• Operation Chastise (Dambusters Raid)

Date of birth:

September 12th, 1922 (London, United Kingdom)

Date of death:

December 8th, 1996 (Yarmouth/Isle of Wight, United Kingdom)

Nationality:

British

Douglas Edward Webb, born in Leytonstone, London, on September 12, 1922, worked as a photographic printer before joining the RAF in 1940 at age 18 to become an air gunner. After training in 1942, he joined 49 Squadron, flying 25 operations before transferring to 617 Squadron in March 1943.

During the Dams Raid, Webb, stationed in the front turret, brought extra ammunition, which proved crucial. He witnessed intense German defenses and was awarded the DFM for his role, though his medal was mistakenly engraved “E Webb.” In July 1943, he flew on Italian raids.

After completing his tour, Webb became an instructor but returned to operations with 617 Squadron in late 1944. He flew precision raids with 12,000lb Tallboy bombs and later participated in missions using the 22,000lb Grand Slam. Webb likely flew on 617 Squadron’s final wartime operation on April 25, 1945, alongside Ray Wilkinson and Len Sumpter, making them the only participants in both the squadron’s first and last missions.

Post-war, Webb worked as a photographer, specializing in theatrical and film portraits.

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• Photo 1: Findagrave
• - Dambusters

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