Dambuster/617 Memorabilia

[Martin Bull]

I decided to put this in the 'Aces' section because if they weren't, then who is...? ;)

As there's been a fair bit of interest in All Things 617 on here recently, I had some fun digging this piece of memorabilia out of the spare room :o

It's Bob Knights' autographed menu card from the 1983 617 reunion : -

http://s23.photobucket.com/albums/b380/jgfive/Gibson012.jpg

It's signed by Leonard Cheshire, Bob Knights, Toby Foxlee, Douglas Webb, Tammy Simpson, Bill Townsend, David Shannon and Nick Knilans. One of those things which seemed expensive at the time I bought it, but never regretted it since.....:)

( PS : Wish I'd been there.....:( )

[kevjb64]

Very :cool MB .

[prune]

Damn,I'll have to chuck all his signed stuff out now:D
http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/news/campaigns/forces/article1188343.ece

[kevjb64]

Damn,I'll have to chuck all his signed stuff out now:D
http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/news/campaigns/forces/article1188343.ece

:LOL:

[kevjb64]

MB you inspired me to open the lid of the good old 617 Sqdn box of goodies , a few FDC's . :)

http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll124/kevjb64/img126.jpg

http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll124/kevjb64/img125.jpg

http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll124/kevjb64/Gibson.jpg

http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll124/kevjb64/img129.jpg

http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll124/kevjb64/Chesire.jpg

http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll124/kevjb64/img122-1.jpg

http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll124/kevjb64/tirpitz.jpg

[Martin Bull]

That's a very nice collection Kev ! :cool: I've acquired some of those covers over the years, including one with the rare signature of Tony Burcher who was shot down in Hopgood's aircraft on the Raid.....

[prune]

Some nice signed stuff here,Christmas is coming:)
http://www.vectorfineart.co.uk/Newsletters/Xmas08/xmas-newsletter.html
First time I've ever seen a Sailor Malan sig. offered.

[kevjb64]

Some nice signed stuff here,Christmas is coming:)
http://www.vectorfineart.co.uk/Newsletters/Xmas08/xmas-newsletter.html
First time I've ever seen a Sailor Malan sig. offered.

Some great stuff there . :)

[kevjb64]

That's a very nice collection Kev ! :cool: I've acquired some of those covers over the years, including one with the rare signature of Tony Burcher who was shot down in Hopgood's aircraft on the Raid.....

Nice sig to have that one . :cool

[eismeer]

Some well :cool: memorabillia there guys, worthy of any collection:cool:

Good find on the sig sales prune, some very desirable ones there for sure:cool:

[minter]

those envelopes are a good way to get sigs, have a few myself and with a nice little piece of artwork they are well :cool

[Dutchie]

Nice to see these Memorabilia:cool:

[CFBC]

Here are a couple of items I picked-up earlier this year...

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j273/dljames/dljames2/eb7ac276.jpg

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j273/dljames/dljames2/09768e2a.jpg

I have a few more bits and pieces and will try and scan them too....

[no4mkit]

???!!! Didn't get the low pass on the waterfront when I flew in VR-A!! :mad: :LOL: ;)

[CFBC]

???!!! Didn't get the low pass on the waterfront when I flew in VR-A!! :mad: :LOL: ;)

Go on, rub it in... :rolleyes:

[kevjb64]

I like that CWH one CFBC , very nice not seen it before . Got some more so will post at a later date .:)

[kevjb64]

those envelopes are a good way to get sigs, have a few myself and with a nice little piece of artwork they are well :cool

Agree they are very good and do not have to be framed / take up room like a print so they are a viable alternative . Costs not too bad either though some of the multi-signed rare ones do run into 4 figures sometimes . :)

[prune]

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1085889/What-REALLY-like-The-Dambusters-audacious-bombing-raid-World-War-II.html

[kevjb64]

Read that this morning , very interesting , must get the book . :)

[david cotton]

I have the Dambuster In Focus book, as my bit of 617 memorabilia :) A strange man sold it to me at Elvington.....signed copy he said......I'll have it said I :D

I gets it home and looks for the signature....can't find in any where :unsure: ....so I looks on the back page and there it is..... AF (Athol Forbes :eek: )..........looks like I've nicked your book Red 2 :D

[kevjb64]

Been asked to post one or two bits of stuff relating to my uncle on another forum so thought would stick them on here as well : -

What I presume is F/lt Gumbley and crew , back says either KC-D or O , DV405 ??

http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll124/kevjb64/img136.jpg

Artwork that my grandfather had signed by the King .

http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll124/kevjb64/img135.jpg

Local newspaper article about my uncle : -

http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll124/kevjb64/Eddie.jpg

[Martin Bull]

Kev, that is absolutely priceless stuff. Many thanks indeed for sharing it with us.....

[kevjb64]

A few more covers : -

http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll124/kevjb64/img137.jpg

http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll124/kevjb64/img138.jpg

This one I was not going to post as I thought CFBC had already but just as I was going to put it away I noticed that apart from the artwork everything else is different , date stamp , sigs . Have obviously seen the same FDC with diff. sigs before but do not remember one with all the printing of the names diff. as well etc. :unsure:

http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll124/kevjb64/img139.jpg

[Martin Bull]

the rare signature of Tony Burcher who was shot down in Hopgood's aircraft on the Raid.....

Went and found it from my collection. It's very scarce indeed : -

http://s23.photobucket.com/albums/b380/jgfive/Pathfinders.jpg

[kevjb64]

Went and found it from my collection. It's very scarce indeed : -

http://s23.photobucket.com/albums/b380/jgfive/Pathfinders.jpg

Very hard to locate . :(

[Martin Bull]

He shunned any publicity to do with the Dambusters, signed no aviation prints AFAIK, and left no memoirs....

