THE SORPE DAM – A Supreme Effort
The Sorpe was an earth-work embankment construction type of dam and Wallis's weapon was not designed for this type of structure. In fact, the squadron priorities were the Mohne and…
The Dambusters Raid 16/17 May, 1943
THE FIGHT BACK TO SCAMPTON – Two More Lancasters are lost
S/L Maudsley's Lancaster had been seriously damaged while attacking the Eder. It managed to travel 133 miles towards Scampton before it was shot down by anti-aircraft fire. The last Lancaster…
The Damage
Operationally the raid was a resounding success and constitutes one of the great epics in the history of the Royal Air Force and aerial warfare. Two of the three dams…
THE AFTERMATH – The Cheering and the Sacrifice
In early 1943 the Allies needed a hero and something to celebrate. Britain, Canada, and other members of the Commonwealth had been at war for 3 1/2 years and Bomber…
The Glory, The Celebration, and Later Losses
A high proportion of those who participated in the raid were decorated, 33 medals being presented in all. W/C Gibson was awarded the Victoria Cross for his inspired leadership and…