Lawrence ‘Benny’ Goodman – 617 Squadron Lancaster pilot – dies aged 100

Header Image: Sqn Ldr Lawrence ‘Benny’ Goodman LdH. (Photo: RAF Museum). Inset: ‘Benny’ in RAF uniform.

The BBMF is saddened by the death, aged 100, of Squadron Leader Lawrence ‘Benny’ Goodman LdH, who passed away on 18th July.

Readers may well have seen news of his death on social media and in newspapers. Club members will also remember that Benny kindly provided the ‘Veteran’s Viewpoint’ for the last Club magazine, the 2021 Yearbook, in which we outlined his remarkable life and career. He completed 30 ‘ops’ as a pilot and captain of a Lancaster with the famous 617 Squadron from October 1944 to the end of the war in Europe, dropping 16 ‘Tallboy’ 12,000-lb earthquake bombs and one of the massive 22,000-lb ‘Grand Slam’ bombs (against the Arnsberg viaduct) from one of the specially-modified Lancaster B1 (Special) aircraft operated exclusively by the squadron. During Benny’s tour of duty on 617, the Squadron lost 11 Lancasters on operations, with 52 men killed and 25 made POWs. Subsequently, during a total of 21 years of service with the RAF, Benny flew over 3,500 hours in 22 different aircraft types including EE Canberra PR7s. He continued to fly as a private pilot until he was over 90 years old.

In retirement Benny supported several RAF charities and worked hard to promote reconciliation with Germany and to educate younger people about the realities of war. More recently, he offered tireless support to the RAF Museum’s ‘Jewish Hidden Heroes’ project, which highlights the vital role played by Jewish people, like himself, in the RAF’s battle against Nazi tyranny.

Benny was the last surviving RAF pilot who flew with 617 Squadron during the Second World War, although a RNZAF pilot, Arthur ‘Joppy’ Joplin, who joined 617 Squadron at the same time as Benny, is still alive and well in a retirement home in Auckland.

Many will mourn Benny’s passing, while celebrating his outstanding contribution during the Second World War and his faultless RAF Service. The RAF BBMF has been fortunate to call Benny a friend. He was a special man who lived a long and fruitful life and brought fun and inspiration to many. He will be sadly missed.