Guest announcements for Autographica, Sinking the Tirpitz 617 sqn reunion Options

[showmasters]

A real treat for you WW2 buffs this coming show.
We have managed to get 5 of 617 sqn Lancaster Bomber crew who carried out the famous sinking of the Tirpitz raid in November 1944. The Tirpitz was the sister Ship to Bismark and was Germanys last operational battleship. She was bombed by Lancasters of 617 dambuster squadron using Tallboy bombs.
As the following sequence of photos shows she was hit at least twice and capsized. Ending the threat of German naval power for the remainder of the war.
Our crewmembers are

Sqn/ldr Benny Goodman

Squadron Leader Benny GOODMAN – 617 Squadron – Lancaster – Bomber Command He took part in most of 617 Squadron's high precision operations, including sorties against the German battleship Tirpitz


John Langston Air Commodore

Air Commodore John LANGSTON – 617 Squadron – Lancaster – Bomber Command He took part in most of 617 Squadron's high precision operations, including sorties against the German battleship Tirpitz


Colin Cole Warrant Officer

Warrant Officer Colin Cole Hon Secretary of the Lincolnshire Lancaster Association and also a wartime member of No 617 Squadron having taken part in the raid that sank Tirpitz in November 1944 as a Wireless Operator. He remained with No 617 Squadron until January 1946 and also took part in the preparations for the 'Tiger Force'.
Interestingly, Colin Cole actually flew in Guy Gibson's Lancaster 'AJ-G' used on the Dams Raid - this he did post war as part of the RAF's plan to dispose of the spare 'bouncing bombs' by dropping them out at sea, shortly afterwards the Lancaster was scrapped. Furthermore Colin Cole also flew some of our MF6 covers over the Mohne Dam on the 60th Anniversary of the Rams Raid.


Squadron Leader Tony Iveson DFC AE 616 Squadron

Tony Iveson fought in the Battle of Britain with RAF Fighter Command, as a Sergeant pilot, joining 616 Squadron at Kenley flying Spitfires on 2 September 1940. On the 16th of September, he was forced to ditch into the sea after running out of fuel following a pursuit of a Ju88 bomber. His Spitfire L1036 ditched 20 miles off Cromer in Norfolk, and he was picked up by an MTB. He joined No.92 Sqn the following month. Commissioned in 1942, Tony undertook his second tour transferring to RAF Bomber Command, where he was selected to join the famous 617 Squadron, flying Lancasters. He took part in most of 617 Squadron's high precision operations, including all three sorties against the German battleship Tirpitz, and went on to become one of the most respected pilots in the squadron.


Wing Commander John Bell

Wing Commander John BELL CBE– 617 Squadron – Lancaster – Bomber Command He took part in most of 617 Squadron's high precision operations, including sorties against the German battleship Tirpitz



Don,t miss the chance to meet these heroes of WW2.

[pritchie]

IT IS FANTASTIC getting a chance to meet these WW2 heros , makes a nice change from t.v stars
this is something you do so well , keep it up THANKS

[lukeowl]

Great announcements. I only hope I can be there in person to meet these true heroes.

[prendy9160]

A great bonus to the show keep it up

[Count Fooku]

I've heard Benny Goodman give a talk before and he was very interesting to listen to. If I remember rightly he also took part in a bombing raid on Berchestgarden as well. I get the impression from the way he was talking that he was probably a bit of a lad in his younger days!

[pritchie]

its great you have these guys together , is there any chance of getting some of the DAMBUSTERS guys aswell , JONNY JOHNSON etc ( also 617 sqn ) and maybe - bit of a biggy this - any of BARNES WALLIS children , if not for this show , maybe the next THANKS

GREAT to see these guys , any chance of getting JONNY JOHNSON and any DAMBUSTERS guys ( also 617 sqn ) and if poss - biggy this - any of BARNES WALLIS children , who helped with bouncing bomb
if not for this show maybe the next THANKS

[veritas]

I cant believe there isnt a talk scheduled, I would love to listen to these men's experiences if they are prepared to do it.

[Count Fooku]

its great you have these guys together , is there any chance of getting some of the DAMBUSTERS guys aswell , JONNY JOHNSON etc ( also 617 sqn ) and maybe - bit of a biggy this - any of BARNES WALLIS children , if not for this show , maybe the next THANKS

I don't know if you know that Jonny Johnson has done a few Autographicas in the past and has always been a great guest. I think there would be a good chance he'll make another appearance at some point.

I cant believe there isnt a talk scheduled, I would love to listen to these men's experiences if they are prepared to do it.

As far as I know none of the talks have been announced yet. At the last few shows there has usually been a bomber aircrew talk and a fighter pilot talk, so I'd assume there will be one this time round as well.

[Queen_Sindel]

Besides talks from Tippi Hedren and Leslie Nielsen no talks have been announced yet, that is right. Dave posted in another topic that the talk schedule would be up soon.