Lossiemouth get ready for virtual Dambusters Ride

A team of four fundraisers from Lossiemouth will be taking part in the 100 mile Dambusters Ride, a cycle challenge organised by the RAF Benevolent Fund, on 7 May.

The team consists of ex-617 Sqn personnel who are now all members of the 617 Squadron Association Lossie Chapter – Clive Mitchell, Colin McGregor, Nigel Tiddy and Al Read.

The Dambusters Ride pays tribute to the Dambusters, members of the RAF's 617 Squadron who were assembled to bomb three dams in Germany's Ruhr Valley on the night of 16-17 May 1943 – also known as Operation Chastise. It was a risky raid, dropping the revolutionary bouncing bomb at low level, and the cost was high. Of 133 aircrew who left, 53 were killed and 3 became prisoners of war.

Clive, who is the Sqn Uncle on 6 Sqn at RAF Lossiemouth, said: "We're all ex-617 Sqn, so the ride is very meaningful for us. It captures two things that we care about – the memory of those who flew on Operation Chastise (particularly the 53 who were killed on the raids), and also raising funds for a great cause."

You can donate to their fundraiser by clicking here.