Lancaster B1 Special ED825...

One of the privileges of doing first Dambusters2012 and the this year Dambusters2013 is that I now count Sqn Ldr George 'Johnny' Johnson as a friend.

Johnny was bomb aimer on Joe McCarthy's Lancaster in 617 Sqdn and attacked the Sorpe Dam on the night of the 16th/17th May 1943. Much has been written about that night but suffice to say that it was only on the 10th run across the Sorpe dam that Johnny was happy to drop his 'Upkeep' weapon .... right on target. A true hero.

What is less known is that Joe McCarthy and his crew took off in the 'spare aircraft' as their own went 'tech' on them. The spare aircraft they took off in was Lancaster ED825, AJ-T .... and here she is in this famous image of a Dambusters Lancaster. The actual Lancaster that Johnny and his crew flew to the Sorpe dam and back.

It is also with immense pride that we enjoy Johnny's support for Dambusters2013, our efforts to raise cash for Help for Heroes and Motorcycle Outreach, and also for the small part we will play in commemorating the lives lost on both sides due to the Dams Raid.

For more details go to www.dambusters2013.org.uk