tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1476849574944012036.post2716249656540801503..comments2024-03-20T11:02:58.107+00:00Comments on coastrider: The Dambusters 70th Anniversarycoastkidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06722983165386248189noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1476849574944012036.post-17929135363460142522013-05-16T21:56:58.957+01:002013-05-16T21:56:58.957+01:00Hi Al, we saw the 617 Tornados flying over from Lo...Hi Al, we saw the 617 Tornados flying over from Lossiemouth while at work on the way to Scampton today for the memorial ceremony.<br /><br />I did read of your father`s 153 squadron based there in your writings, Bomber Command in my view should never have been judged for what they inflicted to Germany with Bombing, it was outright war, and the bravery of those young men i don`t think we today can really imagine the absolute fear and nerves they must have felt before, during and after the mission when so many of there comrades did not come back, heroes for ever that will always be remembered...<br /><br />pint soon?coastkidhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06722983165386248189noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1476849574944012036.post-49886227891250992052013-05-16T12:59:04.024+01:002013-05-16T12:59:04.024+01:00An odd fact but on not many appreciate is that the...An odd fact but on not many appreciate is that they flew off grass runways at Scampton to go on this mission. These were less reliable to use so after this mission Scampton was closed for 18 months to allow for the construction of concrete runways.<br /><br />The first squadron to use Scampton after {Oct 1944} that was 153 {bomber} Squadron, also flying Lancasters, which included my father. The men of 153 Squadron in some ways felt they had inherited Scampton from 617 and that they had something to live up to as a result.<br /><br />With a wingspan of about 110 feet you're absolutely right about the danger of maneuvering when flying at a height of 60ft. One false move and it was over. <br /><br />Operationally it wasn't that important {or even successful as steel production was only marginally affected}. Barnes Wallace was haunted by the losses incurred in the raid for the rest of his life as he felt almost personally responsible. Its real victory was in propaganda or morale if you prefer. Britain needed success after all they had endured, the RAF needed the recognition and support this generated and the German Reich surely understood that no matter how secure or inaccessible at target may have been, the RAF had the ability and the will to reach them no matter what.<br /><br />As for the men who flew those missions: Heroes one and all. But of course I'm biased.<br /><br />great piece Bruce.Alistairhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16667242161539996736noreply@blogger.com