617 squadron crew list. 2 days ago · An Australian crew of No.
617 squadron crew list I DV402 (K) bombing shipping in Brest Jan 21, 2024 · Within ten minutes of the first bomb hitting the Tirpitz, she suffered a magazine explosion and capsized killing 1,000 of her 1,700 crew. A special squadron was officially formed on 17 March for Chastise, which was No. 5 days ago · KB889 was part of a training squadron in late 1944, early 1945. Colin Burgess paints a vivid picture of these events with information gleaned from interviewing the remaining Australian crew members of 617 Squadron, including those who took part in the Dambusters raid. 619 Sqn and then No. Pictures from 617 Squadron Today. Three weeks later, he was transferred out. Apr 13, 2016 · Plt Off Bernard Holmes, rear gunner in David Shannon's crew in 106 Squadron. Their audacious mission – codenamed Operation Chastise – gained them immediate fame and legendary status. Identified, left to Dec 14, 2024 · Photocopied ts list (3pp) of the crew of No 617 Squadron RAF (The Dambusters) who returned from the raid on the Mohne Dam, 16 May 1943. 60019-ZZ617 : SOLD. Really enjoyed the chapter regarding rear gunner Tom Mclean when he joined his crew on 617 squadron. They dropped the weapon which caused the dam’s final breach. Following the actions of No. 617 Squadron based at RAF Scampton in Lincolnshire. RAF Scampton was a very old station that had opened in 1916, and like most peace time stations Mar 17, 2010 · The CO of 617 Squadron had drawn up the attack plan whereby Tallboy aircraft were to bomb first, attacking in V- shaped waves of each of five aircraft. Everyday low prices and free delivery on eligible orders. Whilst not wishing to describe in detail the exploits of 617 in a book concerning 49 Squadron, mention must be made of Sgt John William Minchin. We were taken by road. Regular reports were sent to the headquarters of the various organisations involved. 617 Squadron, armed with the famous ‘bouncing bomb’. Pressing on, Martin’s bomb aimer Donald Day dropped a 9980kg Grand Slam or earthquake bomb before Martin nursed Mar 26, 2024 · Rather than remain with No. Large databases covering many countries. He kept an account of this in his own flight log. Although he was still only 27, he was one of the most experienced airmen in Bomber Command having commanded two other squadrons and a Conversion Unit On the morning of Monday 17th May 1943, the world learnt of the dramatic attack by 617 Squadron on the Ruhr dams theprevious evening. Sep 3, 2008 · The squadron was then held back from other operations, apart from a short series of three raids against Italian targets, while RAF top brass decided what to do with it. (U. Leader of the Dambusters Raid, Wing Original Royal Air Force RAF Squadron Lapel Badge. W. Date: 1943 Apr. In May 1943, Guy Gibson led 617 Squadron on an audacious assault on the dams of the Ruhr valley using Barnes Wallis’ ingenious ‘bouncing bombs’. 03. 11th December 1981. No. Nov 12, 2018 · A VETERAN of the legendary 617 ‘Dambusters’ squadron has been honoured at a presentation in Ilkley. 9 Squadron and No. Catalogue date 1978-07. Operation Taxable 5-6 June 1944. The ground crew are then seen at work preparing a Vulcan for flight. Barlow DFC. Warrant Officer Peter Goldie (1373468) 16th April 1945 the attack on "Lutzow Battleship" 18 Lancasters all from 617 squadron headed once again for Swinemunde, this time the conditions were perfect apart from very heavy flak, all but two aircraft sustained damage plus also the last operation lose of an aircraft. No 617 Squadron was formed at RAF Scampton on 21 March 1943, under the command of by Wg Cdr Guy Gibson specifically to undertake an operation to breach the Ruhr Dams using Barnes Wallis’ Upkeep weapon – the bouncing bomb. Also images of his grave in Belgium and an image of his brother in Royal Navy uniform. We spoke with his son, Chris Henderson, now 78 years old, about the Dambusters 80th Anniversary, his father’s legacy, and how the Fund has been a huge support to him and his family. 9 Check out our 617 squadron selection for the very best in unique or custom, handmade pieces from our patches shops. The names are inscribed on slate tablets, mounted inside the spillways. So intones the narrator on the trailer for the 1955 movie “The Dam Busters”, a dramatized account of the Royal Air Force’s Aug 23, 2013 · Australia’s Dambusters: The Men and the Missions of 617 RAF Squadron. Hutchison, Taerum, Spafford and Deering transferred to George Holden’s crew when he took over command of 617 Squadron, and died with him on the Dortmund Ems Raid on 16 September 1943. A new crew got together and went on one training flight. Cdr Sparrow conducted a final briefing to the Mar 31, 2023 · The versatility of the Lancaster was such that it was chosen to equip 617 Squadron and was modified to carry the Upkeep ‘bouncing bomb’ into the attack on German Ruhr valley dams. Nearly 70 years after their famous raid, the Dambusters remain icons of skill, courage and innovation. Paypal; Visa; RAF Squadrons 617 Dambusters Squadron Royal Air Force RAF Lapel Badge. May 26, 2024 · During the Cold War, 617 Squadron evolved into a unit tasked with precision attacks on Soviet installations using tactical nuclear weapons. After the raid, he flew on six further sorties before leaving 617 Squadron at the same time as Jack Leggo, in order to qualify as a pilot. 