This week marks the anniversary of the death of Robert Jack Henderson on February 18, 1961.
Henderson, also known as Bob, was a Flight Engineer in the Royal Air Force’s 617 Squadron, famously known as the Dambusters.
Born in 1920 in Tarbrax, Scotland, Henderson joined the RAF in 1937 and was part of the historic Dams Raid, codenamed Operation Chastise, which aimed to destroy three dams in Germany’s Ruhr Valley.
Henderson flew 18 missions with the Dambusters, including the famous Operation Chastise.
He was known for his technical skills and bravery, earning the Distinguished Flying Medal for his contributions. After the war, Henderson continued his service in the RAF and was stationed at various locations, including Akrotiri in Cyprus.
Tragically, Henderson died in 1961 while still serving in Cyprus. He was buried at the Dhekelia Garrison British Military Cemetery.
Interestingly, a year later in 1962, the last of the Dambusters, Captain Micky Martin, served as the station commander at RAF Nicosia. He was the only pilot still in the RAF still serving as a general duties pilot.
What was RAF Nicosia?
RAF Nicosia, also known as Royal Air Force Nicosia, was a former Royal Air Force station.
Built in the 1930s, it served as the Headquarters for the Royal Air Force Cyprus from June 8 to July 29, 1941. The station was initially the principal airport for Cyprus, known as Nicosia International Airport, and it operated both civil and military aviation.
During World War II, RAF Nicosia played a crucial role, hosting various RAF squadrons and providing fighter defense for the island. After the war, it continued to serve as a base for several RAF units and was involved in various military operations.
The station was disestablished in 1966, and the site is now controlled by the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus, used as a base for UN peacekeeping patrol helicopters.