• Operation Chastise (Dambusters Raid)

Date of birth:

April 2nd, 1916 (Toronto, Canada)

Date of death:

July 16th, 1922 (Toronto, Canada)

Service number:

R/112723

Nationality:

Canadian

Donald Arthur MacLean, born in Toronto on 2 April 1916, was a teacher and skilled ice hockey player before enlisting in the RCAF early in the war. After training as a navigator, he arrived at 97 Squadron in late 1942.

MacLean received a DFM for his merits during the Dams Raid, though he had unknowingly been commissioned before the raid and could have been awarded a DFC.

Completing 57 operations, MacLean married Josie, a wireless operator at Scampton, in 1944. He remained in the RCAF, retiring in 1967 as a Wing Commander. He later worked as Director of Ontario’s Health Insurance Program before retiring in 1981.

MacLean passed away on 16 July 1992 in Toronto.

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Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Flight Sergeant

Unit:

No. 617 Squadron, Royal Air Force

Awarded on:

May 28th, 1943

Awarded for:

Operation Chastise

"On the night of the 16th 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 Moehne and Eder dams. This outstanding success reflects the greatest credit on the efforts of the above mentioned personnel who participated in the operation, in various capacities as members of aircraft crew."

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

• Photo 1: RCAF
• - Dambusters
  - The London Gazette
  - Rcafassociation

Helaas geen map gevonden.

Sorpe Dam Langscheid

Langscheid - Nordrhein-Westfalen

RAF Scampton

Lincoln - Lincolnshire

Operation Chastise (Dambusters Raid)