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70th Anniversary of 617 Sqn

Article about: 21st March 2013 marked the anniversary of the formation of 617 sqn commonly known as the Dambusters. They had a short period of time to train for the attack on the Dams on 16th and 17th May

  1. #1

    Default 70th Anniversary of 617 Sqn

    21st March 2013 marked the anniversary of the formation of 617 sqn commonly known as the Dambusters.

    They had a short period of time to train for the attack on the Dams on 16th and 17th May 1943. The Dams at this time would be at their fullest to ensure maximum destruction and disruption and a moon lit night was required.

    The crews trained at low level flying. Some times lower than 150 ft. The tallest pylons in this country are about that height. One pilot flew so low low practising over the sea that the water ripped the bomb away that was hanging underneath the plane.

    Following the attack branches were found stuck in the underneath of the planes.

    Wing Commander Guy Gibson was awarded the VC for his leadership. Part of his citation:
    The task was fraught with danger and difficulty. Wing Commander Gibson personally made the initial attack on the Moehne dam. Descending to within a few feet of the water and taking the full brunt of the antiaircraft defences, he delivered his attack with great accuracy. Afterwards he circled very low for 30 minutes, drawing the enemy fire on himself in order to leave as free a run as possible to the following aircraft which were attacking the dam in turn.
    Wing Commander Gibson then led the remainder of his force to the Eder dam where, with complete disregard for his own safety, he repeated his tactics and once more drew on himself the enemy fire so that the attack could be successfully developed.
    Wing Commander Gibson has completed over 170 sorties, involving more than 600 hours operational flying. Throughout his operational career, prolonged exceptionally at his own request, he has shown leadership, determination and valour of the highest order.

    Part of the commemoration's is the tail art shown on a Tornado. 617 sqn are now based at RAF Conningsby, Lincs. More is to follow between 16th and 19th May.
    Attached Images Attached Images 70th Anniversary of 617 Sqn 

  2. #2

    Default Re: 70th Anniversary of 617 Sqn

    Happy Birthday to a most famous and daring squadron

    Nick
    "In all my years as a soldier, I have never seen men fight so hard." - SS Obergruppenfuhrer Wilhelm Bittrich - Arnhem

  3. #3

    Default Re: 70th Anniversary of 617 Sqn

    "Apres Moi Le Deluge" - Happy 70th

  4. #4
    ?

    Default Re: 70th Anniversary of 617 Sqn

    I will be at the Mohne for the 70th anniversary of the raid , Gibson was a remarkable man and one of out great heroes of the War as was Barnes Wallis for different reasons !!
    The gates of hell were opened and we accepted the invitation to enter" 26/880 Lance Sgt, Edward Dyke. 26th Bn Northumberland Fusiliers , ( 3rd Tyneside Irish )

    1st July 1916

    Thought shall be the harder , heart the keener,
    Courage the greater as our strength faileth.
    Here lies our leader ,in the dust of his greatness.
    Who leaves him now , be damned forever.
    We who are old now shall not leave this Battle,
    But lie at his feet , in the dust with our leader

    House Carles at the Battle of Hastings

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