Celebrate the 80th anniversary of the iconic raid by RAF 617 Squadron thereafter known as the 'Dambusters' with this stunning £2 coin.
These are the first ever official RAF issue coins to feature the portrait of King Charles III. They are licensed with the RAF and bear the official RAF logo making them a perfect collectors item.
The Dambusters raid was a daring and highly dangerous mission that required immense courage and skill from all those who participated. Unfortunately, many of the men who took part in the raid paid the ultimate price for their bravery, and their sacrifice is commemorated in the Dambusters Roll of Honour as represented on this coin.
The Roll of Honour itself contains the names of all 133 men who participated in the Dambusters raid on the night of May 16-17, 1943. Of those men, 53 were killed in action, 3 were taken prisoner of war, and the rest returned safely to their base.
The Roll of Honour includes the names, ranks, and positions of each man who took part in the raid, as well as details of their fate. Some of the notable entries include:
- Wing Commander Guy Gibson, who was awarded the Victoria Cross for his leadership during the raid but was killed in action later in the war
- Squadron Leader Henry Maudslay, who piloted one of the Lancaster bombers and survived the raid but was killed in action in 1944
- Flight Lieutenant David Maltby, who piloted one of the aircraft and was responsible for breaching the Sorpe Dam but was killed in action later in the war
- Flight Lieutenant John Hopgood, who led a second wave of aircraft during the raid and was killed when his plane was shot down
The Dambusters Roll of Honour serves as a poignant reminder of the bravery and sacrifice of the men who took part in the raid and of the tremendous cost of war. It is a fitting tribute to those who gave their lives for their country and will forever be remembered as heroes.
Housed in its own presentation card and blister pack, your coin will be ready to display or add to your collection.
