Heal, Dudley Pierce

Operation Chastise (Dambusters Raid)

Date of birth:: August 5th, 1916 (Portsmouth/Hampshire, United Kingdom)
Date of death:: February 7th, 1999 (Southampton/Hampshire, United Kingdom)
Service number:: 919764
Nationality:: British

Biography

Dudley Percy Heal was born on 5 August 1916 in Portsmouth. He worked for the British Customs Service, but volunteered for the RAF in May 1940, despite being exempt from national service because of asthma.

Initially selected for pilot training, he trained in Canada and Pensacola, Florida, but was eventually reassigned as a navigator. Excelling in his studies, he returned to the UK, undergoing further training before joining 19 OTU at Kinloss. After anti-submarine patrols in Cornwall, he transitioned to heavy bombers, joining 44 Squadron in early 1943.

Transferred to 617 Squadron for a secret operation, Heal took part in the Dams Raid, adjusting navigation to keep AJ-F on course. Though failing to breach the Sorpe Dam, the crew witnessed the devastation at Möhne. Heal later received the Distinguished Flying Medal at Buckingham Palace.

Following further operations, he joined 214 Squadron in 1945, flying radio countermeasure missions in American Fortresses. On his eighth mission, his aircraft was hit by flak, forcing the crew to bale out. Captured, Heal was held for two months, surviving a forced march before being liberated.

Postwar, he resumed work in Customs and Excise, retiring in 1978. He married Thelma Davies and had two daughters, living in Southampton.

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Distinguished Flying Medal (DFM)

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Sergeant
Unit:: No. 617 Squadron, Royal Air Force
Awarded on:: May 28th, 1943
Awarded for:: Operation Chastise

Citation:
"On the night of i6th May, 1943, a force of Lancaster bombers was detailed to attack the Moehne, Eder and Sorpe dams in Germany. The operation was one of great difficulty and hazard, demanding a high degree of skill and courage and close co-operation between the crews of the aircraft engaged. Nevertheless, a telling blow was struck at the enemy by the successful breaching of the Mohne and Eder dams. This outstanding success reflects the greatest credit on the efforts of the following personnel who participated in the operation in various capacities as members of aircraft crew."