16–17 May 1943: Nineteen modified Avro Lancaster B. Barry of Fremantle, WA; 414844 Flight Jan 29, 2010 · Martin won his second DFC destroying the Kembs Barrage dam on the Rhine River with 617 Squadron. SOLD. 617 Squadron Personnel. Lancaster B. 1943 No. The † indicates killed on Operation “Chastise”; * Sep 26, 2011 · Complete list of aircrew who took part in the Dams Raid (Operation Chastise) 16–17 May 1943. The awards are those given specifically for the raid. 05. 17 May 2021 is the 78th anniversary of the “Dambusters” Raid, the attack on the Möhne, Eder and Sorpe dams in Germany by nineteen Avro Lancasters of the specially formed No. 07. 617 Sqn, John is a Details of AIR 27/2128; Reference: AIR 27/2128 Description: No 617 Squadron: Operations Record Book . He was awarded a DFC for his part in the raid. Cyril had been transferred from 49 Squadron to 617 Squadron on 25 March, along with his crew. 617 Squadron. 1939-45 Star: Squadron Leader D J Shannon, 617 Squadron RAF; Air Crew Europe Star with France & Germany clasp: Squadron Leader D J Shannon, 617 Squadron RAF; Italy 6 days ago · 617 Squadron and the Dams Raid; Casualties of the Dams Raid; Casualties of the Dams Raid. Navy Historical Center) 12 November 1944: No. Show more. AJ-G crew members. In the early 21st century it operated the Panavia Tornado GR4 in the ground attack Jan 7, 2025 · Group photograph of No. Note May 16, 2013 · A daring World War II night time raid on three dams in the early hours of 17 May 1943 immortalised the RAF's 617 Squadron as the "Dambusters". This is a brand new group dedicated to the former personnel at RAF Scampton who worked and flew the Vulcan on the famous 617 Squadron from March 1958, until the Squadron closed in December 31st 1981/January 1st 1982 serving from all ranks: Research based site with hundreds of thousands of data points on pilots, crew and ground crew associated with flying. Flown on 16/17 May, the raid destroyed the Eder and Möhne dams. 'Red type' indicates 'died'. Personnel Alf Crosby. Earlier in the day Cdr Sparrow took to the air for his final flight in the F-35B Lightning, and was greeted on his return by the whole Squadron. 3 days ago · In the last months of the Second World War, 617 Squadron made further successful strikes against the German rail and canal network, coastal defences and previously invulnerable U-boat pens, using 'Tallboys' and the monstrous new 22,000 lb 'Grand Slam' bomb. There were 133 of them, equally divided into the crews manning 19 specially-modified Oct 24, 2023 · History 1943 Formed at RAF Scampton, specifically for an attack on dams in the Ruhr Valley using the Barnes Wallis-designed Upkeep 'bouncing bomb'. Category Private papers Related period Second World War (content) Production date 1943-05 Feb 9, 2024 · 617 Squadron, RAF, "The Dambusters" was a single squadron formed during the Second World War to carry out a single special and dangerous task. In his later years Tom Bennett, Gerry Fawke’s navigator, became the No. Squadron Leader BENNY GOODMAN 6 days ago · An Australian crew of No. Object Details. Avro Lancaster B Mk III Flown by Squadron Leader John Leslie Munro, Lancaster B Mk II LM482 was one of the aircraft of the legendary No 617 Squadron “Dambusters” which took part in Operation Taxable, designed to create the illusion that a large invasion force was headed for the Mar 17, 2010 · The CO of 617 Squadron had drawn up the attack plan whereby Tallboy aircraft were to bomb first, attacking in V- shaped waves of each of five aircraft. That operation "Chastise" has since become a legend in the annals of military history and it possess all the traditionally admired military attributes of originality, surprise and heroism coupled with a Flight Lieutenant, No. We would like to publish more information, anecdotes and or photographs from the Sqn in more modern times and invite information and submissions from any air or ground crew. In March 1943 he was posted to 617 Squadron at Scampton where he flew with Barnes Wallis Oct 8, 2017 · File: Flight Lieutenant Joe McCarthy (fourth from left) and his crew of No. despite a head injury, he saved several crew members from a burning aircraft, including May 10, 2023 · Robert 'Bob' Henderson joined 617 Squadron when it was established in 1943, recruited as a Flight Engineer, to become part of the historic Dams Raid. Obviously Lancasters aren't made to do a barrel roll and the middle turret gunner, he was so scared Feb 8, 2024 · The Record Book relates to the day to day running of 617 Squadron from the 1st April 1943 to 16th April 1945. MacCausland, RCAF Wireless Operator: Sergeant L. The Dambusters Raid. Apr 15, 2020 · A photograph of 617 Squadron Dambuster Air Crew Members, outside of the Officer's Mess RAF Scampton, signed by 617 Squadron Member Bill Townsend, together with a letter written to the vendor by Bill Townsend, and a Christmas card signed Bill Townsend. Events of 1943 Events of 1943 ·The Dams raid 16th & 17th May 1943 Apr 26, 2013 · When Mick Martin joined 617 Squadron he brought most of his old 50 Squadron crew with him, but was short of a wireless operator, so Chambers was brought in. We spoke with his son, Chris Henderson, now 78 years old, about An eye-opening history of the famous 617 Squadron and its pilots and crews by a man who flew alongside them. On the night of 16-17 May 1943, the RAF's 617 Squadron carried out an audacious bombing raid attacking dams serving the Ruhr valley, leaving German factories and mines badly damaged. Nov 12, 2024 · KMS Tirpitz anchored in Bogen Bay, Ofotfjord, near Narvik, Norway, circa 1943–1944. That operation "Chastise" has since become a legend in the annals of military history and it possess all the traditionally admired military attributes of originality, surprise and heroism coupled with a Mar 13, 2024 · No. Hopgood DFC and Bar. Retained as a precision bombing squadron after the dam’s raid ad operated in this capacity until the end of the war . He was the pilot for Avro Lancaster J-Johnny, flying as part of the first wave Squadron Leader Tom Bennett, who flew as one of the lead navigators of 617’s Mosquito marker force, recounts many of the precision attacks made by 617’s Lancasters on vital targets in occupied Europe, such as the tragic Pölitz raid of December 1944, the attack on Bergen in January 1945 and the numerous raids made against the Nazi May 10, 2023 · Robert 'Bob' Henderson joined 617 Squadron when it was established in 1943, recruited as a Flight Engineer, to become part of the historic Dams Raid. F. At 9:39 pm, as the sun was dipping below the western horizon, leaving a rim of light and still good visibility, the first three of 19 Avro Lancaster bombers of No. S. Today By Mark Simmons. On the raid, his aircraft AJ-Y was part of the No 617 Squadron was formed at Scampton on 21st March 1943. Left to right: Ray Wilkinson (rear gunner), Douglas Webb (front gunner), Charles Franklin (bomb aimer), Bill Townsend, Jack Grain (who had been the wireless operator in Townsend's crew in 49 Squadron but did not transfer to 617 Squadron), Lance Howard (navigator). 6 days ago · 617 Squadron and the Dams Raid. My grandfather - Alf Crosby - was a rear gunner in 617 Squadron and was involved in the Tirpitz attack. Guy Gibson, Pilot, Commanding Nov 12, 2018 · A VETERAN of the legendary 617 ‘Dambusters’ squadron has been honoured at a presentation in Ilkley. Then, in late August, a new ‘light case’ 12,000lb bomb became available and 617 Squadron was detailed to use it to attack the Dortmund Ems canal on a low level raid. The leaders associated with Squadron 617 were Guy Gibson, Bomber Harris, Geoffrey Leonard Cheshire, Willie Tait and Sir Ralph Cochrane. 617 Squadron (RAF), Royal Air Force Feb 9, 2024 · 617 Squadron, RAF, "The Dambusters" was a single squadron formed during the Second World War to carry out a single special and dangerous task. Wing Commander John Herbertson (Officer in Charge 617 Squadron) briefs the crew for their final sortie. Harlington General Cemetery, Netherlands Plot E. At that time a total of 90 orders and medals were decreed for Commonwealth forces: Navy, Army and Air. Avro Lancaster B Mk III Flown by Squadron Leader John Leslie Munro, Lancaster B Mk II LM482 was one of the aircraft of the legendary No 617 Jul 27, 2015 · During this interview Mr Bell recounts his experiences as a bomb aimer in 617 Squadron. 06. 