A FORMER Dambuster will be taking part in a gathering of Bomber Command veterans this weekend.

Ray Grayston was the flight engineer on the Lancaster bomber which successfully attacked and breached Germany’s Eder dam in the famous 617 Squadron raid of May 1943.

And he will be joining 28 other bomber veterans at the Yorkshire Air Museum at Elvington, near York, on July 19 for a unique signing event.

Mots of them served in Lancaster or Halifax bombers although some flew in Short Stirlings and other types.

They include, among others, Squadron Leader John Fisher of Thirsk whose missions in his Halifax included towing gliders at Normandy, Arnhem and the Rhino Crossing.

Another, Ernie Patterson from Darlington, flew more than 50 missions, while another, John Morrison from Newton Aycliffe, raided the Tirpitz before being shot down and taken prisoner.

Enthusiasts will be able to get their books, prints and other memorabilia signed by the veterans for £25 and all proceeds will be divided the Bomber Command Association, the POW Association and the Allied Air Forces Memorial.

The first signing session begins at 11am and a highlight of the event will be a spectacular flypast by the Dakota from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, which will take place at the end of the lunch break, before the second signing session commences.

Gates open at 10am and admission is £6 for adults, £5 for senior citizens and £4 for children.