[kevjb64]

A few more covers : -

http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll124/kevjb64/img140.jpg

http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll124/kevjb64/img141.jpg

http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll124/kevjb64/img142.jpg

[CFBC]

Second one with the "Lincoln Imp" on is :cool Kev, thanks for posting...

[kevjb64]

Went and found it from my collection. It's very scarce indeed : -

http://s23.photobucket.com/albums/b380/jgfive/Pathfinders.jpg

Will it ton ?? : -

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&Item=330291139899&Category=73183n

[Martin Bull]

No, but it went for £75 - quite a hefty amount for one autograph. Pleased to say that I paid a lot less for my one.....

[kevjb64]

No, but it went for £75 - quite a hefty amount for one autograph. Pleased to say that I paid a lot less for my one.....

Thats about average for his lately , he seems to have signed only two FDC's ( officially , i.e.organized and signed a fair number ) and this one is a bit uninspiring but have seen it go for £ 55 - £ 80 . Like buses you do not see one for weeks and then three of his sig's come on all at once . :rolleyes: :)

[kevjb64]

I like this and it is good value if you got it at the starting bid but it is a shame so many of the sigs are on one and not spread about a bit more : -

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=300277794973&ru=http%3A%2F%2Fshop.ebay.co.uk%3A80%2F%3F_from%3D R40%26_trksid%3Dm38%26_nkw%3D300277794973%2509%26_ sacat%3DSee-All-Categories%26_fvi%3D1

[kevjb64]

I like this and it is good value if you got it at the starting bid but it is a shame so many of the sigs are on one and not spread about a bit more : -

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=300277794973&ru=http%3A%2F%2Fshop.ebay.co.uk%3A80%2F%3F_from%3D R40%26_trksid%3Dm38%26_nkw%3D300277794973%2509%26_ sacat%3DSee-All-Categories%26_fvi%3D1

Well £ 421 is a very good price for this so seller should be happy . Mind you big prices being paid for 617 stuff currently ( it ain't me -blush- ) . On top of Burcher , Feneron's went for £ 48 and Maclean's made £ 65 . -smile

[kevjb64]

These big prices have certainly brought the sellers out , do not think I have ever seen so much signed stuff on the bay to do with 617 . -smile

[Martin Bull]

I got most of my rare Dambuster stuff several years ago - it's been nice recently to quietly add some later 617 signed covers. There have been plenty on evilbay, bidding hasn't been too crazy, and I'm OK with £9.99 for a signed cover.....-smile

[CFBC]

Guys,

Visited the Lincolnshire Life Museum today with the father-in-law and whilst there they had (unknown to me as not been for years) a collection of stamps and covers.... As I was walking out from the room I noted three displays of Lancaster and 617 Squadrom covers I thought you may be interested in.

I took three quick snaps.....

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j273/dljames/dljames2/LLM1.jpg

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j273/dljames/dljames2/LLM2.jpg

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j273/dljames/dljames2/LLM3.jpg

For a £2.25 entry fee, a great little museum and also houses an original WWI tank rescused and returned from the Germans and produced in Lincoln! ;) :cool

[kevjb64]

Does not look like they are signed but even so a very nice collection and a couple of very rare ones there .:)

[uksubs]

New book out this month Dambusters: The Forging of a Legend: 617 Squadron in World War II

[stan]

For those of you with the larger wallet:

(Scroll down to Lot 395)

http://www.wellingtonauctions.com/AuctionListing3.htm

NB Moderator I have no connection with this auction in any way

[kevjb64]

Big treat coming up Thursday as I am spending the day at Jim Shortlands house to have a look at some of his 617 stuff .:cool :cool :cool I am taking over some of my uncle's pieces , bits already posted on this thread , so thought I would post a couple more as I have them out of store . I personally had not seen stuff like this until I inherited it upon the death of my grandmother .

http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll124/kevjb64/EDBARNETT.jpg


http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll124/kevjb64/EBarnett.jpg

[Martin Bull]

It's a truly awful thought that 55,000 letters like that went out to families of Bomber Command aircrew.

Those are irreplaceable items, Kev - I envy you your treat this Thursday ! :cool:

[kevjb64]

It's a truly awful thought that 55,000 letters like that went out to families of Bomber Command aircrew.

Those are irreplaceable items, Kev - I envy you your treat this Thursday ! :cool:

What can I say except my head is still trying to catalogue the vast amounts of brill 617 stuff I have seen today . JS is just so interesting to chat with , even for 5 hours .:cool :cool The best is probably the live footage of 617's raids that have never been produced anywhere in the world . :cool

[prune]

What a display piece this would make,assuming it is what it says it is
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=390049608096&_rdc=1

[Martin Bull]

Ouch - for that kind of money, I'd want absolute proof ( ie engine number etc )......:unsure:

[DCRanger]

Even if fully verified I don't think I would want it.

[prune]

Even if fully verified I don't think I would want it.

Yep,its one thing having a piece of memorabilia associated with survivors of the raid,but if that piece is genuine the whole crew died in the crash.

