BBC ON THIS DAY | 17 | 1943: RAF raid smashes German dams Search ON THIS DAY by date About This Site | Text Only 1943: RAF raid smashes German dams An audacious RAF bombing raid into the industrial heartland of Germany last night has wrecked three dams serving the Ruhr valley. The attack disrupted water and electricity supplies in a key area for the manufacture of Germany's war munitions. The Secretary of State for Air, Sir Archibald Sinclair, called the raid "a trenchant blow for victory". None of us had any idea what this project was; we were just given instructions to construct and modify various items. The head of this program was Dr Barnes Wallis. The mission, known as Operation Chastise, has been planned for months. The crews were specially selected for the job, and have been training in absolute secrecy. The bombs themselves were invented specifically for the task by the aircraft engineer Dr Barnes Wallis, the designer of the Wellington bomber. They were barrel-shaped, and used the principle of a "ducks and drakes" stone bouncing on the water to bypass the defences around the dams.

The Lancaster bombers flown by 617 Squadron were extensively modified, and the crews trained to fly at less than 100ft (30.48m) above the water, the height required to drop the bombs successfully. The mission began yesterday evening, under the command of Wing Commander Guy Gibson. The targets were three huge water barrage dams - two on the rivers M�hne and Sorpe, and a third on the River Eder. The M�hne and Sorpe dams control about 70% of the water supplied to the Ruhr basin, and were built to prevent water shortages during the summer. Wing Commander Gibson led the attack on the M�hne dam personally. A flight lieutenant who watched what happened at the M�hne dam described the scene: "The wing commander's load was placed just right and a spout of water went up 300 feet (91.44m) into the air," he said. "A second Lancaster attacked with equal accuracy, and there was still no sign of a breach. "Then I went in and we caused a huge explosion up against the dam. It was not until another load had been dropped that the dam at last broke.

"I saw the first jet very clear in the moonlight. I should say that the breach was about 50 yards (45.72m) wide." The Eder dam - the largest in Europe - was also breached in two places. Reconnaissance flights showed flood waters sweeping through the Ruhr valley, damaging factories, houses and power stations. The power station at the M�hne dam has been swept away, rivers are in full flood, and railway and road bridges have disappeared. World War II Bomber Command Dambuster Raids 19 aircraft Operation Chastise Overview: During the early days of World War II, the Royal Air Force's Bomber Command sought to strike at German dams in the Ruhr. Such an attack would damage water and electrical production, as well as inundate large areas of the region. Assessing the feasibility of the mission, it was found that multiple strikes with a high degree of accuracy would be necessary. As these would have to take place against heavy enemy resistance, Bomber Command dismissed the raids as unpractical. Pondering the mission, Barnes Wallis, an aircraft designer at Vickers, devised a different approach to breaching the dams.

While first proposing the use of a 10-ton bomb, Wallis was forced to move on as no aircraft capable carrying such a payload existed. Theorizing that a small charge could break the dams if detonated below the water, he was initially thwarted by the presence of German anti-torpedo nets in the reservoirs. Pushing on with the concept, he began developing a unique, cylindrical bomb designed to skip along the surface of the water before sinking and exploding at the dam's base. To accomplish this, the bomb, designated Upkeep, was spun backwards at 500 rpm before being dropped from low altitude. Striking the dam, the bomb's spin would let it roll down the face before exploding underwater. Wallis' idea was put forward to Bomber Command and after several conferences was accepted on February 26, 1943. While Wallis' team worked to perfect the Upkeep bomb design, Bomber Command assigned the mission to 5 Group. For the mission, a new unit, 617 Squadron, was formed with Wing Commander Guy Gibson in command. Based at RAF Scampton, just northwest of Lincoln, Gibson's men were given uniquely modified Avro Lancaster Mk.III bombers.

Dubbed the B Mark III Special (Type 464 Provisioning), 617's Lancasters had much of the armor and defensive armament removed to reduce weight. In addition, the bomb bay doors were taken off to allow the fitting of special crutches to hold and spin the Upkeep bomb. As the mission planning progressed, it was decided to strike the Möhne, Eder, and Sorpe Dams. While Gibson relentlessly trained his crews in low-altitude, night flying, efforts were made to find solutions to two key technical problems. These were ensuring that the Upkeep bomb was released at a precise altitude and distance from the dam. For the first issue, two lights were mounted under each aircraft such that their beams would converge on the surface of the water then the bomber was at the correct altitude. To judge range, special aiming devices which utilized towers on each dam were built for 617's aircraft. With these problems solved, Gibson's men began test runs over reservoirs around England. Following their final testing, the Upkeep bombs were delivered on May 13, with the goal of Gibson's men conducting the mission four days later.

