Isn’t it remarkable how a simple stone can hold so much history? Right here stands the Dambuster Les Knight Monument Camberwell Stone. It commemorates a local hero. Leslie Gordon Knight was born in Camberwell on 7 March 1921. He lived in Bowen Street.
Les Knight was a Royal Australian Air Force pilot. He served with the RAF’s Bomber Command during World War II. In 1943, he received the Distinguished Service Order for his role in Operation Chastise. This was while flying with 617 Squadron. Knight’s crew successfully attacked and breached the Eder Dam. It was the second dam to be attacked.
Knight initially planned to be an accountant. However, he joined the RAAF in 1941. By autumn, he was sent to England. After pilot training, he formed a crew. Together they flew throughout their operational life. The crew was assigned to 50 Squadron in September 1942. Knight had completed about 26 operations by March 1943. At this time, they had the chance to join a new squadron. It was being formed at Scampton for a secret mission. They all decided to transfer together. They recognized Knight’s exceptional piloting skills.
On the night of 16 September 1943, Knight’s aircraft was severely damaged. It happened during a low-level attack on the Dortmund Ems canal. His Lancaster hit trees. Knight battled to keep the plane aloft. He gave his seven crew members time to bail out. He steered the damaged plane away from the village of Den Ham. Knight tried to land in a field. Tragically, he hit a hidden ditch and was killed on impact. The grateful villagers buried him in the local Den Ham General Cemetery in the Netherlands.
Because Les Knight avoided the village, he is still considered a hero in Den Ham. His crew members survived. They owed their lives to their brave pilot. Five evaded capture and two became prisoners of war.
The village of Den Ham has never forgotten Les Knight. They commemorate his sacrifice. They keep his grave immaculately. The Stichting Remembering Dambuster Les Knight DSO charity was formed. It commemorates Knight’s heroic sacrifice. The charity also commemorates pilot Thomas Mair and navigator Kenneth Blow DFC. They are buried next to him.
A brass plaque inside the Camberwell Uniting Church also remembers Les Knight. The Dambuster Les Knight Monument Camberwell Stone is a testament to his bravery. It reminds us of his sacrifice. It is a reminder of the debt we owe to those who fought for our freedom.