[minter]

not much but, picked this up in a chairty book shop, printed in 1958, and for 50p thought i would have it

[kevjb64]

So with Chesire's Lanc to join my collection I decided to take along this cover commemorating the raid to the 617 Sqn signing event . :)



http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll124/kevjb64/img770.jpg

[kevjb64]

Recently my mum asked me to get into the loft and have a clear out . Tucked away in an old suitcase were another pile of letters from her brother . Also from his crew to my grandparents , seems they were regular visitors to their house , often even if my uncle could not join them . Also of interest a lot of this stuff was from his full tour with 44 Sqn and his time as an instructor , he obviously toured 5 Group bases as the letters are from numerous places including RAF Scampton etc . I know some on here are interested by this stuff so will post a few things : -

I had owned the official letter for many years but not the telegraph , mum was convinced no one would have thrown it away and she was right . ;)

http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll124/kevjb64/img771.jpg

Also the letter from the ' Casualty Branch ' surfaced

http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll124/kevjb64/img772.jpg

The letter from Woodall Spa concerning his personal effects

http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll124/kevjb64/img774.jpg

One of his letters , he wrote a bit when he joined 617 Sqn but obviously once training started and ops he went a bit quite . Letters resumed 8 ops in with the idea that if he got through the tour he may do a 3rd . Also wanted to know if football was still on as he wanted to do the pools ;) :LOL: , his selections are written on the back of many a letter for my grandfather to fill out for him every week .

http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll124/kevjb64/img775.jpg

A letter from the RAF Benevolent Fund who I am often told did a marvelous job during and after the war , my grandparents were not needy but very pleased to receive the letter . To offset this though are a number of letters from the Inland Revenue Office in Littlewoods building Liverpool asking my grandfather to legally confirm the date and time of death as supplied to him by the RAF , seems if you died on ops and it could be proven to be 1 minute after midnight , they wanted an extra days tax off you . :mad:

http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll124/kevjb64/img773.jpg

[minter]

very interesting,thanks for posting, your last comment about the tax, yep some things dont change do they :rolleyes:

[Martin Bull]

Those are a fantastic piece of history, Kev.

'I may carry on and do a few more...'

The personally-written letter amid the faceless official forms really catches you. The sheer awfulness of thousands upon thousands of quiet homes receiving that dreaded telegram can only be imagined by us.

[Agent X20]

The tragedy is they were only six weeks away from the end of the war..

Let's not forget that the awfulness still continues today..:(

[johnnyboy]

I remember my Mum not wanting to open a telegram for fear it was bad news while my brother was serving in Aden at the time of the troubles.So I can only begin to Imagen what it must to have have been like for those family to have seen a telegram boy standing at the door... Thanks for posting them Kev

[eismeer]

Kev,thanks for sharing this piece of history and your family memories with us, it really is quite touching.

Like Agent, i was instantly drawn to the date and how close to the end of the war your Uncle and his crew were.

Very tragic.

[kevjb64]

617 stuff seems to be on the up again lately with a few big prices this year ;

Ebay No. 200638436517 is having a bit of a go currently .

[david cotton]

617 stuff seems to be on the up again lately with a few big prices this year ;

Ebay No. 200638436517 is having a bit of a go currently .

Signatures.... lots of debate about WW2 signatures in general at the moment :eek:

However, I see that at least 6 Bomb Away prints , by Robert Taylor, were up for Auction last week.

The 4 standard prints with 6 sigs all went for about £60.......not sure about the last one......way below £145 RRP. :eek:

The 9 sigs ones did better, at just under £200. ....£50 below RRP :eek:

[kevjb64]

Signatures.... lots of debate about WW2 signatures in general at the moment :eek:

However, I see that at least 6 Bomb Away prints , by Robert Taylor, were up for Auction last week.

The 4 standard prints with 6 sigs all went for about £60.......not sure about the last one......way below £145 RRP. :eek:

The 9 sigs ones did better, at just under £200. ....£50 below RRP :eek:

I brought one of the 9 sigs one away . :)

[the_old_un]

Kev that is an excellent collection of history and no doubt that you will find more hidden away.

As you and others know that the Lancaster has always been involved with my family as we all lived in Chadderton almost next door to the huge factory. Several worked on the production line but my mums sister is the only one that ever described her work installing wiring looms for a while and eventually she moved on to be a QC examiner checking the turrets.

She had photographs but alas they all went missing over the years.

She once described how air crew used to visit the factory and quite often attended weekend dances.

I hope to do the Lancaster, that I am putting together, the justice that it deserves as a tribute. Daft as it sounds I have had one approach for it to be displayed at a well known venue. Thats if I finish it to a high enough standard and it will be P-OS.

[kevjb64]

Kev that is an excellent collection of history and no doubt that you will find more hidden away.

As you and others know that the Lancaster has always been involved with my family as we all lived in Chadderton almost next door to the huge factory. Several worked on the production line but my mums sister is the only one that ever described her work installing wiring looms for a while and eventually she moved on to be a QC examiner checking the turrets.

She had photographs but alas they all went missing over the years.

She once described how air crew used to visit the factory and quite often attended weekend dances.

I hope to do the Lancaster, that I am putting together, the justice that it deserves as a tribute. Daft as it sounds I have had one approach for it to be displayed at a well known venue. Thats if I finish it to a high enough standard and it will be P-OS.

i am sure it will be finished to a high standard if what you have shown us so far is anything to go by . :)

[kevjb64]

617 stuff seems to be on the up again lately with a few big prices this year ;

Ebay No. 200638436517 is having a bit of a go currently .

