A new exhibition at Lincoln’s International Bomber Command Centre will salute the 53 men lost on the famous raid, centring on the crew of ED877 AJ-A
Following the success of the Standing With Giants installation at the IBCC from October to March, artist Dan Barton has chosen the site for his next exhibition. These figures will represent the 53 men during Operation Chastise in time for the 80th anniversary. At their centre will be the crew of ED877 AJ-A led by Sqn Ldr Henry Melvin ‘Dinghy’ Young.
AJ-A was the fourth aircraft to drop its Upkeep mine at the Mohne Dam and had caused a small breach. A few minutes later AJ-J dropped another mine, causing the final breach and the dam’s collapse. On the return flight, not far from safety, Young’s aircraft was brought down into the sea by fire from a gun battery. All aboard lost their lives.
SQUADRON LEADER HENRY MELVIN YOUNG ‘DINGY’
Born 1915 – Belgravia, London. American mother, so spent childhood between England and US. Went to school in Connecticut and then University at Trinity College, Oxford where he joined the University Air Squadron alongside Leonard Cheshire. Joined up in 1938.
FLIGHT SERGEANT CHARLES WALPOLE ROBERTS
Born 1921 near Cromer, Norfolk to Charles Augustus and Dorcus Roberts. Enrolled 1940 and trained in Rhodesia. Engaged to Irene Mountney (WAAF) working a parachute packer at RAF Scampton.
SERGEANT DAVID TAYLOR HORSFALL
Born April 1920 at Bramley, Yorkshire to Robinson and Emma. He has a younger brother, Albert, who was killed in 1940 with 50 Squadron. Trained at RAF Halton.
SERGEANT WILFRED IBBOTSON
Born September 1913 to Herbert and Anne Ibbotson. Married Doris Bray in 1938 and had two daughters.
FLYING OFFICER VINCENT SANFORD MACCAUSLAND
Born 1913 Prince Edward Island, Canada to Burns and Edith MacCausland as the eldest of five children. Worked as a teacher before he joined RCAF in 1940. With girlfriend Rene Warman had daughter Angela born January 1943.
SERGEANT LAWRENCE WILLIAM NICHOLS
Born 17 May 1910 – died on his 33rd birthday – to Edward and Florence Nichols. The eldest of four children. Married Georgina 1933 and had two children.
SERGEANT GORDON ARTHUR YEO
Born September 1922 in Barry Dock, Glamorgan to Arthur and Ada. Was youngest member of the crew aged just 20. Was a drapers’ apprentice before joining up in 1941.
This new installation will be unveiled on May 14 as part of the IBCC’s commemorations of the operation
