Sydney Grimes had completed over 25 operations on Lancasters when he was posted to 617 Squadron. His first operation was against the battleship Tirpitz, but cloud cover thwarted a successful attack. On 12 November 1944 a further attempt was made. Flying from airfields in north Scotland, 37 Lancaster of IX and 617 Squadrons sank ‘The Beast” with Tallboy bombs. Grimes eventual completed 41 operations ands was mentioned-in despatches.

Earlier in the war, Grimes flew with 106 Squadron and attacked targets in Germany, Poland and Italy.. He flew twice during the Battle of Hamburg. His was one of only two crews to complete a tour operations during his time on the squadron. He died aged 100 and current members of 617 Squadron visited him on his birthday.

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