BARNES WALLIS – The Dams, the Theory, the Weapon
The Dams Raid was conceived in the brilliant mind of Barnes Wallis, an experienced aircraft designer. Wallis had designed the very successful Wellington bomber that had been operational since the…
The bomber offensive mounted by the Royal Air Force, the Royal Canadian Air Force, and the air forces of other Commonwealth countries during the Second World War has been described as the most continuous and grueling operation of war ever carried out.
Guy Gibson – The Leader, the Squadron, the Training
Born in India and educated at Oxford, Guy Gibson became a pilot with the Royal Air Force in 1937. By the end of 1942, at only 24 years of age,…
FLYING TO THE DAMS – Low Level
At 9:30 pm on May 16, 1943 W/C Gibson took off to lead No. 617 Squadron to the Dams. The primary tactic that was used to reach the targets was…
THE MOHNE DAM – Success but “Hoppy” is Lost
After rendezvousing with other first wave aircraft, Gibson manoeuvred into position and announced, "I am going in to attack." His navigator, Terry Taerum, took his position on the starboard side…
THE EDER DAM – No Defences but Difficult Flying
The Eder was the largest dam in western Germany. There were no anti-aircraft defences but the geography made it a very difficult target. On his fifth attempt F/L Shannon was…
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 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…
Bomber Command
The bomber offensive mounted by the Royal Air Force, the Royal Canadian Air Force, and the air forces of other Commonwealth countries during the Second World War has been described…
Air Gunner Tactics
General Hints For Air Gunners (Condensed) Search sky before take off and landing, your a/c is most vulnerable. If gun fire, search for fighter; take evasive action. Always watch your…