Finished at £ 414 . :)

[kevjb64]

Been asked to post one or two bits of stuff relating to my uncle on another forum so thought would stick them on here as well : -

What I presume is F/lt Gumbley and crew , back says either KC-D or O , DV405 ??

http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll124/kevjb64/img136.jpg

Artwork that my grandfather had signed by the King .

http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll124/kevjb64/img135.jpg

Local newspaper article about my uncle : -

http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll124/kevjb64/Eddie.jpg

My mothers recent death has led to a large number of old photographs being found ( no idea how she hid them , we cleared the bungalow right through on at least two occasions at her request , whilst she was alive and she allocated stuff to each child :confused: ) . Many of these are war related and a fair number concerning her brother KIA with 617 . A number he wrote on the back and I can now tie them into what are only now known to be copies I had been given .


http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll124/kevjb64/img046.jpg

This is on the back of the top one , with the aircrew at the back of the Lanc . Looking at the history of 617 , the only time the crew flew in this configuration was on Operation Catechism . So as I always suspected the plane is indeed DV405 . :)

[no4mkit]

What a great find Kev! :cool

[kevjb64]

What a great find Kev! :cool

There are at least I would guess 200 , many of her , her brother and their cousin ( also on Lancs ) but also of my father ( Tank Regiment ) , his brothers ( Royal Marine Commando , Gloucester Rifles ) and his two uncles ( Airborne ) . Going to be fun going through them . :)

[kevjb64]

I also got the one for Chesire ;

http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll124/kevjb64/Chesiremedals.jpg

http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll124/kevjb64/chesiremedals2.jpg

[the_old_un]

Just fabulous Kev.

[Craig]

An amazing collection Kev. I know the Oakleaf is MiD, but what do the roses signify?

[kevjb64]

An amazing collection Kev. I know the Oakleaf is MiD, but what do the roses signify?

Signifies a bar on the actual medal . :)

[Davidte2007]

:cool Nice Kev ;) Nice. :) ;)

[Craig]

Signifies a bar on the actual medal . :)
Ah thanks for that! Is there any significance behind the gold and silver? :)

[kevjb64]

No idea on that one . :)

[The Defiant Man]

Ah thanks for that! Is there any significance behind the gold and silver? :)

From "Medal Yearbook 2011".....

DSO: "Silver rosettes are worn on the ribbon in dress uniform"

There is no mention of gold rosettes, so they might unfortunately be wrong (sorry, Kev!).

The silver rosette is on the Air Crew Europe Star. The silver rosette denotes either the Atlantic or France & Germany clasp.

[kevjb64]

From "Medal Yearbook 2011".....

DSO: "Silver rosettes are worn on the ribbon in dress uniform"

There is no mention of gold rosettes, so they might unfortunately be wrong (sorry, Kev!).

The silver rosette is on the Air Crew Europe Star. The silver rosette denotes either the Atlantic or France & Germany clasp.

No worries and I have no idea if this is right but just had a chat with a mate who knows a bit more than me ( not hard :rolleyes: :o :D ) on the subject and it may have changed , he thinks in 1993 . :unsure: Prior to this the rosette matched the colour of the bar , silver for the DFC and gold for the DSO , now all are silver . :unsure:

I guess what we need is a colour photo of say Gibson in May 1943 as he got his bar to the DSO in April .

[kevjb64]

N
I guess what we need is a colour photo of say Gibson in May 1943 as he got his bar to the DSO in April .

Or failing that a small pot of silver paint . :rolleyes: :D ;)

[The Defiant Man]

No worries and I have no idea if this is right but just had a chat with a mate who knows a bit more than me ( not hard :rolleyes: :o :D ) on the subject and it may have changed , he thinks in 1993 . :unsure: Prior to this the rosette matched the colour of the bar , silver for the DFC and gold for the DSO , now all are silver . :unsure:

I guess what we need is a colour photo of say Gibson in May 1943 as he got his bar to the DSO in April .

He could be right.....no mention of it in the book.....in fact, many of the medals (inc. DFC) don't mention the colour of the rosette at all, but the DSO does. It also says....

"As a result of the 1993 review of gallantry awards and award system, the DSO is now awarded for "Leadership" only and theoretically available to all ranks (but is not awarded posthumously). It has been replaced by the Conspicious Gallantry Cross as the award for gallantry".

[kevjb64]

With next to nothing arriving of interest on the diecast front been adding to other sections of the collection . Picked this up as it one for the actual raid my uncle was KIA on ;


http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll124/kevjb64/617Arbergen.jpg

[kevjb64]

I have finally mapped out my uncles missions whilst with 617 Sqn ;

28.10.44

Lancaster I . DV.380 , KC-X

Bombing Tirpitz 1 x Tallboy . Made four runs over target decided accurate bombing impossible . This decision was approved by Force Leader . Did not bomb .


12.11.44 Up 0319 Down 1537

Lancaster I DV.405 KC-J

Bombing Tirpitz . 1 x Tallboy . 0843 hrs . 15,400 ft . One seen to enter the water about twenty yards off the Tirpitz .A dull red glow was observed well forward of the port bow .


08.12.44 Up 0934 Down 1310

Lancaster DV405, KC-J

Bombing URFT DAM 1X Tallboy . Saw target once or twice but could not make a run .Tait had force circle for a long time but cloud was very heavy he aborted raid at 11:40


11.12.44 Up 1251 Down 1819

Lancaster I DV405 , KC- J

1559 3/4 6000 ‘ Bombing URFT DAM 1 x Tallnboy . We could not see our bomb burst owing to cloud . No direct hits seen .


15.12.44 Up 1334 Down 1610

Lancaster I DV.380 KC-X

1502 1/4 10000’ Bombing U-Boat Pens IJMUIDEN . 1 X Tallboy Our Bomb hit the F N.W. Corner of the pens . We also saw a near miss on the N.W.side .


