RIP the last Dambuster.

[adt70hk]

Just saw this.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-bristol-63899393

[Tim Marlow]

Saw that on the news. Heard him speak at the History festival near Salisbury. He was part of a panel of seven veteran aircrew from each station within a Lancaster. Very interesting man who was not complimentary about Gibson in the slightest. Well worth a listen.

https://cvhf.org.uk/history-hub/cvhf-presents-the-bomber-crew/

[adt70hk]

Saw that on the news. Heard him speak at the History festival near Salisbury. He was part of a panel of seven veteran aircrew from each station within a Lancaster. Very interesting man who was not complimentary about Gibson in the slightest. Well worth a listen.

https://cvhf.org.uk/history-hub/cvhf-presents-the-bomber-crew/

Thanks Tim. Will have a listen. I have obviously a lot of things about Gibson's character.... And not much of it complementary..... The complete antithesis of Cheshire.

Is the chalk valley history festival worth a look? I know it's James Holland's thing.

[Jim R]

The generation with first hand memories of WW2 are sadly becoming fewer as the years go by. RIP Johnny Johnson. My thanks to you.

[Tim Marlow]

Thanks Tim. Will have a listen. I have obviously a lot of things about Gibson's character.... And not much of it complementary..... The complete antithesis of Cheshire.

Is the chalk valley history festival worth a look? I know it's James Holland's thing.

Depends what you are interested in really. It’s a good day out in my opinion, especially if you can add a couple of decent talks in. There are good reenactment set ups as well as the talks. I haven’t been since before Covid myself though. Check their web site to see what talks are on this year…..

[Geoffers]

I’ve just finished reading “After the Flood” by John Nichol which covers what 617 squadron did after the dams raid.
It features Johnny Johnson quite heavily, a very brave man as were his colleagues.

RIP Johnny.

Geoff.

[Ian M]

Rest in Peace Sir.

[AlanG]

Very interesting man who was not complimentary about Gibson in the slightest.

Have seen and heard that too. I know quite a few people (my father being one of them) saying the same about Bader too

[Tim Marlow]

Have seen and heard that too. I know quite a few people (my father being one of them) saying the same about Bader too

I’ve read that about Bader as well. Arranging golf matches with his mates while he should have been directing his subordinates comes to mind…..if you weren’t in the “in crowd” you virtually didn’t exist……

[adt70hk]

I’ve read that about Bader as well. Arranging golf matches with his mates while he should have been directing his subordinates comes to mind…..if you weren’t in the “in crowd” you virtually didn’t exist……

Have seen and heard that too. I know quite a few people (my father being one of them) saying the same about Bader too

I used to work with a former Hants police officer. For reasons I forget he met him whilst on duty a number of times and I think extremely arrogant was the only thing I say on a public forum...

[The Smythe Meister]

As one who served with 617 at Marham for a couple of years,and then went to the Gulf in the first war with the Squadron, I've obviously always had an affinity for them..
...and as just a civilian/modeller/WW2 History enthusiast also ...
.. I'm very sorry indeed to hear this,the last of a long line of legends :sad:
... Having said that, don't forget there have been,(and still are),many other heroic aircrews,from this iconic Squadron in later years,I had the honour of serving with some,that you,sadly for their families,will never hear the names of. :sad:

[Tim Marlow]

Still, he’s not Johnny Johnson so we are getting away from the subject…..