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No.617 Sqn RAF |
Name : No.617 Sqn RAF Founded : 23rd March 1943 Country : UK More Details : Apres mois, le deluge - After me, the flood |
Known Service Details : | |||||||
Pilot or Aircrew | Rank | Start of Service | End of Service | Known Dates | Aircraft | Airframes | Notes |
Sergeant | unknown | unknown | |||||
Flight Sergeant | unknown | unknown | |||||
Sergeant | unknown | unknown | |||||
Flight Sergeant | unknown | 17th May 1943 | Killed in Action | ||||
Flight Lieutenant | unknown | 17th May 1943 | Killed in Action | ||||
Flight Lieutenant | unknown | 16th May 1943 | Killed in Action | ||||
Flying Officer | unknown | 17th May 1943 | Killed in Action | ||||
Sergeant | unknown | unknown | |||||
unknown | unknown | ||||||
Sergeant | unknown | unknown | |||||
Sergeant | unknown | 17th May 1943 | Killed in Action | ||||
Warrant Officer | unknown | 17th May 1943 | Killed in Action | ||||
Sergeant | unknown | 17th May 1943 | Killed in Action | ||||
Flight Sergeant | unknown | unknown | |||||
Sergeant | unknown | unknown | |||||
Flying Officer | unknown | unknown | |||||
Pilot Officer | unknown | 17th May 1943 | Taken prisoner. | ||||
Flying Officer | unknown | 16th May 1943 | Killed in Action | ||||
Sergeant | unknown | unknown | |||||
Pilot Officer | unknown | 17th May 1943 | Killed in Action | ||||
Sergeant | unknown | 17th May 1943 | Killed in Action | ||||
Pilot Officer | unknown | 16th May 1943 | Killed in Action | ||||
September 1944 | January 1944 | ||||||
unknown | unknown | ||||||
Flight Sergeant | unknown | unknown | |||||
Flying Officer | unknown | unknown | |||||
Sergeant | unknown | unknown | |||||
Warrant Officer | unknown | 17th May 1943 | Killed in Action | ||||
Flight Sergeant | unknown | unknown | |||||
Flying Officer | unknown | 17th May 1943 | Killed in Action | ||||
Flight Sergant | unknown | unknown | |||||
Sergeant | unknown | unknown | |||||
Sergeant | unknown | unknown | |||||
Pilot Officer | unknown | unknown | |||||
Pilot Officer | unknown | unknown | |||||
Sergeant | unknown | unknown | |||||
Flight Sergeant | unknown | unknown | Taken prisoner. | ||||
Pilot Officer | unknown | 17th May 1943 | Killed in Action | ||||
Flight Sergeant | unknown | 17th May 1943 | Killed in Action | ||||
Warrant Officer | unknown | 17th May 1943 | Killed in Action | ||||
Wing Commander | March 1943 | 2nd August 1943 | |||||
Pilot Officer | unknown | 16th May 1943 | Killed in Action | ||||
Flying Officer | unknown | 16th May 1943 | Killed in Action | ||||
Flying Officer | unknown | unknown | |||||
Warrant Officer | unknown | unknown | |||||
Sergeant | unknown | unknown | |||||
Sergeant | unknown | unknown | |||||
Pilot Officer | unknown | 17th May 1943 | Killed in Action | ||||
Sergeant | unknown | 17th May 1943 | Killed in Action | ||||
Sergeant | unknown | unknown | |||||
Flight Lieutenant | unknown | unknown | |||||
Sergeant | 25th March 1943 | 26th March 1944 | |||||
Sergeant | unknown | unknown | |||||
Sergeant | unknown | unknown | |||||
Sergeant | unknown | unknown | |||||
Flying Officer | unknown | unknown | |||||
Flying Officer | unknown | 20th January 1944 | Killed in Action | ||||
Flight Lieutenant | unknown | 17th May 1943 | Killed in Action | ||||
Flying Officer | unknown | 17th May 1943 | Killed in Action | ||||
Sergeant | unknown | 17th May 1943 | Killed in Action | ||||
Pilot Officer | unknown | unknown | |||||
Sergeant | unknown | unknown | |||||
Flight Lieutenant | unknown | unknown | |||||
Sergeant | unknown | 17th May 1943 | Killed in Action | ||||
Sergeant | unknown | unknown | |||||
Sergant | unknown | 16th May 1943 | Killed in Action | ||||
Sergant | unknown | 17th May 1943 | Killed in Action | ||||
Flying Officer | unknown | unknown | |||||
Sergeant | unknown | unknown | |||||
Flight Sergeant | unknown | 17th May 1943 | Killed in Action | ||||
Flight Sergeant | unknown | unknown | |||||
Flying Officer | unknown | unknown | |||||
Sergeant | unknown | 17th May 1943 | Killed in Action | ||||
Pilot Officer | unknown | unknown | |||||
Flight Lieutenant | unknown | unknown | |||||
Sergeant | unknown | 16th May 1943 | Killed in Action | ||||
Sergeant | unknown | 17th May 1943 | Killed in Action | ||||
Flying Officer | unknown | 17th May 1943 | Killed in Action | ||||
Flight Sergeant | unknown | unknown | |||||
Flying Officer | unknown | unknown | |||||
Flying Officer | unknown | unknown | |||||
Flight Lieutenant | unknown | unknown | |||||
Sergeant | unknown | 17th May 1943 | Killed in Action | ||||
Sergeant | unknown | 17th May 1943 | Killed in Action | ||||
Flight Lieutenant | unknown | unknown | |||||
Squadron Leader | unknown | 17th May 1943 | Killed in Action | ||||
Sergeant | unknown | unknown | |||||
Flight Lieutenant | unknown | unknown | |||||
Flight Sergeant | unknown | 16th May 1943 | Killed in Action | ||||
Sergeant | unknown | 17th May 1943 | Killed in Action | ||||
Flight Lieutenant | unknown | unknown | |||||
Sergeant | unknown | 17th May 1943 | Killed in Action | ||||
Sergeant | unknown | unknown | |||||
Sergeant | unknown | unknown | |||||
Sergeant | unknown | unknown | |||||
Flight Lieutenant | unknown | 20th January 1944 | Killed in Action | ||||
Sergeant | unknown | unknown | |||||
Pilot Officer | unknown | 17th May 1943 | Killed in Action | ||||
Sergeant | unknown | unknown | |||||
Sergeant | unknown | 17th May 1943 | Killed in Action | ||||
Flying Officer | unknown | unknown | |||||
unknown | unknown | ||||||
Sergeant | unknown | unknown | |||||
Sergeant | unknown | unknown | |||||
Sergeant | unknown | unknown | |||||
Pilot Officer | 26th March 1943 | unknown | |||||
Flight Sergeant | unknown | 17th May 1943 | Killed in Action | ||||
Flying Officer | unknown | unknown | |||||
Flying Officer | unknown | unknown | |||||
Flight Lieutenant | unknown | unknown | |||||
Sergeant | unknown | unknown | |||||
Flight Sergeant | unknown | unknown | |||||
Sergeant | unknown | unknown | |||||
Pilot Officer | unknown | unknown | |||||
Sergeant | unknown | unknown | |||||
Sergeant | unknown | 17th May 1943 | Killed in Action | ||||
Flight Sergeant | unknown | unknown | |||||
Sergeant | unknown | unknown | |||||
Pilot Officer | unknown | unknown | |||||
Sergeant | unknown | 16th May 1943 | Killed in Action | ||||
Sergeant | unknown | 17th May 1943 | Taken prisoner | ||||
Warrant Officer | unknown | unknown | |||||
Flight Sergeant | unknown | unknown | |||||
Flight Lieutenant | unknown | unknown | |||||
Flying Officer | unknown | 17th May 1943 | Killed in Action | ||||
Flying Officer | unknown | 17th May 1943 | Killed in Action | ||||
Flying Officer | unknown | unknown | |||||
Flying Officer | unknown | unknown | |||||
Flying Officer | unknown | 16th May 1943 | Killed in Action | ||||
Sergeant | unknown | unknown | |||||
Flight Sergeant | unknown | unknown | |||||
Pilot Officer | unknown | 17th May 1943 | Killed in Action | ||||
Pilot Officer | unknown | 16th May 1943 | Killed in Action | ||||
Pilot Officer | unknown | 16th May 1943 | Killed in Action | ||||
Pilot Officer | unknown | unknown | |||||
Pilot Officer | unknown | 17th May 1943 | Killed in Action | ||||
Sergeant | unknown | 16th May 1943 | Killed in Action | ||||
Sergeant | unknown | unknown | |||||
Flying Officer | unknown | 16th May 1943 | Killed in Action | ||||
Sergeant | unknown | 17th May 1943 | Killed in Action | ||||
Squadron Leader | unknown | 17th May 1943 | Killed in Action |
Pilots and Aircrew for : No.617 Sqn RAF | ||
A list of all aircrew from our database who are associated with this squadron. A profile page is available by clicking their name. | ||
Name | Info | |
Allatson, Daniel Click the name above to see a profile of Allatson, Daniel
| Allatson, Daniel He was Front Gunner on Lancaster ED918 AJ-F on the Dambusters Raid. The aircraft shot up a train on the way to the target which was the Sorpe dam. The Lancaster successfully dropped its mine and hit the dam, but the solid earthen dam was never breached. He was subsequently killed in action on 16th September 1943. | |
Anderson, Cyril Thorpe Click the name above to see a profile of Anderson, Cyril Thorpe
| Anderson, Cyril Thorpe He was Pilot of Lancaster ED924 AJ-Y of No.617 Sqn for the Dambusters raid of 16th - 17th May 1943. His aircraft did not find a target for their Upkeep mine due to weather and navigation difficulties. The aircraft returned safely with the mine still attached. He was later killed in action on 23rd September 1943. | |
Appleby, Frank Ernest Click the name above to see a profile of Appleby, Frank Ernest | Appleby, Frank Ernest He was Flight Engineer on Lancaster ED921 AJ-W of No.617 Sqn for the Dambusters raid of 16th - 17th May 1943. The aircraft was heavily damaged by flak near the Dutch coast on the outward journey and was forced to abort the mission, but returned to base safely. | |
Arthur, James Lamb Click the name above to see a profile of Arthur, James Lamb
| Arthur, James Lamb He was Bomb Aimer of Lancaster ED865 AJ-S of No.617 Sqn on the Dambusters Raid. His Lancaster was part of the third wave and was shot down over Gilze-Rijen airfield in Holland. None of the crew survived the crash. | |
Astell, William Click the name above to see a profile of Astell, William
| Astell, William He was Pilot on Lancaster ED864 AJ-B on the Dambusters Raid. He and the rest of the crew were killed when the aircraft struck a pylon or power cables en route to the target. | |
Avey, Charles Click the name above to see a profile of Avey, Charles | Avey, Charles Joining the RAF in 1944 he was posted to 617 Sqn as a Mid Upper Gunner on Lancasters and flew on the last 11 Operations of the war, dropping Grand Slam and Tall Boy bombs. | |
Barlow, Robert Norman George Click the name above to see a profile of Barlow, Robert Norman George
| Barlow, Robert Norman George He was Pilot of Lancaster ED927 AJ-E of No.617 Sqn on the Dambusters Raid of 16th - 17th May 1943. His Lancaster was part of the second wave but never reached the target. The aircraft reportedly hit power lines and crashed near Haldern. None of the crew survived. | |
Barrett, Jack Kenneth Click the name above to see a profile of Barrett, Jack Kenneth
| Barrett, Jack Kenneth He was Navigator on Lancaster ED910 AJ-C on the Dambusters Raid. The aircraft was hit by flak and crashed near Hamm, killing all but the rear gunner, whose turret was sheared off and separated from the fiery wreck of the Lancaster. | |
Batson, Ronald Click the name above to see a profile of Batson, Ronald | Batson, Ronald He was Front Gunner of Lancaster ED825 AJ-T of No.617 Sqn for the Dambusters raid of 16th - 17th May 1943. His aircraft dropped its mine on the Sorpe dam, but it failed to breach. The aircraft returned safely. | |
Bell, John Click the name above to see a profile of Bell, John | Bell, John After initially training as a Navigator he went on to complete most of his 50 ops in Lancasters as a Bomb Aimer with 617 Sqn, including all the raids against the Tirpitz. | |
Bennett, Tom Click the name above to see a profile of Bennett, Tom
| Bennett, Tom Born in 1919, Tom Bennett was a specialist navigator with 30 ops with 49 Sqn Lancasters followed by selection for Leonard Cheshires elite Mosquito Marker Force within the legendary 617 Sqn. Following the D-Day landings on 5 - 6th June, there was a very great danger that the Germans would reinforce their troops with their reserves Panzer tank corp. These had been stationed at Calais due to the Germans belief that the invasion would come at that point. The only way to get the Panzer through to the Beachhead at Normandy was via the French Saumur tunnel. 617 squadron were assigned to destroy this and were led by the famous Leonard Cheshire VC OM DSO DFC. He used 3 Mosquitoes as a marker force for the main 617 Bomber Force and the dropping of flares was so accurate that one of the Lancasters put a 12000 tall boy straight through the roof of the tunnel and the tunnel was not reopened until 1946. Thomas Ben Bennett was born in 1919 in Poplar. After a civilian career as a clerk he volunteered for military service in 1939. Called up in the spring of 1940, he was told that he did not qualify for pilot training as his maths was not sufficiently strong to enable him to cope with aerial navigation. Instead he would train as a wireless operator/air gunner. Tom's Morse skills were insufficient, with the result that he only qualified as an Air Gunner. Service life being what it is, he was then offered, and took, an opportunity to re-muster a navigator. (There were later to be a number of times over Germany when he wished he had taken the advice of the Wing Commander at Uxbridge). After an initial course on Ansons and Blenheims at Jurby, Isle of Man, in April 1942 he was transferred to No. 19 OTU, Kinloss, where he would team up with his pilot Gerry Fawke. His first operational posting was to No. 49 Sqn at Scampton in June 1942. He considered himself fortunate in that they had just declared Manchesters non-operational as he arrived and that the Squadron was converting to Lancasters. On an early operation to Duisburg, their aircraft was coned and only violent evasive action by Fawke saved the day. During a low level operation against Wismar in September 1942, he received a slight flesh wound from shrapnel and was admitted to RAF Hospital Rauceby Fawke and Bennett took part participated in the daylight Le Creusot attack of 24 October 1942 During that month Tom was recommended for the DFM and subsequently awarded a commission. Further trips followed, to include Berlin and targets in Italy. The crew were just about to depart on their 30th operation, against Bremen, when they were prevented from taxying out by Charles Whitworth, Scampton's Station Commander, who told them that they would not be going, and that their tour was over. Tom was then screened and posted for duties at No. 1661 CU, thence to HQ No. 5 Group at St Vincents, Grantham, before being sent to No. 1654 CU, Wigsley as an instructor. Promoted to Flying Officer in April 1944, he had just arrived on No. 83 Sqn at Wyton, a Pathfinder Squadron, when he received a phone call informing him that he was to team up with his former captain at the Mosquito Training Unit at Warboys, prior to transfer to 617 Sqn. As one of the Mosquito Marker crews Tom and Gerry Fawke were to help perfect the low level marking technique against increasingly defended targets, starting with the French rail yards of Juvisy and La Chapelle, then targeting targets in Germany, including Munich. Returning to their forward operating base at Manston after the latter trip on 24/25 April, the crew discovered to their chagrin that their markers had hung up and were still there suspended in the bomb bay.Transferring to the Lancaster for Operation Taxable, Tom was one of the key navigators responsible for perfecting the pattern of overlapping orbits and perfect timing that were vital to the operation's success. Such was Tom's desire to see recognition for ALL the Squadron's navigators that he was later to lobby Leonard Cheshire to campaign for a retrospective award, but without success. Reverting to the Mosquito and their marking role, the crew participated in the attack on the Saumur tunnel, and Le Havre. The Squadron then switched to daylight attacks on the large V-weapon sites at Watten, Wizernes, Mimoyecques and Siracourt, before again targeting U-boat pens and port facilities. During one of the latter operations, an attack on the Gueydon at Brest, after diving to low level Fawke opened fire on a vessel with the Mosquitos cannon and machine guns, prompting Tom to comment You've just killed four German sailors in LA PALLICE. Later operations also saw the crew armed with cameras to photograph proceedings, and he made the only known image of one of the Squadron s Mustangs as he used up footage filming Wg Cdr Cheshire formating on his Mosquito. With the Squadron's marker role now firmly established with No. 627 Sqn, Gerry Fawke and Tom returned to the Lancaster. Tom became Squadron Navigation Officer during August 1944, and was responsible for overseeing navigation for the first two Tirpitz operations and the attacks on West Kapelle and the Kembs dam. The latter would be Tom's final operation on the strength of 617 Sqn. Posted as Station Navigation Officer, Woodhall Spa at the end of October 1944, he was still able to keep an eye on his successor and in February 1945 flew with the Squadron on two further operations. He would later recall: I flew 62 trips, that's why I tell people I'm lucky to be alive. But I lost a lot of friends and you always remember them as they were — young men.Post war Tom remained in the RAF, serving with the RAF Delegation in Greece in 1949 and later with No. 38 Squadron, flying Lancasters on Maritime Reconnaissance in the Mediterranean. His final posting saw him as Wing Adjutant of the RAF's Initial Training School before he left the Service, as a Squadron Leader, in March 1955. | |