21.12.44 Up 1700 Down 0245

Lancaster I DV.405, KC-J

Bombing POLITZ. 1 X Tallboy . 2200 1/2 16900 ‘ We could not see our bomb burst .

Target area was very smoky . Impossible to assess bombing . The flare gave good illumination but not over the A.P.


29.12.44 Up 1334 Down 1623

Lancaster I DV.405 , KC-J

Bombing E-BOAT PENS , ROTTERDAM . 1 X Tallboy 1457 1/2 16660 ‘ Bomb unobserved due to smoke . A good many near misses . No direct hit seen .


30.12.44 Up 1449 Down 1708

Lancaster I DV.405 , KC-J

Bombing E-Boat pens , IJMUIDEN . 1 X Tallboy . Did not Bomb . Mission aborted by leader Calder , cloud cover down to 4000 ‘ .


31.12.44 Up 1959 Down 0345

Lancaster I DV.405 , KC-J

Bombing shipping , OSLO FIORD . 1 X Tallboy . 0051. 10200 ‘ Bomb was near miss off port side of ship .Immediately after bombng the ship appeared to swing to starboard and the stop .


3.2.45 Up 1418 Down 1710

Lancaster I , DV405 , KC-J

Bombing Midget Submarine Shelters POORTERSHAVEN , 1 x Tallboy . 1552 . 13500’ . Saw first bombs fall near aiming point , one in water near pen entrance , one on railway line on northern edge and one on southern edge of pens . Own bomb with two others seen to fall into smoke over aiming point .


6.2.45 Up 0829 Down 1345

Lancaster I LM 492 , KC-W

Biefiled Abortive , 1 x Tallboy . 1035 . 1 Tallboy retruned to base not required


8.2.45 Up 0808 Down 1045

Lancaster I DV405 , KC-J

U-Boat Pens - IJMUIDEN . 1 X tALLBOY . 0936.5 . 14000’ . We did not see
where our bomb fell as we turned off after bombing we saw one hit on the right hand corner of the target and one miss to the left . The attack seemed successful .


14.2.45 Up 08.42 Down 13.29

Lancaster 1 DV405 , KC-J

Bielfield Abortive . 1 x Tallboy . Did not bomb .


22.2.45 Up 13.27 Down 18.18

Lancaster 1 DV405 , KC-J

RAILWAY VIADUCT BIELEFIELD . 1 X Tallboy . 15.57/16.20 . 13,700’. Our bomb

fell just west of the centre of the viaduct . Bombing seemed rather scattered .


24.2.45 Up 13.52 Down 18.29

Lancaster 1 DV405 , KC-J

DORTMUND EMS CANAL. 1 X Tallbot . Abortive . Did not bomb


13.3.45 Up 13.40 Down 18.00

Lancaster 1 DV405 , KC-J

Biefield . Mission abandoned . 1 x Tallboy . Tallboy returmed to Base not required .


14.3.45 Up 13.43 Down 19.44

Lancaster 1 DV405 , KC-J

Biefiels. 1 x Tallboy. 16.28. 11,600 ft . Our bomb belived direct hit . Two others seen to burst in the same spot .


19.3.45 Up 08.16 Down 13.39

Lancaster 1 ( Special ) PD.117 , YZ-L

Arnsberg. 1 x Grand Slam. 1054.15. 12,700 ft. Our bomb fell about 50 yards south ofA/P . U/S F.B.I. affected the run at it was not recorded alterations . This was not known till after the bombing . A new crater seen under A/P . Two or three spans of viaduct definitely down . No direct hits observed .


21.3.45 Up 07.45

Lancaster 1 ( Special ) PD117 , YZ-L

Arbergen , 1 x Tallboy . This aircraft was hit by H/F in the T/A and seen to go down in flames and explode as it hit the ground . Aircraft was hit at 10.00 hrs and crashed at 10.04 at Okel , 2miles NE Syke . The 5 crewmen all KIA no known graves . Lancaster PD117 ,YZ-L was the only B.I ( Special ) lost to enemy action in WWII .

[Martin Bull]

That's great work, Kev.....what a story. Your Uncle and his mates so nearly made it.

[shuttle]

So sad reading down the list knowing what the eventual outcome would be. As Martin said, they so nearly finished the war.

Shuttle

[kevjb64]

That's great work, Kev.....what a story. Your Uncle and his mates so nearly made it.

Yep , I have been told that a 617 tour was down to 20 ops by that stage of the war :unsure: . I have no idea why that is but many of his letters point to 20 ish ops expected :confused: ( some suggest 21 ) and in conversations with others some seem to confirm they expected to do 20 but others 25 by ' 45. I have found no official confirmation of that though . They were killed on their 19th .

His tour with 44 Sqn in 1943/44 appears to have consisted of 30 ops .

[Craig]

How desperately unlucky to be aboard the only B1 (special) brought down :(

[Agent X20]

Yep , I have been told that a 617 tour was down to 20 ops by that stage of the war

Mate... that is irrelevant.... He would have done as many as they would have asked him to do.... it was a question I posed to me pump attendant mate... You survived 30 ops... why did you go on.....??... He didn't have an answer apart from .. you just did.... as far as he was concerned the only good bit about reaching the end of a tour was the leave.... but it would have been rude not to continue, there was a job to be done...


Respect....:)

[the_old_un]

Kev you must be very proud. Well done and the greatest respect to those that did and didn't return home.

