ApexNews

search

Book

Dambusters: Operation Chastise 1943

2010

Synopsis

In May 1943, a specially established RAF squadron made its permanent imprint on military aviation history by flying a high-risk, low-level, nighttime attack against German hydro-electric dams vital to the Nazi armaments industry in the Ruhr Valley. A comparatively tiny part of Air Chief Marshal Sir Arthur Harris' four-month-long "Battle of the Ruhr," this one raid had an impact totally out of proportion to the small number of aircraft involved. It highlights the synergy of science and technology, weapons development and production, mission planning and practice, and the unflinching courage in the execution of a highly dangerous bombing raid. Furthermore, it established a legend that still resonates today.

Related Topics

comparatively chastise proportion hydro armaments ruhr dambusters nighttime synergy specially imprint furthermore totally raf dams marshal squadron sir

arthur resonates raid permanent 1943 tiny harris month execution unflinching bombing planning electric practice aviation established low

flying vital chief aircraft valley production courage weapons involved number attack highly operation legend risk level mission

dangerous nazi german highlights air small development battle impact technology industry today science military high long history

Suggested Reading

The Dambusters - 'Was it Worth it?': Barnes Wallis and the Men Behind the Raid in Their Own Words

On the evening of 16 May 1943, nineteen Avro Lancasters took off from RAF Scampton to undertake 617 Squadron’s first offensive attack since its formation a few weeks earlier. Loaded with Barnes Wallis’ newly designed bouncing bombs, the Bomber Command crews set course for their targets – the vital M...

View Details

The High Peak Dambuster: Sergeant Jack Marriott DFM

Operation Chastise, the audacious attack on the dams in the Ruhr valley, is arguably one of the most famous airborne attacks in history. During the night of 16/17 May 1943, 133 men in nineteen specially-adapted Lancasters – the famous Dambusters – set off to attack six dams deep in the heart of Germ...

View Details

We use cookies to improve your experience on our website. By continuing to browse, you accept our Cookie Policy and Privacy Policy.