Dambusters 80th Anniversary

Commemorating 80 years since this daring Dambusters raid

On the night of 16-17 May 1943, the RAF's 617 Squadron carried out an audacious bombing raid attacking dams serving the Ruhr valley, leaving German factories and mines badly damaged.

Learn how the Dambusters Raid unfolded.

The RAF Benevolent Fund Dambusters Ride 2023

A cyclist gives Johnny Johnson a thumbs up as he passes by

"Not only will this event raise vital funds to support RAF personnel, past and present, it will also pay tribute to the brave men of Bomber Command who made the ultimate sacrifice on the Dambusters raid and throughout the Second World War. Their loss must never be forgotten and it is my hope through this event, a new generation will learn about the cost of the freedom they enjoy today."

The late Squadron Leader Johnny Johnson, MBE member of No. 617 Squadron RAF and of Operation Chastise, the "Dambusters" raid of 1943.

Get involved in the 2023 Dambusters Ride

The Dambusters Raid photo gallery

See members of 617 Squadron prepare for Operation Chastise, images of the Eder Dam post-raid and see King George VI visit RAF Scampton after the operation.

Leader of the Dambusters Raid, Wing Commander Guy Gibson, seen with his crew as they board their Avro Lancaster III ED932/AJ-G for the Dams' Raid of 16/17 May 1943. Crown Copyright, MOD.
Leader of the Dambusters Raid, Wing Commander Guy Gibson, seen with his crew as they board their Avro Lancaster III ED932/AJ-G for the Dams' Raid of 16/17 May 1943. Crown Copyright, MOD.

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Members of 617 Squadron photographed at Scampton after the Dams raid in May 1943. Crown Copyright, MOD.
Members of 617 Squadron photographed at Scampton after the Dams raid in May 1943. Crown Copyright, MOD.

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Modified Lancaster B.I, ED825/G, pictured with and without the special 'Upkeep' weapon designed by Barnes Wallis and used by 617 Squadron to attack dams in the Ruhr industrial heartland of Germany on 16/17 May 1943. Crown Copyright, MOD.
Modified Lancaster B.I, ED825/G, pictured with and without the special 'Upkeep' weapon designed by Barnes Wallis and used by 617 Squadron to attack dams in the Ruhr industrial heartland of Germany on 16/17 May 1943. Crown Copyright, MOD.

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The Australians (left to right): Flight Lieutenant RC Hay, Pilot Officer CL Howard, Flight Lieutenants DJ Shannon and JF Leggo, Pilot Officer FM Spafford, Flight Lieutenant HB Martin, Pilot Officer LG Knight and Sgt RGT Kellow. Crown Copyright, MOD.
The Australians (left to right): Flight Lieutenant RC Hay, Pilot Officer CL Howard, Flight Lieutenants DJ Shannon and JF Leggo, Pilot Officer FM Spafford, Flight Lieutenant HB Martin, Pilot Officer LG Knight and Sgt RGT Kellow. Crown Copyright, MOD.

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The Commanding officer of 617 Squadron, Wing Commander Guy Gibson, is assisted into his parachute harness by his rear gunner, Flight Lieutenant RAD Trevor-Roper, before leading his Squadron on the famous 'Dambusters' Raid (Operation CHASTISE) from Scampton, Lincolnshire, during the night of 16/17 May 1943. Crown Copyright, MOD.
The Commanding officer of 617 Squadron, Wing Commander Guy Gibson, is assisted into his parachute harness by his rear gunner, Flight Lieutenant RAD Trevor-Roper, before leading his Squadron on the famous 'Dambusters' Raid (Operation CHASTISE) from Scampton, Lincolnshire, during the night of 16/17 May 1943. Crown Copyright, MOD.

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The Eder Dam which was targeted by 617 Squadron during the night of 16/17 May 1943. Crown Copyright, MOD.
The Eder Dam which was targeted by 617 Squadron during the night of 16/17 May 1943. Crown Copyright, MOD.

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The Eder Dam, Germany, two months after the 'Dambusters' raid on 16/17 May 1943 by 617 Squadron. The reservoir (Edersee) is now completely dry and, on the river bed in front of the breached dam (top right) a light railweay has been construction in preparation for its repair. A new hutted encampment for workers has also been built to the right of the dam. Crown Copyright, MOD.
The Eder Dam, Germany, two months after the 'Dambusters' raid on 16/17 May 1943 by 617 Squadron. The reservoir (Edersee) is now completely dry and, on the river bed in front of the breached dam (top right) a light railweay has been construction in preparation for its repair. A new hutted encampment for workers has also been built to the right of the dam. Crown Copyright, MOD.

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Post-raid photographs taken of the areas damaged in the extensive flooding caused by the breaching of the Mohne and Eder dams by 617 Squadron (Operation CHASTISE) during the night of 16/17 May 1943. Crown Copyright, MOD.
Post-raid photographs taken of the areas damaged in the extensive flooding caused by the breaching of the Mohne and Eder dams by 617 Squadron (Operation CHASTISE) during the night of 16/17 May 1943. Crown Copyright, MOD.

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German photograph of the breach wall of the Eder dam after the "Dambusters" raid in May 1943. Crown Copyright, MOD.
German photograph of the breach wall of the Eder dam after the "Dambusters" raid in May 1943. Crown Copyright, MOD.

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The King and Queen visited 617 Squadron - The Dambusters - at their home station at Scampton on 26 May 1943. During the visit they were intrioduced to the squadron members who carried out the attack and saw images of the subsequent flooding to the Ruhr. Photo dated 27 May 1943. Crown Copyright, MOD.
The King and Queen visited 617 Squadron - The Dambusters - at their home station at Scampton on 26 May 1943. During the visit they were intrioduced to the squadron members who carried out the attack and saw images of the subsequent flooding to the Ruhr. Photo dated 27 May 1943. Crown Copyright, MOD.

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King George VI, accompanied by Wing Commander Guy Gibson (right) talking to Pilot Officer GL Knight RAAF, during his visit to 617 Squadron at Scampton on 27 May 1943. Knight and his crew launched the 'Upkeep' weapon which successfully breached the Eder Dam. Crown Copyright, MOD.
King George VI, accompanied by Wing Commander Guy Gibson (right) talking to Pilot Officer GL Knight RAAF, during his visit to 617 Squadron at Scampton on 27 May 1943. Knight and his crew launched the 'Upkeep' weapon which successfully breached the Eder Dam. Crown Copyright, MOD.

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