World War II RAAF bomber radio operator Kevin Dennis recognised in ceremony

Adelaide man Kevin Dennis, a wireless operator and air gunner who had worked as a bank clerk before enlisting in the Royal Australian Air Force, was on board the aircraft when the mission took a terrifying turn for the worse.

After successfully carrying out the mission, the aircraft with hit, the flight engineer killed and the navigator and Mr Dennis seriously wounded. The aircraft was so badly damaged, it was impossible for them to return to England, and even though most of one foot was severed and his other leg also wounded, Mr Dennis refused to leave his seat and continued his duties until the aircraft crash-landed at Juvincourt airfield in France.

Months later, in May 1945, as Mr Dennis lay recovering in hospital, King George VI approved the immediate award of the Conspicuous Gallantry Medal to him, an award that, for airmen, is the highest honour after the Victoria Cross.

Just 10 Conspicuous Gallantry Medals (Flying) were awarded to members of the RAAF during World War II.

Mr Dennis' medal eventually arrived in the mail, without much fuss or fanfare, even though his courage had been described by King George VI as a "of the highest order".

It may have taken seven decades, but on Sunday at the seventh annual Bomber Command Commemorative Wreathlaying Ceremony at the Australian War Memorial, the 89-year-old finally received the public recognition he deserved.

Applause rang out and those in attendance steadily rose to their feet as Mr Dennis made his way, with the aid of a walking stick, through the crowd to shake the hand of Governor-General Sir Peter Cosgrove.

A humble Mr Dennis, who lives in Adelaide and attended Sunday's service in Canberra, said the recognition was "a big thrill" that had been "entirely unexpected".

"It's a great recognition. It's something that normally anybody else would have done in the same circumstances but I happened to be there and I happened to be recognised – one of the many," he said.

Mr Dennis said it was sad remembering his fallen comrades.

"You've got to think of all the people that you knew during the war and aren't here to join us," he said.

His son John Dennis said it was "a very special moment" seeing his father recognised.

"It was good that he got recognition in a formal way, which he never got originally," he said.

"It's one of those things that they won't tell you much as you're growing up. I was probably over 40 before he'd open up – I basically said to him if you don't tell me, it's going to die with you. It's a pretty interesting story – he's had it pretty tough. I'm pretty proud of him. I want to know as much as I can because I've got two sons and I want to pass it on to them."

Dozens of people braved cooler temperatures and rain to pay their respects to the 10,000 Royal Australian Air Force personell who served with Bomber Command during WWII and remember the 4050 who were killed.

Wreaths were laid and Bomber Command veterans paused to reflect and thank their fallen comrades who lost their lives in a sombre day of reflection.

"Lynne and I are delighted to join you for the seventh annual Bomber Command Commemorative Ceremony to pay tribute to this magnificent group of airmen and recognise their heroism, courage and sacrifice in the most hostile and uncertain of circumstances," Sir Peter said.

"To say Bomber Command veterans were staunchly courageous is inadequate. It is difficult for those who were not there to comprehend what you experienced. We marvel at how you mustered the strength and courage to go back night after night. One in three Australians in bomber command was killed – far too many of your friends."

The ceremony coincided with the release of a commemorative collectable coin to mark the 70th anniversary of the retirement of the Avro Lancaster W4783, affectionately known as "G for George".

The commemorative coin can be boughtonline for $13.50 through the Royal Australian Mint or through the Australian War Memorial shop.