Bickle, William Douglas Click the name above to see a profile of Bickle, William Douglas
| Bickle, William Douglas He was Wireless Operator of Lancaster ED924 AJ-Y of No.617 Sqn for the Dambusters raid of 16th - 17th May 1943. His aircraft did not find a target for their Upkeep mine due to weather and navigation difficulties. The aircraft returned safely with the mine still attached. He was later killed in action on 23rd September 1943. | |
Bolitho, Richard Click the name above to see a profile of Bolitho, Richard
| Bolitho, Richard He was Rear Gunner on Lancaster ED864 AJ-B on the Dambusters Raid. He and the rest of the crew were killed when the aircraft struck a pylon or power cables en route to the target. | |
Brady, Joseph Gordon Click the name above to see a profile of Brady, Joseph Gordon
| Brady, Joseph Gordon He was Rear Gunner of Lancaster ED865 AJ-S of No.617 Sqn on the Dambusters Raid. His Lancaster was part of the third wave and was shot down over Gilze-Rijen airfield in Holland. None of the crew survived the crash. | |
Brennan, Charles Click the name above to see a profile of Brennan, Charles
| Brennan, Charles Killed on 17th May 1943 when his Lancaster ED925 AJ-M of No.617 Sqn crashed on the Dambusters raid. The aircraft dropped its mine late and it bounced over the Mohne dam, exploding beyond it. The aircraft was hit by flak and crashed not far from the target. He was the Flight Engineer. | |
Brown, Kenneth William Click the name above to see a profile of Brown, Kenneth William
| Brown, Kenneth William Born 20th August 1920. Joined the Canadian Air Force in 1941, and joined No.617 Sqn in 1943. He was Pilot on Lancaster ED918 AJ-F on the Dambusters Raid. The aircraft shot up a train on the way to the target which was the Sorpe dam. The Lancaster successfully dropped its mine and hit the dam, but the solid earthen dam was never breached. Ken Brown died 23rd December 2002. | |
Buck, Arthur William Click the name above to see a profile of Buck, Arthur William
| Buck, Arthur William He was Rear Gunner of Lancaster ED924 AJ-Y of No.617 Sqn for the Dambusters raid of 16th - 17th May 1943. His aircraft did not find a target for their Upkeep mine due to weather and navigation difficulties. The aircraft returned safely with the mine still attached. He was later killed in action on 23rd September 1943. | |
Buckley, Jack Click the name above to see a profile of Buckley, Jack | Buckley, Jack He was Rear Gunner on Lancaster ED929 AJ-L of No.617 Sqn on the Dambusters raid of 16th - 17th May 1943. His aircraft took several attempts, but successfully dropped its mine on the Eder dam although no breach was caused. The aircraft returned safely to base. | |
Burcher, Anthony Fisher Click the name above to see a profile of Burcher, Anthony Fisher | Burcher, Anthony Fisher Taken prisoner on 17th May 1943 when his Lancaster ED925 AJ-M of No.617 Sqn crashed on the Dambusters raid. The aircraft dropped its mine late and it bounced over the Mohne dam, exploding beyond it. The aircraft was hit by flak and crashed not far from the target. He was the | |
Burgess, Phillip Sidney Click the name above to see a profile of Burgess, Phillip Sidney
| Burgess, Phillip Sidney He was Navigator of Lancaster ED927 AJ-E of No.617 Sqn on the Dambusters Raid of 16th - 17th May 1943. His Lancaster was part of the second wave but never reached the target. The aircraft reportedly hit power lines and crashed near Haldern. None of the crew survived. | |
Burns, Stephen Click the name above to see a profile of Burns, Stephen
| Burns, Stephen He was Rear Gunner on Lancaster ED936 AJ-H of No.617 Sqn on the Dambusters raid of 16th May 1943. The aircraft clipped the surface of the North Sea while flying low en route to the target, ripping the Upkeep mine from the aircraft and scooping up some seawater. Amazing, the aircraft did not crash, and despite the rear gunner almost being washed away by the rush of seawater as the aircraft climbed, managed to return to base. He was later killed in action on 21st December 1943. | |
Burpee, Lewis Johnstone Click the name above to see a profile of Burpee, Lewis Johnstone
| Burpee, Lewis Johnstone He was pilot of Lancaster ED865 AJ-S of No.617 Sqn on the Dambusters Raid. His Lancaster was part of the third wave and was shot down over Gilze-Rijen airfield in Holland. None of the crew survived the crash. | |
Burrows, Norman Rupert Click the name above to see a profile of Burrows, Norman Rupert
| Burrows, Norman Rupert Killed on 17th May 1943 when his Lancaster ED937 AJ-Z of No.617 Sqn was shot down by flak over Emmerich on the return journey from the Dambusters raid. He was Rear Gunner of the aircraft that attacked the Eder dam, its bomb bouncing over the structure and exploding beyond, probably damaging the Lancaster. | |
Byers, Vernon William Click the name above to see a profile of Byers, Vernon William
| Byers, Vernon William Killed on 16th May 1943. He was Pilot on Lancaster ED934 AJ-K of No.617 Sqn on the Dambusters Raid. The aircraft was shot down by flak off the island of Texel prior to reaching the Dutch coast on the outward journey to the dams. The aircraft was the first to be shot down on the raid. | |
Byford, Alistair J Click the name above to see a profile of Byford, Alistair J | Byford, Alistair J Officer Commanding 31 Squadron. He has flown nearly 3000 hours including 10 operational deployments. Piloted 617 Squadron Tornado during the Gulf War. | |
Calder, Charles C Jock Click the name above to see a profile of Calder, Charles C Jock
| Calder, Charles C Jock Twice mentioned in dispatches. Nos 78, 76, 158 and 617 Squadrons. Born 12th July, 1920. Joined RAF early 1940. Training E.F.T.S. Prestwick, S.F.T.S. Little Rissington, O.C.U. Abbingdon. Joined 78 Whitley Squadron approx May/June 1941. Some three months later posted to 76 Halifax Squadron as deputy Flight Commander. Awarded D.F.C. Nov/Dec 1941 posted as O.C. 76 Squadron Training Flight. Approx June 1942 transferred to Riceal to form Halifax O.C.U. Promoted to Squadron Leader. Approx August 1943 appointed O.C. 158 Squadron, promoted to Wing Commander. March /April screened and posted as C.F.I. Marston Moor O.C.U. Volunteered tojoin 617 Squadron. Application approved approx September 1944. Remained with 617 until screened approx January 1945. Awarded bar to D.S.O. He was Mentioned in Despatches for the first time on 2nd June 1943. He was Mentioned in Despatches for a second time as Acting W/Co on 14th January 1944. On 13th June the London Gazette published the notification that he was to be awarded the DSO for service with 158 Squadron. The citation for this reads.. This officer has completed a second tour of operations and has displayed the highest qualities of skill and gallantry throughout. He has displayed the greatest determination in pressing home his attacks and has achieved much success. On one occasion, in an operation against Frankfurt, two engines became unserviceable. In spite of this, Wing Commander Calder flew the aircraft back to this country after cleverly outmanoeuvring a fighter which had closed in to attack. This officer is an efficient and forceful squadron commander, whose genius for leadership has contributed in good measure to the success of the formation he commands. Having completed his second Tour he was posted to a training instructional role for a while but served with 617 Squadron in the later months of the War. He piloted the aircraft that dropped the first of the 22,000lb Grand Slam bombs - the biggest high-explosive bomb developed by any country during the war - to wreck the Bielefeld railway viaduct in Germany. He was awarded the Bar to the DSO for service with 617 Squadron, Gazetted on 5th June 1945. The citation reads.. Since being awarded the Distinguished Service Order, this officer has completed many sorties. Throughout these operations he has shown the greatest resolution and the successes obtained are a splendid tribute to his great skill and courage. Wing Commander Calder led the squadron on the operation when the first 22,000 Ib. bomb was dropped over Germany. The target was the viaduct at Bielefeld and complete success was achieved. This officer has rendered much loyal and devoted service. He died on 17th May 1997 aged seventy eight years old. | |
Castagnola, James Click the name above to see a profile of Castagnola, James | Castagnola, James Joining the RAF in 1941 he graduated as a pilot after completing his training in America. Returning to England he joined 51 Squadron in early 1943 flying from RAF Snaith. Joining 617 Squadron in early 1944 he took part in many of the squadrons successes including attacks on U-boat pens and all three raids against the Tirpitz. Born in 1922 in Islington, Cass as he was known to all, enlisted in 1941 and trained in North America. Returning to England he crewed up at OTU and after completing their HCU course the crew, captained by a newly commissioned Cass, joined 57 Squadron in December 1943 for their first tour of operations. They were to be blooded with a series of attacks against Berlin, completing three operations against this target in four nights during January 1944. In all Cass was to visit the Big City eight times during his tour. During the Nuremberg operation of 30/31 March 1944 his Lancaster's rear turret guns froze up but a burst from the mid-upper caused an approaching Me 210 to break away. On return his gunners also claimed one Ju 88 destroyed and another damaged. On 5 April 1944 the crew were one of six attached along with their aircraft to the Squadron at Woodhall Spa, to provide an H2S capability. After an initial trip as passenger with Fg Off Fearn for the attack against the Luftwaffe Depot at St Cyr on 10 April to observe the Squadron's methods, Cass found himself non-operational for a month as the Squadron trained intensively for Operation Taxable. Teamed up with Nick Knilans he completed the D-Day deception operation and three nights later he was operating against the Saumur railway tunnel. Unable to carry Tallboy, his H2S equipped aircraft was loaded with thousand pounders to be aimed at the adjacent railway bridge across the Loire. His next three trips were as an additional member of Knilans'crew. By July Cass had been posted back to 57 Sqn at East Kirkby and would complete his first tour with them.He was not away from Woodhall for long, arriving back on the Squadron on 15 August to start his second tour. This was to be much more satisfying. With his trademark 'operationally battered' cap, Cass and his crew soon proved themselves a popular and valuable asset to the Squadron. Starting with a trip to Brest on 27 August and now carrying Tallboy they were part of the high level force for the attack on the Kembs Dam, and took part in all three operations against Tirpitz, claiming a direct hit in the middle of the superstructure during the final attack. During the attack on Bergen on 12 January 1945 his aircraft came under fighter attack and Cass dived to within the range of the flak batteries; the fighter deigned to follow. Heading out to sea he spotted Ian Ross' aircraft at low level, on fire and under fighter attack. With his bomb aimer manning the front turret and without thinking of his own safety Cass dived to offer whatever assistance he could. He was successful in driving the fighter away, but Ross was forced to ditch, while Cass circled overhead dropping an emergency radio wrapped in Mae Wests when it was seen that Ross' dinghy had not deployed. Climbing to 500 feet they signalled the ditched Lancaster's position and remained in the area, seeking cloud cover when a German fighter came too close. With fuel running low he was eventually forced to leave the stricken crew to their fate. The remaining months saw a new routine develop, railway viaducts replacing U-boat pens as targets during February and March, before returning to April's target list, along with other naval targets during the last month of hostilities. After a total of 62 operations Cass' war came to an end on 19 April 1945 with an attack on the island fortress of Heligoland. The latter part of 1945 saw him as the Squadron's Inspector Pilot as they worked up for 'Tiger Force' – the RAF's projected contribution to the Pacific War but, with the squadron prepared to go overseas to India, in January 1946 he was posted to RAF Snaith, to conduct aircrew training. Having been awarded the DFC for his time on 57 Sqn, Cass was to receive a bar in March 1945 for his service with 617 and a further award of the DSO in October 1945.Awarded a permanent commission in 1947, he was posted to the Central Flying Establishment, RAF West Raynham, flying Mosquitos, Vampires and Meteors, before transferring to the Empire Test Pilots School, RAE Farnborough, in March 1950. After qualifying as a test pilot his experience was put to good use for four years at the Aeroplane and Armament Experimental Establishment, Boscombe Down. Cass transferred to fighters in April 1954 and served in the Middle East and Germany before becoming Officer Commanding No. 41 Sqn, Biggin Hill, flying the Hunter F 5. In keeping with a number of pilots following their fighter tour, at the beginning of 1958 he was sent on a radar control course prior to being posted to Neatishead radar station, Norfolk, as Control Executive. After a final tour as a Staff Officer with HQ No. 13 Group, at Ouston, he left the RAF in November 1961 as a Squadron Leader, joining British Airways as a captain on Comets and Tridents until his retirement in 1980. | |
Chalmers, George Alexander Click the name above to see a profile of Chalmers, George Alexander