Flying the Dambuster Mission: Taking off in three groups after dark on May 17, Gibson's crews flew at around 100 feet to evade German radar. On the outbound flight, Gibson's Formation 1, consisting of nine Lancasters, lost an aircraft en route to the Möhne when it was downed by high tension wires. Formation 2 lost all but one of its bombers as it flew towards Sorpe. The last group, Formation 3, served as a reserve force and diverted three aircraft to Sorpe to make up for losses. Arriving at Möhne, Gibson led the attack in and successfully released his bomb. He was followed by Flight Lieutenant John Hopgood whose bomber was caught in the blast from its bomb and crashed. To support his pilots, Gibson circled back to draw German flak while the others attacked. Following a successful run by Flight Lieutenant Harold Martin, Squadron Leader Henry Young was able to breach the dam. With the Möhne Dam broken, Gibson led the flight to Eder where his three remaining aircraft negotiated tricky terrain to score hits on the dam. The dam was finally opened by Pilot Officer Leslie Knight. While Formation 1 was achieving success, Formation 2 and its reinforcements continued to struggle.

Unlike Möhne and Eder, the Sorpe Dam was earthen rather than masonry. Due to increasing fog and as the dam was undefended, Flight Lieutenant Joseph McCarthy from Formation 2 was able to make ten runs before releasing his bomb. Scoring a hit, the bomb only damaged the crest of the dam. Two aircraft from Formation 3 attacked as well, but were unable to inflict substancial damage. The remaining two reserve aircraft were directed to secondary targets at Ennepe and Lister. While Ennepe was unsuccessfully attacked (this aircraft may have struck Bever Dam by mistake), Lister escaped unharmed as Pilot Officer Warner Ottley was downed en route. Two additional aircraft were lost during the return flight. Aftermath: Operation Chastise cost 617 Squadron eight aircraft as well as 53 killed and 3 captured. The successful attacks on the Möhne and Eder dams released 330 million tons of water into the western Ruhr, reducing water production by 75% and flooding large amounts of farmland. In addition, over 1,600 were killed though many of these were forced laborers from occupied countries and Soviet prisoners of war.

While British planners were pleased with the results, they were not long lasting. By late June, German engineers had fully restored water production and hydroelectric power. Though the military benefit was fleeting, the success of the raids provided a boost to British morale and aided Prime Minister Winston Churchill in negotiations with the United States and Soviet Union. For his role in the mission, Gibson was awarded the Victoria Cross while the men of 617 Squadron received a combined five Distinguished Service Orders, ten Distinguished Flying Crosses and four bars, twelve Distinguished Flying Medals, and two Conspicuous Gallantry Medals. Selected Sources BBC - History - World Wars: Dambusters Raid Dambusters Raid Location: The Ruhr valley, western Germany Outcome: Destruction of two major dams supplying water and power to the Ruhr valley. Players: Britain: 617 Squadron of Air Marshal Sir Arthur Harris's RAF Bomber Command, commanded by Wing Commander Guy Gibson The idea for the Dambusters raid originated in 1940, when aeronautical designer Dr Barnes Wallis calculated the explosive power required to breach the Ruhr dams and discovered that no existing bomber could carry a large enough bomb.

However, Wallis realised that smaller bombs accurately positioned at the foot of the dam could have the same effect. To make this possible, Wallis designed the 'bouncing bomb': a missile that would skip across the water, hit the dam and roll to the bottom. The bomb needed only to be dropped at the right speed, at the right distance from the dam and at the right height above the water. This was the task of the specialist 617 Squadron, formed in March 1943. Nineteen aircraft took off on 16 May. Nine were to attack the Möhne dam, then proceed to the Eder; five were to attack the Sorpe; and five constituted a 'flying reserve'. On the outward journey three aircraft were shot down and two damaged. Gibson led the attack on the Möhne dam, which was breached on the fourth attempt, and the Eder, which required only two bombs. Two bombers attacked the Sorpe and a third, driven off course, the Ennerpe dam. Three of the 14 surviving aircraft were lost in the attacks.

The raids flooded mines, factories and houses for 80km (50 miles); over 1,000 people drowned. However, the damage to the Ruhr's industrial capability was relatively minor. The Dambusters squadron was retained as a specialist precision bombing unit. Gibson was shot down and killed in September 1944; he was only 26. The Dambusters raid, 1943 The Dambusters raid, 1943 (far right) The 'bouncing bomb' The so called 'bouncing bomb' was actually a revolving depth charge, to be suspended in a belt-driven cradle beneath a Lancaster bomber. Resembling a large oil-drum, the bomb was to be set spinning in reverse before being dropped at a height of just 60 feet and at a very precise speed and position in front of the target dam. The action of the device was to skip across the surface above the defensive netting until making contact with the face of the dam, and then roll down under the surface due to the spinning action of the mine. The depth charge was then intended to detonate underwater right beside the vertical dam wall.

