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Dambusters Service

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Dambusters Given Service of Commemoration and Thanksgiving

Lincoln Catherdral Dambusters Remembrance Service

A Service of Commemoration and Thanksgiving took place at Lincoln Cathedral Friday, 17th May to remember and honour the lives of those who served in No: 617 Squadron, better known as the “Dambusters”, on the 70th anniversary of the Squadron’s momentous raid on the Ruhr valley dams of Nazi Germany. The congregation was more than 1,500 strong and included 617 Squadron veterans Les Munro & Johnny Johnson, daughter of Barnes Wallis, Mary Stopes-Roe, dignitaries from the Commonwealth nations and many officers and men serving and retired from the Royal Air Force. The Very Reverend Philip Buckler, the Dean of Lincoln referring to 617 Squadron in his opening prayer said, “We remember all who have served and still serve in that Squadron. We honour all who fight in the service of freedom.” He went on to add, “Today we especially pray for the Royal Air Force and all those who continue to work, often in immense danger, for justice and peace.”

Lincoln Catherdral Dambusters Remembrance ServiceDuring the commemoration 617 Squadron’s Standard was laid on the Alter and in the sermon given by the Royal Air Force Chaplain-in-Chief, Air Vice Marshal, the Venerable Ray Pentland said of it, “It stands to challenge our standards, our values of history,” adding “here then encapsulated in this material is the story of those who have gone before. It is their story but it is also your story; it is the Squadron’s heritage. Those who serve today tread in the footsteps of those we remember, celebrate and commemorate this day.”

In a solemn reading, which reflected the occasion, Squadron Leader Dunc’ Mason, the Officer Commanding the RAF’s Memorial Flight, read and excerpt from the Funeral Oration of Pericles, which concluded, “Remember that posterity can only be for the free; that freedom is the sure possession of those alone who have the courage to defend it.”

After the Service when the congregation had gathered outside, two Tornados from today’s 617 Squadron flew over the cathedral, followed moments later by the Lancaster bomber of the RAF Memorial Flight, the poignant sight moving several in the congregation to applaud.

Lincoln Catherdral Dambusters Remembrance Service

Editor: Ed Marshall
Photographer:Sgt Jez Doak and SAC Blake Carruthers

Fitting Tribute to Dambusters

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As the echo of four Merlin engines faded away, two RAF veterans were suddenly transported back 70 years to the moment their Lancaster bombers taxied for takeoff on a mission which would see them lose 53 of their closest friends.

The Royal Air Force's Memorial Flight Lancaster Bomber and 2 Spitfires, as well as 2 Tornado GR4's from the current 617 Squadron flew over the sunset ceremony at RAF Scampton in Lincolnshire marking the 70th Anniversary of the WWII Dams Raid of 1943.

For them and the daughter of the man who had the foresight and engineering ingenuity to create a precision weapon unheard of at the time, it was the start of a journey to remember the fallen comrades who gave their lives in arguably the most audacious and innovative air assault into Nazi Germany. A raid which hindered the progress of the mighty German war machine and provided a much needed boost to British morale during World War Two.

“I feel lucky in that I was in the right crew, in the right place at the right time” said former Sergeant ‘Johnny’ Johnson the bomb aimer who released his bomb on the Sorpe on the tenth attempt, “Of the 19 aircraft that took off, 2 had boomeranged, 17 headed for target of those, 8 were shot down or missing which meant it’s getting very close to 50% which is an awful lot of loss”

The Lancaster does a series of fly bys before landing at the sunset ceremony of the 70th anniversary of Op Chastise in 1943.

At a simple but poignant sunset ceremony held at RAF Scampton near Lincoln last night, veterans, civic dignitaries and serving members of the Royal Air Force joined together in collective thought and prayer for all those who died on the mission. In a symbolic gesture linking the past with the present, the Lancaster bomber of the RAF Memorial Flight joined two Tornado GR4 aircraft from the current 617 squadron for a flypast over the very spot where the bombers left 70 years ago destined for the heart of industrial Germany.

Air Officer Commanding Royal Air Force No.1 Group Air Vice Marshal Stuart Atha said;

“The airmen were drawn from across the commonwealth to deliver the most daring operation of all time. Under a full moon and armed with only self belief, courage and a bouncing bomb, they flew at tree top level deep into hostile territory. Now as then the Royal Air Force combines innovative technology, intense training, and engrained tenacity to deliver decisive effect on operations.”

Squadron Leader (Retd) Johnny Johnson

And in a final tribute to the bravery and selfless dedication of the Dambusters modern day counterparts he added; “The current members of 617 continue to write history, and I wish the ground crew and the aircrew of the Squadron well as they prepare for their forthcoming deployment to Afghanistan.”

Editor: Mike Drewett

Photographs:

The Royal Air Force's Memorial Flight Lancaster Bomber and 2 Spitfires, as well as 2 Tornado GR4's from the current 617 Squadron flew over the sunset ceremony at RAF Scampton in Lincolnshire marking the 70th Anniversary of the WWII Dams Raid of 1943.

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RAF/MOD Crown Copyright 2013

100 Years of Flying at Halton

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RAF Halton is this year celebrating 100 years of military flying from the former Rothschild Estate.

