END OF AN ERA
The last Dambuster dies
THE last surviving member of the Dambusters – Lawrence “Benny” Goodman – has died aged 100.
He flew with No. 617 Squadron in the famous “bouncing bomb” raids on German dams in 1943.
But in an extraordinary life he was appointed a Chevalier of the Légion d’honneur in France.
And he was even considered a “friend” of the German town of Arnsberg for his reconciliation work after the war, despite bombing its railway viaduct in 1945.
The north London-born Jewish veteran supported the launch of the RAF Museum’s Jewish Hidden Heroes project, highlighting the role Jews played in the airforce.
Museum boss Maggie Appleton said: “Benny was a special man who lived a long and fruitful life and brought joy and inspiration to many.
“He will be sadly missed by his friends at the museum, but we will ensure that his stories live on to inspire generations to come.”
Benny – nicknamed after the band leader – joined No. 617 Squadron in 1942 having previously been a flying instructor in Canada. He was the only member of the squadron without any previous operational experience.
He later took part in bombing raids on targets including Hitler’s Eagle’s Nest at Berchtesgaden.
Benny was demobbed at the end of the war, but rejoined the RAF and retired as a squadron leader in 1964 having flown 22 different aircraft. He held a private pilot’s licence until he was 93.
He is survived by a son. A memorial service will be held at the Central Church of the RAF in St Clement Danes, London.