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Dambusters honoured at Leicester ceremony

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Royal Air Force veterans have paid tribute to the men who gave their lives in the Dambusters raid.

It was 70 years ago today that 19 Lancaster crews from 617 squadron set out to destroy dams in Germany.

Fifty-three airmen died in Operation Chastise, which saw Barnes Wallis's revolutionary bouncing bomb breach the Moehne and Eder dams.

Members of the Royal Air Forces Association (RAFA) gathered at Victoria Park war memorial, in Leicester, yesterday, to lay wreaths.

They were joined by relatives of Harry Humphries, from Leicester, adjutant to Wing Commander Guy Gibson, who led the mission.

Harry died in 2008, aged 92. His wartime role ranged from organising aircrew rations to sending telegrams to the families of the lost airmen.

Daughter Pat Love, 77, from Wigston, said: "I am very proud to be here today to remember those brave young men.

"It was so nice dad was also remembered. I felt very emotional."

Grandson Richard Love, 55, who lives inWilloughby Waterleys, said: "Memories of the men who died stayed with grandad and we grew up listening to tales of derring-do."

Daniel Love, 26, from South Wigston, said: "My great-grandad was a larger-than-life figure and I was always fascinated by his stories.

"To think what those airman had to do – flying a giant bomber about 60ft off the ground – it's unfathomable. "

The service, led by the Rev Jill Marsh, of the University of Leicester's Chaplaincy, was followed by the Last Post and a minute silence.

RAFA branch secretary Roy Rudham, 70, from Clarendon Park, Leicester, who organised the commemoration, said: "It was sombre but poignant."

Chief technician Alan Sharp, an engineer with 617 Squadron, now based at RAF Lossiemouth, in Scotland, was there with Flight Lieutenant Chris Whitehare.

"It was an honour to join people in Leicester to mark the 70th anniversary of the Dambusters," he said.

Following the service, RAFA member Andy Morris, 58, laid flowers in Peace Walk remembering the 1,026 Soviet prisoners of war and other forced labourers killed on the ground in the raid.

There was due to be a flypast by a Lancaster, two Spitfires and two Tornadoes over Eyebrook Reservoir, Rutland – used in practice runs for the mission – at 1.45pm today.

See today's Mr Leicester page for Harry's memories of the raid.

Dambusters honoured at Leicester ceremony


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