A remarkable tale has been shared by Alfred ‘Eddie’ Instone, a 100-year-old RAF veteran hailing from North Lincolnshire. Instone, still sprightly, recalled his unforgettable adventure during the esteemed Operation Lancaster, a goodwill tour across America, back in 1946. Celebrating his 100th birthday in September 2024, Eddie served as a Wireless Mechanic during the Second World War, with his service taking him as far as South Africa. His journey didn’t stop there, as he was selected to be among the privileged few to embark on the goodwill tour of the United States in July 1946, a mission aimed at extending Britain’s gratitude to the American Allies. Before retiring as a shopkeeper for Instone’s in Brigg, a business he ran for 35 years after first settling in the area in 1953, he had the extraordinary experience of touring the USA. He, along with approximately 200 other flight and ground crew, were tasked with representing not only the RAF but also Great Britain. Eddie vividly shared his experiences from his youth, including the surprise of being selected for the tour and his encounters with British celebrities in Hollywood. Many years later, he reflects on these experiences with immense gratitude, although admitting that as a young man, he may have taken it all for granted.
This story was adapted by The Lincoln Post from original reporting by www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk.
