2016 20c Coin 'Anzac to Afghanistan' - BOMBER COMMAND

More than 10,000 Australians, serving as aircrew in Bomber Command, were involved in significant operations during the Second World War. These included the Battle of the Ruhr, which involved the famous Dambusters raid. Each operation was fraught with danger and the crews paid a heavy price. More than 3000 Australians were killed and hundreds were taken prisoner.

The Australians who served as aircrew in Bomber Command during the Second World War were involved in significant operations such as the Battle of Berlin, D-Day and the Battle of the Ruhr. Australians served across all squadrons and in 1942 a number of “Australian” squadrons were formed. Though nominally Australian, these squadrons also contained aircrew from Britain and the Commonwealth. Of the many aircraft flown by Bomber Command, the most famous is the Avro Lancaster. One of the most famous “Australian” Lancaster bombers was “G for George” which completed 89 operations between 1942 and 1944. It was known as the “lucky bomber” as no crew members were lost during operations. However, aircrew in Bomber Command suffered heavy casualties.