Eaton, Leonard

Operation Chastise (Dambusters Raid)

Date of birth:: March 16th, 1906 (Manchester, United Kingdom)
Date of death:: March 22nd, 1974 (Manchester, United Kingdom)
Service number:: 1107754
Nationality:: British

Biography

Leonard Eaton, born in Manchester on 16 March 1906, was the oldest participant in the Dams Raid at 37. A bookbinder by trade, he enlisted in the RAF in 1940, training as a wireless operator/air gunner. In 1942, he flew his first mission on 13 September.

Serving with 97 Squadron, Eaton completed 17 operations before transferring to 617 Squadron. During the Dams Raid, he lost communication with HQ due to faulty radio equipment in AJ-T. Despite protocol, McCarthy pressed on, and Eaton eventually restored contact in time to hear confirmation of the Möhne Dam breach.

Following the raid, Eaton flew 34 more missions, earning promotion to Warrant Officer in June 1944 and receiving the DFM. Commissioned in August 1944, he left the RAF in 1945, working as a clothing firm agent until retirement.

Len Eaton passed away on 22 March 1974 and was cremated at Manchester Crematorium.

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