| Chalmers, George Alexander George Alexander Chalmers was born on February 12 1921 at Peterhead in Scotland. He was educated at Aberdeen Academy before working briefly at a local Crosse & Blackwell factory and joining the RAF as a boy entrant. After boy's service and qualifying as a wireless operator and air-gunner, Chalmer joined the RAF in 1938. Geogre Chalmers was posted to No 10, a two-engine Whitley bomber squadron at Dishforth, Yorkshire, from where he took part in leaflet-dropping operations over Germany after the outbreak of war. On 1st March 1940 He was the air gunner in Whitley K9026 which took off at 17.30hrs, the crew were briefed to carry out a leaflet dropping operation over Berlin. On their return they ran low on fuel and one of the aircraft's engines cut out on approach to land at Dishforth. The aircraft undershot and hit the ground some 400 yards east of the base at 03.10hrs on 2nd March 1940. Damage was sustained to the aircraft's inner fuel tanks, leading edge of the port wing and the starboard undercarriage and undersurfaces were damaged but it was repaired. The records suggest that for this operational flight this aircraft had been borrowed from 78 Squadron by 10 Squadron and flown by a 10 Squadron crew. In August 1940 Chalmers transferred to No 7, the RAF's first four-engine Stirling bomber squadron which was operating from Leeming. There followed a spell with No 35, a four-engine Halifax bomber squadron, with which Chalmers was fortunate to survive an attack on the battle cruiser Scharnhorst at La Rochelle - his captain managed to make base despite being severely wounded and piloting a badly-damaged aircraft. When he joined 617 Squadron he was a Flight Sergeant and served as wireless operator on Lancaster AJ-O during the Dambusters raid which was piloted by Bill Townsend. Awarded the DFM for his part in the attack on the Ennepe Dam he was commissioned a few months later and awarded the DFC after 65 operations. In 1946 Chalmers was granted an extended service commission, and served in No 617 and No 12 Squadrons until 1950, when he was posted to No 38, a Lancaster squadron in the Middle East. He was released as a flight lieutenant in 1954, and served in the Reserve until 1961. Meanwhile, he had joined the civil service at Harrogate, where he worked for the Ministry of Defence dealing with the RAF's technical requirements. In this period his advice was much valued in the sphere of flight refuelling. On his retirement from the MoD in 1984, the company Flight Refuelling hosted a farewell party for him at which he was hailed as an "expert in specialised spares procurement", especially in relation to a refuelling system of outstanding value used by the RAF in the Falklands conflict. Sadly, George Chalmers passed away in August 2002 aged 81. | |
Chambers, Leonard Click the name above to see a profile of Chambers, Leonard | Chambers, Leonard Flew as Wireless Operator on Lancaster ED909 AJ-P of No.617 Sqn on 16th May 1943 for the Dambusters raid. Their aircraft dropped their mine which exploded off to the side of the Mohne dam. The aircraft returned safely. | |
Cheshire, Leonard Click the name above to see a profile of Cheshire, Leonard
| Cheshire, Leonard One of the most courageous and determined bomber leaders of World War II, Leonard Cheshire flew four operational tours, starting in June 1940 with 102 Squadron on Whitley bombers at RAF Driffield. In November 1940, he was awarded the DSO for getting his badly damaged aircraft back to base. He completed his first tour in January 1941, but immediately volunteered for a second tour, this time flying Halifaxes with 35 Squadron. He became Squadron Leader in 1942, and was appointed commanding officer of 76 Squadron later that year. Leonard Cheshire ordered that non-essential weight be removed from the Halifax bombers in a bid to increase speed and altitude, hoping to reduce the high casualty rates for this squadron. Mid-upper and nose turrets were removed, and exhaust covers taken off, successfully reducing the loss rate. In July 1943 he took command of 617 Squadron. During this time he led the squadron personally on every occasion. In September he was awarded the Victoria Cross for four and a half years of sustained bravery during a total of 102 operations, leading his crews with careful planning, brilliant execution and contempt for danger, which gained him a reputation second to none in Bomber Command. Sadly, Leonard Cheshire died of motor neuron disease on 31st July 1992, aged 74. Excerpt from VC citation : In four years of fighting against the bitterest opposition he maintained a standard of outstanding personal achievement, his successful operations being the result of careful planning, brilliant execution and supreme contempt for danger – for example, on one occasion he flew his P-51 Mustang in slow figures of eight above a target obscured by low cloud, to act as a bomb-aiming mark for his squadron. Cheshire displayed the courage and determination of an exceptional leader." It also noted a raid in which he had marked a target, flying a Mosquito at low level against "withering fire". | |
Clay, James Henry Click the name above to see a profile of Clay, James Henry | Clay, James Henry He was Bomb Aimer on Lancaster ED921 AJ-W of No.617 Sqn for the Dambusters raid of 16th - 17th May 1943. The aircraft was heavily damaged by flak near the Dutch coast on the outward journey and was forced to abort the mission, but returned to base safely. | |
Cobb, Neil Click the name above to see a profile of Cobb, Neil | Cobb, Neil Piloted Tornado aircraft of 617 Sqn during the Gulf war. | |
Cole, Colin Click the name above to see a profile of Cole, Colin | Cole, Colin As a Wireless Operator, he flew on Wellingtons, Stirlings and Ansons and flew 18 Ops on Lancasters with 617 Sqn including raids to sink the Tirpitz and the final raid of the war in Europe on Berchtesgaden. | |
Cottam, Allen Preston Click the name above to see a profile of Cottam, Allen Preston
| Cottam, Allen Preston Killed on 17th May 1943 when his Lancaster ED937 AJ-Z of No.617 Sqn was shot down by flak over Emmerich on the return journey from the Dambusters raid. He was Wireless Operator of the aircraft that attacked the Eder dam, its bomb bouncing over the structure and exploding beyond, probably damaging the Lancaster. | |
Curtis, Lawrence Click the name above to see a profile of Curtis, Lawrence
| Curtis, Lawrence Joining the RAF in 1939, he was posted as a wireless operator firstly to 149 Squadron and then 99 Squadron on Wellingtons. He then joined OTU on Whitleys before moving firstly to 158 Squadron, and then 617 Squadron on Lancasters, where he was Unit Signals Leader for 18 months. After bomber operations he joined Transport Command in 1944. He died on 21st June 2008. | |
Deering, G A Click the name above to see a profile of Deering, G A
| Deering, G A Front Gunner on Lancaster ED932 AJ-G of No.617 on the Dambusters raid. | |
Earnshaw, Ken Click the name above to see a profile of Earnshaw, Ken
| Earnshaw, Ken Killed on 17th May 1943 when his Lancaster ED925 AJ-M of No.617 Sqn crashed on the Dambusters raid. The aircraft dropped its mine late and it bounced over the Mohne dam, exploding beyond it. The aircraft was hit by flak and crashed not far from the target. He was the Navigator. | |
Eaton, Leonard Click the name above to see a profile of Eaton, Leonard | Eaton, Leonard He was Wireless Operator of Lancaster ED825 AJ-T of No.617 Sqn for the Dambusters raid of 16th - 17th May 1943. His aircraft dropped its mine on the Sorpe dam, but it failed to breach. The aircraft returned safely. | |
Ewan, Eric Click the name above to see a profile of Ewan, Eric
| Ewan, Eric He was Front Gunner of Lancaster ED924 AJ-Y of No.617 Sqn for the Dambusters raid of 16th - 17th May 1943. His aircraft did not find a target for their Upkeep mine due to weather and navigation difficulties. The aircraft returned safely with the mine still attached. He was later killed in action on 23rd September 1943. | |
Feneron, Harry Basil Click the name above to see a profile of Feneron, Harry Basil | Feneron, Harry Basil He was Flight Engineer on Lancaster ED918 AJ-F on the Dambusters Raid. The aircraft shot up a train on the way to the target which was the Sorpe dam. The Lancaster successfully dropped its mine and hit the dam, but the solid earthen dam was never breached. | |
Fish, C B R Click the name above to see a profile of Fish, C B R | Fish, C B R Leaving university early he joined the RAF in November 1941 to train overseas and qualified as a navigator in the summer of 1942, remaining with OTU for a period. Due to his expertise in high altitude bombing he was called up to 617 Sqn in July 1944 on Lancasters and took part in many of the squadrons precision bombing raids, including the attack on the Tirpitz. He remained with 617 Sqn until he left the RAF in 1946 to return to university. | |
Flatman, M B Click the name above to see a profile of Flatman, M B | Flatman, M B Joining the RAF in 1942, with pilot training in the USA, Mark Flatman is unusual in that his first operational posting was direct to 617 Squadron in September 1944. The final Tirpitz operation was his first as Captain of Aircraft, having done three operations as second pilot, including the previous Tirpitz attempt with Tony Iveson. He was to stay with 617 Squadron until November 1946. Granted an extended service commission he went on to the Bomb Ballistic Unit at Martlesham Heath flying Lancasters, Lincolns and Mosquitoes on experimental work. He left the RAF in 1949 to return to farming, for which he was originally trained. | |
Fort, John Click the name above to see a profile of Fort, John
| Fort, John He was Bomb Aimer on Lancaster ED906 AJ-J of No.617 Sqn on the Dambusters raid of 16th - 17th May 1943. As part of the first wave, the aircraft successfully dropped its Upkeep mine and breached the Mohne dam. The aircraft returned safely. He was subsequently killed in action on 15th September 1943. | |
Foxlee, Bertie Towner Click the name above to see a profile of Foxlee, Bertie Towner | Foxlee, Bertie Towner Flew as Front Gunner on Lancaster ED909 AJ-P of No.617 Sqn on 16th May 1943 for the Dambusters raid. Their aircraft dropped their mine which exploded off to the side of the Mohne dam. The aircraft returned safely. | |
Franklin, Charles Ernest Click the name above to see a profile of Franklin, Charles Ernest | Franklin, Charles Ernest He was Bomb Aimer on Lancaster ED886 AJ-O on the Dambusters Raid. The aircraft flew below tree top level en route to their target - the Ennepe dam - where they successfully hit the target, but the dam held firm. The aircraft was the last of the Dambusters to return to base. | |
Fraser, James W Click the name above to see a profile of Fraser, James W | Fraser, James W Taken prisoner on 17th May 1943 when his Lancaster ED925 AJ-M of No.617 Sqn crashed on the Dambusters raid. The aircraft dropped its mine late and it bounced over the Mohne dam, exploding beyond it. The aircraft was hit by flak and crashed not far from the target. He was the Bomb Aimer. | |
Fuller, Michael John David Click the name above to see a profile of Fuller, Michael John David
| Fuller, Michael John David Killed on 17th May 1943 when his Lancaster ED937 AJ-Z of No.617 Sqn was shot down by flak over Emmerich on the return journey from the Dambusters raid. He was Bomb Aimer of the aircraft that attacked the Eder dam, its bomb bouncing over the structure and exploding beyond, probably damaging the Lancaster. | |
Garbas, Francis Antony Click the name above to see a profile of Garbas, Francis Antony
| Garbas, Francis Antony He was Front Gunner on Lancaster ED864 AJ-B on the Dambusters Raid. He and the rest of the crew were killed when the aircraft struck a pylon or power cables en route to the target. | |
Garshowitz, Abram Click the name above to see a profile of Garshowitz, Abram
| Garshowitz, Abram He was Wireless Operator on Lancaster ED864 AJ-B on the Dambusters Raid. He and the rest of the crew were killed when the aircraft struck a pylon or power cables en route to the target. | |
Gibson, Guy Penrose Click the name above to see a profile of Gibson, Guy Penrose
| Gibson, Guy Penrose Leader of the Dambusters Raid for which he was awarded the Victoria Cross. He had served with No.83 Sqn on Hinds and Hampdens, then No.29 Sqn on Blenheims and Beaufighters. Later he joined No.106 Sqn on Manchesters and Lancasters before flying with No.617 Sqn for the Dambusters raid. He was killed when his Mosquito crashed on 19th September 1944. | |
Gillespie, Alan Click the name above to see a profile of Gillespie, Alan
| Gillespie, Alan He was Bomb Aimer of Lancaster ED927 AJ-E of No.617 Sqn on the Dambusters Raid of 16th - 17th May 1943. His Lancaster was part of the second wave but never reached the target. The aircraft reportedly hit power lines and crashed near Haldern. None of the crew survived. | |
Glinz, Harvey Stirling Click the name above to see a profile of Glinz, Harvey Stirling
| Glinz, Harvey Stirling He was Front Gunner of Lancaster ED927 AJ-E of No.617 Sqn on the Dambusters Raid of 16th - 17th May 1943. His Lancaster was part of the second wave but never reached the target. The aircraft reportedly hit power lines and crashed near Haldern. None of the crew survived. | |
Goodale, Brian Click the name above to see a profile of Goodale, Brian | Goodale, Brian He was Wireless Operator on Lancaster ED929 AJ-L of No.617 Sqn on the Dambusters raid of 16th - 17th May 1943. His aircraft took several attempts, but successfully dropped its mine on the Eder dam although no breach was caused. The aircraft returned safely to base. | |
Goodman, L S Benny Click the name above to see a profile of Goodman, L S Benny | Goodman, L S Benny Benny Goodman (Pilot) volunteered for aircrew at 18 years of age and was called up in 1940. After basic training he went to RAF Abingdon - a Whitley OTU - for what he was told would be straight through training. This did not materialise and he found himself in the role of a Ground Gunner. In 1941, a posting eventually came through to the Initial Training Wing followed by Elementary Fyling School at Peterborough and an instructors course at Woodley, Reading; then to Clyffe Pyparde, a holding unit. A sea journey to Canada followed and Service Flying Training School on Ansons. On completion he was posted to Kingston, Ontario, to instruct Acting Leading Naval Airmen on the Royal Navy tactics of the time, e.g. jinking after take off, dive bombing, etc. Eventually he returned to the UK and OTU on Wellingtons at Silverstone and Heavy Conversion Bomber Unit at Swinderby on Stirlings, followed by a short course at the Lancaster Conversion Unit. After an interview Benny and his crew were surprised and delighted to find they had been selected for 617 squadron - this was in 1944 and they had stayed together as a crew on 617 squadron until the war in Europe ended. He completed 30 missions - all with Jock Burnett as his flight engineer. Notable raids Jock took part in were on the Tirpitz, 29th October 1944, dropping the Grand Slam 22,000 bomb on the Arnsberg Viaduct, 19th March 1945, and the attack on Berchtesgarten Eagles Nest, 25th May 1945. | |
Gowrie, Chester Bruce Click the name above to see a profile of Gowrie, Chester Bruce
| Gowrie, Chester Bruce He was Wireless Operator on Lancaster ED936 AJ-H of No.617 Sqn on the Dambusters raid of 16th May 1943. The aircraft clipped the surface of the North Sea while flying low en route to the target, ripping the Upkeep mine from the aircraft and scooping up some seawater. Amazing, the aircraft did not crash, and despite the rear gunner almost being washed away by the rush of seawater as the aircraft climbed, managed to return to base. He was later killed in action on 21st December 1943. | |
Grayston, Raymond Ernest Click the name above to see a profile of Grayston, Raymond Ernest
| Grayston, Raymond Ernest Ray Grayston had been serving in 50 Squadron when he was posted to 617 Squadron in March 1943. The flight engineer of Les Knight’s Lancaster AJ-N, they attacked and successfully breached the Eder Dam, Ray was shot down on 16th September 1943, and was taken to Stalag Luft III as a POW. Sadly, we have learned that Ray Grayston passed away on 15th April 2010. | |
Green, John Gilbert Click the name above to see a profile of Green, John Gilbert
| Green, John Gilbert He was Bomb Aimer of Lancaster ED924 AJ-Y of No.617 Sqn for the Dambusters raid of 16th - 17th May 1943. His aircraft did not find a target for their Upkeep mine due to weather and navigation difficulties. The aircraft returned safely with the mine still attached. He was later killed in action on 23rd September 1943. | |
Gregory, George Henry Ford Goodwin Click the name above to see a profile of Gregory, George Henry Ford Goodwin