[kevjb64]

I have finally mapped out my uncles missions whilst with 617 Sqn ;

28.10.44

Lancaster I . DV.380 , KC-X

Bombing Tirpitz 1 x Tallboy . Made four runs over target decided accurate bombing impossible . This decision was approved by Force Leader . Did not bomb .


12.11.44 Up 0319 Down 1537

Lancaster I DV.405 KC-J

Bombing Tirpitz . 1 x Tallboy . 0843 hrs . 15,400 ft . One seen to enter the water about twenty yards off the Tirpitz .A dull red glow was observed well forward of the port bow .


08.12.44 Up 0934 Down 1310

Lancaster DV405, KC-J

Bombing URFT DAM 1X Tallboy . Saw target once or twice but could not make a run .Tait had force circle for a long time but cloud was very heavy he aborted raid at 11:40


11.12.44 Up 1251 Down 1819

Lancaster I DV405 , KC- J

1559 3/4 6000 ‘ Bombing URFT DAM 1 x Tallnboy . We could not see our bomb burst owing to cloud . No direct hits seen .


15.12.44 Up 1334 Down 1610

Lancaster I DV.380 KC-X

1502 1/4 10000’ Bombing U-Boat Pens IJMUIDEN . 1 X Tallboy Our Bomb hit the F N.W. Corner of the pens . We also saw a near miss on the N.W.side .


21.12.44 Up 1700 Down 0245

Lancaster I DV.405, KC-J

Bombing POLITZ. 1 X Tallboy . 2200 1/2 16900 ‘ We could not see our bomb burst .

Target area was very smoky . Impossible to assess bombing . The flare gave good illumination but not over the A.P.


29.12.44 Up 1334 Down 1623

Lancaster I DV.405 , KC-J

Bombing E-BOAT PENS , ROTTERDAM . 1 X Tallboy 1457 1/2 16660 ‘ Bomb unobserved due to smoke . A good many near misses . No direct hit seen .


30.12.44 Up 1449 Down 1708

Lancaster I DV.405 , KC-J

Bombing E-Boat pens , IJMUIDEN . 1 X Tallboy . Did not Bomb . Mission aborted by leader Calder , cloud cover down to 4000 ‘ .


31.12.44 Up 1959 Down 0345

Lancaster I DV.405 , KC-J

Bombing shipping , OSLO FIORD . 1 X Tallboy . 0051. 10200 ‘ Bomb was near miss off port side of ship .Immediately after bombng the ship appeared to swing to starboard and the stop .


3.2.45 Up 1418 Down 1710

Lancaster I , DV405 , KC-J

Bombing Midget Submarine Shelters POORTERSHAVEN , 1 x Tallboy . 1552 . 13500’ . Saw first bombs fall near aiming point , one in water near pen entrance , one on railway line on northern edge and one on southern edge of pens . Own bomb with two others seen to fall into smoke over aiming point .


6.2.45 Up 0829 Down 1345

Lancaster I LM 492 , KC-W

Biefiled Abortive , 1 x Tallboy . 1035 . 1 Tallboy retruned to base not required


8.2.45 Up 0808 Down 1045

Lancaster I DV405 , KC-J

U-Boat Pens - IJMUIDEN . 1 X tALLBOY . 0936.5 . 14000’ . We did not see
where our bomb fell as we turned off after bombing we saw one hit on the right hand corner of the target and one miss to the left . The attack seemed successful .


14.2.45 Up 08.42 Down 13.29

Lancaster 1 DV405 , KC-J

Bielfield Abortive . 1 x Tallboy . Did not bomb .


22.2.45 Up 13.27 Down 18.18

Lancaster 1 DV405 , KC-J

RAILWAY VIADUCT BIELEFIELD . 1 X Tallboy . 15.57/16.20 . 13,700’. Our bomb

fell just west of the centre of the viaduct . Bombing seemed rather scattered .


24.2.45 Up 13.52 Down 18.29

Lancaster 1 DV405 , KC-J

DORTMUND EMS CANAL. 1 X Tallbot . Abortive . Did not bomb


13.3.45 Up 13.40 Down 18.00

Lancaster 1 DV405 , KC-J

Biefield . Mission abandoned . 1 x Tallboy . Tallboy returmed to Base not required .


14.3.45 Up 13.43 Down 19.44

Lancaster 1 DV405 , KC-J

Biefiels. 1 x Tallboy. 16.28. 11,600 ft . Our bomb belived direct hit . Two others seen to burst in the same spot .


19.3.45 Up 08.16 Down 13.39

Lancaster 1 ( Special ) PD.117 , YZ-L

Arnsberg. 1 x Grand Slam. 1054.15. 12,700 ft. Our bomb fell about 50 yards south ofA/P . U/S F.B.I. affected the run at it was not recorded alterations . This was not known till after the bombing . A new crater seen under A/P . Two or three spans of viaduct definitely down . No direct hits observed .


21.3.45 Up 07.45

Lancaster 1 ( Special ) PD117 , YZ-L

Arbergen , 1 x Tallboy . This aircraft was hit by H/F in the T/A and seen to go down in flames and explode as it hit the ground . Aircraft was hit at 10.00 hrs and crashed at 10.04 at Okel , 2miles NE Syke . The 5 crewmen all KIA no known graves . Lancaster PD117 ,YZ-L was the only B.I ( Special ) lost to enemy action in WWII .

Now I have all the raids my uncle participated in , I want to get the memorabilia for them ; I have plenty about the Tirptz raids but am particularly interested in Bielefeld , and the U-Boat , E-boat pens sorties , so any info gladly received . :)

http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll124/kevjb64/Arsnberg.jpg

[kevjb64]

I have finally mapped out my uncles missions whilst with 617 Sqn ;

28.10.44

Lancaster I . DV.380 , KC-X

Bombing Tirpitz 1 x Tallboy . Made four runs over target decided accurate bombing impossible . This decision was approved by Force Leader . Did not bomb .