The Eder dam Dambusters raid, May 1943 The story of the Dambusters raid itself is well known, and the story here is mainly concerned with the Elan Valley connection. The last stage in the sequence of events, however, was that 19 specially equipped Lancaster bombers of 617 Squadron, RAF led by Wing Commander Guy Gibson took off from Scampton in Lincolnshire, England on the night of May 16th/17th, 1943 headed for the Ruhr Valley. The mission was an exceptionally risky one because of the heavy underslung payload beneath the bombers and the need to approach the targets at a very low altitude exposed to heavy defensive ground fire. The Mohne and Eder dams were breached in the attacks, and the Sorpe dam was damaged. Eight of the 19 aircraft failed to return, and 53 of 133 aircrew were killed in the operation. The outstanding bravery of those involved was recognised by the number of medals awarded, including the Victoria Cross presented to Guy Gibson. There are 4 pages on the Dambusters connection. Use the box links below to view the other pages.

Dambusters then and now: Wing Commander Guy Gibson in rare 1943 interview and his modern-day successor discuss life in the legendary 617 squadron | Daily Mail Online comments On this day, 70 years ago, a squadron of the RAF's finest took to the skies on a top-secret mission. Their aim was to destroy three dams in the Ruhr valley which were a vital source of industrial power for Nazi Germany. Using ingenious bouncing bombs, their daring night-time raid saw two of the three dams breached and the mission was hailed a success. Those 133 crewmen, led by Wing Commander Guy Gibson of 617 squadron, would become known as the Dambusters - a term still applied to the unit. Here, using a rare audio interview from November 1943, Mail Online presents a first-hand account of life as a Dambuster from Guy Gibson himself - and an interview with his 21st century successor, David Arthurton...

Original Dambuster, Wing Commander Guy Gibson, the Commanding Officer of 617 Squadron, pictured in the summer of 1943 WING COMMANDER GUY GIBSON In a United States Office of War Information broadcast entitled 'America talks to Australia and New Zealand', John Burton talks to Gibson about his wartime service with the RAF. Recorded and broadcast on November 4, 1943 in San Francisco. What operations have you been involved in? After Dunkirk, the Germans were going to invade us. Battle of the Barges, we called it. I saw what they were doing over there. But, they’re beaten in the Battle of Britain for one thing. Our fighter boys beat them, absolutely licked them. And if they had beaten the fighters, they’re ready to come over in barges. Now, the British Bomber Command had a limited force but it wasn’t used to smash the Third Reich at that time; it was used solely in what we call the Battle of the Barges. In other words, to smash these landing barges. Now I used to fly over Flushing, Antwerp, Rotterdam, and Boulogne and all those places, Calais.

Every single basin in their harbours was packed like logs on the river. Packed with them. 2,000-ton barges. Huge things. Armed with flak and capable of carrying about 40 tanks each. Terrific things. We used to fly over day after day, night after night, fly over at 500 feet, armed to the teeth with small bombs and just sprinkle them across these basins. Next day we’d go over and find there 40 barges less in the basin. And know we’d sunk 40. Next day we’d go over and find there, say, 60 less, out of about 400. And day after day we used to go and they used to explode as we bombed them, showing that there was explosive on board. And, a lot of German soldiers were meant to have been drowned when, on one of our heaviest attacks, we sunk about 400 of the things. I wasn’t a squadron commander then, I was just a boy in a squadron and we used to go about 15 of us per squadron used to go over there. And the flak was very heavy. Our losses were heavy too.

In fact, I lost about six boys in my flight in a week doing it. Have you ever come under fire? How does it feel? So you cock your guns, which means set them ready for firing, your four cannons and your six machine guns. And you snuggle up, you turn on your ring sight, put your straps on, see that your parachute is quite ready to bale out should anything go wrong, and wait. And they say: ‘He is a mile and a half ahead. You’ll be seeing him any moment now. Throttle back to 235.’ And then suddenly they’ll say: ‘Change course to due North. He’s straight ahead of you now. Mile ahead. Half a mile. Look out for him now. He’s about 300 feet above you.’ And you get closer and then suddenly you see a smudge on the windscreen. Scroll down for video Guy Gibson, leader of the Dambusters raid, pictured with his crew as they board their Avro Lancaster III ED932/AJ-G for the May 16-17 attack.

