Posted on 01/16/2018 5:53:14 AM PST by DFG
The Dambusters Raid on the night of May 17, 1943, carried out by 19 Lancasters from Gibson’s squadron, has gone down in history as one of the most audacious exploits of World War II.
Not only was the colossal Mohne dam breached, but a second, the Eder, was also smashed, while a third, the Sorpe, was damaged, though not broken. Although the attack cost the lives of 53 RAF airmen, it caused devastation to the German economy and gave a tremendous boost to public morale. The tale of the assault on the vast structures almost seemed a national metaphor for Britain’s increasingly confident fight against the once-impregnable Nazi empire.
(Excerpt) Read more at dailymail.co.uk ...
Chippy Ho! VFA-195 Dambusters on USS Midway.
Great Post. There a print titled “The Dambusters”. Not sure the artist but I’ll look into it.
Robert Taylor
The movie is really good. Must See!!!
Every single man in that picture died over the course of the war.
flr
Great story. Just seeing this article has started Eric Coates’ stirring “Dambusters March” running through my head.
In another galaxy they successfully destroyed a Death Star.
I live just a few miles from the old B-24 bomber plant at the Willow Run Airport in Michigan. I visited it a number of times as a GM employee after it became a GM plant. Parts of the area are currently being turned into an autonomous vehicle proving ground. I have visited the Yankee Air Museum there and even have a friend who's daughter who pilots their restored B-24. Their demonstration route often flies over my house, so I'm quite familiar with the sight and sound of a B-24.
This, of course, piqued my interest in the Lancaster, so your post is much appreciated.
There were few more terrifying combat experiences in the European war than to be part of the seven-strong crew in a Lancaster on a bombing run, under the lethal attention of German fighters, anti-aircraft guns and searchlights. One airman said it was like ‘entering the jaws of hell’. Another said that when a German searchlight found his bomber: ‘Its blinding power flooded the cockpit bluish white, the colour of fear.’
And still, they pushed on.
Great men all.
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