Over 70 years ago, when Jim Parks was an infantryman storming a beach during D-Day, the sight of a B-17 bomber flying overhead was a welcome one.
He knew those bombers were knocking out strategic German targets in advance of the landing party, which would ultimately make his task slightly less dangerous.
“Any bombers you saw, you knew the Gerries were getting their share of it ,” said Parks.
Today, during a flight for veterans on a restored B-17 near Barrie, Parks was able to see from the bomber crew’s perspective.
“I was trying to visualize things — sitting across from one of those side gun positions. The only other time I ever saw those was in the movies,” said Parks.
A fully restored B-17G ‘Flying Fortress’ touched down at the Lake Simcoe Regional Airport today for a week-long stop on the Flying Legends of Victory Tour.
The World War II-era bomber, named the ‘Sentimental Journey’, has been on tour across Ontario this summer, with stops in Thunder Bay, Sault Ste. Marie and Sudbury.
After this week’s stop, the restored bomber will make its way to Hamilton, Ontario before spending two months receiving scheduled maintenance at the American Commemorative Air Force (CAF) flight museum in Arizona.
Col. Dennis Fennessey, group leader for the Sentimental Journey, said the purpose of the travelling exhibit is remembrance.
“We believe the recognition of the heroes of war is so important. World War II was a war of liberation. We think it’s important to remember and honour it, and we do that through aviation,” said Fennessey.
The Sentimental Journey — one of only 10 B-17 bombers still flying — has been on display for the past 33 years, and Fennessey said each year fewer and fewer World War II veterans are able to come out and see the bomber.
“That’s why it’ s so important for us to keep pushing it and doing what we do,” said Fennessey.
The bomber will be available for walking tours until August 29, with a cost of $5 for adults.
The walking tours are free for children.
“We want the next generation to be a part of the remembrance, too,” said Fennessey.
Flying tours are also available, but come with a more substantial cost.
It costs $850 to participate in a flying tour in the bombardier’s seat, located in the nose of the plane, while a ride in a gunner or radio room seat costs $425.
Fennessey said money from the tours goes toward the cost of operating and maintaining the aircraft.
“It’s a great piece of history, and it’s right here in your back yard,” he said.
Bob Sparling, who retired from the Royal Canadian Air Force in 1996, flew in the bombardier’s seat during today’s flight.
“There was nothing in front of me but a plexiglass window. The view was unbelievable,” said Sparling.
It reminded him of a flying tour he took 25 years ago in an Avro Lancaster, a bomber from the same era.
“Now I have been in the big two, the Lancaster and the B-17,” said Sparling.
He has a real appreciation for the allied bombers of World War II.
“Without Bomber Command and all the aircraft involved, we would either be speaking Japanese or German. Thankfully we’re not. It’s an important part of history and I am very proud to have flown in it,” said Sparling.
After retirement, Sparling became a civilian instructor with a Royal Canadian Air Cadets squadron, which was based in Collingwood at the time.
He was happy to see three Air Cadet squadrons — from Barrie, Alliston and Orillia — in uniform for the arrival of the B-17 today.
Greg Merrill, chair of the Air Cadet League, said it is important to transfer the knowledge from those who maintain these legacy bombers to the youth of today.
“The historical value of this aircraft and it’s role in World War II is something you just can’t underscore. Thousands of mainly-young Americans died during daylight bombing missions in these things,” said Merrill.
He added, “seeing the kids enthused out here, you can just tell they are eating it all up here with the aircraft. It’s just a great opportunity for them.”
Parks was just 15 when he lied about his age and enlisted during World War II.
He was the same age as many of the cadets in attendance for today’s event.
“We weren’t fooling anyone, you look at the pictures and you can tell,” said Parks.