L to r, Flight Lieutenant RD Trevor-Roper, Sergeant J Pulford, Flight Sergeant GA Deering (Canadian), Pilot Officer FM Spafford (Australian), Flight Lieutenant REG Hutchison, Wing Commander Guy Gibson and Pilot Officer HT Taerum (Canadian) And when you look closer and you open your eyes more, it’s a hun. Great Heinkel, fat Heinkel slipping along the air at about 220 with a bomb load full of… full of bomb loads for London. And, you get closer and closer and you drop lower and lower incidentally, to get yourself against the dark background down below. And when you’re about 50 yards away from him, you lift your nose and just press the button. There’s a blinding flash, an explosion, things hit your wings. And then there’s a spout of flame which falls quickly towards the earth and down goes one more German night raider. How does it feel to face death? Does it change your attitude to living? The time when you really face death… and we knew. I mean, normally you don’t know when you’re going to die, you see. You always think that ‘it will not happen to me'.

But, that raid on the dams was the one time in… when you… when we knew that we were going to die. Or not die as the case may be. You know, the hair which was hanging on our life was very thin. And then there’s just a feeling of… a funny empty feeling in the stomach, but not frightened. Have you ever been shot down? Well I was shot down in fighters. I’ve had many lucky escapes in bombers. You know, rudders shot off and all that sort of stuff. But in fighters I was actually shot down in a most rotten way. For me. ‘Cos I was… I’d just come back from shooting down some huns myself and I was all very pleased with myself coming into land. And, if you please, a ruddy – if you’ll excuse me using the expression – a ruddy Junkers 88 dived out of the sun and smacked me down in front of all the boys. Well, I crashed into some trees. I was too low to bale out. But it was right on my home aerodrome.

RELATED ARTICLES Share Tell us about any career highlights… I went into fighters in October 1940 at a time when a lot of our fighter boys were very tired. They’d just fought the Battle of Britain and they’d been doing hundreds of sorties I might say, smacking down these huns as they came in, and I just joined really for fun, because I’d had my Berlin bombers and I just wanted to see what it was like to fight. And so I was sent down to a fighter station in Kent, flying twin-engine Beaufighters, which as you know are one of the fastest twin engine fighters in the world. Now it was a very interesting game because then we knew nothing about how to intercept enemy aircraft at night. And I was in night fighters for that period when we developed means of interception at night. Special secret devices. How is the RAF/USAF relationship? Well it couldn’t be better. I’ve been, as you know, over there for a long time. Been in North Africa for a bit. And over there, I’ve seen that we’re just great pals. They wear different uniforms – so do we. We speak with slightly different accents – so does a Scotsman.

But they’re just grand guys. They pinch our girls, we pinch their girls. They drink our beer, we drink their beer. And we fly together and fight together on the same creed of life and death, which is the biggest bond a man can have. Produced by the Office of War Information in 1943, used in the news coverage of the Dambusters 70th Anniversary by kind permission of the Library of Congress. David Arthurton, 40, is the current Commanding Officer of 617 squadron WING COMMANDER DAVID ARTHURTON David Arthurton, 40, is the current Commanding Officer of 617 squadron. Originally from Harrogate, North Yorks, he now lives in Elgin, Scotland. How do you feel, being the leader of such an illustrious squadron? I took over as Officer Commanding 617 Squadron in Oct 2012. It’s an absolute honour and a privilege. On a daily basis, I get to work with top quality people who are dedicated to their profession and strive for excellence in all that they do.

The brave acts of 617 Sqn personnel in May 1943 epitomises the spirit and ethos of the RAF which endures to this day. As we work towards the anniversary activities, I am amazed by the weight of the public interest; we have had messages of support on a global scale. What is the role of the boss? My main role is leadership. I look after 180 men and women, ensuring that we as an RAF Squadron are able to deliver what is asked of us. On a day-to-day basis we train for operations; we support Op Herrick in Afghanistan and stand by to deliver contingency capability such as our contribution to operations over Libya. How would you compare the two roles of the squadron, then and now? When the squadron was formed in March 1943, they had just eight weeks of intensive training to hone the skills required for the daring mission over the dams. Today we have the same focus on training to ensure we are ready to meet the operational challenge of any tasks allocated to us, wherever in the world we may be needed.

We face a broader range of tasks today, from providing close air support to ground troops to the delivery of stand-off missiles such as Storm Shadow which can strike at range and with great precision. The skill set required of our modern-day personnel is the same as our forebears. We all need to understand the equipment we use, the weapons we employ and the effect we wish to achieve. These are clear parallels with our colleagues from 70 years ago. The major change from World War II to bomber crews today is how fortunate we are with technological and intelligence advances. Also, in 1943 crew had to fly with a knowing self-sacrifice, their life expectancy was short and a tour of duty measured just 30 missions. The modern-day Dambusters are still as focused, dedicated and professional, both in the air and on the ground. Of a squadron of 180, we have 15 two-man crews with more than 140 engineers, plus safety equipment equipment specialists, operations and administrative staff. What lessons do you think the RAF has learnt from 617 Sqn? I think three things stand out. 1. The importance of technical innovation.

