Category: RAF

The nameplate from the Heinkel that bombed Fairey Aviation’s factory in Heaton Chapel goes on display with the Auxiliary Fire Service helmet worn by one of the firefighters

May 8, 2026

The Manchester region experienced numerous Luftwaffe bombing attacks during WW2. Beginning with air raids in June 1940 they continued through the horrific Manchester Blitz in December with raids continuing until March 1945. Nearby Stockport didn’t escape the war unscathed. Bombed several times, it was once again under attack 85 years ago today in the early … More The nameplate from the Heinkel that bombed Fairey Aviation’s factory in Heaton Chapel goes on display with the Auxiliary Fire Service helmet worn by one of the firefighters

The significance of DH Cirrus Moth G-EBLV at the Woodford Centenary event

September 22, 2024

Did you wonder why a de Havilland biplane featured as a centrepiece in the centenary celebration for the Woodford Aerodrome at the Avro Heritage Museum on 17 September 2024 or why that particular aeroplane which had emerged as the winner of an aeroplane design competition in which it didn’t even participate became so significant for … More The significance of DH Cirrus Moth G-EBLV at the Woodford Centenary event

Dambuster Locations

August 22, 2023

There were many locations around the UK that had some connection with the story of Operation Chastise – the Dambusters. In this blog I list the sites that have (or had) some relevance to the Dambuster story. I also list the home location of the 133 aircrew that took part that nigh of 16 -17 … More Dambuster Locations

John Monaghan Avro Lancaster Wireless Operator Interview

August 18, 2023

Sergeant John Edward Monaghan (RAFVR 1589458). From December 1943 Sergeant John spent over a year training as an aircrew Wireless Operator. Initially on DeHavilland Dominie and Percival Proctors he progressed through Avro Ansons and Vickers Wellingtons before converting to Avro Lancasters with a mainly Canadian crew at 1656 HCU. In this first clip John explains … More John Monaghan Avro Lancaster Wireless Operator Interview

RAF Squadrons that provided crews to 617 Dambuster Squadron

January 14, 2023

When 617 Squadron (initially known as Squadron X) was formed in March 1943, Lancaster squadrons Bomber Command were requested to donate suitable aircrew for a special operation. It seems that crews volunteered or were recommended, either as full crews or as individual crew members. The following list gives the 133 names of the aircrew that … More RAF Squadrons that provided crews to 617 Dambuster Squadron

Operation Chastise – The Dambusters a minute-by-minute account

May 16, 2022

A minute-by-minute account of the famous Dambuster Raid by 19 special Avro Lancaster bombers and their ‘Bouncing Bombs’ which took place during the evening of 16 – 17 May 1943. My book, with some unique documents, gives the true storey of the Flight Engineer of Dambuster Z-Zebra. My book which includes some unique documents – … More Operation Chastise – The Dambusters a minute-by-minute account