| Gregory, George Henry Ford Goodwin Killed on 17th May 1943 when his Lancaster ED925 AJ-M of No.617 Sqn crashed on the Dambusters raid. The aircraft dropped its mine late and it bounced over the Mohne dam, exploding beyond it. The aircraft was hit by flak and crashed not far from the target. He was the Front Gunner. | |
Grimes, S V Click the name above to see a profile of Grimes, S V | Grimes, S V Wireless Operator with No.617 Sqn. | |
Guterman, Jack Click the name above to see a profile of Guterman, Jack
| Guterman, Jack He was Wireless Operator on Lancaster ED910 AJ-C on the Dambusters Raid. The aircraft was hit by flak and crashed near Hamm, killing all but the rear gunner, whose turret was sheared off and separated from the fiery wreck of the Lancaster. | |
Hamilton, Malcolm Mac Click the name above to see a profile of Hamilton, Malcolm Mac | Hamilton, Malcolm Mac After joining Coastal Command in 1943, Mac converted to Lancasters, and was posted to Bomber Command, joining 619 Squadron at Woodall Spa for his first tour. Here he flew sorties mainly to Berlin andthe Ruhr. For his second tour he joined Cheshires 617 Squadron, again at Woodall Spa, where he flew precision operations, including the raids on the Saumur rail tunnel, the U-boat pens, V1 sites and V2 rocket bases, and the raids against the German battleship Tirpitz. | |
Hatton, William Click the name above to see a profile of Hatton, William
| Hatton, William He was Flight Engineer on Lancaster ED906 AJ-J of No.617 Sqn on the Dambusters raid of 16th - 17th May 1943. As part of the first wave, the aircraft successfully dropped its Upkeep mine and breached the Mohne dam. The aircraft returned safely. He was subsequently killed in action on 15th September 1943. | |
Hay, Robert Claude Click the name above to see a profile of Hay, Robert Claude
| Hay, Robert Claude Flew as Bomb Aimer on Lancaster ED909 AJ-P of No.617 Sqn on 16th May 1943 for the Dambusters raid. Their aircraft dropped their mine which exploded off to the side of the Mohne dam. The aircraft returned safely. He was later killed in action on 13th February 1944. | |
Heal, Dudley Percy Click the name above to see a profile of Heal, Dudley Percy
| Heal, Dudley Percy Sergeant Dudley Heal Navigator AJ-F, born 1916 Hampshire. RAF 1940 Uxbridge 29.3.1940 Reserve 30.3.1940 Uxbridge 8.5.1940 4 RC 14.5.1940 Wyton 1.6.1940 Southampton 20.6.1940 53 OTU 10.3.1941 1 RW 10.5.1941 8 ITW 17.5.1941 PTC,Toronto,Canada 19.7.1941 31 PD 18.11.1941 Moncton 31 PD 9.5.1942 3 PDC 18.5.1942 3 (O) AFU 20.6.1942 19 OTU 18.8.1942 434 Squadron 22.12.1942 44 Squadron 4.2.1943 (6 ops) 617 Squadron 25.3.1943 navigator award DFM (28.5.1943) (Dams) 29 OTU 26.3.1944 214 Squadron 8.2.1945 2 Embarkation Unit,Southampton 11.9.1945 released 11.3.1946 worked at Southampton Docks in the 1970's. Is thought to have passed away in Southampton around February 1999. He was Navigator on Lancaster ED918 AJ-F on the Dambusters Raid. The aircraft shot up a train on the way to the target which was the Sorpe dam. The Lancaster successfully dropped its mine and hit the dam, but the solid earthen dam was never breached. | |
Henderson, Robert Jack Click the name above to see a profile of Henderson, Robert Jack | Henderson, Robert Jack He was Flight Engineer on Lancaster ED929 AJ-L of No.617 Sqn on the Dambusters raid of 16th - 17th May 1943. His aircraft took several attempts, but successfully dropped its mine on the Eder dam although no breach was caused. The aircraft returned safely to base. | |
Hewstone, Harry J Click the name above to see a profile of Hewstone, Harry J | Hewstone, Harry J He was Wireless Operator on Lancaster ED918 AJ-F on the Dambusters Raid. The aircraft shot up a train on the way to the target which was the Sorpe dam. The Lancaster successfully dropped its mine and hit the dam, but the solid earthen dam was never breached. | |
Hill, Victor Click the name above to see a profile of Hill, Victor
| Hill, Victor He was Front Gunner on Lancaster ED906 AJ-J of No.617 Sqn on the Dambusters raid of 16th - 17th May 1943. As part of the first wave, the aircraft successfully dropped its Upkeep mine and breached the Mohne dam. The aircraft returned safely. He was subsequently killed in action on 15th September 1943. | |
Hobday, Harold Sidney Click the name above to see a profile of Hobday, Harold Sidney | Hobday, Harold Sidney He was Navigator on Lancaster ED912 AJ-N of No.617 Sqn on the Dambusters raid of 16th - 17th May 1943. His aircraft dropped its bomb successfully, breaching the second target, the Eder dam, and returned to base safely. | |
Holding, A D Click the name above to see a profile of Holding, A D
| Holding, A D Killed on 20th January 1944 when his Lancaster ED918 AJ-F of No.617 Sqn crashed on a training flight. | |
Hopgood, John Vere Click the name above to see a profile of Hopgood, John Vere
| Hopgood, John Vere Killed on 17th May 1943 when his Lancaster ED925 AJ-M of No.617 Sqn crashed on the Dambusters raid. The aircraft dropped its mine late and it bounced over the Mohne dam, exploding beyond it. The aircraft was hit by flak and crashed not far from the target. He was the pilot. | |
Hopkinson, Donald Click the name above to see a profile of Hopkinson, Donald
| Hopkinson, Donald He was Bomb Aimer on Lancaster ED864 AJ-B on the Dambusters Raid. He and the rest of the crew were killed when the aircraft struck a pylon or power cables en route to the target. | |
Horsfall, David Taylor Click the name above to see a profile of Horsfall, David Taylor
| Horsfall, David Taylor He was Flight Engineer on Lancaster ED887 AJ-A of No.617 Sqn on the Dambusters raid of 16th - 17th May 1943. As part of the first wave, the aircraft successfully dropped its Upkeep mine and began the breach in the Mohne dam. Over the Dutch coast on the return leg, the aircraft was shot down with no survivors. | |
Howard, Cecil Lancelot Click the name above to see a profile of Howard, Cecil Lancelot | Howard, Cecil Lancelot He was Navigator on Lancaster ED886 AJ-O on the Dambusters Raid. The aircraft flew below tree top level en route to their target - the Ennepe dam - where they successfully hit the target, but the dam held firm. The aircraft was the last of the Dambusters to return to base. | |
Howarth, William Click the name above to see a profile of Howarth, William | Howarth, William He was Front Gunner on Lancaster ED921 AJ-W of No.617 Sqn for the Dambusters raid of 16th - 17th May 1943. The aircraft was heavily damaged by flak near the Dutch coast on the outward journey and was forced to abort the mission, but returned to base safely. | |
Hutchison, R E G Click the name above to see a profile of Hutchison, R E G
| Hutchison, R E G Wireless Operator on Lancaster ED932 AJ-G of No.617 Sqn on the Dambusters raid. | |
Ibbotson, Wilfred Click the name above to see a profile of Ibbotson, Wilfred
| Ibbotson, Wilfred He was Rear Gunner on Lancaster ED887 AJ-A of No.617 Sqn on the Dambusters raid of 16th - 17th May 1943. As part of the first wave, the aircraft successfully dropped its Upkeep mine and began the breach in the Mohne dam. Over the Dutch coast on the return leg, the aircraft was shot down with no survivors. | |
Iveson, Bob Click the name above to see a profile of Iveson, Bob | Iveson, Bob Serving with 1 Squadron as Harrier Flight Commander during the Falklands War, he led the first low-level attacks against the runway at Port Stanley. He was later shot down by Argentine Forces but ejected before the plane impacted and survived. He was picked up by helicopter three days later, having evaded capture and was subsequently awarded the RAF Escaping Trophy. He subsequently led 617 Sqn through the first Gulf War. | |
Iveson, Tony Click the name above to see a profile of Iveson, Tony
| Iveson, Tony Tony Iveson fought in the Battle of Britain with RAF Fighter Command, as a Sergeant pilot, joining 616 Squadron at Kenley flying Spitfires on 2 September 1940. On the 16th of September, he was forced to ditch into the sea after running out of fuel following a pursuit of a Ju88 bomber. His Spitfire L1036 ditched 20 miles off Cromer in Norfolk, and he was picked up by an MTB. He joined No.92 Sqn the following month. Commissioned in 1942, Tony undertook his second tour transferring to RAF Bomber Command, where he was selected to join the famous 617 Squadron, flying Lancasters. He took part in most of 617 Squadrons high precision operations, including all three sorties against the German battleship Tirpitz, and went on to become one of the most respected pilots in the squadron. Some of Tony Iveson's operational sorties with No.617 Squadron:
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Jagger, Brian Click the name above to see a profile of Jagger, Brian
| Jagger, Brian He was Front Gunner on Lancaster ED929 AJ-L of No.617 Sqn on the Dambusters raid of 16th - 17th May 1943. His aircraft took several attempts, but successfully dropped its mine on the Eder dam although no breach was caused. The aircraft returned safely to base. He was killed in action on 30th April 1944. | |
Jarvie, Charles McAllister Click the name above to see a profile of Jarvie, Charles McAllister
| Jarvie, Charles McAllister Killed on 16th May 1943. He was Front Gunner on Lancaster ED934 AJ-K of No.617 Sqn on the Dambusters Raid. The aircraft was shot down by flak off the island of Texel prior to reaching the Dutch coast on the outward journey to the dams. The aircraft was the first to be shot down on the raid. | |
Jaye, Thomas Click the name above to see a profile of Jaye, Thomas
| Jaye, Thomas He was Navigator of Lancaster ED865 AJ-S of No.617 Sqn on the Dambusters Raid. His Lancaster was part of the third wave and was shot down over Gilze-Rijen airfield in Holland. None of the crew survived the crash. | |
Jenkinson, Ken Click the name above to see a profile of Jenkinson, Ken | Jenkinson, Ken Initially on Lancasters with 57 Sqn, as Radio Operator to pilot Ian Ross, he remained with the crew when they joined 617 Sqn and their aircraft crash landed in Russia after the first raid on the Tirpitz. | |
Johnson, Edward Cuthbert Click the name above to see a profile of Johnson, Edward Cuthbert
| Johnson, Edward Cuthbert He joined the RAFVR early in the war, serving with 50 and 106 Squadrons. When he joined 617 Squadron in 1943 he was the bomb aimer on Lancaster AJ-N piloted by Les Knight on the Dambusters raid. During that raid they first attacked the Mohne Dam and then went on to attack and actually breach the Eder Dam, for which he was awarded the DFC. Later in 1943 he was shot down but evaded capture and during a two month journey returned to England via Holland, France, Spain and Gibraltar. Sadly, Edward Johnson died 1st October 2002. | |
Johnson, George Leonard Click the name above to see a profile of Johnson, George Leonard | Johnson, George Leonard Joining the RAF in 1940, George Johnson served with 97 Squadron before joining 617 Squadron. Bomb aimer on American Joe McCarthy’s Lancaster AJ-T, they attacked the Sorpe Dam, for which he was awarded the DFM. Commissioned a few months later, George retired from the RAF in 1962. | |
Johnston, Thomas Barr Click the name above to see a profile of Johnston, Thomas Barr
| Johnston, Thomas Barr He was Bomb Aimer on Lancaster ED910 AJ-C on the Dambusters Raid. The aircraft was hit by flak and crashed near Hamm, killing all but the rear gunner, whose turret was sheared off and separated from the fiery wreck of the Lancaster. | |
Kearns, T Click the name above to see a profile of Kearns, T | Kearns, T New Zealander Terry Kearns joined the RNZAF in December 1940, transferring to England in 1941 to join 75 (NZ) Squadron, flying Wellingtons. In 1942 he took part in the first 1000 bomber raids before joining 156 Squadron Pathfinders. After a period as an instructor, he joined 617 Squadron at Warboys on operations. He flew the Mosquito FBVI on precision low-level target marking throughout 1944. He took part in most of 617's major operations, including raids on the Samur rail tunnel, and the V1 rocket sites. | |
Kellow, Robert George Thomas Click the name above to see a profile of Kellow, Robert George Thomas | Kellow, Robert George Thomas He was Wireless Operator on Lancaster ED912 AJ-N of No.617 Sqn on the Dambusters raid of 16th - 17th May 1943. His aircraft dropped its bomb successfully, breaching the second target, the Eder dam, and returned to base safely. | |
Kendrick, G A Click the name above to see a profile of Kendrick, G A | Kendrick, G A Injured on 20th January 1944 when his Lancaster ED918 AJ-F of No.617 Sqn crashed on a training flight. | |
Kennedy, Steve Click the name above to see a profile of Kennedy, Steve | Kennedy, Steve Navigator, 617 Squadron Tornado during the Gulf War. | |
Kinnear, John Click the name above to see a profile of Kinnear, John
| Kinnear, John He was Flight Engineer on Lancaster ED864 AJ-B on the Dambusters Raid. He and the rest of the crew were killed when the aircraft struck a pylon or power cables en route to the target. | |
Knight, Leslie Gordon Click the name above to see a profile of Knight, Leslie Gordon
| Knight, Leslie Gordon He was Pilot on Lancaster ED912 AJ-N of No.617 Sqn on the Dambusters raid of 16th - 17th May 1943. His aircraft dropped its bomb successfully, breaching the second target, the Eder dam, and returned to base safely. He was later killed in action. | |
Knights, Bob Click the name above to see a profile of Knights, Bob
| Knights, Bob A member of the elite 617 Dambusters squadron, Bob Knights had a key role on the night before D-Day. With the rest of the squadron he flew on Operation Taxable which simulated the approach of the invasion across the Pas de Calais by dropping metal strips of window to a very precise pattern. The enemy was completely deceived and kept most of their best troops on the wrong side of the Seine. Bob Knights had already flown a full operational tour with 619 Squadron Lancasters, including eight trips to Berlin, before volunteering for 617 Squadron. Under Cheshire he flew on some of the squadrons most challenging precision operations and later under Willie Tait took part in the attack that finally destroyed the Tirpitz. Seconded to BOAC in December 1944 he stayed with the airline after the war for a 30 year long career. He died 4th December 2004. | |
Langston, John Click the name above to see a profile of Langston, John | Langston, John Originally serving as a Navigator with 630, 189 and 246 Sqns, he then volunteered for 617 Sqn becoming a Flight Engineer, taking part in many operations including the viaduct bombing raids on Armsberg and Bielefeld in 1945. | |
Leggo, Jack Frederick Click the name above to see a profile of Leggo, Jack Frederick | Leggo, Jack Frederick Flew as Navigator on Lancaster ED909 AJ-P of No.617 Sqn on 16th May 1943 for the Dambusters raid. Their aircraft dropped their mine which exploded off to the side of the Mohne dam. The aircraft returned safely. | |
Liddell, Jack Robert George Click the name above to see a profile of Liddell, Jack Robert George
| Liddell, Jack Robert George He was Rear Gunner of Lancaster ED927 AJ-E of No.617 Sqn on the Dambusters Raid of 16th - 17th May 1943. His Lancaster was part of the second wave but never reached the target. The aircraft reportedly hit power lines and crashed near Haldern. None of the crew survived. | |
Long, William Charles Arthur Click the name above to see a profile of Long, William Charles Arthur
| Long, William Charles Arthur He was Front Gunner of Lancaster ED865 AJ-S of No.617 Sqn on the Dambusters Raid. His Lancaster was part of the third wave and was shot down over Gilze-Rijen airfield in Holland. None of the crew survived the crash. | |
Lucas, Kenneth Click the name above to see a profile of Lucas, Kenneth