From the scientists in devising a new weapon to overcome specific problems, the integration of the weapon by modifying Lancasters and then the ingenuity that led to the use of converging spotlights to accurately determine aircraft height. 2. The specialist training for a role. Once the weapon was ready to deliver, what would happen when the crews reached the dams? They had faith in the command chain, with their targets unknown until the day of the mission. 3. The courage of the crews. You have the innovation and training in place but it is courage that wraps it all up and achieves the end result. 'The brave acts of 617 Sqn personnel in May 1943 epitomises the spirit and ethos of the RAF which endures to this day,' said Wing Commander Arthurton (pictured at top of steps) Tell us something about what 617 Sqn does today? We are one of five frontline Tornado Squadrons providing Combat Air Power to support Government objectives. We use the reach, speed, precision and agility of combat air to achieve our commanders’ intent. 617 Sqn provides aircraft at readiness to provide a timely response to any emerging operational requirements, anywhere in the world we may be called to serve.

What is the squadron’s role in Afghanistan? 617 Sqn flies in support of coalition commanders in the Close Air Support role, providing vital support to troops on the ground. We also gather intelligence, providing eyes in the sky with high quality, timely imagery for ground commanders in Afghanistan. What operations have the squadron been involved in? In recent times, 617 Sqn participated in Operation Telic over Iraq in 2003 where they fired the first Storm Shadow stand-off missiles in support of the coalition operation. We regularly deploy in support of Operation Herrick, the UK contribution to the coalition operation in Afghanistan. We also deployed crews in support of Operation Ellamy over Libya. Have you ever come under fire? How does it feel? I came under sustained fire flying the Tornado near Baghdad, on Operation Telic, in Iraq. When you come under fire, your training kicks in and you are somewhat detached from the fear. You keep your focus and are aware of the danger but it doesn’t deter you from completing your mission. Today we regularly support ground troops who are under fire from insurgents in Afghanistan. How does it feel to face death? Does it change your attitude to living? Facing death clearly puts things into perspective.

When this situation arises, you fall back on your training and remain totally focused on the job in hand. Tell us about any career highlights… I have flown the Tornado GR4 in an operational role for a total of eight years based at RAF Lossiemouth in Scotland and RAF Marham in Norfolk. Apart from this tour, I was lucky enough to be selected as the first RAF exchange pilot to fly the B-2 Stealth Bomber on an exchange tour with the US Air Force in 2004. This was an amazing opportunity to see first hand the cutting edge of bomber technology today and have a real appreciation of how far we have come. You’ve had US postings in your career – how is the RAF/USAF relationship today? I’ve learnt a lot from the way our coalition partners do business. My last tour before becoming OC 617 Sqn was in the British Embassy, Washington DC, where I was responsible for the 50 exchange officers in the US. There remains to this day a high level of co-operation, common understanding and a bit of banter! What is the best part of your job? To lead this team of dedicated professionals and carry on the Dambusters flying legacy.

Guy Gibson is an inspirational role model; he led and supported his crews in a very physical manner, flying alongside each aircraft, exposing himself to considerable danger as they attempted their dangerous bombing runs. Why is it important for 617 to take part in these activities? The spirit and ethos from the dams raids is a thread that runs through the RAF and is alive and well today. We share a common bond and it is an honour to be a Dambuster today. 'Just Jane' Lancaster Bomber prepares for anniversary flypast On the 70th anniversary of the Dambusters raid on Germany, a Lancaster bomber was recently put through its paces taxiing along a Lincolnshire airfield. Just Jane, as she is known, is set to become Britain's second flying Lancaster after a full restoration should see her take to the skies next summer. The Avro Lancaster bomber, NX611, was built in 1945 after VE day and was due to be sent to fly missions in the Pacific. But after the atom bombs were dropped, she became surplus to requirements and was then sold to the French in 1952. She returned to Britain in 1965 and last flew in 1972.

All four Rolls-Royce Merlin engines have been rebuilt and power the iconic aircraft as she takes passengers on tours of the airfield in East Kirkby, Lincolnshire. 'Before she can fly again we'll need to strip her down completely and rebuild her again before she'll be certified to fly. We're hoping we'll get it done by June next year,' said Andrew Panton, one of the many pilots qualified to take the precious Lancaster on its daily airfield tours. The other flying Lancaster is operated by The Royal Air Force Battle of Britain Memorial Flight based at nearby Coningsby. A third Lancaster is still flying regularly in Canada. The Incredible Story Of The Dambusters Raid | Imperial War Museums The Incredible Story Of The Dambusters Raid By Amanda Mason On the night of 16-17 May 1943, Wing Commander Guy Gibson led 617 Squadron of the Royal Air Force on an audacious bombing raid to destroy three dams in the Ruhr valley, the industrial heartland of Germany. The mission was codenamed Operation 'Chastise'. The dams were fiercely protected. Torpedo nets in the water stopped underwater attacks and anti-aircraft guns defended them against enemy bombers.

