Buckley, Jack

Operation Chastise (Dambusters Raid)

Date of birth:: May 1st, 1919 (Bradford/Yorkshire, United Kingdom)
Date of death:: May 6th, 1990 (Bradford/Yorkshire, United Kingdom)
Service number:: 129460
Nationality:: British

Biography

Hubert Buckley, the only son of Hubert and Lucy Buckley, was born in Bradford on 1 May 1919. After attending Salt’s High School in Saltaire, he worked in the wool trade before joining the RAF at the start of the war. Following training, he served in 225 Squadron and later 75 (NZ) Squadron, completing 35 operations. Commissioned in June 1942, he transitioned to a training unit.

Buckley was awarded the DFC in July 1943 and flew several additional missions before returning to training in summer 1944. After the war, he resumed his career in the wool trade and passed away in Bradford on 6 May 1990.

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

Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC)

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Flying Officer
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."