New RAF Cosford display marks Dambusters 80th anniversary
Bob Greaves Photography/RAF Museum MidlandsA Victoria Cross awarded to the man who led the Dambusters' World War Two raids on Germany is on show to mark the 80th anniversary.
It's part of a new exhibition, Strike Hard, Strike Sure: Bomber Command 1939-1945, at the museum at RAF Cosford in Shropshire.
Fifty-three airmen were killed in the famous mission, which targeted three German dams on the 16 and 17 May 1943.
Wing Commander Guy Gibson completed 177 operations, the museum said.
His Victoria Cross and medal bar are on display and he received the medal for his leadership of No 617 Squadron, the Dambusters, on its first operation over Germany.
Getty ImagesThe famous raids were launched from RAF Scampton in Lincolnshire.
Bob Greaves Photography/RAF Museum MidlandsThe exhibition includes a Wellington B Mk X bomber, one of only two remaining examples, which is on display after more than a decade of conservation work, the museum said.
It also features the Bristol Blenheim Mk IV - a light bomber and night fighter.
Artefacts in the display include flying suits, uniforms and caps, log books, post-raid reconnaissance photographs and aircrew lucky charms.
Bob Greaves Photography/RAF Museum Midlands
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