But 617 Squadron had a secret weapon: the 'bouncing bomb'. CH 9679 The Möhne dam in Germany's Ruhr valley secured the water supply for much of the surrounding area. Water from its reservoir was also used to generate electricity. It was thought that destruction of this dam and others in the region would cause massive disruption to German war production. Plans for an attack on the dams had first been considered in 1937, but it took until 1942 to develop a weapon capable of destroying the dams - and the aircraft to deliver it. HU 92132 In 1942 British engineer Barnes Wallis began working on plans for a bomb that could skip across water. He developed the idea by experimenting with bouncing marbles across a water tub in his back garden. Wallis thought the new weapon could be used to attack moored battleships, but research soon focused on using it against the dams that were vital to German industry. IWM FLM 2340 The Admiralty and the RAF carried out extensive tests at sites around the country.

These revealed that the drum-shaped bomb (codenamed 'Upkeep') needed to be dropped from a height of 60 feet (18m), and at a ground speed of 232mph. The bomb would spin backwards across the surface of the water before reaching the dam. Its residual spin would then drive the bomb down the wall of the dam before exploding at its base. All that was needed now was men to fly specially modified Lancaster bombers which would carry the 'Upkeep'. CH 18005 In late March 1943, a new squadron was formed to carry out the raid on the dams. Initially codenamed Squadron X, 617 Squadron was led by 24-year old Wing Commander Guy Gibson (pictured in door of aircraft) and was made up of aircrew from Britain, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and the USA. With one month to go before the raid, and with only Gibson knowing the full details of the operation, the squadron began intensive training in low-level night flying and navigation. They were ready for Operation 'Chastise'. The plan Diagram depicting the Dambusters raid.

The three main targets were the Möhne, Eder and Sorpe dams.The Möhne dam was a curved 'gravity' dam and was 40m high and 650m long. There were tree-covered hills around the reservoir, but any attacking aircraft would be exposed on the immediate approach. The Eder dam was of similar construction but was an even more challenging target. Its winding reservoir was bordered by steep hills. The only way to approach would be from the north. The Sorpe was a different type of dam and had a watertight concrete core 10m wide. At each end of its reservoir the land rose steeply, and there was also a church spire in the path of the attacking aircraft. Dambusters raid remembered - News stories - GOV.UK Dambusters raid remembered , see all updates This news article was published under the 2010 to 2015 Conservative and Liberal Democrat coalition government To mark the 70th anniversary of the Dambusters air raid of 16 to 17 May 1943, a series of events is taking place around Britain.

The RAF Battle of Britain Memorial Flight's Lancaster bomber Special events taking place today, 16 May, to commemorate the daring night-time raid on dams in the Ruhr Valley in Germany during the Second World War, include a flypast by a Lancaster bomber of the RAF Battle of Britain Memorial Flight at Derwent Reservoir and the Royal British Legion creating a ‘field of messages’ at the National Memorial Arboretum in Alrewas, Staffordshire. There will be a sunset ceremony at RAF Scampton near Lincoln and another flypast. Derwent Reservoir was one of the sites where pilots from 617 Squadron – specially stood up to mount the raids – practised low flying ahead of their daring mission to attack the dams which provided hydroelectric power for the Ruhr area and water for German industry. The idea for the raids came when Dr Barnes Wallis realised that a target didn’t necessarily need to be directly hit, but could be destroyed by the shockwave produced by the explosion of a large bomb.

Members of 617 Squadron photographed at RAF Scampton after the Dams Raid in May 1943 [Picture: Crown copyright] His simple and effective solution was for a weapon to bounce on the surface of the water, similar to a stone skimming across the surface of a lake, before eventually sinking. Through sheer persistence, Wallis convinced the powers-that-be that the project was viable, despite Air Marshal Sir Arthur Harris of Bomber Command deriding the project as ‘tripe of the wildest description’! Led by Wing Commander Guy Gibson, a 25-year-old officer with an outstanding reputation, 617 Squadron practised flying missions all over Britain at dangerously low heights of as low as 50 feet. Once comfortable in the low-level environment, the aircrew practised by ‘attacking dams’ in the Peak District, including Derwent. The top-secret mission, codenamed ‘Operation Chastise’, called for the aircraft to strike dams in the industrial heartland of Germany. In total, 19 Lancaster bombers crewed by 7 men each departed on 16 May 1943.

