The Soldier and the Airman

Ben Parkinson MBE

Ben suffered 40 wounds in a landmine blast in Afghanistan, Later, back home he carried the Olympic Torch through Doncaster for thirty minutes on prosthetic legs flanked by hundreds of people. we salute his courage, bravery and determination to keep going. No one was ever more deserving of an MBE

Roy Machin

Former Mexborough landlord, Roy Machin served as an air gunner on Lancaster Bombers during the second world war.

In an early operation he displayed such bravery and cool in his burning bomber that his heroism was recognised immediately and he was awarded the Distinguished flying medal.

Roy was involved in many high profile missions including the sinking of the Tirpitz, the pride of Hitler’s fleet. He eventually joined the 617 squadron – the Dambusters

Roy was on active duty until the end of the war and despite the incredible odds he survived.

Roy died in 2006. His operational photographs and records of his airtime career ensure that he will not be forgotten