Browse Items (8 total)

Benny Goodman grew up in London and hoped to become a pilot. He volunteered for the Air Force and was originally posted to RAF Abingdon as a ground gunner before beginning his flying training. After qualifying as a pilot in Canada, he became an…

Benny Goodman discusses some of his operations as a pilot with 617 Squadron. He discusses attacking the Tirpitz and the use of Tallboy and Grand Slam bombs which required the Lancaster plane to be modified. On a flight against the U-boat pens in…

A newspaper cutting announcing that Ernie Twells and the 617 squadron association will attend a presentation at Matlock. It describes the attempts made to sink the Tirpitz. Handwritten at the top is 'Long Eaton Advertiser 10/11/77'.

The obituary of Flight Lieutenant Bob Knights. It details his raids on the Tirpitz, his early life, his training in Florida, his time with 617 Squadron and his role with BOAC after the war until his retirement in 1976.

A vertical target photograph of Munich being bombed. Much of the detail is obscured by anti-aircraft fire. Captioned '66 WS. 24/25.4.44 // NT8” 18500 [arrow] 026 0145 Munich.RD. A 6RS. 6JCL 29 SECS F/O KNIGHTS A 617.'

A target photograph of the…

Shows several bomb loads with some crossed out. Details preselector settings and other information. Includes timings, route and marking method. On the reverse bombing instructions, oboe marking and mentions 617 Squadron dropping 12000 pound bombs. At…

9 Squadron was formed as a Royal Flying Corps unit at St Omer, France in December 1914. In February 1939, the squadron moved to RAF Honington, equipped with the Wellington and was first employed in anti-shipping operations. The squadron was…

John Bell completed 50 operations as a bomb aimer with 617 Squadron before becoming an instructor.