Pretty Dam cool
Daily Mirror UK|October 24, 2024
Pilot's matter-of-fact record of WW2 raid tipped to make £15k at auction
JAMES PODESTA
Pretty Dam cool

TWO RAF logbooks belonging to a pilot of the legendary Dambusters' raid are being sold by his family, along with the boots he wore.

Flight Lieutenant William 'Bill' Townsend's entry for the mission tells of a successful low-level attack over Germany's industrial heartlands.

However, the matter-of-fact record does not convey the astonishing nature of the Second World War raid or the skill and bravery of those involved.

The 617 Squadron was created solely for Operation Chastise, which was aimed at breaching a series of dams in Germany's Ruhr Valley in 1943.

RAF Lancasters flew dangerously low to drop bouncing bombs which skipped over the water before striking the dams.

Despite 53 out of the 133 men who took part being killed, the operation overnight on May 16 and 17 was a success and tremendous morale boost.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM DAILY MIRROR UKView all
DOPPELGANGERL
Daily Mirror UK

DOPPELGANGERL

Hudson-Odoi hails Wood as Forest's very own Haaland

time-read
2 mins  |
December 02, 2024
REDDY TO TAKE OVER!
Daily Mirror UK

REDDY TO TAKE OVER!

Slot's relentless side are in a commanding position to grab the crown that is falling from City's grasp

time-read
2 mins  |
December 02, 2024
Loss of urgency, LEWIS lack of care and a huge 82 drop off in form killing City's season
Daily Mirror UK

Loss of urgency, LEWIS lack of care and a huge 82 drop off in form killing City's season

SHORTLY after Cody Gakpo had opened the scoring amid more abject defending from Manchester City, Phil Foden had to receive treatment for a knock to the knee.

time-read
2 mins  |
December 02, 2024
AMOR TO THE POINT
Daily Mirror UK

AMOR TO THE POINT

It's only taken Ruben three games but United are already playing with style and swagger

time-read
2 mins  |
December 02, 2024
Red scare can't stop Botafogo
Daily Mirror UK

Red scare can't stop Botafogo

ALEX TELLES scored from the spot as Botafogo overcame a first-minute red card to be crowned South America's champions at the Copa Libertadores.

time-read
1 min  |
December 02, 2024
QATAR ZERO
Daily Mirror UK

QATAR ZERO

It's the pits as Lewis finishes pointless after puncture & two penalties

time-read
2 mins  |
December 02, 2024
Daily Mirror UK

Ryggs is a lethal weapon

RYGGS JOHNSTON won on only his second DP World Tour start as he captured the Australian Open in impressive fashion.

time-read
1 min  |
December 02, 2024
BRY & MIGHTY
Daily Mirror UK

BRY & MIGHTY

Stokes hails Carse as 'three bowlers in one' as 10-wicket haul fires England to victory

time-read
2 mins  |
December 02, 2024
REED ON THE ROAD TO TOP OF THE WORLD
Daily Mirror UK

REED ON THE ROAD TO TOP OF THE WORLD

ARRON REED was tipped for \"world-class\" status after scoring twice as Sale hit Leicester for six.

time-read
1 min  |
December 02, 2024
IT'S MOUTH ALMIGHTY
Daily Mirror UK

IT'S MOUTH ALMIGHTY

LOSSIEMOUTH is as short as 6-4 favourite (from 5-2) for the Champion Hurdle next March after posting an impressive victory in the Grade 1 Hatton's Grace Hurdle at Fairyhouse.

time-read
1 min  |
December 02, 2024