Hundreds take part in charity ride to mark 80 years since Dambusters Raid
Hundreds of cyclists took part in a 100-mile ride to raise money for an RAF charity and pay tribute to the men who carried out the famous Dambusters Raid.
The annual challenge pays tribute to members of the RAF's 617 Squadron who famously conducted a daring bombing run on three dams in Germany's Ruhr Valley during the Second World War.
The Dambusters Ride, a cycling fundraiser organised by the RAF Benevolent Fund, took place on 13 May to mark the 80th anniversary.
Members of the RAF's 617 Squadron assembled to bomb three dams on the night of 16 and 17 May 1943 – also known as Operation Chastise.
This year marks 80 years since the raid, in which the revolutionary bouncing bomb, the brainchild of engineer Barnes Wallis, was dropped at low level on Germany's industrial heartland.
The mission was seen as a success, but the cost was high – of 133 aircrew who deployed, 53 were killed and three became prisoners of war.
Neil Tomlin, head of engagement at the RAF Benevolent Fund, said: "This year's Dambusters Ride was an enormous success with over 300 riders taking part to raise money for the RAF Benevolent Fund.
"The money raised will help provide financial, emotional, and practical assistance to members of the RAF family who require support."
Lincolnshire-based Wing Commander Mike Ainsworth, who took part in the 100-mile cycle, said: "I take part in the Dambusters Ride every year – throughout my RAF career, I've always felt safe in the knowledge that the RAF Benevolent Fund would be there for me if times got tough.
"I've seen first-hand the incredible support they give not only to serving personnel but also to RAF veterans and their families, so it's important for me to support the charity."
He added: "This year has been particularly poignant as I'm also doing the ride in memory of Johnny Johnson, the last surviving Dambuster, who passed away last December. He was such an inspiration and will be missed dearly."
The Dambusters Ride consists of two elements: a flexible Virtual Ride and a Heritage Ride which took place in Lincolnshire, including 100-mile, 80-mile and 40-mile routes.
The event started and finished at the Petwood Hotel, in Woodhall Spa, Lincolnshire, the former home of the Dambusters.
The RAF Benevolent Fund is one of the RAF's leading welfare charities, which provides financial and emotional support to serving personnel, veterans, their partners, and dependants.
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