RESIDENTS of Chepstow looked to the skies last night as a roaring Lancaster bomber sent a soaring salute to a very special former townsman.

Politicians, members of the admiralty and the public gathered outside a small terraced house in Garden City to watch as a plaque was unveiled marking the residency of Flight Sergeant Bill Townsend CGM DFM, who was a member of the famous 617 Dambuster squadron 75 years ago.

The pilot lived and grew up in Chepstow and went on to fly the Lancaster ED-886, codenamed AJ-0, in the famous dambuster raid of May 1944.

He is remembered with a commemorative plaque unveiled last night (17th May) by RAF Air Commodore Simon Ellard, Mayor of Chepstow Dale Rooke, Lord Lieutenant of Gwent Brigadier Robert Aitken CBE, and High Sheriff Sharon Linnard outside his former home in Hardwick Avenue.

Born on 12th January 1921, Flt Sgt Townsend lived and grew up in Chepstow, and went to Monmouth School. Shortly after the start of the Second World War he joined the Army, transferring into the RAF in May 1941.

As Chepstow Town Council commemorated the 100th Anniversary of the foundation of the Royal Air Force and the 75th Anniversary of the Dambusters Raid, they paused at the event to remember bravery seen during the fateful raid.

Flt Sgt Townsend flew in the third wave of the raid on the night of 16th and 17th May, with AJ-O tasked to attack the Ennepe Dam. With no anti-aircraft firing at them, they had time to do three trial runs before they released their bomb, but it failed to damage the dam. Forced by enemy fire to fly back at tree-top level, his Lancaster was the last to return. It limped home short of one engine.

He was awarded the Conspicuous Gallantry Medal and the Distinguished Flying Medal for his actions, and was later promoted to Flight Lieutenant.

His iconic steed soared above Chepstow just after 6.30pm last night to mark the unveiling.

The blue plaque was designed, made and donated by former mayor of Chepstow Ned Heywood MBE.

Photos courtesy of Paul Hallifax and Paul Davies.