The Centenary of Flight which falls in the RAF’s 95th year is an achievement for both the Station and the local population who have supported the Halton since military aviation began here in 1913.

On 18th September 1913, an aircraft from 3 Squadron of the Royal Flying Corps (RFC) landed on the Rothschild estate. An event in its own right due to the newness of aviation, this flight was to mark the beginning of 100 years of military flying from the area.

Current airframes that operate at RAF Halton

Landing in a sheep pasture that today is called the Maitland Parade Square, the Henry Farman aircraft of 3 Squadron’s ‘B’ Flight was one of 11 aeroplanes to operate from the Rothschild estate whilst Army battalions practiced their summer manoeuvres in 1913. Within the five years since the very first flight in Britain, the Army had recognised the value of aircraft and were using a number of experimental airframes for reconnaissance purposes.

In 1917, as the use of aircraft in the War effort increased, there was a pressing need to expand technical training in the RFC, and RAF Halton became the main training unit for aircraft mechanics. After the RAF was formed in 1918 this training expanded by the introduction of the RAF Apprentice Scheme which ran for 73 years from 1920. The need for aircraft on which to train these aircraft mechanics ensured ongoing air activity at RAF Halton.

 

RAF Halton has been linked to a number of advances in military aviation during its long history including; visits by Nazi test pilots prior to World War 2, landings on the grass by Vulcan bombers and Comet airliners, the first ever operational rotary wing squadron during World War 2, the crash landing of a highly-classified US special operations aircraft in 1944 and human powered flight. Some of the most influential names in aviation are connected in whole or part to RAF Halton, some went on to design the jet engine whilst others provided the inspiration and know how to build the Colditz glider.

Today the airfield is home to a variety of RAF and RAF Flying Club aircraft, including gliders, motorgliders, microlights, light aircraft and a hot air balloon; with the occasional visit from an RAF Chinook, Merlin, and Puma helicopters, a Spitfire, and even a Hercules transport aircraft.

Editor: Flt Lt Higgins

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Current airframes that operate at RAF Halton.

RAF/MOD Crown Copyright 2013

Reds Arrows Ready

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Red Arrows Awarded 2013 Public Display Authority

The Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, The RAF Red Arrows, were today awarded their Public Display Authority (PDA) for 2013 by Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Stephen Dalton.

The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Stephen Dalton joins the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team.

On awarding the Team’s PDA, Sir Stephen said:

“The Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, the Red Arrows, have designed a display of precision formation flying that encapsulates the agility and demonstrates the pure flying qualities required in the Royal Air Force. The Reds are an iconic symbol of the United Kingdom and their displays are vividly demonstrating excellence in precision, teamwork and dynamic flying.

“The commitment of the Squadron, the pilots, the organisation and all who support them, work extremely hard throughout the year to achieve this degree of excellence, on the ground and in the air. They promote the Royal Air Force in the most positive way and continue to strive to be the best of the best for which they are recognised worldwide.”

The Chief of the Air Staff and Air Officer Commanding 22 (Training) Group, Air Vice Marshal Mike Lloyd, spent 2 days flying with the team, and observing the 2013 display on 5 separate occasions. They also observed 2 run-throughs of the full display. This was to ensure that the Team had satisfied the highest safety standards and also provided a display that was a credit to the RAF and the United Kingdom.

The Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team (The Red Arrows)

Air Vice Mike Marshal Lloyd said:

“I am delighted that the Red Arrows have been awarded Public Display Authority for the 2013 season. They have completed an intense training period to work back up to the traditional 9 aircraft in close formation. This year, they are incorporating a few new formations, amongst which is the “Lancaster” in recognition of the 70th Anniversary of the Dambusters Raid. I know the Team is excited about the 49th display season.”

It has been a nervous week for all the pilots especially the three new pilots who will be taking part in their first airshow after leaving Cyprus.

The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Chief Marshal Sir Stephen Dalton watches one of two displays performed by the Red Arrows

Team Leader, Squadron Leader Jim Turner (Red 1) said:

“After 7 months of intensive training, finished off with an 8 week deployment to Greece and Cyprus, I am extremely pleased to announce that the Red Arrows have been awarded Public Display Approval. The Team have all worked exceptionally hard to get to this stage and we are very excited at the prospect of displaying in front of the public once again. The Team have returned to displaying as a 9-ship for the 2013 Display Season and I am extremely proud of the way in which the entire Team have worked together to achieve this important milestone.

The Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team (The Red Arrows)

The Team will return to our home-base at RAF Scampton on the 26 May after a series of displays in Cyprus, Greece and France, where we will be taking part in the 60th anniversary celebrations for the French National Display Team, the Patrouille de France. I sincerely hope that you get the opportunity to see us at a display or a flypast this year and that the 2013 Display is every bit as good as past routines. I would like to extend my thanks and that of my Team for all the support we have had over the past year. Eclat.”

The Red Arrows will first UK display will be at Duxford Spring Airshow on 26th May.

Photographs:

The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Stephen Dalton joins the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team.

The Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team (The Red Arrows) training over RAF Akrotiri, Cyprus on Ex Spring Hawk.

The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Chief Marshal Sir Stephen Dalton watches one of two displays performed by the Red Arrows.

RAF/MOD Crown Copyright 2013