RAF veteran dies at 102 after witnessing Hiroshima devastation
- Peter Daines, an RAF veteran, died at the age of 102 after witnessing the devastation of Hiroshima.
- He had a distinguished military career and initially kept his wartime experiences private until encouraged to share them.
- His legacy lives on through his family's remembrance and the stories he recounted about his service and the war.
In a poignant tribute to the legacy of World War Two veterans, Peter Daines, an RAF veteran who served during the conflict, has passed away at the age of 102. He was one of the first British personnel to see the destruction left behind by the atomic bombing of Hiroshima, Japan, in 1945. His recollections of the event were marked by a profound emotional weight, often describing the city as 'absolutely devastated' and 'flat,' where he could see miles across the barren terrain. Such vivid memories remained with him long after the war, reflecting the emotional and physical toll such experiences had on servicemen. Hailing from Essex, Daines had a distinguished military career, completing over 30 missions and surviving two crash landings during his service. Despite a notable military history, he initially remained tight-lipped about his time in the RAF. It wasn't until his son, Peter Daines, encouraged him to share his wartime experiences that the veteran began to speak publicly. As he recounted stories of the war, they were ultimately compiled into a published book for his 90th birthday, aiming to ensure that his experiences and those of his comrades would not be forgotten. Peter Daines expressed deep respect for his father's generation, emphasizing that they endured significant sacrifices for the freedoms enjoyed today. Both father and son took steps to share these important stories with a broader audience, eventually leading to coverage by media outlets like BBC Look East. This effort not only served to honor the bravery of these veterans but also sparked a conversation about the underappreciation they faced for their sacrifices. In recent years, despite battling cancer, Peter Daines continued to live independently with family support until his death. He had a large family, with five granddaughters, two great-grandsons, and six great-granddaughters who loved him dearly. Even in his final months, he exhibited readiness for the end, knowing he was cherished by those around him. The passing of Peter Daines not only marks the loss of a World War Two veteran but serves as a poignant reminder of the impact of war and the importance of remembrance and recognition of those who served.