12.11.44 Up 0319 Down 1537

Lancaster I DV.405 KC-J

Bombing Tirpitz . 1 x Tallboy . 0843 hrs . 15,400 ft . One seen to enter the water about twenty yards off the Tirpitz .A dull red glow was observed well forward of the port bow .






I have been bit busy lately with family matters but have dug out and also brought some more covers as I intend to get as many as possible covering the operations my uncle took part in . :)

http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll124/kevjb64/617Obviate.jpg

http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll124/kevjb64/Obviate617.jpg

http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll124/kevjb64/tirpitz.jpg

http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll124/kevjb64/img122-1.jpg

[kevjb64]

I have finally mapped out my uncles missions whilst with 617 Sqn ;




08.12.44 Up 0934 Down 1310

Lancaster DV405, KC-J

Bombing URFT DAM 1X Tallboy . Saw target once or twice but could not make a run .Tait had force circle for a long time but cloud was very heavy he aborted raid at 11:40


11.12.44 Up 1251 Down 1819

Lancaster I DV405 , KC- J

1559 3/4 6000 ‘ Bombing URFT DAM 1 x Tallnboy . We could not see our bomb burst owing to cloud . No direct hits seen .




http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll124/kevjb64/617UrftDam.jpg

http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll124/kevjb64/UrftDam617.jpg

[kevjb64]

I have finally mapped out my uncles missions whilst with 617 Sqn ;



15.12.44 Up 1334 Down 1610

Lancaster I DV.380 KC-X

1502 1/4 10000’ Bombing U-Boat Pens IJMUIDEN . 1 X Tallboy Our Bomb hit the F N.W. Corner of the pens . We also saw a near miss on the N.W.side .




http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll124/kevjb64/617E-BOATS.jpg

[kevjb64]

I have finally mapped out my uncles missions whilst with 617 Sqn ;





21.12.44 Up 1700 Down 0245

Lancaster I DV.405, KC-J

Bombing POLITZ. 1 X Tallboy . 2200 1/2 16900 ‘ We could not see our bomb burst .

Target area was very smoky . Impossible to assess bombing . The flare gave good illumination but not over the A.P.




http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll124/kevjb64/617Politz.jpg

http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll124/kevjb64/Politz617.jpg

[kevjb64]

I have finally mapped out my uncles missions whilst with 617 Sqn ;




29.12.44 Up 1334 Down 1623

Lancaster I DV.405 , KC-J

Bombing E-BOAT PENS , ROTTERDAM . 1 X Tallboy 1457 1/2 16660 ‘ Bomb unobserved due to smoke . A good many near misses . No direct hit seen .


30.12.44 Up 1449 Down 1708

Lancaster I DV.405 , KC-J

Bombing E-Boat pens , IJMUIDEN . 1 X Tallboy . Did not Bomb . Mission aborted by leader Calder , cloud cover down to 4000 ‘ .




Still looking .

[kevjb64]

I have finally mapped out my uncles missions whilst with 617 Sqn ;


31.12.44 Up 1959 Down 0345

Lancaster I DV.405 , KC-J

Bombing shipping , OSLO FIORD . 1 X Tallboy . 0051. 10200 ‘ Bomb was near miss off port side of ship .Immediately after bombng the ship appeared to swing to starboard and the stop .




http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll124/kevjb64/OsloShipping.jpg

http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll124/kevjb64/617OsloFjord.jpg

[kevjb64]

I have finally mapped out my uncles missions whilst with 617 Sqn ;



3.2.45 Up 1418 Down 1710

Lancaster I , DV405 , KC-J

Bombing Midget Submarine Shelters POORTERSHAVEN , 1 x Tallboy . 1552 . 13500’ . Saw first bombs fall near aiming point , one in water near pen entrance , one on railway line on northern edge and one on southern edge of pens . Own bomb with two others seen to fall into smoke over aiming point .




http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll124/kevjb64/Poortershaven617.jpg

[kevjb64]

I have finally mapped out my uncles missions whilst with 617 Sqn ;




8.2.45 Up 0808 Down 1045

Lancaster I DV405 , KC-J

U-Boat Pens - IJMUIDEN . 1 X tALLBOY . 0936.5 . 14000’ . We did not see
where our bomb fell as we turned off after bombing we saw one hit on the right hand corner of the target and one miss to the left . The attack seemed successful .



http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll124/kevjb64/Ijmuiden617.jpg

[kevjb64]

24.2.45 Up 13.52 Down 18.29

Lancaster 1 DV405 , KC-J

DORTMUND EMS CANAL. 1 X Tallbot . Abortive . Did not bomb




I have included a cover from the September raid even though my uncle was not on it and one from the Feb '45 raid he did take part in . :)

http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll124/kevjb64/Dortmund-EmsCanal.jpg

http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll124/kevjb64/Dortmund-elms617.jpg

[kevjb64]

I have finally mapped out my uncles missions whilst with 617 Sqn ;




6.2.45 Up 0829 Down 1345

Lancaster I LM 492 , KC-W

Biefiled Abortive , 1 x Tallboy . 1035 . 1 Tallboy retruned to base not required





14.2.45 Up 08.42 Down 13.29

Lancaster 1 DV405 , KC-J

Bielfield Abortive . 1 x Tallboy . Did not bomb .


