SIR: I am very interested in the wartime Royal Air Force and in particular 617 Squadron and the famous Dambuster raid, which I've been researching for more than13 years. I am especially interested in those men who flew on, or trained for, the raid, and in tracing details about them. Of those involved, I believe at lease one came from the Bolton area.

Pilot Officer Arnold Peter Pemberton was born in Bolton in August, 1914. I know little of his early life, but he joined the RAF around 1940 and trained as a wireless operator, serving with several units, before joining 106 Squadron. On April 7, 1943, he was posted with his crew to 617 Squadron, but left for unknown reasons about 10 days later, going to 19 OTU. I don't know what happened after that, but I believe he survived the war.

I would very much like to hear from anyone who recalls Arnold Pemberton, especially if they can put me in touch with him or his surviving relatives.

Alex Bateman, 70 Headstone Lane, North Harrow, Middlesex,HA2 6HW

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