Dambusters: Flypast Marks Raid Anniversary Weather Dambusters: Flypast Marks Raid Anniversary A flypast over a reservoir in Derbyshire commemorates 70 years since the Dambusters destroyed key targets in World War II. 23:50, UK, Wednesday 15 May 2013 Video: May 2013: Dambusters Remembered Mail By Alistair Bunkall, Defence Correspondent The 70th anniversary of the Dambusters raid has been marked with a flypast featuring a Lancaster bomber, two Spitfires and two Tornado fast jets. The famous aircraft flew over the dam on Derwent Reservoir in Derbyshire and then over nearby Chatsworth House where the public gathered to watch. A sunset service at the former home of 617 Squadron, RAF Scampton, has also been held with two of the three surviving aircrew as guests of honour.

In 1943, led by Wing Commander Guy Gibson, the crews in the 19 aircraft of 617 Squadron, made up of a coalition of the willing from Britain, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and one American, practised dropping the untested bouncing bomb from 60ft over the dam in the Peak District before flying on the actual mission on the evening of May 16. Their target was to destroy three dams in the Ruhr Valley to deliver a punch against Nazi Germany's industrial war machine. They succeeded in breaching the Mohne and Eder dams and damaged the Sorpe but lost eight aircraft and 53 men doing so. Three were captured, becoming prisoners of war. The daughter of Barnes Wallis, the inventor of the Bouncing Bomb, was also at the sunset ceremony at RAF Scrampton, which saw another flypast and the Lancaster touch down at the base. Speaking at the ceremony, Air Vice Marshal Stuart Atha said: "Exactly 70 years ago tonight, airmen drawn from across the Commonwealth launched in 19 Lancasters to deliver the most daring operation of all time.

"Under a full moon armed with only self belief and carrying bouncing bombs they flew at tree-top level deep into hostile territory to deliver an attack that marked a turning point in the war." Dambusters hero 'killed by friendly fire' - Telegraph World War Two Dambusters hero 'killed by friendly fire' Guy Gibson, the heroic pilot who led the Dambusters raids during the Second World War, was shot down and killed by friendly fire from one of his own men, it has been claimed. (Left) A reconstruction of the Dambusters raid in 1943 (Right) Dambusters hero Wing Commander Guy Gibson Photo: GETTY Follow Wing Commander Gibson, who led the famous 617 Squadron in a daring raid over Germany, died in mysterious circumstances after his plane came down in the Netherlands in September 1944. Various explanations have been put forward for his death, including pilot error, sabotage and running out of fuel. Now, nearly 70 years later, a British airman has confessed that he was the one who shot down Wing Commander Gibson's plane, after mistaking it for a German aircraft.

Bernard McCormack, a gunner in a Lancaster bomber, mistook the twin-engined Mosquito for a Junkers 88 plane during a night-time sortie over Germany in 1944. He instinctively opened fire and sent it crashing to the ground, killing Gibson and his navigator instantly. Related Articles Bomber Harris: Dambusters' attacks 'achieved nothing' 15 Aug 2009 The realisation that the plane was an Allied aircraft piloted by the hero only dawned on Sgt McCormack the following day when he and his crew were debriefed. Racked with guilt, Sgt McCormack told nobody about what happened that night - but left a taped confession of the incident, which he gave to his wife before he died in 1992. The tape has been uncovered by World War Two researcher James Cutler, who says he is "100 per cent satisfied that Guy Gibson was killed by friendly fire." Mr Cutler has also unearthed two previously-classified reports in the National Archives that contradict official RAF records stating that no planes were encountered on the night Wing Commander Gibson was killed.

One of them is the combat report from the crew of Sgt McCormack's Lancaster, which describes the attack on what they thought was the Junkers 88. The second report is from the crew of another Lancaster, who noted 'plane shot down - as aircraft burst on ground a red light resembling Target Indicator seen.' The location given was over Steenbergen. Gibson's plane had been carrying red Target Indicator flares which he was unable to drop over Germany due to a fault. Mr Cutler said: "It could only have been Guy Gibson's plane because the co-ordinates in both these new documents were right over the spot where his plane came down. "I am satisfied 100 per cent that Guy Gibson was killed by friendly fire and 99.9 per cent sure that he was shot down by Bernard McCormack's plane. "For Guy Gibson to be killed by friendly fire was a huge blunder." Wing Commander Gibson was awarded the Victoria Cross in 1943 for successfully leading 617 Squadron on the daring raids on a series of damns in the industrial Rhur valley in Germany.