| Lucas, Kenneth Ken Lucas joined the RAF in June 1940, and trained as ground crew for bomber Command. He was sent first to 49 Squadron at RAF Scampton, before transferring to 617 Squadron upon its formation, Involved in all the major servicing of the aircraft before the raid including fitting the motors that drove the belt that spun the bomb, and attaching the critical lamps to the underside of the aircraft. Sadly, Ken Lucas passed away in January 2011. | |
MacCausland, Vincent Sandford Click the name above to see a profile of MacCausland, Vincent Sandford
| MacCausland, Vincent Sandford He was Bomb Aimer on Lancaster ED887 AJ-A of No.617 Sqn on the Dambusters raid of 16th - 17th May 1943. As part of the first wave, the aircraft successfully dropped its Upkeep mine and began the breach in the Mohne dam. Over the Dutch coast on the return leg, the aircraft was shot down with no survivors. | |
MacDonald, Grant S Click the name above to see a profile of MacDonald, Grant S
| MacDonald, Grant S He was Rear Gunner on Lancaster ED918 AJ-F on the Dambusters Raid. The aircraft shot up a train on the way to the target which was the Sorpe dam. The Lancaster successfully dropped its mine and hit the dam, but the solid earthen dam was never breached. Sadly, we have learned that Grant S MacDonald passed away in May 2012. | |
MacFarlane, Richard Click the name above to see a profile of MacFarlane, Richard
| MacFarlane, Richard He was Navigator on Lancaster ED936 AJ-H of No.617 Sqn on the Dambusters raid of 16th May 1943. The aircraft clipped the surface of the North Sea while flying low en route to the target, ripping the Upkeep mine from the aircraft and scooping up some seawater. Amazing, the aircraft did not crash, and despite the rear gunner almost being washed away by the rush of seawater as the aircraft climbed, managed to return to base. He was later killed in action on 21st December 1943. | |
MacLean, Donald Arthur Click the name above to see a profile of MacLean, Donald Arthur | MacLean, Donald Arthur He was Navigator of Lancaster ED825 AJ-T of No.617 Sqn for the Dambusters raid of 16th - 17th May 1943. His aircraft dropped its mine on the Sorpe dam, but it failed to breach. The aircraft returned safely. | |
Maltby, David John Click the name above to see a profile of Maltby, David John
| Maltby, David John He was Pilot on Lancaster ED906 AJ-J of No.617 Sqn on the Dambusters raid of 16th - 17th May 1943. As part of the first wave, the aircraft successfully dropped its Upkeep mine and breached the Mohne dam. The aircraft returned safely. He was subsequently killed in action on 15th September 1943. | |
Marriott, John Click the name above to see a profile of Marriott, John
| Marriott, John Killed on 17th May 1943 when his Lancaster ED937 AJ-Z of No.617 Sqn was shot down by flak over Emmerich on the return journey from the Dambusters raid. He was Flight Engineer of the aircraft that attacked the Eder dam, its bomb bouncing over the structure and exploding beyond, probably damaging the Lancaster. | |
Marsden, Ronald Click the name above to see a profile of Marsden, Ronald
| Marsden, Ronald He was Flight Engineer on Lancaster ED910 AJ-C on the Dambusters Raid. The aircraft was hit by flak and crashed near Hamm, killing all but the rear gunner, whose turret was sheared off and separated from the fiery wreck of the Lancaster. | |
Martin, Harold Brownlow Morgan Mick Click the name above to see a profile of Martin, Harold Brownlow Morgan Mick
| Martin, Harold Brownlow Morgan Mick Born 27th February 1918, Australian Mick Martin joined the RAF in 1940 and had flown tours with 455 Squadron RAAF and 50 Squadron RAF before joining Guy Gibson at 617 Squadron. Pilot of Lancaster ED909 AJ-P of No.617 Sqn, Mick Martin was Deputy Leader of the Dams Raid and flew in Gibsons lead group. Third aircraft to attack the Mohne Dam, he was awarded the DSO for his part in the raid. Mick Martin later served with Leonard Cheshire, and went on to a distinguished career after the war. ADC to the Queen in 1963, he eventually retired from the RAF as an Air Marshal in 1974. Mick Martin died 3rd November 1988. | |
Maudslay, Henry Eric Click the name above to see a profile of Maudslay, Henry Eric
| Maudslay, Henry Eric Killed on 17th May 1943 when his Lancaster ED937 AJ-Z of No.617 Sqn was shot down by flak over Emmerich on the return journey from the Dambusters raid. He was Pilot of the aircraft that attacked the Eder dam, its bomb bouncing over the structure and exploding beyond, probably damaging the Lancaster. | |
Maynard, Thomas W Click the name above to see a profile of Maynard, Thomas W
| Maynard, Thomas W He was Front Gunner on Lancaster ED936 AJ-H of No.617 Sqn on the Dambusters raid of 16th May 1943. The aircraft clipped the surface of the North Sea while flying low en route to the target, ripping the Upkeep mine from the aircraft and scooping up some seawater. Amazing, the aircraft did not crash, and despite the rear gunner almost being washed away by the rush of seawater as the aircraft climbed, managed to return to base. He was later killed in action on 21st December 1943. | |
McCarthy, Joseph Charles Click the name above to see a profile of McCarthy, Joseph Charles
| McCarthy, Joseph Charles In March 1943, a special Royal Air Force (RAF) unit, 617 Squadron, was created to try a new tactic--low altitude bombing using deep penetration bombs that weighed from 9,500 to 22,000 pounds. Their first targets were three dams in the Ruhr industrial area of western Germany: the Mohne, the Eder, and the Sorpe. These dams supplied water for Ruhr steel mills and hydroelectric power. Twenty Avro Lancaster bombers were specially modified for this mission to carry a new, rotating skip bomb that would bounce across the lake, sink, and then explode at the base of the dam. So secret was the dambusting mission, that the pilots and navigators were briefed only the day before as to the actual targets. The three dams were struck, and two were breached, on the night of 16 May 1943. "Joe " McCarthy, from Long Island, New York, was an original member of 617 Squadron. He joined the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) in 1941 and soon transferred with his crew to RAF Bomber Command. From 1941 until late 1944, he flew the Hampden, Manchester, Lancaster, and Mosquito bombers and compiled a total of 80 combat missions. As Officer Commanding, German Aircraft Flight, he tested and flew over 20 different German aircraft, which had been taken from captured German airfields back to Farnborough for extensive engineering evaluation. During this period, McCarthy flew the first British operational jet, the Meteor, and the experimental Windsor bomber. Upon returning to Edmonton, Canada, he continued flight testing a variety of aircraft for cold weather operations as well as the experimental Canadian flying wing. During 28 years in the RCAF, he flew 64 different British, American, German, and Canadian aircraft. Later assignments included base executive officer for an F-86 NATO installation in France; Commander, Flying Training School, RCAF Station Penhold, Canada; and Commanding Officer of the 407 Maritime Squadron, flying the P2V Neptune. From 1961 to 1962, he was Chief of Air Operations for the United Nations' forces in the Congo, and from 1963 to 1966, worked in plans and policy for CINCLANT/CINCLANTFLT. Wing Commander McCarthy's final assignment was as base operations officer for two maritime squadrons flying the Argus antisubmarine warfare aircraft in Nova Scotia. He retired from the RCAF in 1969 and, after a second career in real estate, fully retired in 1986. Passed away 6th September 1998. | |
McDowell, James Click the name above to see a profile of McDowell, James
| McDowell, James Killed on 16th May 1943. He was Rear Gunner on Lancaster ED934 AJ-K of No.617 Sqn on the Dambusters Raid. The aircraft was shot down by flak off the island of Texel prior to reaching the Dutch coast on the outward journey to the dams. The aircraft was the first to be shot down on the raid. | |
McKie, A M Click the name above to see a profile of McKie, A M
| McKie, A M Born in Crewe in July 1922, Alex McKie joined the RAF in 1938 as an apprentice, and was selected for pilot training in 1942. After training, he joined No.106 Squadron flying Lancasters as a navigator. With this squadron, he flew eight raids to Berlin. Completing 30 operations, he was awarded the DFM, before volunteering in June 1944 to join No.617 Squadron, a squadron which by this time was famous for the legendary Dambusters raid. During a raid on the German battleship Tirpitz in Norway, Mckie and his crew were forced to crash-land in neutral Sweden after losing two engines. After blaming their intrusion into Sweden on faulty navigation, they were repatriated. Sadly, Alex McKie passed away on 1st August 2008. | |
Minchin, John W Click the name above to see a profile of Minchin, John W
| Minchin, John W Killed on 17th May 1943 when his Lancaster ED925 AJ-M of No.617 Sqn crashed on the Dambusters raid. The aircraft dropped its mine late and it bounced over the Mohne dam, exploding beyond it. The aircraft was hit by flak and crashed not far from the target. He was the Wireless Operator. | |
Morris, Steve Click the name above to see a profile of Morris, Steve | Morris, Steve Navigator, 617 Squadron Tornado during the Gulf War. | |
Munro, John Leslie Click the name above to see a profile of Munro, John Leslie
| Munro, John Leslie New Zealander Les Munro was the Captain and pilot of Lancaster AJ-W assigned to attack the Sorpe Dam, but was forced to turn back en-route to the target after heavy flak damage over Holland had rendered his aircraft unable to carry on with the operation. Squadron Leader Les Munro, who has died aged 96, was the last surviving pilot to have taken part on the Dambusters raid, which attacked the Ruhr Dams in May 1943. His Lancaster was one of the first to take off on the night of May 16. Their target was the Sorpe Dam. Flying at very low level over the Dutch island of Vlieland, the bomber was badly damaged by anti-aircraft fire. The radios and electrical system were disabled but, crucially, so was the intercommunication system between members of the crew. Without this it was impossible to carry out the precise attack from a height of 60 feet, so with great reluctance, Munro turned for his home base at Scampton, near Lincoln, still with his bouncing bomb on board. John Leslie Munro was born on April 5 1919 at Gisborne, New Zealand, where his Scottish father had emigrated in 1903. He worked as a farmer before joining the Royal New Zealand Air Force in July 1941. He trained initially in New Zealand and then in Canada, where he completed his qualification as a pilot. On arrival in England he trained on bombers before joining No 97 Squadron, which had recently been re-equipped with the Lancaster. After an operation to drop mines in the sea-lanes to German occupied ports, Munro attacked industrial cities in Germany during the so-called Battle of the Ruhr when Essen, Dusseldorf and Cologne were among his targets. He also flew on two raids to Berlin and attacked targets in Italy. He and his crew were approaching the end of their tour of operations (30 sorties) when volunteers were called for to form a new squadron for a special operation. Munro discussed it with his crew and they agreed to apply. A few days later, on March 25, they arrived at Scampton to join X Squadron on its formation, later to become No 617. Soon after leaving No. 97 Squadron, Munro was awarded the DFC for pressing home his attacks with great courage and determination. Within days of arriving at Scampton, all the crews were practising intensive low-level flying including runs over lakes and reservoirs when high-tension cables, barrage balloons and birds were an ever-present hazard. During a trial flight with the Upkeep bouncing bomb designed by Barnes Wallis, Munro was flying below the prescribed height of 60 feet when a great plume of water made by the bomb as it made its first bounce damaged the tailplane of his Lancaster. After the Dams Raid, Munro remained on No 617. The squadron suffered further heavy losses and morale was badly affected. Under the leadership of its new commanding officer, Wing Commander Leonard Cheshire, Munro was made a flight commander. The other two flight commanders were Dave Shannon, an Australian, and the American Joe McCarthy and these three, under Cheshires inspiring leadership, created one of the most effective squadrons to serve in Bomber Command. Cheshire described his three flight commanders as the backbone of the squadron. Of the three, the slow speaking, taciturn New Zealander was the least flamboyant, but his rock steady dependability and utter reliability were an inspiration to his young crews. Cheshire was dissatisfied with the marking of targets by the Pathfinder Force and he developed his own low-level marking technique that proved highly successful. Munro dropped flares from high level and Cheshire dived beneath them to accurately mark the targets for the following bombers. On the eve of D-day on June 5 1944, No 617 flew Operation Taxable, a complex flight requiring extremely accurate flying, navigation and timing. Munro, with Cheshire as his co-pilot, was flying one of the lead aircraft, which flew a series of orbits as it advanced across the English Channel towards the Pas de Calais dropping window (reflective metal strips) to simulate an amphibious landing force approaching the area. This deception created doubt in the Germans minds as to where the Allied landing was taking place and delayed the despatch of reinforcements to Normandy. After the landings, the squadron flew in support of troops establishing the bridgehead. On the night of June 8 , it had a spectacular success when Munro dropped one of the new 12,000-lb Tallboy bombs, which completely destroyed the Saumur railway tunnel. On the following nights he dropped Tallboys on the E-boat pens at Le Havre and Boulogne before attacking the V-weapon sites at Wizernes and Mimoyecques. After this latter raid, his 55th, he and his fellow flight commanders were retired. He had recently been awarded the DSO, his citation concluding with the words, His achievements have been worthy of the greatest praise. Munro finished the war in command of a Bomber Defence Training Flight. He returned to New Zealand and left the RNZAF in February 1946 as a squadron leader. Munro made a major contribution to community life in New Zealand and was Mayor of Tekuiti from 1978 to 1995. He was awarded the Queens Service Order in 1981 and appointed Commander of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 1997 for services to local government and community. Munro retained strong links with his old squadron and made a number of trips to the United Kingdom on special anniversaries. He was present when the Queen dedicated the Bomber Command Memorial in Green Park in 2012. In 2015 he placed his medals with an auction house to raise money for the maintenance of the memorial. At the last minute, Lord Ashcroft stepped in to stop the sale, offering to donate £75,000 to the memorials upkeep if Munro gifted his medals to the Museum of Transport and Technology in Auckland. Squadron Leader Les Munro, born April 5 1919, died August 4 2015. | |
Nichols, Lawrence William Click the name above to see a profile of Nichols, Lawrence William
| Nichols, Lawrence William He was Wireless Operator on Lancaster ED887 AJ-A of No.617 Sqn on the Dambusters raid of 16th - 17th May 1943. As part of the first wave, the aircraft successfully dropped its Upkeep mine and began the breach in the Mohne dam. Over the Dutch coast on the return leg, the aircraft was shot down with no survivors. | |
Nicholson, Vivian Click the name above to see a profile of Nicholson, Vivian
| Nicholson, Vivian He was Navigator on Lancaster ED906 AJ-J of No.617 Sqn on the Dambusters raid of 16th - 17th May 1943. As part of the first wave, the aircraft successfully dropped its Upkeep mine and breached the Mohne dam. The aircraft returned safely. He was subsequently killed in action on 15th September 1943. | |
