• Operation Chastise (Dambusters Raid)

Date of birth:

May 22nd, 1920 (Milo/Alberta, Canada)

Date of death:

September 16th, 1943 (Nordhorn, Germany)

Buried on:

Commonwealth War Cemetery Reichswald Forest
Plot: 16. Row: B. Grave: 13-16.

Service number:

J/16688

Nationality:

Canadian

Harlo Torger Taerum was born on May 22, 1920, in Milo, Alberta, as the eldest of four children to Guttorn and Hilda Taerum. His father, a Norwegian immigrant, moved to Canada in his youth and tragically lost his life in a drowning accident when Harlo was just ten years old.

Harlo was an excellent student. With the onset of World War II, he enlisted in the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF). After undergoing training in both Canada and the United Kingdom, he commenced operational duties with 50 Squadron in January 1942. By the end of that year, he had completed a full tour of operations and was appointed as an instructor at the squadron’s conversion unit, while still participating in operational flights.

Eventually, he was assigned to 617 Squadron in preparation for the Dams Raid. His aircraft was the first to target the Möhne Dam, but unfortunately, the mine detonated prematurely, falling short of the dam.

Taerum and his crew were killed later that year during the failed bombing operation against the Dortmund Ems canal.

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Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Pilot Officer

Unit:

No. 617 Squadron, Royal Air Force

Awarded on:

May 28th, 1943

Awarded for:

Operation Chastise

Citation (group):
On the night of 16th May, 1943, a force of Lancaster bombers was detailed to attack the Moehne, Eder and Sorpe dams in Germany. The operation was one of great difficulty and hazard, demanding a high degree of skill and courage and close co-operation between the crews of the aircraft engaged. Nevertheless, a telling blow was struck at the enemy by the successful breaching of the Mohne and Eder dams.
This outstanding success reflects the greatest credit on the efforts of the following personnel who participated in the operation in various capacities as members of aircraft crew."

Invested with award by King George, 11 May 1943.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

With "Overseas" clasp

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

• Photo 1: Findagrave
• - CWGC
  - The London Gazette
  - Flight Lieutenant Navigator Torger Harlo Taerum

Helaas geen map gevonden.

Möhne Dam Möhnesee

Möhnesee - Nordrhein-Westfalen

RAF Scampton

Lincoln - Lincolnshire

Crash Site Avro Lancaster Mk III EE144 & Memorial civilian victims

Nordhorn - Niedersachsen

Operation Chastise (Dambusters Raid)