2008-02-05
Cyril "Bam" Bamberger dead
I have just received information through a friend that RAF Squadron Leader Cyril "Bam" Bamberger passed away on 03.00 Sunday morning.
Bamberger was one of the surviving members of "The Few", having flown Spitfires with No. 610 Squadron in the Battle of Britain. During the Battle he scored five victories, achieving the ace status.
In November 1940, Bamberger volunteered for Malta, flying a Hurricane off HMS Argus to the island on 17th November. Serving with No. 261 Squadron, he shot down two Junkers Ju 87 in successive days over Grand Harbour in January 1941. He was subsequently posted to No. 185 Squadron and returned to England in May of that year.
In 1942, Bam joined No. 93 Squadron and followed with that unit to Tunisia. He returned to Malta in 1943 and shot down another Ju 87 on 13 July over Sicily. In August, No. 243 Squadron moved to Sicily.
On 28 september 1943, Cyril Bamberger was awarded the DFC. On 16 October he claimed a Bf 109, another on 25 May 1944 and a Macchi Mc 202 damaged on 15 June.
In July 1944 Bamberger returned to the UK. In November that year he was awarded the bar to his DFC. Released from the RAF in 1946, he was recalled during the Korean crisis. He finally retired from the RAF in 1959.
During his retirement Bam became known as a great friend to many and remained active in the aviation circles to his last days, most recently with the Bentley Priory Battle of Britain Trust (BPBBT). He was 88 years old.
Labels: history
4 Comments
|
Leave your comment
» The uncertain future of Bentley Priory
» Updated 31 January
» Updated 30 January
» Merlin engines for sale by Dutch museum
» Updated 28 January
» Performance of the Spitifre
» The Spitfire, Big Ben and The Beatles are indelibl...
» Press review
» Updated 19 January
» Douglas Bader memorabilia on sale in the UK
posted by
Anonymous on 06-Feb-2008 16:44:00
|
permalink
We are all very sad to lose a outstanding Officer and a Gentleman, he will be remembered by so many, the countless times he gave up his own time to meet and greet so many aviation enthusiast at air shows and events around the country.
Safe onward journey Bam from all your friends.
posted by
mark bamberger on 07-Feb-2008 11:56:00
|
permalink
Bams family thank you all for all for your kind comments on this and many other sites.
He was a very special man
Mark Bamberger
Bams funeral is next thursday 14/02 at the Catholic Church in Midhurst West Sussex at 14.00
posted by
Anonymous on 29-Feb-2008 21:12:00
|
permalink
another huge loss to us all,he was a legend to me and a lovely man . i talked with him many times at airshows and signings .the debt we all owe you we cannot repay. we will never forget you.
posted by
Anonymous on 04-May-2008 02:15:00
|
permalink
I doubt your new wings will be as good as the old ones.....We salute you and all who fought for our freedom.