Nugent, John Percival Click the name above to see a profile of Nugent, John Percival
| Nugent, John Percival He was Navigator of Lancaster ED924 AJ-Y of No.617 Sqn for the Dambusters raid of 16th - 17th May 1943. His aircraft did not find a target for their Upkeep mine due to weather and navigation difficulties. The aircraft returned safely with the mine still attached. He was later killed in action on 23rd September 1943. | |
O'Brien, Harry Click the name above to see a profile of O'Brien, Harry | O'Brien, Harry He was Rear Gunner on Lancaster ED912 AJ-N of No.617 Sqn on the Dambusters raid of 16th - 17th May 1943. His aircraft dropped its bomb successfully, breaching the second target, the Eder dam, and returned to base safely. | |
O'Shaughnessy, T V Click the name above to see a profile of O'Shaughnessy, T V
| O'Shaughnessy, T V Killed on 20th January 1944 when his Lancaster ED918 AJ-F of No.617 Sqn crashed on a training flight. | |
Oancia, Stefan Click the name above to see a profile of Oancia, Stefan
| Oancia, Stefan Born in Stonehenge, Saskatchewan, Canada in 1923, Sgt. Stefan Oancia enlisted in the RCAF on the 1st of August 1941. Trained at No.2 ITS (graduated 4 December 1941), No.3 AOS (graduated 13 March 1942), No.2 BGS (graduated 25 April 1942) and No.1 ANS (graduated 25 May 1942). He was Bomb Aimer on Lancaster ED918 AJ-F on the Dambusters Raid. The aircraft shot up a train on the way to the target which was the Sorpe dam. The Lancaster successfully dropped its mine and hit the dam, but the solid earthen dam was never breached. He survived the raid and the war and was awarded the DFM, presented at Buckingham Palace on 22nd June 1943. Sadly he passed away on the 15th of May 1999. | |
Ottley, Warner H T Click the name above to see a profile of Ottley, Warner H T
| Ottley, Warner H T He was Pilot on Lancaster ED910 AJ-C on the Dambusters Raid. The aircraft was hit by flak and crashed near Hamm, killing all but the rear gunner, whose turret was sheared off and separated from the fiery wreck of the Lancaster. | |
Parsons, Beck Click the name above to see a profile of Parsons, Beck | Parsons, Beck Vital to the whole Dambusters operation was the complete dedication by the ground crew of 617 Squadron. Personified by Beck Parsons. Joining the RAF in 1940, he trained as an electrician and worked with Avro Manchester’s with 207 Squadron at Waddington. In March 1943 he was posted to 617 Squadron at Scampton where he flew with Barnes Wallis during the tests on the bouncing bomb. As Electrical NCO Beck was responsible for the electrics on “B” flight at the time of the raid, together with ‘Top Maintenance’ on five of the Lancaster’s, including those of Guy Gibson and Mick Martin. | |
Patterson, Robert Campbell Click the name above to see a profile of Patterson, Robert Campbell
| Patterson, Robert Campbell He was Flight Engineer of Lancaster ED924 AJ-Y of No.617 Sqn for the Dambusters raid of 16th - 17th May 1943. His aircraft did not find a target for their Upkeep mine due to weather and navigation difficulties. The aircraft returned safely with the mine still attached. He was later killed in action on 23rd September 1943. | |
Pearson, R Click the name above to see a profile of Pearson, R | Pearson, R Joined the RAF in 1943 to begin training as an Air Gunner. After the usual short attachments at various training stations eventually ending up at No 2 AGS Dalcross. Air firing was carried out from an Avro Anson. There was always a mad rush to be first aboard the aircraft on every detail, not from enthusiasm, but from trying to avoid winding up the undercarriage after take off. M/Sig Pearson went from Dalcross to Kinloss to join a crew flying Whitleys and several months later ended up at 158 Sqdn Lissett to commence operations on Halifaxes. After half a tour and very happy at Lissett his crew were posted onto a PFF Sqdn, 635 Sqdn Downham Market. His first operation, and very nearly his last, was a daylight raid on Hamburg. On the bombing run, they had the misfortune to be selected by the pilot of a ME262 as his victim. He was not spotted until he was dead astern and blazing away with the four 30mm cannon in the nose. Evasive action was given and the pilot promptly stood the Lanc on its nose. Unfortunately not all the cannon shells missed and they lost quite a piece of fuselage leaving ammo belts hanging out in the slipstream. After regaining level flight, they were attacked again by another ME262, but this time they were lucky. Both ME pilots decided to push off and find some other sitting duck! Despite these attacks, they carried on and bombed, making their way home across the North Sea, not a pleasant journey. The pilot received an immediate award of the DFC. M/Sig Pearson finished the war out at Downham Market and after the war in Europe ended was posted to 83 Sqdn Conningsby for Tiger Force training and operations against the Japanese. Fortunately the war in the east ceased just as they were ready to depart. He was demobbed in May 1947, but was not happy out of uniform so was back in again at the end of 1949 as an A/G flying on Lincolns at 9 Sqdn. Binbrook. He had a short detachment with 617 Sqdn at Shallufa, Egypt and at the end of 1952 was posted onto B29 aircraft with 15 Sqdn. Coningsby. After six months he was posted to Little Rissington on a Link Trainer course and then to FTS Syerston as a Link instructor to Naval cadet pilots. In 1955, he was required to either remuster to a ground trade or take another aircrew trade. He was posted to Swanton Morley to take training as an Air Signaller and from then to St Mawgan 228 Sqdn on Shackletons. Next came a posting to Northolt in a drawing office drawing En-Route charts and Terminal Approach Procedures. Back to flying in 1961 and a posting to 224 Sqdn Gibraltar and then to Air Traffic Control School at Shawbury. On completion of this course came a posting to RAF Lyneham as Local Controller and thence to RAF Colerne as Approach Controller. He left the service in 1968. | |
Pegler, Guy Click the name above to see a profile of Pegler, Guy
| Pegler, Guy He was Flight Engineer of Lancaster ED865 AJ-S of No.617 Sqn on the Dambusters Raid. His Lancaster was part of the third wave and was shot down over Gilze-Rijen airfield in Holland. None of the crew survived the crash. | |
Philips, J D Click the name above to see a profile of Philips, J D | Philips, J D Having qualified as a Flight engineer, he was one of the first crews to join 617 Sqn following the Dams raids and completed operations against the mighty Tirpitz Battle Ship. | |
Pigeon, Percy Edgar Click the name above to see a profile of Pigeon, Percy Edgar | Pigeon, Percy Edgar He was Wireless Operator on Lancaster ED921 AJ-W of No.617 Sqn for the Dambusters raid of 16th - 17th May 1943. The aircraft was heavily damaged by flak near the Dutch coast on the outward journey and was forced to abort the mission, but returned to base safely. | |
Poore, Arthur F Click the name above to see a profile of Poore, Arthur F
| Poore, Arthur F Flt. Lt. Arthur Poore D.F.C. (Pilot) volunteered for the R.A.F.V.R. in December 1939 aged 19 and joined the R.A.F. in May 1940. After gaining his wings he was fortunate to be posted as a staff pilot at No 2 School of Air Navigation in Cheshire where, for two years he gained many hours flying experience and map reading skills. He was subsequently posted to 106 Lancaster Squadron and after 23 raids over Germany was selected to join 617 Squadron. On completion of his second tour of ops. he was promoted to Acting Squadron leader and transferred to No. 1 Lancaster Finishing School at Syerston, Notts. as a Flight Commander. Finally he was posted to 511 Squadron at Lyneham, Wilts. to fly York airliners to and from the UK and Singapore or Ceylon. | |
Powell, Dennis John Dean Click the name above to see a profile of Powell, Dennis John Dean
| Powell, Dennis John Dean He was Flight Engineer on Lancaster ED886 AJ-O on the Dambusters Raid. The aircraft flew below tree top level en route to their target - the Ennepe dam - where they successfully hit the target, but the dam held firm. The aircraft was the last of the Dambusters to return to base. He was later killed in action on 16th September 1943. | |
Pulford, J Click the name above to see a profile of Pulford, J
| Pulford, J Flight Engineer on Lancaster ED932 AJ-G of No.617 Sqn on the Dambusters raid. | |
Radcliffe, William Click the name above to see a profile of Radcliffe, William | Radcliffe, William He was Flight Engineer of Lancaster ED825 AJ-T of No.617 Sqn for the Dambusters raid of 16th - 17th May 1943. His aircraft dropped its mine on the Sorpe dam, but it failed to breach. The aircraft returned safely. | |
Reid, Bill Click the name above to see a profile of Reid, Bill
| Reid, Bill Volunteering for RAF aircrew in 1940, Bill Reid learned to fly in California, training on the Stearman, Vultee and Harvard. After gaining his pilots wings back in England he flew Wellingtons before moving on to Lancasters in 1943. On the night of Nov 3rd 1943, his Lancaster suffered two severe attacks from Luftwaffe night fighters, badly wounding Reid, killing his navigator and radio operator, and severely damaging the aircraft. Bill flew on 200 miles to accurately bomb the target and get his aircraft home. For this act of outstanding courage and determination he was awarded the Victoria Cross. Died 28th November 2001.
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Rice, Geoffrey Click the name above to see a profile of Rice, Geoffrey
| Rice, Geoffrey Pilot Offcier geoffrey Rice was born on 4th January 1917. Geoff Rice joined the RAF in 1941 and was posted to No.57 Sqn on 20th February 1943. Joining No.617 Sqn on 26th March 1943, he was promoted to Flying Officer on 20th August 1943 and awarded the DFC on 16th November 1943. He was later promoted to Flight Lieutenant. He was shot down on 20th December 1943, but was hidden by the French Resistance for six months before being captured. He was taken prisoner of war until the end of the war, not returning to the UK until 10th May 1945. Geoff Rice passed away in November 1981 in Somerset. He was Pilot on Lancaster ED936 AJ-H of No.617 Sqn on the Dambusters raid of 16th May 1943. The aircraft clipped the surface of the North Sea while flying low en route to the target, ripping the Upkeep mine from the aircraft and scooping up some seawater. Amazing, the aircraft did not crash, and despite the rear gunner almost being washed away by the rush of seawater as the aircraft climbed, managed to return to base. | |
Riding, Harold Click the name above to see a profile of Riding, Harold | Riding, Harold Originally joining 106 Sqn as a WOp/AG he transferred to 617 Sqn where he did a full tour during from late 1943. He was the only person in the RAF to be promoted from ACI directly to Pilot Officer in only one day. | |
Roberts, Charles Walpole Click the name above to see a profile of Roberts, Charles Walpole
| Roberts, Charles Walpole He was Navigator on Lancaster ED887 AJ-A of No.617 Sqn on the Dambusters raid of 16th - 17th May 1943. As part of the first wave, the aircraft successfully dropped its Upkeep mine and began the breach in the Mohne dam. Over the Dutch coast on the return leg, the aircraft was shot down with no survivors. | |
Roddis, Harold Click the name above to see a profile of Roddis, Harold | Roddis, Harold Flight Mechanic on the 617 Squadron Dambuster aircraft. | |
Rodger, David Click the name above to see a profile of Rodger, David
| Rodger, David Born in Sault Ste marie, Ontario on February 23rd 1918, the son of a Scots carpenter, David Rodger was an avid collector of aeroplane magazines as a boy, that began his interest in flying. David Roger went to the local technical school, then worked for Algoma Steel while serving in the Canadian Militia. Rodger joined the Royal Canadian Air Force in October 1941 and trained as an air gunner before being commissioned as pilot officer, and then arriving in England in 1942. David Rodger converted to Lancaster bombers, and joined No 97 Squadron at Woodhall Spa near Lincoln, and it was here he teamed up with McCarthy. During their time with 97 squadron they attacked the main industrial cities on the Rhur and also Hamburg and Berlin. By the time they joined No 617 Squadron, they were recognised as an experienced crew. Rodger and McCarthy had already completed more than 20 bombing raids together when they were selected to join No 617 Squadron, forming at RAF Scampton in March 1943 under the command of Wing Commander Guy Gibson. David Rodger was the rear gunner in "Big Joe" McCarthy's Lancaster, which attacked the Sorpe Dam during Operation Chastise, the Dam Buster raid of May 16th 1943. On the night of the raid their aircraft was unservicable due to an engine problem, so they took the reserve aircraft which had been fitted with the upkeep bouncing bomb, but not had time to be fitted with the crucial spoptlights which were used to keep the aircraft at the height of 60 feet. As McCarthy took the bomber across the coast at 100ft, Rodger, in the rear turret, was soon in action trying to douse the searchlights before "having a lively exchange with a light flak gun". By the time they arrived at the Sorpe, McCarthy's men were the only survivors of the team charged with attacking the dam, which was shrouded in mist as they arrived. With a tall church spire on the approach and a hill to be avoided after the attack, McCarthy had great difficulty getting into position to drop the mine. The lack of the height-finding spotlights made the job almost impossible. The crew made nine dummy attacks before releasing their weapon accurately at last. But the force of the explosion was insufficient to breach the earth dam, and McCarthy and his men set course for base. After the success of the Dam raids 617 squadron now under the command of Wing Commander Leonard Cheshire specialised in the attack of pinpoint targets, and Cheshire and his four senior crews from the dam buster raid developed daring and accurate low-level target-marking techniques. Rodger was appointed the gunnery leader of the squadron in September. Rodger then attacked targets in Italy, and made pinpoint raids against viaducts and the huge concrete constructions associated with the V-1 rocket programme in the Pas de Calais. In addition to their marker role, the Lancasters of No 617 carried the massive 12,000-ton "Tallboy" bomb, which was used to devastating effect against V-sites and railway tunnels. During the night of June 5 1944, 16 Lancasters of No 617 carried out a unique operation, dropping a dense screen of "window" (foil strips) which advanced slowly across the Channel to simulate a large convoy of ships approaching the French coast between Boulogne and Le Havre, north of the real invasion area. After 14 months on No 617, McCarthy and his crew were finally rested in July 1944. Rodger, who had flown 50 bombing operations, including 24 with No 617, was awarded the DFC for "his calm resolution in the face of the heaviest opposition, which has been an inspiration to his crew". Rodger returned to Canada in September 1944, where he married, and was released from the RCAF the following year. He returned to work at Algoma Steel, where he became a superintendent. Always a keen outdoorsman, he loved fishing and played his last game of ice hockey at 84. David Rodger died on September 1st 2004 in Canada aged 86. | |
Ross, N R Nicky Click the name above to see a profile of Ross, N R Nicky
