• Operation Chastise (Dambusters Raid)

Date of birth:

November 23rd, 1917 (Tasmania, Australia)

Date of death:

April 2nd, 1998 (Tasmania, Australia)

Service number:

AUS. 408076

Nationality:

Australian

Thomas Drayton Simpson, born on 23 November 1917 in Hobart, Tasmania, was the middle child of Thomas Simpson and his wife. His father was a lawyer, and Simpson began legal studies before enlisting in the RAAF in 1940. Posted to England, he flew five Manchester operations with 97 Squadron in late 1941, then transferred to 455 Squadron

In April 1942, Martin's crew moved to 50 Squadron, becoming the first all-Australian crew to fly a Manchester operationally during the Thousand Bomber Raid on Cologne. By June, they transitioned to Lancasters, and Simpson completed 37 missions by October, earning a Distinguished Flying Medal (DFM) and moving to a training unit. In April 1943, he joined 617 Squadron, training for the Dams Raid.

Simpson flew 14 more missions after the raid but was taken off operations in February 1944 after the Antheor Viaduct trip. Though he applied for pilot training, he was assigned to an Operational Training Unit for the rest of the war. After discharge, he resumed law studies in Tasmania, was called to the Bar in 1949, and worked as a lawyer. He married Esme Reid, with whom he had four children.

He died in Hobart on 2 April 1998.

Do you have more information about this person? Inform us!

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

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Flying Officer

Unit:

No. 617 Squadron, Royal Air Force

Awarded on:

April 11th, 1944

"This officer has participated in many sorties since being awarded the Distinguished Flying Medal. He is a cool and confident gunner, whose good shooting and excellent co-operation have contributed materially to the safe return of the aircraft on many occasions. On a recent occasion, Flying Officer Simpson took part in an attack on a target in Southern France. During the operation, the aircraft was heavily engaged by fire from the ground defenses and sustained severe damage. Nevertheless, Flying Officer Simpson used his guns with deadly effect, playing a good part in overcoming the enemy's, opposition. This officer has invariably displayed a high degree of courage and has proved himself to be a most valuable member of aircraft crew."

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

• Photo 1: VWMA
• - Dambusters
  - https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/36463/supplement/1673/data.pdf
  - https://www.awm.gov.au/collection/R1570367

Helaas geen map gevonden.

Möhne Dam Möhnesee

Möhnesee - Nordrhein-Westfalen

RAF Scampton

Lincoln - Lincolnshire

Operation Chastise (Dambusters Raid)