Lancasters of 617 Squadron, led by Wing Commander Guy Gibson begin their low level cross channel dash towards the enemy coast on the way to the heart of the Ruhr. The aircraft were arranged in three waves. The first wave comprised three groups of three aircraft at 10 minute intervals and headed towards the Mohne, Sorpe and Eder dams. The second wave of five Lancasters headed direct to the Sorpe whilst the third wave of five, would act as backup. Eight Lancasters failed to return from the raids, a high cost indeed, but the courage and determination displayed by the crews were in the best tradition of the RAF.

Print size: 18 ½ x 27 ¾ (47 x 70cms)

The Primary Edition is signed and numbered by the artist.

*The Artist Proofs are also signed by former Dambusters:
Flying Officer Raymond E. Grayston (Flight Engineer of AJ-N, Les Knights Lancaster.) and Squadron Leader George L. Johnson DFM (Bomb Aimer on AJ-T, American Joe McCarthy’s Lancaster.

125 Primary Edition - £95inc vat (£80.85+vat)
50 Artist Proofs - 2 signatures - £125inc vat (£106.39+vat)

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Flying Officer Raymond E Grayston (Flight Engineer – 617 sqn) joined the RAF
in June 1939, as an engine fitter. In 1942 he volunteered for aircrew, as a flight
engineer. He was subsequently posted to 50 Sqn at Skellingthorpe in Lincolnshire.
The crew had completed 30 ops. by January 1943. Les Knight was then requested to
continue flying with his crew on Special Operations. This involved moving to
Scampton, to form 617 Sqn. On the night of 16-17 May, Les Knight and his crew
took part in the raid on the dams and were responsible for breaching the Eder Dam.
The crew continued on operations until September 1943, when trying to carry out a
raid on the Dortmund Ems canal in fog, the plane was damaged and crashed. After
ensuring his crew successfully baled out, Les Knight remained on the aircraft and was
never seen again. Ray spent the remainder of the war as a prisoner in Stalag Luft 3.

Squadron Leader George ‘Johnny’ Johnson DFM (Bomb Aimer 617 Squadron)
went initially to the USA for pilot training. Frustrated at not qualifying and a burning
desire to get airborne Johnny applied for the shortest possible training course; air
gunner. having completed this course successfully Johnny was posted to 97 Squadron
as ‘spare’ gunner – mid or upper, whichever was needed. At this time Bomb Aimers
were being sought for the Lancasters and as this position warranted extra pay, Johnny
applied and passed the training course. He was then chosen by Joe McCarthy to join
his crew before they were all transferred to 617 Squadron.
Flying in AJ-T, with American pilot Joe McCarthy and crew they attacked the Sorpe
Dam from 30 feet, for which Johnny was awarded the DFM. Johnny went on to fly 40
missions with Joe McCarthy at the controls.

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