I'm an ex-member of the Sqn, from recent times, and I was proud to take part in memorials both for this and the other notable raid by the Sqn.
I know there is a lot of cynicism around these days, and that there is also a lot of revisionist history about Bomber Command.
Guy Gibson doesn't seem to have stood the test of time for many people.
But, by God, it was an outstanding feat of airmanship by those involved, with huge losses inflicted, at a time when our country needed all the good news that it could get.
God bless those of you who flew on that raid and those of you who supported it.
This country owes men (and women) like you a massive debt, and it is to our shame if we should ever forget.
It's always a time for me to bow my head in remembrance - not only for this squadron, at this time, but for those of all 3 services, and for other nations who were asked, and expected, to fight tyranny.
Thank you.