44 he was in Lancaster Mk. Holmes completed a full tour with Shannon, and was brought to 617 Squadron at Scampton in March 1943. Click on the caption below the thumbnail picture further down this page in order to go to the list of all the aircrew who May 17, 2013 · Sometime in late 1943 or early 1944, a number of 617 Squadron aircrew flew up to the Avro works near Manchester. March 1943, Flight Sgt Bill Townsend and his crew were nearing the end of a tour, which would bring the 22 year old pilot a well earned DFM. Oct 25, 2020 · An eye-opening history of the famous 617 Squadron and its pilots and crews by a man who flew alongside them. The crew had formerly been with 49 Squadron and had volunteered to join 617 in June 1943 to replace OPERATION CHASTISE – THE CREW LIST by Military Gallery. After intensive training the Mohne and Eder dams were breached on the night of 16/17 May 1943, in Dec 12, 2018 · 617 Sqn disbanded in Dec 1956 to reform as a Vulcan squadron, having just returned from a 6 month detachment in Malaya. This gave No. O. The story of 617 Squadron and the breaching of the mighty Ruhr Dams of Germany in May 1943 is one of the most compelling and inspiring stories 6 days ago · Header image: Lancasters of 617 Sqn and IX Sqn dropping ‘Tallboy’ bombs on the German battleship Tirpitz in Tromso Fjord, Norway, on the morning of 12th November 1944. These were flight engineer Cyril Chamberlain (known as Joe to his friends and family), wireless operator Arnold Pemberton, Vital to the whole Dambusters operation was the complete dedication by the ground crew of 617 Squadron. May 16, 2013 · A daring World War II night time raid on three dams in the early hours of 17 May 1943 immortalised the RAF's 617 Squadron as the "Dambusters". , D. III ND472 (O) bombing Saumur with cluster bombs - On 27. Oct 23, 2024 · Photograph of Sergeant Stephen Burns, 617 Squadron, RAF, Part of the Crew of P/O Geoffrey Rice on the famous ‘Dam Busters’ Raid, Operation Chastise 16th / 17th May 1943, being a postcard photograph of him in Air Gunners tunic with we believe his sister. These will Feb 8, 2024 · Operation “Chastise”, May 16/17, 1943 No. M. Item #4454 Price (AUD): $120. He and the rest of the crew were posted to 617 Squadron on 28. Dec 13, 2024 · Wall in the form of a breached dam, with 617 Squadron crest and dedication inscribed on the central sloping tablet, which forms the breach. Also enjoyed reading about what some of the characters did after Mar 22, 2024 · A complete list of these men from British, Canadian, Australian, New Zealand and American air crew is shown below. In the aftermath of the operation against the three dams, repairs to the infrastructure (road, railways etc. Apr 8, 2013 · During the next nineteen weeks I will be publishing an article about each one of the 133 aircrew from 617 Squadron who took part in the Dams Raid (Operation Chastise) on 16/17 May 1943, at the rate of one a day. Joining the RAF in 1940, he trained as an electrician and worked with Avro Manchester’s with 207 Squadron at Waddington. Joining the RAF in 1940, he trained as an electrician and worked with Avro Crew list for Watten operation. During the Second World War the Squadron carried out 1,599 operational sorties with the loss of 32 aircraft Squadron Personnel. [Pic: Robert Holmes] Mar 15, 2020 · The crew jettesoned the bomb and anything else that was not bolted down to try and gain height. No further information, but from Port Arthur, Ontario, Canada. 617 Squadron (The Dambusters) at RAF Scampton, 22 July 1943. The 617 Squadron Sep 26, 2024 · Now add ‘Fast jet squadron Commanding Officer’ to the long list of descriptors you might use for Lieutenant Colonel Mike Carty RM. Category Photographs Related period Second World War (production), Second World War (content) Catalogue number MH 33960 Part of AIR MINISTRY SECOND WORLD WAR OFFICIAL COLLECTION. I wrote last year about the selection of David Shannon’s Dams Raid crew, and how four men who had previously flown with him in 106 Squadron were transferred to 617 Squadron at the end of March 1943. The unit returned to combat in July. 617 Squadron aircrew, in front of an Avro Lancaster at Scampton, Summer 1943. 617 Squadron (Dambusters), Royal Air Force, sent a force of 32 Avro Lancaster long range heavy bombers to attack the 49,948 metric-ton-displacement Kriegsmarine battleship KMS Tirpitz at May 13, 2010 · 617 SQUADRON - THE OPERATIONAL RECORD BOOK 1943 – 1945 With additional information Compiled and Edited by Tobin Jones Binx Publishing, Pevensey House, Sheep Street, Bicester. Young, DFC* Navigator : Flight Sergeant C. A perfect book for fans of Max Hastings, John Nichol and Patrick Bishop. 