The Association was both honoured and delighted to recently meet with Warrant Officer Harry Parkins, a 102-year-old former RAF Flight Engineer, following an introduction made through the International Bomber Command Centre (IBCC) Memorial Ceremony held last month. The meeting provided an opportunity to recognise Harry’s extraordinary wartime service. In recognition of his remarkable contribution, the Association was proud to present Harry with Life Honorary Membership of the Association.
Harry’s service record represents a truly exceptional chapter in RAF history. During the Second World War, he completed two operational tours as a Lancaster Flight Engineer. His first tour, with No. 630 Squadron, culminated in the completion of 36 operational sorties before he returned for a second tour with No. 576 Squadron at Fiskerton. These achievements placed him amongst a distinguished group of aircrew whose courage, professionalism and determination contributed significantly to the Allied war effort.
Amongst the many memorable operations recorded in Harry’s logbook was a sortie flown on D-Day, 6 June 1944. As a member of a Lancaster crew, Harry took part in bombing operations against targets at Caen in support of the Allied landings in Normandy, playing his part in one of the most significant military operations in history.
Completing a single operational tour in Bomber Command demanded immense resilience and bravery. To complete two tours was an exceptional achievement. Throughout our visit, Harry shared memories of his wartime service and offered fascinating insights into the life of a Lancaster Flight Engineer. His recollections served as a powerful reminder of the skill, teamwork and dedication required of RAF aircrew operating under extraordinarily challenging conditions.
We were also privileged to view Harry’s medals, memorabilia and flying records, which together tell the story of an extraordinary RAF career spanning one of the most significant periods in aviation history. The presentation of Life Honorary Membership was a small but heartfelt gesture of appreciation for a man whose service and commitment embody the values and heritage of the Flight Engineer branch.
The Association is grateful to the International Bomber Command Centre for helping preserve and share Harry’s remarkable story. Visitors wishing to learn more about his wartime service can explore the extensive archive held by the IBCC, including a detailed account of his service, oral history interviews, and a complete digitised copy of his wartime flying logbook. The archive provides a unique insight into the experiences of a Lancaster Flight Engineer during the Second World War and ensures that Harry’s contribution, along with that of his fellow aircrew, will continue to inspire future generations.
