Centenarian recalls incredible experience of 1946 'goodwill tour' of America

A NORTH Lincolnshire centenarian who served in the RAF in the Second World War has recalled his incredible experience of taking part in the prestigious Operation Lancaster a "goodwill tour of America" in 1946.

- By LAUREN DAVIDSON

Alfred “Eddie” Instone, who turned 100 in September 2024, served as a Wireless Mechanic for the RAF and was posted to South Africa during World War II.

He was among a select few who were chosen to take part in the huge “goodwill tour” of the USA in July 1946, to fly the flag for Great Britain and show gratitude to America's support to the Allies.

The former shopkeeper, who ran Instone's in Brigg for 35 years after first coming to the area in 1953, has given a fascinating glimpse into his experience touring the USA as a young man, where he and the rest of the 200 flight and ground crew were under strict orders to be ambassadors of not only the RAF, but also Great Britain.