Personnel Index - Detail
Prior to service with 49 Squadron, Don Briggs was a Lancaster Flight Engineer with 156 Squadron.
With pilot F/O Bill Neale they were to complete sixty-two bombing operations together.
Their first sortie was on June 11th, 1944 when Bomber Command was attacking targets in support of the Allied landings in Normandy.
An early image of Don Briggs.
All photographs are courtesy of Don's son, David Briggs
In July 1951 he started training as a pilot and, after converting to jets, he joined the newly-formed No.10 Squadron to fly the twin-engine Canberra bomber.
In August 1955 he trained on the first of the RAF's V-bombers, the Valiant.
He joined the first squadron, No.138, and a year later he transferred to No.49 Squadron, which was being formed for the task of conducting the nuclear weapons trials in the Pacific.
Don was the 2nd Pilot of Valiant XD823 which dropped the 3rd Nuclear Trial 19th June 1957.
To read his full story, click this link (PDF from www.armynavyairforce.co.uk opens in a new window)
There is an extensive IBCC interview with Don Briggs which can be accessed via this link......opens in a new window.
Posted out - July 2018