recording made by BBC journalist Wynford Vaughan-Thomas and sound engineer Reg Pidsley, who flew on a 207 Squadron Lancaster bomber during a bombing raid over Berlin on September 3, 1943.
The recording, broadcast the next evening, captured the crew’s experience, providing the public with a rare insight into Bomber Command’s bravery.
From Lancaster to Lightning: The F-35 Tour
In a powerful contrast between past and present, the visitors were also given an exclusive tour of the F-35B jet housed in one of RAF Marham’s hangars.
As the home of 207 Squadron, which now operates the fifth generation multi-role stealth fighter, RAF Marham continues its long tradition of frontline service.
The F-35 tour showcased how far aviation technology has come since the days of the Lancaster. With its advanced stealth capabilities, supersonic speed, and next-generation avionics, the F-35 represents the modern evolution of airpower.
For the families, seeing this aircraft up close was a moment of reflection - while the technology has changed, the bravery and dedication of RAF personnel remain constant across generations.
A lasting tribute
207 Squadron is set to pay a lasting tribute to the crew of ‘C for Charlie’ by creating a memorial wall within the squadron.
This new tribute will feature a timeline of ‘C for Charlie’, tracing the story of the aircraft and its crew from their formation to their final mission, and concluding with the memorial at the IBCC.
The memorial wall will serve as a historical record of the crew’s journey, beginning with their recruitment and training, through the missions they undertook, and ultimately their fateful loss in 1942.
The display will include archival photographs, mission logs, personal stories, and documents, providing a deeply personal and informative insight into their service.
The timeline will conclude with the dedication of the memorial tablet at the IBCC, ensuring that all who visit 207 Squadron will understand the sacrifice and bravery of ‘C for Charlie’ and its crew.
In a poignant tribute, the current generation of 207 Squadron fighter pilots will walk past this memorial every day as they head to their F-35 jets.
This daily encounter will serve as a constant reminder of the squadron’s legacy, bridging the past and present.
While today’s pilots operate cutting-edge stealth fighters, the courage, dedication, and sacrifice of those who flew before them remain at the heart of the squadron’s identity.
The decision to establish this permanent tribute reflects 207 Squadron’s commitment to honouring its history and ensuring that the legacy of its aviators is never forgotten.
A legacy preserved
The visit to RAF Marham was more than just a historical tour - it was a deeply personal journey for the families of C for Charlie, a chance to honour their ancestors, and an opportunity to witness the enduring legacy of those who served.
Events like this ensure that the sacrifices of Bomber Command aircrew are never forgotten and that their stories continue to inspire future generations.
As the day concluded, there was a shared sense of appreciation for the past and excitement for the future.
