Memories of Service 5 - Arthur Joplin

Web (Full Length) – 2017

Arthur Joplin was just 20 when he was awarded his wings and set off on active service to the UK. Joining Bomber Command, he was assigned to the famous 617 'Dambusters' Squadron. That was after the famous raids in Germany's Ruhr Valley, but Joplin took part in other special operations including the sinking of the German battleship Tirpitz. Joplin's war ended when he crash-landed while returning from a raid, killing two crew members. That’s something he’ll carry with him for the rest of his life, he says. Joplin broke both legs and never returned to flying.

Our first trip was Brest, which was a pretty hot target. Nothing happened. It was a beautiful day and there were no fighters. We must have had fighters around us somewhere but we didn’t see them. It was just over there and back again, which was quite amazing.
– Arthur Joplin