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Dambusters

Commemorating 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.

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

Barnes Wallis and the idea behind the bouncing bomb

Barnes Wallis, assistant chief designer for Armstrong Vickers, came up with the idea for a bouncing bomb that could be used to target strategic dams in 1942.

Wing Commander Guy Gibson

As the 80th anniversary of the Dambusters raid approaches, we chart the life of Wing Commander Guy Gibson who led 617 Squadron on Operation Chastise.

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Former RAF Squadron Commander gears up for the 2023 Dambusters Ride

Taking part in this year’s Dambusters 80th anniversary ride is RAF Reservist and former Squadron Commander Clive Mitchell, 59, who is stationed at RAF Lossiemouth.

4 April 2023

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