He flew with a Short Stirling (type I, serial BF398, code AA-P).
Operation Chastise - The 'Dambusters' Raid
One of the most daring raids of the war was undertaken by newly-formed No 617 Squadron. Under the inspired leadership of Wing Commander Guy Gibson, the squadron attempted to breach a number of dams in Germany in an attempt to severly disrupt German industrial output. Of the four attacked, two, the Möhne and Eder were breached. The cost to the squadron was enormous. Nineteen aircraft were scheduled for the attacks, but only 12 made it and a further four more were lost on the return journey. 53 crew members were killed with a further 3 taken prisoner.
For his leadership, Gibson, who later went on to become one of the most famous of all Bomber Command pilots, received the Victoria Cross. Another 34 decorations were made to other members of the squadron.
A full description of Operation Chastise will be added to the Bomber Command site in the near future
9 Mosquitos to Berlin, Cologne, Düsseldorf and Münster, 54 aircraft minelaying off Biscay ports and in the Frisians, 4 OTU sorties. 1 Wellington minelayer lost.
13 Venturas bombed Caen airfield without loss.
3 Mosquitos to Munich, 6 aircraft minelaying off La Pallice. 1 Stirling minelayer lost.
This record can also be found on the maps of WW2 History Europe with Google coordinates. You can find the maps by clicking on this link on this location.
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