22.2.45 Up 13.27 Down 18.18

Lancaster 1 DV405 , KC-J

RAILWAY VIADUCT BIELEFIELD . 1 X Tallboy . 15.57/16.20 . 13,700’. Our bomb

fell just west of the centre of the viaduct . Bombing seemed rather scattered .





13.3.45 Up 13.40 Down 18.00

Lancaster 1 DV405 , KC-J

Biefield . Mission abandoned . 1 x Tallboy . Tallboy returmed to Base not required .


14.3.45 Up 13.43 Down 19.44

Lancaster 1 DV405 , KC-J

Biefield. 1 x Tallboy. 16.28. 11,600 ft . Our bomb belived direct hit . Two others seen to burst in the same spot .




As we all know Bielefeld proved a difficult target for 617 and I have lumped all the attempts together . :)

http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll124/kevjb64/Bielefeld617.jpg

http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll124/kevjb64/Bielefeld617-1.jpg

[kevjb64]

I have finally mapped out my uncles missions whilst with 617 Sqn ;






19.3.45 Up 08.16 Down 13.39

Lancaster 1 ( Special ) PD.117 , YZ-L

Arnsberg. 1 x Grand Slam. 1054.15. 12,700 ft. Our bomb fell about 50 yards south ofA/P . U/S F.B.I. affected the run at it was not recorded alterations . This was not known till after the bombing . A new crater seen under A/P . Two or three spans of viaduct definitely down . No direct hits observed .




http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll124/kevjb64/Arsnberg.jpg

[kevjb64]

I have finally mapped out my uncles missions whilst with 617 Sqn ;



21.3.45 Up 07.45

Lancaster 1 ( Special ) PD117 , YZ-L

Arbergen , 1 x Tallboy . This aircraft was hit by H/F in the T/A and seen to go down in flames and explode as it hit the ground . Aircraft was hit at 10.00 hrs and crashed at 10.04 at Okel , 2miles NE Syke . The 5 crewmen all KIA no known graves . Lancaster PD117 ,YZ-L was the only B.I ( Special ) lost to enemy action in WWII .

The crew would have spent their last night at the Petwood Hotel , Woodhall Spa which served 617 Sqn as their officers mess . :)

http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll124/kevjb64/617Petwood.jpg

http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll124/kevjb64/617Arbergen.jpg

[Davidte2007]

:) Great Posts Kev ;)

:D Thanks for sharing :cool :cool

[kevjb64]

:) Great Posts Kev ;)

:D Thanks for sharing :cool :cool

Thanks , some more arrived today . :)

[kevjb64]

Brought another one for the Politz Raid . :)

[kevjb64]

Found covers for the Poortershaven Raid of the 3rd Feb 1945 and the E-boat / U-Boat pens at Ijmuiden on the 15 Dec 1944 , just the raid of the 29th Dec 1944 to go . :)

[Martin Bull]

A terrific collection ; the designs are really excellent.....:cool:

[kevjb64]

A terrific collection ; the designs are really excellent.....:cool:

I was really impressed with some of the covers out there when I started to have a serious look . There are also a surprisingly large number but often they are impossible to get hold of . All these fell in the £ 10-£ 25 each price range but some out there were a lot more expensive . :)

[kevjb64]

My uncle was with 617 from Nov.44 until Mar,45 and for a lot of his time GC Farquier led the Squadron ;

http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll124/kevjb64/617Fauquier.jpg

[highnoon1966]

Following this thread with great interest must congratulate you on the fine collection of covers you have accumulated so far Kev :) :cool

[kevjb64]

Following this thread with great interest must congratulate you on the fine collection of covers you have accumulated so far Kev :) :cool

Thanks , its actually been quite nice buying from a different sector of the hobby , chatted with some really interesting new people in the course of buying some of them . :)

[kevjb64]

Been sorting some more of my uncle's personal effects . His crew mates were often visitors to my grandparents house and I came across a letter from F/L Gumbley to my grandmother . :)

http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll124/kevjb64/Gumbleyletter.jpg

http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll124/kevjb64/Gumblytwo.jpg

[kevjb64]

Also a couple of interesting ones , well in my opinion anyway :o . I love the reference to the attack on that rowing boat ' Tirpitz ' . ;)

http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll124/kevjb64/Eddiegreenletter.jpg

http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll124/kevjb64/EddiegreenII.jpg

[kevjb64]

Lastly to give an idea of prices 1944 , when promoted from Sgt to F/O his uniforms etc. cost him £ 33 - 13 - 3d .


http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll124/kevjb64/Eddieupfromsgt.jpg


The Patricia introduced to Syd in the last letter was his fiancee , her ring cost £ 21 - 10 - 0d . I know the lady I have called ' Auntie Pat ' all my life will not mind me sharing it .;) They decided to wait until after the war to marry .

[Folgore]

Fascinating stuff, Kev -- thanks for posting!

[kevjb64]

So with Chesire's Lanc to join my collection I decided to take along this cover commemorating the raid to the 617 Sqn signing event . :)



http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll124/kevjb64/img770.jpg

Some company for this one . :)

http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll124/kevjb64/617Chesire.jpg

[Martin Bull]

Thanks for posting those letters, Kev - they must be priceless family mementoes.

[kevjb64]

Thanks for posting those letters, Kev - they must be priceless family mementoes.

Cheers , yes they are and kept in amazing condition by my family for 67 years . Though I must say more by luck than judgement as most were in old , long forgotten suitcases stored in lofts .:wacko: The thought of how to best preserve them for future generations is on my mind a lot currently . :unsure: