80 Year ago Tonight, on the 16th of May 1943, one of the most famous events of World War II occurred.
80 Year ago Tonight, on the 16th of May 1943, one of the most famous events of World War II occurred. The famous ‘Dam Busters’ raid by the 617 Squadron of Lancaster bombers led by Wing Commander Guy Gibson, breached the Mohne, Eder and Sorpe dams in Germany using the ‘bouncing’ bombs developed by Dr Barnes Wallis. Take off was 9.28pm on the 16th of May. On the 17th of May - the following day the devastation in Germany made plain to a shocked country. It was a huge apparent success for Gibson, Wallis and all those who were part of operation - codenamed, Operation Chastise. But the cost was high in terms of lives, bomber planes and skilled crewmen. The Dambuster Pilots practiced their techniques at the Derwent Dam in Derbyshire, England. Regular practices also took place at Eyebrook Reservoir in Leicestershire, as well as Reculver on the North Kent Coast. Of the 133 aircrew that took part, 53 men were killed and three became prisoners of war. On the ground, almost 1,300 people w