| Ross, N R Nicky No's 40, 103 and 617 Squadrons. "Born 1 st August, 1917 at Greenock. Joined RAFVR at Edinburgh 12/7/39. Trained at 11 EFTS, Perth gained wings at 2 FTS Brize Norton, completed training at 20 OTU Lossiemouth Dec 1940, Joined 40 Squadron, 22/1141 as Sgt Pilot on Wellingtons at Wyton and Allconbury. Completed 1st tour 3/7/41 and "screened" at 27 OTU Lichfield, participating in the three "Thousand Force" raids on Cologne, Essen and Bremen in 1942. Commenced 2nd tour with 103 Squadron, at Elsham Wolds as Warrant Officer Pilot on Lancasters, 27th March 1943 completing end June. Awarded DFC 517/43. Took crews and Lancaster to Wright Field, Dayton, Ohio via Gander to do experimental work for USAAF ( dropping two Bren Gun Carrier type vehicles by parachute from various heights to target zone. Returned to England and commenced third tour as P/ 0 with 617 Squadron October 1943 at Coningsby and Woodhall. Spa until July 1944. As Flying Officer was awarded DSO (Immediate award). Released from Service asF/Ltin 1946." Nicky Ross passed away on 18th April 2008. | |
Rumbles, Grant Click the name above to see a profile of Rumbles, Grant | Rumbles, Grant He was Navigator on Lancaster ED921 AJ-W of No.617 Sqn for the Dambusters raid of 16th - 17th May 1943. The aircraft was heavily damaged by flak near the Dutch coast on the outward journey and was forced to abort the mission, but returned to base safely. | |
Shannon, David John Click the name above to see a profile of Shannon, David John
| Shannon, David John Born 27th May 1922 in Australia, Dave Shannon joined the RAAF in 1941, and trained as a pilot. He flew an extended tour of 36 operations with 106 Squadron RAF before being chosen for 617 Squadron. Pilot of Lancaster AJ-L in Gibsons group, he was called off as he began his run on the Mohne Dam after the breach became apparent; but flew on and was the first pilot to attack the Eder Dam. Awarded a DSO for the Dams operation, he later served as Deputy to Leonard Cheshire, flying Mosquitos on what was by then his third tour. He later served with 511 and 246 Squadrons, and returned to Australia after the war. David Shannon died in 1993. | |
Simmonds, Harold Thomas Click the name above to see a profile of Simmonds, Harold Thomas
| Simmonds, Harold Thomas He was Rear Gunner on Lancaster ED906 AJ-J of No.617 Sqn on the Dambusters raid of 16th - 17th May 1943. As part of the first wave, the aircraft successfully dropped its Upkeep mine and breached the Mohne dam. The aircraft returned safely. He was subsequently killed in action on 15th September 1943. | |
Simpson, Thomas Drayton Click the name above to see a profile of Simpson, Thomas Drayton | Simpson, Thomas Drayton Flew as Rear Gunner on Lancaster ED909 AJ-P of No.617 Sqn on 16th May 1943 for the Dambusters raid. Their aircraft dropped their mine which exploded off to the side of the Mohne dam. The aircraft returned safely. | |
Sinclair, Bob Click the name above to see a profile of Sinclair, Bob | Sinclair, Bob Navigator, 617 Squadron Tornado during the Gulf War. | |
Smith, Edward Clarence Click the name above to see a profile of Smith, Edward Clarence
| Smith, Edward Clarence He was Flight Engineer on Lancaster ED936 AJ-H of No.617 Sqn on the Dambusters raid of 16th May 1943. The aircraft clipped the surface of the North Sea while flying low en route to the target, ripping the Upkeep mine from the aircraft and scooping up some seawater. Amazing, the aircraft did not crash, and despite the rear gunner almost being washed away by the rush of seawater as the aircraft climbed, managed to return to base. He was later killed in action on 21st December 1943. | |
Smith, Ron Click the name above to see a profile of Smith, Ron | Smith, Ron Air Gunner, 617 Squadron. | |
Spafford, F M Click the name above to see a profile of Spafford, F M
| Spafford, F M Bomb Aimer on Lancaster ED932 AJ-G of No.617 Sqn on the Dambusters raid. | |
Stone, Anthony Joseph Click the name above to see a profile of Stone, Anthony Joseph
| Stone, Anthony Joseph He was Wireless Operator on Lancaster ED906 AJ-J of No.617 Sqn on the Dambusters raid of 16th - 17th May 1943. As part of the first wave, the aircraft successfully dropped its Upkeep mine and breached the Mohne dam. The aircraft returned safely. He was subsequently killed in action on 15th September 1943. | |
Strange, Harry John Click the name above to see a profile of Strange, Harry John
| Strange, Harry John He was Front Gunner on Lancaster ED910 AJ-C on the Dambusters Raid. The aircraft was hit by flak and crashed near Hamm, killing all but the rear gunner, whose turret was sheared off and separated from the fiery wreck of the Lancaster. He had swapped places with the surviving rear gunner prior to take off. | |
Sumpter, Leonard Joseph Click the name above to see a profile of Sumpter, Leonard Joseph | Sumpter, Leonard Joseph He was Bomb Aimer on Lancaster ED929 AJ-L of No.617 Sqn on the Dambusters raid of 16th - 17th May 1943. His aircraft took several attempts, but successfully dropped its mine on the Eder dam although no breach was caused. The aircraft returned safely to base. | |
Sutherland, Frederick E Click the name above to see a profile of Sutherland, Frederick E | Sutherland, Frederick E ‘Doc’ Sutherland was the front gunner on Les Knight’s Lancaster AJ-N that went to the Mohne Dam, and then successfully attacked and breached the Eder Dam. Shot down four months later, he managed to evade capture and escape back to England with the help of the Resistance movements, returning through Holland, France and Spain. | |
Taerum, H T Click the name above to see a profile of Taerum, H T
| Taerum, H T Navigator on Lancaster ED932 AJ-G of No.617 Sqn on the Dambusters raid. | |
Tait, J B Click the name above to see a profile of Tait, J B
| Tait, J B One of Bomber Commands most outstanding leaders, James Willie Tait was one of only two RAF officers who had the distinction of being awarded three Bars to his DSO, as well as a DFC and Bar. On the night before D-Day Tait was the 5 Group Master Bomber directing from the air the massed attack by Lancasters on the German defences in the Cherbourg peninsula. By then Tait had already flown more than 100 bomber sorties with 51, 35, 10 and 78 Squadrons. A Cranwell-trained regular officer, he was very much in the Cheshire mould: quiet, bordering on the introspective. He was to go on to command the legendary 617 Dambusters Squadron and lead it on one of its most famous raids which finally destroyed the German battleship Tirpitz. In July 1944 when Leonard Cheshire was replaced by Wing Commander J B Willie Tait, 617 Squadron discovered that it had acquired a Commanding Officer very much in the Cheshire mould. Quiet, bordering on introspection, Tait, who was a Cranwell-trained regular officer, had already flown over 100 bombing operations with 51, 35, 10 and 78 Squadrons before joining 617. Tait had also received a DSO and bar and the DFC. He was 26. In the best traditions of 617 Squadron, Tait wasted no time in adapting to the Mustang and Mosquito for low level marking. He appointed two new Flight Commanders including Squadron Leader Tony Iveson DFC. Although involved in many of 617 Squadrons spectacular operations, Taits name is always associated with the destruction of the Tirpitz. An earlier attack on the ship by the squadron on 15th September 1944 had caused severe damage but Tirpitz was still afloat. On 29th October the Squadron was frustrated on the second attack by cloud over the target. The final attack was launched in daylight on 12th November 1944. Leading a mixed force of 617 and 9 Squadron Lancasters, Tait achieved complete surprise and had the satisfaction of seeing the Tirpitz destroyed at last. He had led all three attacks. On 28th December 1944 Tait received a third bar to his DSO, becoming one of only two RAF men to achieve this distinction. It coincided with his leaving 617 Squadron. Tait served in the post-war RAF, retiring as a Group Captain in 1966. He died 31st May 2007.
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Taylor, Alistair James Click the name above to see a profile of Taylor, Alistair James
| Taylor, Alistair James Killed on 16th May 1943. He was Flight Engineer on Lancaster ED934 AJ-K of No.617 Sqn on the Dambusters Raid. The aircraft was shot down by flak off the island of Texel prior to reaching the Dutch coast on the outward journey to the dams. The aircraft was the first to be shot down on the raid. | |
Tees, Frank Click the name above to see a profile of Tees, Frank | Tees, Frank He was Rear Gunner on Lancaster ED910 AJ-C on the Dambusters Raid. The aircraft was hit by flak and crashed near Hamm, killing all but the rear gunner, whose turret was sheared off and separated from the fiery wreck of the Lancaster. Frank had apparently swapped places before take off with the front gunner Harry Strange who was killed in the crash. He was taken prisoner shortly after the crash. | |
Thomson, Greig Click the name above to see a profile of Thomson, Greig | Thomson, Greig Piloted Tornado aircraft of 617 Sqn during the Gulf war. | |
Thrasher, John William Click the name above to see a profile of Thrasher, John William
| Thrasher, John William He was Bomb Aimer on Lancaster ED936 AJ-H of No.617 Sqn on the Dambusters raid of 16th May 1943. The aircraft clipped the surface of the North Sea while flying low en route to the target, ripping the Upkeep mine from the aircraft and scooping up some seawater. Amazing, the aircraft did not crash, and despite the rear gunner almost being washed away by the rush of seawater as the aircraft climbed, managed to return to base. He was later killed in action on 21st December 1943. | |
Tilley, F L Click the name above to see a profile of Tilley, F L | Tilley, F L After training as a Flight Engineer he volunteered for 617 Sqn taking part in all the raids against the Tirpitz, but at the end of 1944 was forced to crash land in East Germany after being badly shot up and injured on a mission. | |
Townsend, William Clifford Click the name above to see a profile of Townsend, William Clifford
| Townsend, William Clifford Pilot and Captain of Lancaster AJ-O, he attacked the Ennepe Dam. Transferring to the RAF from the Army in 1941, Bill Townsend served a tour as a pilot with 49 Squadron, before joining 617 Squadron, at the time a Flight Sergeant. As part of 617 Squadron Bill Townsend flew Lancaster ED886 codenamed AJ–O for Orange in the famous dambuster raid of May 1944. Flight Sergeant Townsend flew his bomber and crew in the third wave of the famous raid. After the first two dams (Mohne and Eder) were breached, O for Orange was tasked to attack the Ennepe dam. With no anti-aircraft firing at them, they had time to do three trial runs before they released their bomb, but it failed to damage the dam. Forced to fly back at tree top level by enemy action, his Lancaster was the last to return. It limped home short of one engine. He was awarded the Conspicuous Gallantry Medal for his courageous actions in the raid. Bill Townsend was later promoted to Flight Lieutenant. He had been a pupil at Monmouth and after the war studied at Lincoln College, Oxford. He became a business man and a civil servant after his studies. FLt/Lt Townsend passed away in April 1991 , there with a flypast by 617 Tornadoes at his cremation on the 15th April 1991. | |
Trevor-Roper, R D Click the name above to see a profile of Trevor-Roper, R D
| Trevor-Roper, R D Rear Gunner on Lancaster ED932 AJ-G of No.617 Sqn on the Dambusters raid. | |
Tytherleigh, William John Click the name above to see a profile of Tytherleigh, William John
| Tytherleigh, William John Killed on 17th May 1943 when his Lancaster ED937 AJ-Z of No.617 Sqn was shot down by flak over Emmerich on the return journey from the Dambusters raid. He was Front Gunner of the aircraft that attacked the Eder dam, its bomb bouncing over the structure and exploding beyond, probably damaging the Lancaster. | |
Urquhart, Robert Alexander Click the name above to see a profile of Urquhart, Robert Alexander
| Urquhart, Robert Alexander Killed on 17th May 1943 when his Lancaster ED937 AJ-Z of No.617 Sqn was shot down by flak over Emmerich on the return journey from the Dambusters raid. He was Navigator of the aircraft that attacked the Eder dam, its bomb bouncing over the structure and exploding beyond, probably damaging the Lancaster. | |
Vagnolini, Murray Click the name above to see a profile of Vagnolini, Murray | Vagnolini, Murray Completing his first tour as a Wireless Operator with 61 Sqn, he flew with 617 Sqn dropping the 12,000 lb 'Tallboy' and 22,000 lb 'Grand Slam' bombs. The war ended halfway through his second operational tour. | |
Valentine, Murray Click the name above to see a profile of Valentine, Murray | Valentine, Murray Completing his first tour as a Wireless Operator with 61 Sqn, he flew with 617 Sqn dropping the 12,000 lb Tallboy and 22,000 lb Grand Slam bombs. The war ended halfway through his second operational tour. | |
Walker, Daniel Revie Click the name above to see a profile of Walker, Daniel Revie
| Walker, Daniel Revie He was Navigator on Lancaster ED929 AJ-L of No.617 Sqn on the Dambusters raid of 16th - 17th May 1943. His aircraft took several attempts, but successfully dropped its mine on the Eder dam although no breach was caused. The aircraft returned safely to base. | |
Ward, A Click the name above to see a profile of Ward, A | Ward, A Injured on 20th January 1944 when his Lancaster ED918 AJ-F of No.617 Sqn crashed on a training flight. | |
Ward, E Gray Click the name above to see a profile of Ward, E Gray | Ward, E Gray After joining the RAF in November 1940, Gray Ward trained as a pilot. His first operational squadron was 50 Squadron flying Lancasters, before he joined 57 Squadron as a Flight Commander. In late 1944 he was selected to join 617 Squadron, and took part in the 22,000lb "Grand Slam" raids on the Bielefeld and Arnsberg viaducts. | |
Warner, James Herbert Click the name above to see a profile of Warner, James Herbert
| Warner, James Herbert Killed on 16th May 1943. He was Navigator on Lancaster ED934 AJ-K of No.617 Sqn on the Dambusters Raid. The aircraft was shot down by flak off the island of Texel prior to reaching the Dutch coast on the outward journey to the dams. The aircraft was the first to be shot down on the raid. | |
Watts, Fred Click the name above to see a profile of Watts, Fred
| Watts, Fred Fred Watts joined the RAF in 1940, and qualifying as a pilot was posted to 630 Squadron in 1943 flying 15 operations on Lancasters out of East Kirby. He joined 617 Squadron in April 1944 and took part in many of the precision operations that the Squadron was renowned for, including raids on V1 sites, V2 rocket bases, and all three attacks on the Tirpitz. He left 617 Squadron in March 1945 to join 83 Pathfinder Squadron for Far East deployment with Tiger Force but VJ-day brought disbandment of the Force before it could be despatched. He stayed on in the RAF after the end of the war, retiring in 1964. He died 6th August 2007. | |
Webb, Douglas Edward Click the name above to see a profile of Webb, Douglas Edward
| Webb, Douglas Edward Mr Webb flew 27 missions as a gunner on Lancaster bombers before being selected in March 1943 for the 617 Squadron, which attacked the Mohne, Sorpe, and Eder dams - flooding the German war industry. He was Front Gunner on Lancaster ED886 AJ-O on the Dambusters Raid. The aircraft flew below tree top level en route to their target - the Ennepe dam - where they successfully hit the target, but the dam held firm. The aircraft was the last of the Dambusters to return to base. He passed away in 2002. | |
Weeks, Harvey Alexander Click the name above to see a profile of Weeks, Harvey Alexander | Weeks, Harvey Alexander He was Rear Gunner on Lancaster ED921 AJ-W of No.617 Sqn for the Dambusters raid of 16th - 17th May 1943. The aircraft was heavily damaged by flak near the Dutch coast on the outward journey and was forced to abort the mission, but returned to base safely. | |