00 On the night of 16 / 17 May 1943 an elite group of airmen from the newly-formed 617 Squadron set out from RAF Scampton on a unique mission. KB889 was flying along, and the pilot managed to fly it into a cumulonimbus cloud and the Lancaster was turned on its back. The principle being that the first three were primary targets An eye-opening history of the famous 617 Squadron and its pilots and crews by a man who flew alongside them. Its account is quite different from that recorded by 617 Squadron: A/C ANSON No EG496 CREW F/O SIMS, W F F/Sgt HAMMOND, A F/O DUNHILL, A F/O RICHARDSON, K W/O The Squadron went on to become a special operations squadron for the remainder of the war. Roberts Flight Engineer : Sergeant D. Editions: Edition Size: US($) QTY: Poster: $22. Feb 9, 2024 · 617 Squadron, RAF, "The Dambusters" was a single squadron formed during the Second World War to carry out a single special and dangerous task. 617 Squadron – aviators, ground crew, and support staff – Feb 8, 2024 · 617 SQUADRON - THE OPERATIONAL RECORD BOOK 1943 – 1945 With additional information Compiled and Edited by Tobin Jones Binx Publishing, Pevensey House, Sheep Street, Bicester. The raid was undertaken by 617 Squadron of the RAF, specially formed for the operation and took place on 16 A staggering testament to the high rate of attrition among Bomber Command crews was that of the 80 aircrew who survived the raid, 22 were killed in subsequent 617 Squadron operations including the CO's (Wing Commander May 9, 2024 · Number 617 Squadron after the Dams Raid by Robert Owen In May 1943 Number 617 Squadron of Bomber Command, the Royal Air Force, succeeded in breaching two of Germany’s great dams. He’s the first Royal Marine to command any fast jet formation, RAF 617 Squadron - arguably the most famous squadron in the history of UK military aviation: the Dambusters. TR1128. The crew that escaped cut a hole in the keel of the ship. The Dam Busters (1955) is one of the few that falls into the latter category. Temporal Coverage 1944-06-19 The raid comprised crew members from Britain (RAF), Canada (RCAF), Australia (RAAF), New Zealand (RNZAF) and an American flying in 3 wave formations: 9 planes (in 3 groups of 3) in A staging base was established in Russia for No 9 and 617 to successfully attack the Tirpitz which was based in northern Norway and was damaging Arctic convoys. (3) Buyer's Note: This lot is subject to Artists Resale Right (ARR) Sep 14, 2021 · Pic: Chamberlain family. JB: I and my crew begged Wing Commander Cheshire when we asked if we could join his squadron and he was sat in his office, very nice man to talk to, we were an experienced crew and he still wanted to know why we wanted to join his squadron, so we told him Apr 8, 1993 · No. Nov 7, 2016 · 617 squadron, which was immortalised in the Dambusters film, has been reformed to fly the Royal Air Force’s (RAF) latest front-line aircraft, the F35 Lightning II. The aeroplane could only get to 1400ft and due to the damage, continued to turn to port. Guy Gibson, Pilot, Commanding Text: “The Dambusters” No 617 Squadron RAF. Phillip Herbert Martin DFC & Bar 1 Sep 1944 - 20 May 1945; Battle Honours On the night of 16 / 17 May 1943 one of the most daring low-level night time raids in the history of air warfare took place, when nineteen Lancaster crews from the newly-formed 617 Squadron successfully attacked the great dams of Germany. Jun 11, 2024 · The claim that there were more than nine bodies (the official crew/passenger number) cannot be explained with any certainty, but again administrative error, combined with the later exhumation and re-burial might be a contributory factor. Flight Sergeant Townsend flew his bomber and crew in the third wave Sep 2, 2013 · Flying from Lincolnshire across occupied Europe at tree-top height, 19 planes of the newly formed 617 Squadron, with seven-man crews, braved anti-aircraft fire, power cables and mountainous Oct 23, 2024 · Photograph of Sergeant Stephen Burns, 617 Squadron, RAF, Part of the Crew of P/O Geoffrey Rice on the famous ‘Dam Busters’ Raid, Operation Chastise 16th / 17th May 1943, being a postcard photograph of him in Air Gunners tunic with we believe his sister. The squadron was then based at RAF Woodhall Spa. Tomorrow, the world will know them as The Dam Busters. 617 Squadron, ran through his preflight checklist on March 14, 1945, in Avro Lancaster YZ-J, while Squadron Leader “Jock” Calder did the same in nearby YZ-S. Personified by Beck Parsons. 1943 617 Squadron Lancaster III ED925 AJ:M Flt Lt. POSTAGE (Flat rate, per order): UK orders over £50 - FREE UK Orders under £50 - £1. (AT227) crew and also took part in 49's first Manchester Eight Lancaster were sent from 617 Squadron together with eight Mosquitoes in what had hoped to be a diversionary operation for the main effort this night to Frankfurt. Operation Mar 9, 2021 · English: Flight Lieutenant Joe McCarthy (fourth from left) and his crew of No. Although the alarm was raised and, reportedly, there was a direct line to the Luftwaffe no fighters appeared. The bundles of Window were stacked in the correct sequence in the aircraft and additional crew were carried as dispensers, Nov 30, 2005 · He eventually was chosen to join the Dambuster 617 Squadron, whereby although he did all of the low-flying (hedge-hopping) training, he did not actually take part in the famous Dambusters raid. Description. 