Group Captain John Searby and the Padre of Spalding Grammar School

Group Captain John Searby and the Padre of Spalding Grammar School on unveiling of memorial at the school.

Searby acted as Master Bomber, commanding Operation Hydra, the precision night raid on the V-weapons research facility at Peenemünde on 17/18 August 1943. He circuited the target area, directing bomber aircraft via radio to accurate aiming points. This required skill and cool courage throughout as he evaded attacks from enemy fighter aircraft. For his actions, Searby was awarded an immediate Distinguished Service Order.