The Avro Lancaster
A special fly past was held today to mark the 65th anniversary of the Dambusters raid.
On 16th May 1943, the Avro Lancasters of 617 Squadron dropped “bouncing bombs” on German dams in the Ruhr valley.
A total of 19 aircraft set out on the raid, and though eight were lost, and 53 crew lost their lives, the raid was classed as a success. The Mohne and Eder were breached, damaging a vital source of power for the key industrial region of Germany.
The Dambusters trained at Derwent Reservoir in Derbyshire, and it was here that the fly past was to take place, with a Lancaster, Hurricane, Spitfire and Dakota taking part, along with two Tornadoes from the present 617 Squadron.
The Dambusters Squadron is arguably the most famous of the Second World War, and was commanded by Wing Commander Guy Gibson.
Filed under: Aviation, Historic Anniversaries | Tagged: 617 Squadron, Avro lancaster, bouncing bomb, Dambusters, Guy Gibson, RAF
