Dambusters saved from axe to fly new fighter

Dambusters saved from axe to fly new fighter

The “Dambusters” squadron has been saved from defence cuts because it will be the first to operate the RAF’s new fighter jets.

Wing Commander Peter Ward-Hunt (right) with fellow 'Dambusters' John Searby and Guy Gibson

By Tom Whitehead, Security Editor

2:10PM GMT 03 Mar 2013

The 617 Squadron was made famous for its heroics during the Second World War when bombers attacked dams in Germany’s Ruhr Valley using “bouncing bombs”.

It was feared it would be confined to history when the Ministry of Defence replaces its Tornado aircraft with the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF).

But senior defence sources said the squadron has “privileged status” because of its history and its pilots will be the first in the RAF to operate the JSF.

The new fighters are due to be introduced in three years while existing Tornados are expected to be gradually phased out by 2019.

Five RAF squadrons currently fly around 90 Tornados but it is believed only one or two will convert to the JSF, leaving the others at risk of being axed. http://i.telegraph.co.uk/multimedia/archive/02498/tornado_2498324c.jpg" width="460" />_{A Tornado GR4 aircraft of 617 Squadron flies over its home: RAF Lossiemouth in Scotland}

It was feared 617 squadron would have been the first to go because it is the youngest, having only been formed in 1943.

However, it is because of its actions in that same year that means it is still considered a prize asset for the military.

In May 1943, Lancaster bombers attacked the German dams with bouncing bombs designed by Barnes Wallis in the hope of crippling heavy industry that was helping in Germany’s war effort.

The raid, known as Operation Chastise. caused huge amounts of damage but eight aircraft and 53 airmen were lost.

The squadron’s exploits were later made in to 1955 film The Dam Busters, starring Michael Redgrave and Richard Todd.

A defence source said 617 Squadron, which is based at RAF Lossiemouth in Moray, Scotland, “has a unique status and its place in history is not under threat”.

 

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