On the night of September 19, 1944, Gibson led 227 Lancaster bombers and 10 Mosquitos on an attack of Rheydt and Muchengladbach in Germany They faced little opposition from enemy planes and were returning over the Netherlands when Gibson's plane came down. In his confession tape, Sgt McCormack can be heard saying: "We were on the way back over Holland and then all of a sudden this kite comes right behind us twin engines and a single rudder - and it comes bouncing in towards us so we opened fire and we blew him up. "When we got back we claimed a Ju 88 show down. The following day we were called in to the office and we were quizzed again. "(RAF Intelligence Office) 'What made you think it was a Ju 88?' We said 'it had twin engines and a single rudder.' He said: 'So has a Mosquito.' "Well supposing - he put it very nicely - he said, 'supposing a Mosquito - his radio and his radar was knocked out an he was lost and he spotted a Lancaster - he would only want to follow it home wouldn't he?

And it turned out it was 'Gibbo' we shot down." Sgt McCormack, who went on to become the mayor of Holyhead in north Wales, died in 1992. Dambusters 73rd anniversary | Pictures | Pics | Daily Express Dambusters 73rd anniversary Mon, May 16, 2016 Photo: 1 / 21 British pilots from the Royal Navy and RAF who will form a new 617 Squadron, are training alongside the US Marine Corps on the F35B Lightning II jet at MCAS Beaufort, South Carolina, USA ahead of the aircraft entering service from 2018.

Pause slideshow World War II RAF Lancaster bomber crew of 617 Squadron 'The Dambusters' with some of the next generation of the squadron World War II RAF Lancaster bomber crew of 617 Squadron 'The Dambusters' with some of the next generation of the squadron [PA] Wing Cdr Jon Butcher, Officer Commanding of 617 Squadron ‘The Dambusters’ standing in front of an F-35B Lightning II jet, as he strikes the same pose as his World War II predecessor Wing Commander Guy Gibson VC, DFC who led the famous wartime raid [PA] Wing Commander Guy Gibson, the Commanding Officer of 617 Squadron, pictured in the Summer of 1943.

It is now 70 years since the Dambuster raids The modern day 617 Squadron, Lt Rich Pavey, Wing Cdr Jon Butcher, Sqn Leader Hugh Nichol, CPO Gary Lister, Chief Tech Gary Gibbons, Cpl Patrick Bearefield, AET Alfred Burrows, emulate the famous picture of the World War II 617 Squadren [PA] Members of the modern day 617 Squadron as as they emulate a picture of the World War II 617 Squadron.

The picture shows Wing Cdr Jon Butcher, Sqn Leader Hugh Nichol, Lt Rich Pavey, Chief Tech Gary Gibbons and AET Alfred Burrows [PA] Wing Commander Guy Gibson, VC, DSO and Bar, DFC and Bar; of the ‘Dambusters’ with members of his Lancaster crew [PA] Museum of a 617 'Dambusters' Squadron Lancaster Bomber crew pictured sat next to the airfield at RAF Scampton in World War II [PA] The new 617 Squadron strike the same pose of their World War II predecessors, at MCAS Beaufort, USA [PA] An artist's impression of Lancaster bombers from the RAF's No 617 Squadron attacking the Moehne dam in Nazi Germany using one of Barnes Wallis's bouncing bombs during the historic 'Dambusters' raid Dambusters Reunion At The Home Of Tony Ivesom In Islington. Holding The Picture Is Les Munro And Basil Feneron (right) 617 Squadron.

[PA] Air Marshal Arthur Harris pictured with his staff at HQ Bomber Command, High Wycombe in 1942 Group-Captain Leonard Cheshire, VC, triple DSO and DFC who led RAF No 617 Squadron for eight months during the Second World War RAF Flight Lieutenant James Waters and Walther Mitzke defuse a giant bomb which was dropped in the 1944 dam-busters raids in Landsheim, West Germany [Getty Images] Sir Barnes Wallis, inventor of the bouncing bomb, used in the Lancaster bomber raids on the dams of the Ruhr Retired Squadron Leader Clive Rowley was a commanding officer of the RAF’s prestigious Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Retired Squadron Leader Clive Rowley poses with a Lancaster at RAF Coningsby Members of the 617 Squadron photographed at Scampton after the Dams raid in May 1943 A Lancaster PA474 of the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight flying over Derwent dam in the Peak District, to mark the 65th anniversary of the Dambusters raid Crowds gather on a hill to watch the Lancaster bomber fly over Ladybower reservoir in Derbyshire to mark the 65th anniversary of of the Dambusters

 mission in 2007 [Getty] Guy Gibson's modified Lancaster B.I, ED825/G used by 617 Squadron to attack dams in the Ruhr industrial heartland of Germany Leader of the Dambusters Raid, Wing Commander Guy Gibson, seen with his crew as they board their plane Also in this Gallery

Question: Who was the wing commander who led the 'Dambusters' bomber raids in 1943?
Answer: Guy Gibson