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

[Gray]

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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You might notice the floodlights at the front and tail of the plane, when their beams met on the surface of the water the aircraft was at the right height. The bomb aimer also had a gadget he pointed at the dam towers to give him his dropping point. The rotation of the bomb rolled it down the dam wall to the detention depth.

 

[manclad]

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