Loading...About The Speaker...
I am 62 years old served in the Royal Air Force following which I worked at various venues in the aircraft industry..
My interest in 617 “the Dambusters” Squadron started in 2002 when I got very enthusiastic about their Operation Chastise during the 2nd World War and what they achieved on their incredibly heroic raids on the Mohne, Edersee and Sorpe Dams with the famous “Bouncing Bomb”. This operation cost the RAF the loss of 8 Lancaster bombers, 53 aircrew died and 3 were captured. A further 32 of the Dambuster crew died in operations later on in the war.
Following on from this I started a local veterans group called “617 Group”. the group raises money to support the group and help local veterans in whatever way we can with the resources that we have.
George ‘Johnny’ Johnson MBE DFM, the last surviving Dambuster was Honorary President of 617 Group for the last 10 years of his life until his death in December 2022, he supported us both morally and financially by donating his fees for talks that he did.
As a point of interest Wales features in the Dambusters for a number of reasons; the bouncing bomb was first tested on the disused Nant-Y-Gro dam in the Elan Valley in Powys. The commanding officer of 617 Squadron, Wing Commander Guy Gibson married a Welsh girl from Penarth and also lived there following their wedding. Sergeant Gordon Arthur Yeo another crew member also hailed from Barry and is buried in Bergen General Cemetery in Holland.
About Their Talks...
Dependant on what you want my talk is based on operation Chastise; the RAF Dambusters raid on the 3 dams in the German Ruhr Valley. I have a unique video presentation followed by a question and answer session.
the presentation has been enjoyed by men, ladies and children alike.
The presentation can last up to 1 hour.
I can accommodate short notice talks subject to my availability,
I will also consider long distance talks subject to accommodation, food and travel costs.
All talks are supported by a video presentation, we have a projector, screen, sound and mains power extension lead if required.
Fee:
All fees donated go into the Veterans 617 Group to support the group and help local veterans.
For talks within 10 miles of Barry my fee is generally £50 for up to 1 hour.
I will also do a presentation for a collection from a group if the attendance is big enough.
For talks over 10 miles from Barry please contact me to discuss this.