In a feat of athleticism, seven RAF cyclists have set off this morning to cycle 300-miles from RAF Digby via the International Bomber Command Centre (IBCC) in Lincoln to a memorial near Amsterdam.
This challenge is being undertaken to commemorate the nineteen Lancaster aircraft from RAF’s 617 Squadron who undertook a daring attack at the heart of German’s industrial complex on May 16th 1943. Whilst a successful attack, of the 133 men who took part, 53 sacrificed their lives.
One of first crews to breach the Möhne Dam was led by Squadron Leader Melvin “Dinghy” Young, and they played a central part in the IBCC’s ‘Men of the Dams’ art installation, which featured silhouettes of the 53 men who lost their lives in the iconic Dambusters raid in 1943.
As part of this trip, Dinghy Young and his crew’s silhouettes will be travelling with the cyclists and installed at the Dutch memorial. The trip will culminate in a service at Castricum-an-Zee in Holland with their living relatives in attendance, where a memorial stands to identify the location their bodies were recovered from after washing up on the shore.
“The history of the Dambusters’ raid is a proud part of RAF heritage. The strong connection between RAF Digby, a former Battle of Britain site and Wing Commander Gibson, Officer Commanding 617 Squadron, makes this commemorative endeavour, in its 81st year, even more special.
It will be an exciting mental and physical challenge, however, I’m confident that perseverance and teamwork will see us through to the end. We champion excellence and warrior spirit in the RAF and this journey will be a true test of commitment, team work and pride.”
Wing Commander Hallett
Station Commander RAF Digby
Nicky van der Drift, chief executive of the International Bomber Command Centre, said: "On 16 May 1943, nineteen Lancaster aircraft from RAF’s 617 Squadron undertook a daring attack at the heart of German’s industrial complex.
While it was a successful operation, 53 individuals had to sacrifice their lives in its completion. Last year, to remember and recognise those sacrifices, we installed the ‘Men of the Dams’ silhouettes at our centre which included Dinghy Young and his crew centrally as they were the first ones to breach the Möhne Dam. Their likenesses were developed from real photographs to be as accurate to those they represent as possible."
“Now, to continue their legacy, those silhouettes will be able to stand proudly at the Castricum-an-Zee memorial. The cyclists taking on this challenge are doing a remarkable thing to add to and appreciate the Dambusters’ memories, recognising their organisations, heritage and history, and we’re very proud to be working with them.”
Nicky van der Drift
