Escadron

vita9750 — The Erskine Press 2003. First Edition. Signed by the Author by Ray Grayston and Tony Iveson all veterans of the Dambuster Raid. Photographs and related article laid in. Octavo red boards hardcover gilt letters xii 129 pp. Fine As New in a Fine As New mylar protected dust jacket. From dust jacket: In March 1943 the 617 Squadron was formed at RAF Scampton Llincolnshire as a heavy bomber unit specifically for the operations planned against the Ruhr dams. Wing Commander Guy Gibson was chosen to lead the Squadron and was given freedom to pick his own crews. On the evening of 16th May 1943 the famous dam raids took place and though the operation was an outstanding success there was a heavy price to pay. Of the nineteen Lancasters that took off eight planes and fifty-five men did not return. Guy Gibson was awarded the Victoria Cross and thirty-three other airmen were decorated. From January 1944 until the end of the war the 617 operated as a special duties squadron from RAF Woodhall Spa first under Wing Commander Leonard Cheshire and later with Wing Commanders Tait and Fauquier. Many stories have been written about the Dam Busters and the 617 Squadron but this is the only account written by one who was there throughout those turbulent days. hardcover