Pic: Avey family
Wartime 617 Squadron member Flt Sgt Charles Avey died in July this year, as I reported at the time.
I was unable to source a wartime picture of him, but am happy to say that I can now publish one, courtesy of his niece Lisa Ingham.
Avey joined 617 Squadron in December 1944 as the mid-upper gunner in a crew skippered by the Canadian pilot Flt Lt G R Price. He flew on some eleven operations in Price’s crew before the end of the war.
I’m sorry to say that there are only a handful of 617 Squadron wartime veterans still with us. We salute them one and all.
Great to hear of those brave men who gave so much so we could live.
My Dad was one of them too. (156 Squadron kia 6/6/42)
Also related to David Maltby. God rest his soul.
David Chamberlin
Would I be right in thinking he would have been at RAF Woodhall Spa during his time on the squadron ? Next time I visit Woodhall Spa (which is now a nature reserve) and walk on what remains of one of the runways he will be in my thoughts…..
Charles was in my fathers crew. Dad was the bomb-aimer. My brothers and I are in contact with Gordon Price’s grandson. I will send you a picture of this crew.
Yes my grandad was at Woodhall Spa and like many others signed the ceiling of the Dambusters pub