BBMF Lancaster flypasts sortie for the ‘Dams Raid’ 80th anniversary on 16th May 2023

Header Image: BBMF Lancaster PA474, in beautiful evening light, over the former Bomber Command airfield of RAF Kirmington, now Humberside Airport, on 16th May. The Lancaster completed multiple flypasts over Lincolnshire in tribute to “The Dambusters” and all those who served with Bomber Command.

Mounted as a special tribute to the “Dambusters”, who set off from RAF Scampton in Lincolnshire to attack major dams in the heart of Germany, 80 years ago on 16th May 1943, the epic BBMF Lancaster sortie on the evening of 16th May 2023 was a resounding success.

Where to meet the Club this month – RAF Cosford Air Show Sunday 11th June

Header Image: The RAF Memorial Flight Official Club will be at several air shows this year alongside the BBMF PR Team, starting with the RAF Cosford Air Show.

The RAF Memorial Flight Official Club will have a stand at the RAF Cosford Air Show on Sunday 11th June, alongside the BBMF PR Team tent in the “RAF Village” area of the showground. If you are attending the air show, do come and find us and say hello, we are always pleased to meet Club members in person. You can also join the Club or renew your membership on the day, or purchase a Club polo shirt.

Frank Mathers 77 Sqn Halifax crew

RAF Bomber Command heroism – 22nd June 1943

Header Image: Flt Sgt Frank Mathers RAAF (fourth from left) and his crew, with a 77 Sqn Handley Page Halifax B.II at Elvington in 1943. Rear gunner, Sergeant Bill Speedie, is on the right.

Eighty years ago this month, on the night of 22nd-23rd June 1943, 21-year-old Australian pilot Flight Sergeant Frank Mathers and his British crew were on their ninth operation from their base at Elvington in Yorkshire, in a 77 Squadron Handley Page Halifax. One of 557 RAF bombers (155 of them Halifaxes), they were tasked with bombing Mulheim, an industrial centre in the Ruhr Valley, Germany.

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