RAF BOMBER COMMAND SIGNING EVENT – 21st FEBRUARY
An event not to be missed for any RAF Bomber Command enthusiast!
The ‘Tallboy’ and ‘Grand Slam’ bombs, developed by inventor Sir Barnes Wallis, were used by RAF Bomber Command during WWII against strategic targets which prior, smaller bombs proved inefficient. Two squadrons equipped with these mighty weapons were to become some of the most famous squadrons in the history of RAF Bomber Command – 617 squadron and 9 squadron.
We are delighted to be joined at the UK gallery in Wendover by highly-distinguished veterans who served with these squadrons during WWII:
Squadron Leader GEORGE ‘JOHNNY’ JOHNSON DFM - previously with 97 Sqn, he joined 617 Sqn as Bomb Aimer on Lancaster AJ-T ‘Tommy’ which attacked the Sorpe Dam as part of the Dambusters Raid, scoring a direct hit.
It is of great historical significance that 'Johnny' is now the last surviving British Dambuster to take part in the raids.
Warrant Officer FRANK TILLEY - after training as a Flight Engineer he volunteered for 617 Sqn taking part in all of the raids against the Tirpitz. At the end of 1944 his aircraft sustained significant damage on a raid to Politz, East Germany and his crew were forced to crash land in Lincolnshire on their way back to base.
Squadron Leader BENNY GOODMAN - qualifying as a Pilot he joined 617 Sqn flying Lancasters where his crew completed a full tour of 30 Ops together. Some of their notable raids included attacking the Tirpitz, the Arnsberg Viaduct and Hitler’s alpine home in Berchtesgaden.
Wing Commander JOHN BELL MBE DFC - as a Bomb Aimer he originally flew with 619 Sqn with Pilot Bob Knights until the whole crew transferred to 617 Sqn flying the Lancaster "Thumper MKIII". He completed a total of 50 Ops, of which 29 were with 617 Sqn.
Warrant Officer JACK LINAKER - after qualifying as a Rear Gunner he was posted to 9 Sqn serving on Lancasters equipped with the 'Tallboy' bomb. He completed a total of 18 Ops and notably to lead the final raid on Hitler’s famous Berchtesgaden.
Warrant Officer HARRY IRONS DFC - joining the RAF in 1940 at the age of 16, he flew as a Rear Gunner on Lancasters with 9 Sqn, taking part in many special missions including the raids against the Tirpitz. He was the posted to 158 Sqn flying Halifaxes, finishing the war with a total of 75 Ops.
Our guests are happy to sign items for customers and entry is FREE but STRICTLY by ticket only. We are currently taking bookings so please contact us now to reserve your place.
