And so we bid farewell to Les Munro, 96, a New Zealander and in his youth a member of that "band of brothers" in 617 Squadron who formed the RAF attack force on the German dams that were an important part of the power source for the Ruhr industrial area. It was a brilliantly conceived operation which stemmed from the genius of Barnes Wallis the principal scientist involved. It almost goes without saying that the skill and courage involved in flying those huge lumbering Lancaster bombers in a dead straight line at just 60' above the water was immense. It's true that the end result was a tactical rather than a strategic success but the huge boost to morale on the 'home front' should not be discounted. It is doubly disappointing that true to his stubborn stupidity, 'Bomber' Harris failed to send in follow-up, high-level bomber raids which would have extended the German repair programme enormously.
Les Munro leaning out of the cockpit of Lancaster 'W for William', which he flew on the DamBusters raid Photo: DixNoonanWebb/BNPS
Anyway, I have just discovered that the raid took place on my fourth birthday, so thanks for that, Les Munro and the rest of your comrades, it was the best birthday present I ever received - pity I didn't know about it at the time!
David I have fond memories of being in the Mess at Brize and staying overnight before flying out for an exercise in Germany. Those old honorary members so well turned out made me proud. We Will Remember Them.
Posted by: jimmy glesga | Tuesday, 04 August 2015 at 22:36
The Petwood Hotel in Woodhall Spa was nabbed by the RAF & used as an officers mess during WW2. It has a fine collection of Bomber Command memorabilia on display : well worth a visit.
kind regards
Posted by: david morris | Wednesday, 05 August 2015 at 12:21
Thanks for that tip, David, although the chances of me visiting Lincolnshire are fairly remote. Hope you're keeping well.
Posted by: David Duff | Wednesday, 05 August 2015 at 14:34