Category Archives: Memorials
617 Squadron’s last wartime casualties
The last wartime loss from 617 Squadron happened on 16 April 1945, when 18 Lancasters set off to attack the German cruiser Lutzow in the Kiel Canal. This was the third mission against the ship. The previous two, in the … Continue reading
New 617 Squadron memorial at Woodhall Spa
The 617 Squadron Aircrew Association has asked for the following press release to be posted on this blog: NEW MEMORIAL FOR DAMBUSTERS SQUADRON In the centre of Woodhall Spa, Lincolnshire, wartime home of No. 617 Squadron, Royal Air Force, “The … Continue reading
Filed under Memorials, Woodhall Spa
The Dams Raid dams today
Great account and brilliant photos by Damien Burke of a trip to all three dams involved in Operation Chastise, as well as the Rheinberg and Reichwald War Cemeteries. These war cemeteries are an incredible sight, with long rows of identical … Continue reading
Filed under Dams Raid crews, Memorials
David Maltby tribute at Wickhambreaux, 14 September 2009
The annual tribute to Sqn Ldr David Maltby DSO DFC and his crew took place at David Maltby’s graveside in St Andrew’s Church, Wickhambreaux, Kent, on Monday 14 September. The largest turnout for several years brought together the East Kent … Continue reading
Filed under Dams Raid crews, Memorials, Wickhambreaux
Wickhambreaux tribute, Monday 14 September
All members of the public are welcome to join members of the East Kent RAF Aircrew Association and the Maltby family at David Maltby’s grave in St Andrew’s Church, Wickhambreaux, Kent, at 11.30am on Monday 14 September 2009. This annual … Continue reading
Filed under Anniversaries, Dams Raid crews, Memorials, Wickhambreaux
Lancaster flyover at Upwaltham memorial for 617 Squadron crew
Splendid picture from the unveiling of the memorial in Sussex for Dambuster John Pulford and the rest of his 617 Squadron crew, killed on their return from an operation in February 1944. The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Lancaster made … Continue reading
Dambuster John Pulford’s crash site remembered
Guy Gibson’s relationship with the crew who flew with him on the Dams Raid is one of the interesting sub-plots of the whole Dambusters story. In contrast to the scene in the 1955 film where his old crew discuss his … Continue reading
Filed under Dams Raid crews, Memorials, Operation Chastise
David and Ann Shannon’s headstones
Although David Shannon was an Australian, he stayed on in England after the war, joining Shell as an executive. He spent some time in both Colombia and Kenya before returning to the UK. He died on 8 April 1993, shortly … Continue reading
Filed under David Shannon, Memorials, Uncategorized
On this day…
On this day 66 years ago nineteen Lancasters of 617 Squadron took off from a grass aerodrome in Lincolnshire on an operation which would change the lives of everyone who took part. Fifty-three of the aircrew died that night, and … Continue reading
Filed under Anniversaries, Dams Raid crews, Memorials, Operation Chastise
Local hero
Photo: Kevin Lancey This story has only a tangential connection to 617 Squadron, as it concerns an RAF Wireless Operator/Air Gunner who died some nine months before the Squadron was even formed. The picture above, probably taken in … Continue reading
Filed under 97 Squadron, Memorials