Weller, Leonard George Click the name above to see a profile of Weller, Leonard George
| Weller, Leonard George He was Wireless Operator of Lancaster ED865 AJ-S of No.617 Sqn on the Dambusters Raid. His Lancaster was part of the third wave and was shot down over Gilze-Rijen airfield in Holland. None of the crew survived the crash. | |
Wharmby, Paul Click the name above to see a profile of Wharmby, Paul | Wharmby, Paul Piloted Tornado aircraft of 617 Sqn during the Gulf war. | |
Whillis, Samuel Leslie Click the name above to see a profile of Whillis, Samuel Leslie
| Whillis, Samuel Leslie He was Flight Engineer of Lancaster ED927 AJ-E of No.617 Sqn on the Dambusters Raid of 16th - 17th May 1943. His Lancaster was part of the second wave but never reached the target. The aircraft reportedly hit power lines and crashed near Haldern. None of the crew survived. | |
Whittaker, Arthur Neville Click the name above to see a profile of Whittaker, Arthur Neville
| Whittaker, Arthur Neville Killed on 16th May 1943. He was Bomb Aimer on Lancaster ED934 AJ-K of No.617 Sqn on the Dambusters Raid. The aircraft was shot down by flak off the island of Texel prior to reaching the Dutch coast on the outward journey to the dams. The aircraft was the first to be shot down on the raid. | |
Whittaker, Ivan Click the name above to see a profile of Whittaker, Ivan | Whittaker, Ivan Flew as Flight Engineer on Lancaster ED909 AJ-P of No.617 Sqn on 16th May 1943 for the Dambusters raid. Their aircraft dropped their mine which exploded off to the side of the Mohne dam. The aircraft returned safely. | |
Wile, Floyd Alkwin Click the name above to see a profile of Wile, Floyd Alkwin
| Wile, Floyd Alkwin He was Navigator on Lancaster ED864 AJ-B on the Dambusters Raid. He and the rest of the crew were killed when the aircraft struck a pylon or power cables en route to the target. | |
Wilkinson, John Click the name above to see a profile of Wilkinson, John
| Wilkinson, John Killed on 16th May 1943. He was Wireless Operator on Lancaster ED934 AJ-K of No.617 Sqn on the Dambusters Raid. The aircraft was shot down by flak off the island of Texel prior to reaching the Dutch coast on the outward journey to the dams. The aircraft was the first to be shot down on the raid. | |
Wilkinson, Raymond Click the name above to see a profile of Wilkinson, Raymond | Wilkinson, Raymond He was Rear Gunner on Lancaster ED886 AJ-O on the Dambusters Raid. The aircraft flew below tree top level en route to their target - the Ennepe dam - where they successfully hit the target, but the dam held firm. The aircraft was the last of the Dambusters to return to base. | |
Williams, Charles Rowland Click the name above to see a profile of Williams, Charles Rowland
| Williams, Charles Rowland He was Wireless Operator of Lancaster ED927 AJ-E of No.617 Sqn on the Dambusters Raid of 16th - 17th May 1943. His Lancaster was part of the second wave but never reached the target. The aircraft reportedly hit power lines and crashed near Haldern. None of the crew survived. | |
Wilson, Dave Click the name above to see a profile of Wilson, Dave | Wilson, Dave Navigator, 617 Squadron Tornado during the Gulf War. | |
Yeo, Gordon Arthur Click the name above to see a profile of Yeo, Gordon Arthur
| Yeo, Gordon Arthur He was Front Gunner on Lancaster ED887 AJ-A of No.617 Sqn on the Dambusters raid of 16th - 17th May 1943. As part of the first wave, the aircraft successfully dropped its Upkeep mine and began the breach in the Mohne dam. Over the Dutch coast on the return leg, the aircraft was shot down with no survivors. | |
Young, Henry Melvin Click the name above to see a profile of Young, Henry Melvin
| Young, Henry Melvin He was Pilot on Lancaster ED887 AJ-A of No.617 Sqn on the Dambusters raid of 16th - 17th May 1943. As part of the first wave, the aircraft successfully dropped its Upkeep mine and began the breach in the Mohne dam. Over the Dutch coast on the return leg, the aircraft was shot down with no survivors. |
Known Individual Aircraft of No.617 Sqn RAF : | ||||||||
Type | Serial | Codes | First Flew | Squadron History | Aircrew History | History Notes | Engine | Factory |
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AJ-S | - | |||||||
AJ-O | - | |||||||
AJ-A | - | |||||||
AJ-J | - | |||||||
AJ-P | - | |||||||
AJ-C | - | |||||||
AJ-N | - | |||||||
AJ-F | - | |||||||
AJ-W | - | |||||||
AJ-Y | - | |||||||
AJ-M | - | |||||||
AJ-E | - | |||||||
AJ-L | - | |||||||
AJ-G | - | |||||||
AJ-K | - | |||||||
AJ-H | - | |||||||
AJ-Z | - |
Aircraft for : No.617 Sqn RAF | ||
A list of all aircraft associated with No.617 Sqn RAF. A profile page including a list of all art prints for the aircraft is available by clicking the aircraft name. | ||
Aircraft | Info | |
Lancaster
Manufacturer : Avro Production Began : 1942 Retired : 1963 Number Built : 7377 | Lancaster The Avro Lancaster arose from the avro Manchester and the first prototype Lancaster was a converted Manchester with four engines. The Lancaster was first flown in January 1941, and started operations in March 1942. By March 1945 The Royal Air Force had 56 squadrons of Lancasters with the first squadron equipped being No.44 Squadron. During World War Two the Avro Lancaster flew 156,000 sorties and dropped 618,378 tonnes of bombs between 1942 and 1945. Lancaster Bomberss took part in the devastating round-the-clock raids on Hamburg during Air Marshall Harris' Operation Gomorrah in July 1943. Just 35 Lancasters completed more than 100 successful operations each, and 3,249 were lost in action. The most successful survivor completed 139 operations, and the Lancaster was scrapped after the war in 1947. A few Lancasters were converted into tankers and the two tanker aircraft were joined by another converted Lancaster and were used in the Berlin Airlift, achieving 757 tanker sorties. A famous Lancaster bombing raid was the 1943 mission, codenamed Operation Chastise, to destroy the dams of the Ruhr Valley. The operation was carried out by 617 Squadron in modified Mk IIIs carrying special drum shaped bouncing bombs designed by Barnes Wallis. Also famous was a series of Lancaster attacks using Tallboy bombs against the German battleship Tirpitz, which first disabled and later sank the ship. The Lancaster bomber was the basis of the new Avro Lincoln bomber, initially known as the Lancaster IV and Lancaster V. (Becoming Lincoln B1 and B2 respectively.) Their Lancastrian airliner was also based on the Lancaster but was not very successful. Other developments were the Avro York and the successful Shackleton which continued in airborne early warning service up to 1992. | |
Lincoln
Manufacturer : Avro Production Began : 1945 Retired : 1967 Number Built : 624 | Lincoln he first RAF Lincolns joined No. 57 Squadron at East Kirby in 1945. No. 75 (New Zealand) Squadron RAF began re-equipping with Lincolns at RAF Spilsby during August 1945. However, 75 (NZ) Sqn received just three aircraft before VJ Day. In the postwar Royal Air Force, the Lincoln equipped many bomber squadrons. Nearly 600 Lincolns were built to equip 29 RAF squadrons, mainly based in the United Kingdom. They were partially replaced by 88 Boeing Washingtons, on loan from the USAF, which had longer range and could reach targets inside the Iron Curtain. Small numbers remained in use with Nos 7, 83 and 97 Squadrons until the end of 1955, when they were replaced by the first of the V bombers. RAF Lincolns were used in combat during the 1950s, in Kenya against the Mau-Mau, operating from Eastleigh, and also served in Malaya during the Malayan Emergency, against insurgents aligned to the Malayan Communist Party. In Malaya, Lincolns operated from Changi and Tengah, More than 3,000 sorties were flown during their 7 1⁄2-year deployment, with half a million pounds of bombs dropped. This equated to 85% of the bomb tonnage dropped during the Malayan emergency. On 12 March 1953, a RAF Lincoln (RF531 "C") of Central Gunnery School was shot down 20 mi (32 km) NE of Lüneburg, Germany by several Soviet MiG-15s as it flew to Berlin on a radar reconnaissance flight, resulting in the deaths of the seven crew members. In November 1955, four Lincolns of No. 7 Squadron RAF were detached for duties in British territories in the Middle East. In Bahrain, they carried out border patrols of the then Trucial States. When 7 Sqn was disbanded in December 1955, the four detached crews and aircraft became No. 1426 Flight RAF, officially a photographic reconnaissance unit. It was later sent to Aden, carrying out patrols in the lead up to the Aden Emergency. As the RAF Lincolns became unserviceable due to wear and tear, they were replaced by jet aircraft. The Lincolns of Bomber Command were phased out from the mid-1950s and were completely replaced by jet bombers by 1963. The last Lincolns in RAF service were five operated by No. 151 Squadron, Signals Command, at RAF Watton, Norfolk, which were retired on 12 March 1963. From late 1946, Australian-built Lincolns were phased into No. 82 Wing RAAF at RAAF Amberley, replacing the Consolidated Liberators operated by 12, 21 and 23 Squadrons. In February 1948, these units were renumbered 1, 2 and 6 Squadrons respectively; a fourth RAAF Lincoln squadron, No. 10 was formed on 17 March 1949 at RAAF Townsville as a reconnaissance unit. RAAF Lincolns took part in operations in Malaya in the 1950s, operating alongside RAF examples. The RAAF based the B.Mk 30s of No.1 Squadron at Tengah, for the duration of operations in Malaya. The RAAF Lincolns were retired in 1961, with the MR.Mk 31s of No. 10 Squadron being the final variant to see service in Australia. | |
Mosquito
Manufacturer : De Havilland Production Began : 1940 Retired : 1955 Number Built : 7781 | Mosquito Used as a night fighter, fighter bomber, bomber and Photo-reconnaissance, with a crew of two, Maximum speed was 425 mph, at 30,300 feet, 380mph at 17,000ft. and a ceiling of 36,000feet, maximum range 3,500 miles. the Mosquito was armed with four 20mm Hospano cannon in belly and four .303 inch browning machine guns in nose. Coastal strike aircraft had eight 3-inch Rockets under the wings, and one 57mm shell gun in belly. The Mossie at it was known made its first flight on 25th November 1940, and the mosquito made its first operational flight for the Royal Air Force as a reconnaissance unit based at Benson. In early 1942, a modified version (mark II) operated as a night fighter with 157 and 23 squadron's. In April 1943 the first De Haviland Mosquito saw service in the Far east and in 1944 The Mosquito was used at Coastal Command in its strike wings. Bomber Commands offensive against Germany saw many Mosquitos, used as photo Reconnaissance aircraft, Fighter Escorts, and Path Finders. The Mosquito stayed in service with the Royal Air Force until 1955. and a total of 7781 mosquito's were built. |
No.617 Sqn RAF Artwork |
Moonlight Run (Dambusters) by Ivan Berryman. | The Night They Broke the Dams - Operation Chastise by Ivan Berryman. | The Dambusters by Ivan Berryman. |
The One That Broke The Dam by Ivan Berryman. | 'O' Safe Home by Ivan Berryman. | Moment of Truth by Ivan Berryman. (P) |
The Hardest Task by Ivan Berryman. (P) | No Way Back by Ivan Berryman. | Determined to the Last by Ivan Berryman. (GS) |
Attack on the Sorpe by Ivan Berryman. | A Wing and a Prayer by Ivan Berryman. | Tragedy at the Eder by Ivan Berryman. |
A Lucky Escape by Ivan Berryman. | Tragedy Above Hamm by Ivan Berryman. | Not This Time by Ivan Berryman. |
Unmissable Chance by Ivan Berryman. | 617 Squadron Outbound to the Ruhr by Ivan Berryman. | Undetected by Ivan Berryman. |
Bombing Up by Ivan Berryman. | The Horror and the Glory by Ivan Berryman. | First Strike by Ivan Berryman. |
Clipped Signature - Tony Iveson. | Clipped Signature - E A 'Ted' Wass. | Clipped Signature - Des Phillips. |
Clipped Signature - James 'Willie' Tait. | Clipped Signature - Ken Brown. | Clipped Signature - Raymond Grayston. |
Clipped Signature - George 'Johnny' Johnson. | Clipped Signature - Frederick Sutherland. | Clipped Signature - Grant S McDonald. |
Clipped Signature - Kenneth Lucas. | Clipped Signature - Edward Johnson. | Clipped Signature - George Chalmers. |
Clipped Signature - David Shannon. | Clipped Signature - John Langston. | Clipped Signature - Maureen Stevens. |
Clipped Signature - Joe Warburton. | Clipped Signature - Leopold Doyle. | Clipped Signature - Ralph Briars. |
Clipped Signature - Bill Buttle. | Goner 78A - The Dambusters Raid by Tim Fisher. | Target Y The Eder Dam Raid, The Ruhr Valley, 17th May 1942 by David Pentland. |
Gibson VC by Graeme Lothian. | The Dambusters by Graeme Lothian. | The Dambusters by Simon Smith. |
Gibson by Robert Tomlin. | Third Time Lucky by Ivan Berryman. | Operation Chastise - The Night They Broke the Dams by Ivan Berryman. |
Operation Chastise - The Dambusters by Philip West. | Every Second Counts - The Dambusters by Philip West. | En-Route by Anthony Saunders. |
Dambusters by Anthony Saunders. | Well on the Way to Make History - the Dambusters by David Pentland. | GONER 58A - Mohne Dam, Germany, 17th May 1943 by David Pentland. |
Inbound to Target - The Dambusters by Robert Taylor. | Dambusters - The First Wave by Ivan Berryman. | Dambusters - Moment of Truth by Ivan Berryman. |
The Dambusters by Gerald Coulson. | Bravest of the Brave by Ivan Berryman. | Attack on the Sorpe by Ivan Berryman. |
Raining Fire by Ivan Berryman. | The Eder Breaks by Ivan Berryman. | Sinking the Tirpitz by Nicolas Trudgian. |
Bomber Force by Nicolas Trudgian. | Primary Target by Philip West. | Homeward Bound by Nicolas Trudgian. |
Welcome Home by Stephen Brown. | Eye of the Storm - The Dambusters by Philip West. | Target Bearing 270 by Robert Taylor. |
Legends of the Air by Philip West. | Primary Target by Philip West - Original Sketch. (P) | Breaching the Eder by Simon Smith. |
Dambusters Outward Bound by Simon Smith. | Summer Harvest by Gerald Coulson. | Dambusters - The Impossible Mission by Robert Taylor. |
Dambusters - The Morning After by Gerald Coulson. | Night of Heroes - The Dambusters by Philip West. | Enemy Coast Ahead - The Dambusters by Philip West. |
Breaching the Dams by Nicolas Trudgian. | Dambusters - Breaching the Eder Dam by Robert Taylor. | Enemy Coast Ahead by Simon Atack. |
Breaching the Möhne by Anthony Saunders. | Approach to the Möhne Dam by Anthony Saunders. | Low Pass Over the Möhne Dam by Anthony Saunders. |
The Dambusters by Ivan Berryman. | Bomb Away! The Third Assault by Robert Taylor. | Into Attack by Gerald Coulson. |
Operation Chastise by John Young. | Doors Closed by Mark Postlethwaite. | Final Briefing by Anthony Saunders. |
The Breach by Anthony Saunders. | The Dambusters - Last Moments of the Möhne Dam by Robert Taylor. | On Course for the Möhne Dam by Richard Taylor. |
Pathway to the Ruhr by Anthony Saunders. | The Dambusters - Three Good Bounces by Robert Taylor. | The Bomber Boys by James Dietz. |
Dambusters, May 1943 by Peter Read. | The Legend Lives On by A Bramham. | Now They Know We Are Here! by P E Holland. |
Tractor Girl by David Pentland. | Topping Up by David Pentland. | Dam Defenders by David Pentland. |
The Secret Weapon by David Pentland. | A Lincolnshire Sunset 1944 by Gerald Coulson. | High Speed Intrusion by Gerald Coulson. |
Spirit of 617 Squadron by Michael Turner. | Dambusters over the Mohne by Ivan Berryman. | Gibson Over the Mohne by Keith Aspinall. |
Tallboy Raid by Keith Aspinall. | Tonight We Make History by Keith Aspinall. | Target Tirpitz by Keith Aspinall. |
Operation Chastise - The Dambuster Raid by Barry Price. | The Sinking of the Tirpitz by Frank Wootton. | Operation Chastise by Tony Sargeant. |
Dambusters by Robert Taylor. | Operation Chastise by Robert Taylor. | Dam Busters Setting Off by Simon Atack. |
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