1. #11
    MB_Avro_UK's Avatar Senior Member
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    BTTT....
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  2. #12
    I think he rammed them....if accounts that the nose gunner was firing and tracers were visible, tehn he would have certainly known enemy AC were bearing down on him.

    Well never know, but i think the RAF should give him the benifit of the doubt and decorate him posthumously.

    I mean, I would feel pretty lousy to make that kinda sacrifice and then find out later that it was considered an accident....that would really annoy my ghost, spirit, soul, etc.
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  3. #13
    It *sounds* like it was a deliberate ramming, judging by the eyewitness accounts...but that's a funny thing about eyewitness accounts - you have to take them with a grain of salt.

    Of course we'll never know for sure, it would be nicer to think it was deliberate though.
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  4. #14
    I'd say deliberate. In war, soldiers can in some sitations recognise the greater picture, such as this. If he left, the bomber would have probably gone and killed maybe 50 people. Hence, he sacrificed his life in that other may live. Now if that's not a hero, then I doubt there ever will be such a thing.
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  5. #15
    Originally posted by HotelBushranger:
    If he left, the bomber would have probably gone and killed maybe 50 people.
    This is overly optimistic view.
    MAYBE or MAYBE NOT.
    He should have known that ramming the bomber will kill him and also destroys his plane. If he leaves to ssafety, he could have continued his career and shoot 20 bombers and save 500 lives. So was it a good idea after all?

    So much for recognizing the big picture.
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  6. #16
    To serve = Hero

    I do not agree, sorry...
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  7. #17
    If he was in an Anson at night, he was probably training to be a bomber pilot - how's that for a bigger picture?
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  8. #18
    MB_Avro_UK's Avatar Senior Member
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    hi all,

    My considered opinion is that Sgt.Hancock rammed the bomber.

    1) A commemoration was posted on the Church based on eye witness accounts.

    2) As PJ posted,it would have been natural to turn left or right to avoid the bomber's fire.

    3) He turned off his training navigation lights.

    4) He told his brother-in-law that he would ram the enemy if he saw them.

    5) To hit an enemy bomber accidently would be very unlikely.

    Maybe I should contact the R.A.F. and ask that the circumstances should be reconsidered? Would any of you support me??

    Best Regards,
    MB_Avro
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  9. #19
    Originally posted by MB_Avro_UK:
    hi all,

    My considered opinion is that Sgt.Hancock rammed the bomber.

    1) A commemoration was posted on the Church based on eye witness accounts.

    2) As PJ posted,it would have been natural to turn left or right to avoid the bomber's fire.

    3) He turned off his training navigation lights.

    4) He told his brother-in-law that he would ram the enemy if he saw them.

    5) To hit an enemy bomber accidently would be very unlikely.

    Maybe I should contact the R.A.F. and ask that the circumstances should be reconsidered? Would any of you support me??

    Best Regards,
    MB_Avro
    Yes. Hero. He was in a combat situation ("and accidently killed the enemy"? No).
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  10. #20
    Originally posted by rnzoli:
    <BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by HotelBushranger:
    If he left, the bomber would have probably gone and killed maybe 50 people.
    This is overly optimistic view.
    MAYBE or MAYBE NOT.
    He should have known that ramming the bomber will kill him and also destroys his plane. If he leaves to ssafety, he could have continued his career and shoot 20 bombers and save 500 lives. So was it a good idea after all?

    So much for recognizing the big picture. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>
    C'mon, give the guy some credit. If he did it deliberately, then he knew he'd get that one without a doubt and save lives. If he had run, then he may have shot down a bomber or two or maybe he never would've shot down anyone. At that moment, he knew he'd get'm.

    I hope I never need to depend on you to save my life. You would sacrifice me for some more kills at a later time. lol
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