One of Scotland’s best known cyclists has given his backing to a bike ride commemorating the daring Dambusters raid of the Second World War.

Mark Beaumont will join scores of cyclists across Scotland and the rest of the UK taking part in The Dambusters Ride – a 100 and 56-mile fundraiser organised by the RAF benevolent fund.

Riders will get in the saddle this weekend to mark the 78th anniversary of the raid, as well as the 100th birthday of the last surviving member of the mission, George ‘Johnny’ Johnson DFM.

Money raised from the event will go towards helping RAF veterans and personnel in need of support.

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Mr Beaumont, from Edinburgh, who will attend the virtual after party for cyclists who take part in the race, said he was honoured to support the event.

The world record-breaking cyclist said: “The Royal Air Force is an organisation close to my heart – I seriously considered joining the RAF, before the pull of cycling led me to become the athlete and broadcaster I am now.

“I’m honoured to be asked to support this event and in doing so, support the vital work of the RAF Benevolent Fund in helping RAF veterans and personnel in need.”

The Herald: Mark Beaumont is backing The Dambuster Ride, an event to raise money for RAF veteransMark Beaumont is backing The Dambuster Ride, an event to raise money for RAF veterans

The Dambusters raid, or Operation Chastise, was a pivotal moment in the Second World War when specially assembled crews targeted three key dams in Germany.

Members of the RAF’s 617 squadron were assembled in March 1943 with the aim of bombing dams in the Ruhr Valley, Germany’s industrial heartland.

A unique new weapon known as the bouncing bomb was used in the attack – a 9000 pound cylindrical mine that was designed to bounce across the surface of the water until it hit a dam.

However, in order for it to be effective, it had to have backspin imparted on it before it left the plane so specialist adjustments were made to Lancaster bombers for the attack.

On the night of the raid on May 16, 133 aircrew flew out in 19 bombers, targeting the Mohne, the Eder and the Sorpe dams.

There were three waves, with each wave targeting a different dam. The Mohne and the Eder were both successfully breached, while the Sorpe was damaged but not destroyed.

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The attack caused catastrophic flooding in the Ruhr valley. Two hydroelectric power stations were destroyed and several more damaged, while factories and mines were also damaged and destroyed. Production did not return to normal until September.

More than 1000 civilians, Germans and forced labourers, died, while 53 RAF aircrew were killed and three were taken as prisoners of war.

While the operation was hailed as a great success, Barnes Wallis, the designer behind the bomb, said it was tempered by the loss of life in the 617 squadron, which went on to be based at Lossiemouth.

At the time, he said: “For me the subsequent success was almost completely blotted out by the sense of loss of those wonderful young lives.”

Mr Johnson said he hoped the event would help to educate younger generations about the sacrifices made on their behalf.

“I am grateful to have never needed the support of the RAF Benevolent Fund but nonetheless I have always known they are there for those less fortunate than I,” he said.

The Herald: Last remaining Dambuster George 'Johnny' JohnsonLast remaining Dambuster George 'Johnny' Johnson

“Not only will this event raise vital funds to support RAF personnel, past and present, it will also pay tribute to the brave men of Bomber Command who made the ultimate sacrifice on the Dambusters raid and throughout the Second World War.

“Their loss must never be forgotten and it is my hope through this event, a new generation will learn about the cost of the freedom they enjoy today.

“The RAF Benevolent Fund does incredible work supporting RAF veterans and serving personnel and I would like to thank anyone who signs up for this cycle ride.”

For more information visit rafbf.org.