WW2 veteran given personalised supply of Lancaster Bomber ale
Ron Marlow from Blackpool, who celebrated his birthday on Monday (10 November), was presented with two packs of the brewer’s Lancaster Bomber ale, which featured a picture of him in his uniform on the label. The beers were given as a surprise after Marlow’s daughter, Pat Darby, wrote to Thwaites to inform them of her father’s acgievements.
Marlow was a rear end gunner or ‘tail end Charlie’ in 50 Squadron and took part in 38 Lancaster Bomber missions.
Darby said: “I wrote to Thwaites and sent them some wartime photos as I’d seen Lancaster Bomber ale and previously bought some for dad. I just thought it was a nice local link and that Thwaites would like to know that there are brave Lancaster Bomber lads still alive and well.
“I was pleasantly surprised when Thwaites got in touch to say that they would like to do something to contribute to the party.
“Everybody thought it was such a marvellous gesture and we are so grateful to Thwaites for making such a special occasion even more memorable for dad.”
'Great honour'
Des Gallagher of Thwaites’ Lancaster Bomber said: “This has been a very special year for the historic Lancaster Bomber aircraft which has seen the only two remaining flying aircraft appear for the very last time at shows throughout the summer.
“To be able to support surviving pilots of World War II such as Ron is a great honour so when we received the letter from his daughter we came up with the idea of producing a commemorative label and providing bottles of Lancaster Bomber ale for the 90th birthday party.
“We know that Lancaster Bomber fans are very proud to raise a glass to those men and women who fought for our freedom all those years ago, including remarkable men like Ron who flew during the war.”
