RIP: Wing Commander John Bell MBE, DFC, Legion d’Honneur, the last British wartime aircrew member of 617 Squadron.

[Eccles Blue]

RIP and condolences to his family and friends. A very brave man.

 

[manclad]

He was the last of " The Dambusters".
R.I.P. John.

 

[Franny 1234]

We will never forget
We will remember you.
It's impossible to thank you enough for your unselfishness guys like Sir John put the great in great Britain.

 

[Djibrilshairdo]

Brave lads they were, average age for WW2 crews just 22.

Watched Masters of the Air on tv over the last week, overly cgi’d drama about USAAF B17 WW2 crews but interestingly factually accurate in the individuals portrayed such as Robert Rosenthal who saw out the war completing 52 daytime missions.

 

[PPT]

Brave lads they were, average age for WW2 crews just 22.

Watched Masters of the Air on tv over the last week, overly cgi’d drama about USAAF B17 WW2 crews but interestingly factually accurate in the individuals portrayed such as Robert Rosenthal who saw out the war completing 52 daytime missions.

Lads his age now start crying if they can't work from home or say they can't work because of 'Mental Elf' issues...

 

[Johnny Mars Bar]

Brave lads they were, average age for WW2 crews just 22.

Watched Masters of the Air on tv over the last week, overly cgi’d drama about USAAF B17 WW2 crews but interestingly factually accurate in the individuals portrayed such as Robert Rosenthal who saw out the war completing 52 daytime missions.

I watched that recently too. Thought it was breathtaking.

Yes obviously a lot of CGI but I thought it was very tastefully done and the characters and stories told with a deep level of respect and honour.

Tom Hanks and Steven Spielberg produced it didn’t they.

Brilliant programme IMO and at the end of the last episode when they showed the real people I shed a tear or two.

There’s a documentary out about the real 100th bombers now on Apple TV and I might watch it tonight.

 

[Gray]

 

[Two Gun Bob]

View attachment 111560

That's a beautiful picture Mr Gray, affording excellent indicators as to the skill, precisition and courage, re the low level flying demanded by the crew of 617 squadron, to accomplish their mission over the dams.

Just had a look on Wiki, and apparantly the mines were dropped at 60 ft at a speed of 240 mph from the release point, the mine would then skip across the surface of the water before hitting the dam as its forward speed ceased.

Although John didn't take part on operation Chastise, joining the squadron at a later date after a stint with 619 squadron, he did accomplish 50 missions over enemy territory, including precision raids with 617 squadron that contributed greatly to the war effort.

A very nice Tribute to Wing Commander Bell below, from the Royal Airforces Benevelent Fund

Fund pays tribute to Bomber Command veteran, Wing Commander John Bell MBE DFC LdH

All at the RAF Benevolent Fund pay tribute to the service and life of Wing Commander John Bell MBE DFC LdH, who sadly passed away on 18 March 2024 at the age of 100 – due to turn 101 on 25 March at his home in Storrington, West Sussex.

www.rafbf.org

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[ChicagoBlue]

There’s a documentary out about the real 100th bombers now on Apple TV and I might watch it tonight.

It is outstanding.

 

[ChicagoBlue]

Respect, Wing Commander. We all owe you a debt of gratitude. Tailwinds.