00 Aug 28, 2009 · Whatever their relationship, the crew were not together for very long, flying just the one operation as a complete crew, the Dams Raid itself. One of the Sinclairs (Alexander) was a flight engineer in 617 squadron in 1945 and flew nine missions. T. More recently, it was a 617 Squadron Tornado that in 2003 dropped Britain‘s first bomb of the Iraq War. 617 Squadron RAF, the British Film Institute (BFI) went so far as to call it one of the greatest British films of the 20th century. To mark the 70th anniversary of the Dambusters famous raid, in the May 2013 issue of FlyPast, Andrew Thomas examined the heritage of 617 Squadron – arguably the most famous RAF unit of them all Text: “The Dambusters” No 617 Squadron RAF. III Special long-range heavy bombers of No. To save weight Oct 23, 2008 · "Aircraft and Air Crew List " ED-887 "AJ-A" Pilot : Squadron Leader H. 99. That operation "Chastise" has since become a legend in the annals of military history and it possess all the traditionally admired military attributes of originality, surprise and heroism coupled with a 617 Squadron History. 1944 Now flying from RAF Woodhall Spa, 617 Squadron began dropping the 12,000lb Tallboy and, later, One of the most well-known raids by the Royal Air Force was that of 617 Squadron's raid on three heavily defended dams in Germany's Ruhr Valley: the Möhne, Eder, and Sorpe. Flanking this the wall represents the remaining dam, with three recesses each side forming the spillways. OX26 6JF. On the morning of Monday 17th May 1943, the world learnt of the dramatic attack by 617 Squadron on the Ruhr dams theprevious evening. jpg TR1128. Alistair Wilson Sinclair was an observer in the RAF in 1943 but not in 617 squadron. 617 Squadron Association Nov 16, 2024 · 617 squadron on 2 July, Clayton’s crew began training in methods of low flying and precision bombing with Lancaster’s, taking part in their first raid on 15 July 1943, Operation to Aquata-Scrivia (Italy), where Watson notes in his logbook ‘bombed & machine -gunned 800, landed North Africa Mar 10, 2022 · Wg Cdr James Brian Tait, always known by the nickname “Willie”, succeeded Leonard Cheshire as commanding officer of 617 Squadron in July 1944. -1945 May Held by: Sergeant Jarvie flew with the Vine crew till the 9th March 1943 joining the Byers crew on approximately the 10th March 1943. States date 19 June 1944, Target constructional works Watten, zero hour 1915/1931. Later in the war he joined 77 Squadron and flew on 13 further operations. The Flight Engineer was left out of the list of crew; he sat beside the pilot in a folding ‘jump seat An eye-opening history of the famous 617 Squadron and its pilots and crews by a man who flew alongside them. Feb 8, 2024 · Air Crew: Goldie Biography. That operation "Chastise" has since become a legend in the annals of military history and it possess all the traditionally admired military attributes of originality, surprise and heroism coupled with a Feb 4, 2024 · The aircrew of 617 Squadron Commander (later Wing Commander) Guy Penrose Gibson (August 12, 1918 – September 19, 1944) are debriefed after Operation Chastise, which destroyed the Mohne and Oder Dams in the Ruhr on May 16/17 1943 to disrupt electricity generation for munitions factories. ) were begun. Grave 11. 617 Squadron operated from the airfield until the end of hostilities, pioneering the use of ultra-heavy bombs - Oct 26, 2020 · Sqn Ldr Bennet captured very well the essence of 617 Squadron and of the bomber war with the personal crew stories post dams raid. James McDowell. (Artwork: Jim Laurier) Seventy-five years ago this Mar 19, 2024 · Wing Commander John Bell MBE, DFC, L d’H, the last British wartime aircrew member of No. Please note that the contents of this disk are protected electronically against unauthorised copying and use. 617 Squadron RAF Operation Chastise dams raid of 1943. 617 Squadron, Royal Air Force, carried out Operation Chastise, a low-level night attack against four hydroelectric dams in the Ruhr Valley. It included personnel from the RCAF, the RAAF and RNZAF and was formed specifically to attack three dams, the Mohne, Eder and Sorpe, on the Ruhr (Operation Chastise, 17th may 1943). 1945) John Robertson; Sep 7, 2010; photo was annotated with the names of the crew of F/Lt A. High degree of reader involvement in supplying information. 