Two wartime pilots have met up at Pembroke Dock’s Flying
Boat Centre, nearly 70 years after they flew Sunderlands
in west African skies.
A surprise was in store when Graham Stevens, of
Flackwell Heath, Buckinghamshire, visited the Centre to
mark his 90th birthday. There to welcome him
was Ron Currell, of Pembroke, who had also served on the
RAF’s No 270 Squadron in Africa.
Memories of flying over the Atlantic from remote west
African stations came flooding back as Graham and Ron
recalled their times on the squadron.
“We did not actually serve together on 270 Squadron but
our times nearly overlapped,” said Ron.
Graham added: “It was marvellous to meet Ron - we shared
similar experiences and challenges all those years ago.”
Graham was accompanied by his wife, Jean, and sons and
daughters-in-law David and Karen and Mike and Christine.
David, who organised the surprise trip for his father,
said: “The whole experience was so memorable and it was
emotional for the rest of the family to hear Dad recount
his experiences. We are so grateful to the Sunderland
Trust team who turned out in force to welcome us.”
During his visit Graham was recorded on video and this
record, plus copies of his pilot’s logbook and
photographs, will be added to the Sunderland Trust
Archive. His memories include serving on 230 Squadron
and returning to Pembroke Dock with the squadron after
the war ended.
* The Flying Boat Centre has had a very busy start to
the holiday season. It is open to visitors from Tuesdays
to Saturdays inclusive, 10 am to 4 pm.
Caption:
At the Flying Boat Centre both Graham Stevens and Ron
Currell (pictured right) signed a print of a Sunderland
over Pembroke Dock for Sunderland Trust volunteer
Malcolm Miles (left).
