The Dambusters Ride to return in 2022

In summer 2021, we launched The Dambusters Ride, a cycle challenge celebrating the centenary of George 'Johnny' Johnson DFM, the last surviving original member of Operation Chastise, also known as the Dambusters raid. In May 2022, The Dambusters Ride will return for a second year to honour the bravery of those who risked their lives in the raid. 

The Dambusters were members of the RAF's 617 Squadron who were assembled in March 1943 to bomb three dams in Germany's Ruhr Valley. The raid, which took place on the night of May 16-17, involved 133 aircrew flying 19 specially adapted Lancaster bombers.

The Dambusters Ride returns again as both a physical and virtual challenge. The physical Heritage Ride will take place on Saturday 14 May 2022 with a 60-mile route and a 100-mile route starting finishing at the Petwood Hotel in Woodhall Spa, Lincolnshire, the home of the Dambusters. Riders can also participate in the event virtually by completing the 60 or 100-mile distance anywhere in the world over the weekend of 7-8 May 2022.

For more information and to sign up for the ride, please visit rafbf.org/ride.

Johnny Johnson said: "The RAF Benevolent Fund does incredible work supporting RAF veterans and serving personnel and I would like to thank anyone who signs up for this cycle ride. I am grateful to have never needed the support of the Fund but nonetheless I have always known they are there for those less fortunate than I.

"Not only will this event raise vital funds to support RAF personnel, past and present, it will also pay tribute to the brave men of Bomber Command who made the ultimate sacrifice on the Dambusters raid and throughout the Second World War. Their loss must never be forgotten and it is my hope through this event, a new generation will learn about the cost of the freedom they enjoy today."

The RAF Benevolent Fund provides financial, emotional, and practical assistance to serving and retired RAF personnel and their families. This includes grants to help with financial difficulty, free memberships for Headspace, Airplay youth clubs, and more.