THE Penarth Probus Club held its monthly meeting on recently and club president, Steve Thomas introduced four new members: Michael Boardman, John Bowsher, Roger Meacham, and Brian Thain.
He also welcomed the guest speaker, Russ Kitely and his four colleagues: Wayne Gill, Mike Hatter, Geoff Horton, and Zac Stubbins. They are all armed forces veterans and involved in Group 617.
The topic of Russ’ presentation was entitled: ‘Group 617 and the Dambusters’. He is currently the chairman of the group, which is a veteran support group set up about 13 years ago to help veterans across the armed forces meet the many challenges of everyday living. To date, 109 veterans have been helped in addressing one or more of their needs.
The group was honoured to have, as its first president, Johnny Johnson. He was the last surviving member of 617 Squadron, the squadron which carried out the successful raid on the dams in the Ruhr Valley in Germany during the Second World War in May 1943. Although the legendary squadron was put together specifically for the famous Dambusters’ raid, it was also active in many other raids during the war and served in Malaya until 1955. Afterwards it was re-established at RAF Scampton in May 1958 until 1981.
The group helped Johnny Johnson celebrate his 100th birthday in 2021, but sadly he passed away in 2022.
Russ highlighted the gallant leadership provided by Wing Commander Guy Gibson. He piloted the first of the I9 Lancaster bombers that headed out on the mission from RAF Scampton. They flew at a height of not more than 60 feet so that they could use the technique, developed by Barnes Wallis, to drop ‘bouncing bombs’ to skid over the water and crash into the retaining walls. The resulting flood had a devastating effect on the power stations, factories and mines in the valley below.
It was a very dangerous raid and only 11 of the bombers returned. Only 80 of the 133 crew members survived. Of these, 22 were killed serving in 617 Squadron later in the war and a further 10 were killed serving with other squadrons. So, only 48 of the 133 who took part in the raid survived the war. Guy Gibson was amongst those killed later in the war. He was just 26 and was married to a Penarth girl.
The Dambusters’ raid, although many died, did much to improve the morale of those on the Allies side at a critical time in the war.
Group 617 has already made a major impact in supporting veterans, including helping set up Woody’s Lodge in the Barry area. The work of Woody’s Lodge was the topic of a previous presentation to the Probus group back in February of this year. Also, useful links have been established in the Netherlands. If anyone would like further information about the work of Group 617, please contact Geoff Horton, its secretary, on 07716 792568.
At the end of the session, the Probus club secretary, Rev Tony Stevens, congratulated Group 617 on the excellent work it is doing and wished it every success in the future. The session was, once again, followed by a very delicious meal prepared by chef, Tim Tresize, and served by his wife, Debbie, and assistant, Isla.
The next Probus meeting will be held on 19th December when Dorian Prince will make a presentation entitled: ‘The Rise of China’. New members are always welcome. Probus is open to both retired and semi-retired men of any age. Anyone interested in joining, email
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