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General => Armed Forces => World War Two => Topic started by: RogerJamesO on Monday 13 June 16 16:03 BST (UK)

Title: RAF 617 Squadron WW2
Post by: RogerJamesO on Monday 13 June 16 16:03 BST (UK)

Hi All

I am looking to link up / share info with any descendants of Aircrew from the famous 617 'Dambusters' squadron.

My Father  Dennis James Oram DFC and Bar was a Pilot with the Squadron post Dams and I am hoping that there may be some contacts out there.

Regards

RJ Oram

Title: Re: RAF 617 Squadron WW2
Post by: hurworth on Sunday 07 August 16 09:35 BST (UK)

Not a descendant, but I will say that New Zealanders are very proud of Les Munro who was one of the Dambusters.

The Bomber Command Association in New Zealand has a Facebook page.   You might be able to find some connections there.

Title: Re: RAF 617 Squadron WW2
Post by: t mo on Sunday 07 August 16 14:49 BST (UK)

hi hurworth.
just out of curiosity is bert munro of racing indian fame any relation to les munro you mention or is it just a coincidence of name .
regards
trevor

Title: Re: RAF 617 Squadron WW2
Post by: MaxD on Sunday 07 August 16 15:36 BST (UK)

https://dambustersblog.com/ may be if interest if you haven't seen it already.

Title: Re: RAF 617 Squadron WW2
Post by: RogerJamesO on Monday 08 August 16 11:01 BST (UK)

Thanks for your help everyone.

Title: Re: RAF 617 Squadron WW2
Post by: lydiaann on Monday 08 August 16 15:50 BST (UK)

Not sure where you live, Roger, but Woodhall Spa in Lincolnshire has a beautiful memorial in the village centre to the Dambusters and the Petwood Hotel has turned their (i.e. the air crews) bar into a small museum.  The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight is just up the road at RAF Coningsby which might also appeal.

lydiaann
(Woodhall Spa was my wonderful childhood home)

Title: Re: RAF 617 Squadron WW2
Post by: RogerJamesO on Monday 08 August 16 16:19 BST (UK)

Lydiaann,

Thank you for the advice.

I do have some pictures of my Father taken in the gardens of the Hotel during his time at Woodhall Spa.

I have also stayed there myself and was allowed access to the 'Aircrew Bar'.

You are right it's well worth a visit.

Title: Re: RAF 617 Squadron WW2
Post by: DeeBoneham on Tuesday 20 September 16 12:33 BST (UK)

There is one of the UK Dambuster still alive. Johnnie Johnson is still doing veterans days etc and has a book out.. Might be worth you contacting the International Bomber Command Centre :) http://internationalbombercommandcentre.com/

Title: Re: RAF 617 Squadron WW2
Post by: Keitht on Tuesday 20 September 16 12:52 BST (UK)

You might also try the Aircrew Remembered website, www.aircrewremebered,com
They may have some contacts.