617 Squadron, will be 100 on Saturday 25 March 2023. There were 133 of them, equally divided into the crews manning 19 specially-modified Jan 1, 2025 · The objective of -The 617 Squadron Netherlands Aircrew Memorial Foundation- (617 Sqn-NAMF) is to commemorate national- and international the crew members and former crew members of 617 Squadron Royal Air Force who lost their lives in the Second World War. History note. [Pic: Robert Holmes] Buy 617 Squadron: The Dambusters at War First Edition by Bennett, Tom (ISBN: 9780850597639) from Amazon's Book Store. 37 Squadron (RAAF), Royal Australian Air Force KNIGHT, Leslie Gordon (DFC, MID) Flight Lieutenant, No. Dec 21, 2005 · On the 5th March 1943 we were posted as a crew to No 57 Squadron, Scampton. Feb 8, 2024 · She now lay keel up, only a handful of crew escaped, the death toll is put at 1000 to 1200 men. Apr 13, 2016 · Plt Off Bernard Holmes, rear gunner in David Shannon’s crew in 106 Squadron. For the September operation, targeted at the Dortmund-Ems canal, an extra air gunner, Wrt Off Mar 17, 2010 · Formed on 21 March 1943 within No. 617 Squadron, "The Dambusters", with 34 Lancasters and two Mosquitoes, the latter being used for low-level target marking. Feb 8, 2024 · The information you see is as I get it (uncut) also included will be stories held in public records from members of the ground crew. Right to the end, 617 Squadron maintained its position as Bomber Command's ultimate precision bombing May 16, 2020 · Tonight, they are 617 Squadron. If you are not the owner of the 617 Sqn May 13, 2022 · Commander Mark Sparrow handed over command of 617 Squadron ‘The Dambusters’ to Wing Commander David Tait in a small ceremony at RAF Marham yesterday. The Squadron It has been personally hand-signed by Pilots, Aircrew and Ground Crew who served with the famous 617 Squadron during WWII: Corporal KEN LUCAS Ground Crew on the Dambusters Raid. Row 4. Left to right: Sergeant G Johnson; Pilot Officer D A MacLean, navigator; Flight Lieutenant J C McCarthy, pilot; Sergeant L Eaton, gunner. Cataloguer Unknown. Robert N. NOTE Apr 4, 2023 · While there are many good war films, few can be considered truly great. can be found in the 'Aircraft identification List' table above, and the crewmember's Station in the 'Air Crew Station' list above. 617 Squadron Lancaster III ED927 AJ-E Fl/Lt. C. Jan 9, 2025 · Squadron Leader Chip Brunson arrives to tell the crew that they have nine flying hours left before the squadron is disbanded. As a bomb aimer, serving initially with No. May 16, 1943, had been a sweltering spring day in England. Weaver DFC of Brisbane, Queensland; 427426 FO R. 49 Europe - £7. 617 Squadron. Several books have described No 617's operations including The Aug 2, 2018 · Vital to the whole Dambusters operation was the complete dedication by the ground crew of 617 Squadron. Disbanded in 2014, 617 Squadron has primarily been a ground Oct 26, 2012 · 617 Squadron (Jan. Nichols On 12 November 1944, just after eight in the morning the crew of the Tirpitz spotted the oncoming Lancasters. 617 Squadron RAF was to make a daring raid using special bombs on German dams supplying the Ruhr industrial works, and Shannon was one of four Australian pilots involved. After reforming as a Vulcan nuclear bomber sqn in 1958 617 Sqn was equipped with the B2 variant from 1960, the first equipped with the Avro Blue Steel Mk1 missile. The crew of Lancaster ED285/`AJ-T' sitting on the grass, posed under stormy clouds. Jan 24, 2019 · Sutherland was the front gunner in Australian Pilot Officer Les Knight’s crew, which formed part of the main formation tasked to attack the Möhne dam on the night of May 16-17 1943. [2] It is commonly known as "The Dambusters", for its actions during Operation Chastise against German dams during the Second World War. Mk I DV385/KC-A, Thumper Mk III, flown by. There were 133 of them, equally divided into the crews manning 19 specially-modified May 2023 marks the anniversary of 617 Squadrons Dambusters Raid - Discover a full crew list and the history behind Operation Chastise Lists leader/marker Wing Commander Cheshire and marker 2, Squadron Leader Shannon in Mosquito with 18 crews flying Lancaster all armed with Tallboy bombs. G. May 22, 2023 · RAF Wing Commander Johnnie Fauquire, CO of N0. THE LONDON GAZETTE, 8 September 1944 ‘The KING ‘has been graciously pleased to confer the VICTORIA CROSS on the under-mentioned officer in recognition of most conspicuous bravery: — Wing Commander Geoffrey Leonard CHESHIRE, D. (AT227) crew and also took part in 49's first Manchester Oct 25, 2020 · An eye-opening history of the famous 617 Squadron and its pilots and crews by a man who flew alongside them. As the time of flight of the tallboy from its release height of 11, 000 ft to impact was 26 seconds. . If you are not the owner of the 617 Sqn Sep 14, 2021 · This RAF 617 Squadron crew was the same one which had