Son of founding member of the Dambusters says removal of squadron mascot's name from memorial is 'disgraceful'
The son of a man who was a founding member of the Dambusters squadron has called the removal of its mascot's name from a memorial “disgraceful”.
Ernest Twells is the son of Flight Lieutenant Ernie Twells. He has complained to his MP about the removal of the name of the Dambusters dog from a memorial at RAF Scampton. It was removed because the name is a racist term. The black Labrador belonged to the squadron’s wing commander, Guy Gibson.
Mr Twells said: “I agree that the removal of the name is disgraceful. It’s an insult to all who bravely served.
“My father, Flight Lieutenant Ernie Twells, was a founder member of 617 Squadron and completed 65 missions in 619 and 617 Squadrons. He, too, would be appalled, as would the 57,205 air crew who were killed in action.”
Mr Twells, who lives in Barkstone-le-Vale, told the Journal: “Someone in the RAF or the MoD should hang their head or heads in shame.
“My father’s last mission in 617 Squadron was against the German battleship Tirpitz. The flight time was 13-and-a-half hours. My father’s medals, logbook etc are on display in The Rotunda at RAF Cranwell.”
An RAF spokesperson said : “As part of an ongoing review of its historical assets, the RAF have replaced the gravestone of Guy Gibson’s dog at RAF Scampton. The new gravestone tells the story of Guy Gibson’s dog, but the name has been removed.
“The current gravestone will be stored in a safe location while any next steps are considered.”
Mr Twells has asked Melton and Rutland MP Alicia Kearns to raise the issue in Parliament.
Ms Kearns has replied to Mr Twells. She said: "Firstly, I would like to say that I am immensely grateful for people like your father, who made an incredible contribution to our nation.
"I am against the removal and vandalism of any such statues and monuments in the wake of the taking down of Colston's statue. I firmly believe we learn from history; we do not eradicate it.
"However, in this instance, as the memorial is on an RAF base it is therefore a matter for the MoD. One that I hope is rectified shortly.
"Those responsible for defacing memorials do not stand for freedom, liberty, or justice, and we need to make clear these egregious insults are abhorrent. That is why I backed the ‘Desecration of War Memorials Bill’ which will empower the courts and police to more easily prosecute those who seek to harm memorials, erected to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom."
The memorial to the black Labrador says the dog was killed by a car on May 16, 1943, and was buried at midnight as his owner led the 617 squadron on its famous bombing raid against the Mohne and Eder dams.