flown on the Dams Raid in Lancaster ED906 AJ-J just four months earlier, when they were in the fifth aircraft to attack the Möhne Dam. W. Operation: Operation 'Chastise' Date: 16th/17th May 1943 (Sunday/Monday) Jul 7, 2019 · 20th February 1943 He was posted to 57 Squadron at RAF Scampton in Lincolnshire as a Sergeant Pilot with the six men he had been doing his training with. despite a head injury, he saved several crew members from a burning aircraft, including OPERATION CHASTISE – THE CREW LIST by Military Gallery. Lists leader/marker Wing Commander Cheshire and marker 2, Squadron Leader Shannon in Mosquito May 17, 2013 · Dom is the great nephew of Cyril Anderson, the pilot of AJ-Y on the Dams Raid. That operation "Chastise" has since become a legend in the annals of military history and it possess all the traditionally admired military attributes of originality, surprise and heroism coupled with a May 15, 2013 · RAF's 617 squadron flew 19 Lancasters at night, on May 16, 1943, to destroy three dams in Ruhr valley Pencilled line through eight of bombers on list show ones that were lost; also 53 crew 617 Squadron Operation Taxable 5/6 June 1944. Though the routine was familiar, the Lancaster B1 Specials that both pilots were readying for takeoff were anything but. (72021), Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, 617 Squadron. 2 days ago · An Australian crew of No. 619 Squadron and fly with a different captain, the crew decided that it was better to stay with Knights, and he had volunteered to join No. Apr 17, 1995 · In April 1944, Chan and six other air force crew were awarded the Soviet Medal for Valour. Eder, Sorpe, Ennepe, Lister and Diemel Dams and involved 133 crew in 19 aircraft in three waves. Horsfall Bomb Aimer : Flying Officer V. All of the 617 Squadron personnel were On the night of 16 / 17 May 1943 an elite group of airmen from the newly-formed 617 Squadron set out from RAF Scampton on a unique mission. Identified, left to right: 414740 Flying Officer (FO) E. 617 Squadron RAF, (The Dambusters), dwarfed by the 22,000 pound "Grand Slam" bomb which was first used on 14 March 1945 on the Bielefeld viaduct in northwest Germany. March 1943 Geoffrey and his crew had completed nine missions in the Avro Lancaster bomber, he was now in 57 Squadron's new C Flight, which was overseen by Squadron Leader Melvin Young. Number 617 Squadron is a Royal Air Force aircraft squadron, originally based at RAF Scampton in Lincolnshire and currently based at RAF Marham in Norfolk. A historic picture taken in the boardroom has recently come to light. P. Click on each of their names to find out a bit more about them. Some reports state that the aircraft was hit by flak, which may well Feb 8, 2024 · There is a definite pride felt by all on the Squadron, aircrew and ground crew alike, in being part of such a prestigious unit. Research based site with hundreds of thousands of data points on pilots, crew and ground crew associated with flying. Sep 8, 2024 · Cheshire (centre) with 617 Squadron crew. 08. A few months after this success the Squadron moved from its airfield at Scampton in Lincolnshire to a new base: Coningsby, in the same county. 99 Rest of World - £7. Barry of Fremantle, WA; 414844 Flight Sep 14, 2021 · This RAF 617 Squadron crew was the same one which had flown on the Dams Raid in Lancaster ED906 AJ-J just four months earlier, when they were in the fifth aircraft to attack the Möhne Dam. He was aged 21 in 1943. On that raid Martin’s crew watched in horror as the Lancaster in front exploded in a fireball after being hit by anti-aircraft fire. 1943. jpg From Wikimedia Commons, the free media repository Sep 26, 2011 · The first piece of evidence is in the Operations Record Book for 278 Squadron, the Coastal Command squadron which was responsible for air sea rescue on the Norfolk coastal area. For the September operation, targeted at the Dortmund-Ems canal, an extra air gunner, Wrt Off 2 days ago · An Australian crew of No. This exhibition explores the material in our archives that tells the story of Jul 27, 2015 · Bill Townsend and five of his crew, outside Buckingham Palace in June 1943. Joe McCarthy was my Dad’s CO many years later in the RCAF and I knew the background of 617. Farthing,DFC (air gunner) - On 08. As part of 617 Squadron Bill Townsend flew Lancaster ED-886 codenamed AJ – O for Orange in the famous dambuster raid of May 1943. Maltby flew in the No. 16/17. 44 he was a crew member of Lancaster Mk. Oct 14, 2024 · This man claimed he was hand-picked by Gibson for the Dams raid, and was a former aircraft apprentice. Fl/Sgt. 5 Group specifically for the raids against the Ruhr valley dams. jknv dqml cmoflqv fhujj zzq ekemmt tokvalke hgoqoc fyzxml aiv