BASH - Dams Raid May 8th

The May 8th BASH exclusive was a resounding success.

An evening devoted to the Dambusters was enjoyed last Tuesday by over 100 guests at the annual BASH special.

The guest speaker, aviation historian and author, Jim Shortland, gave an entertaining and informative talk on the birth of the Dambusters. Using photographs to illustrate his words, along with plans and maps, he spoke at length about the background of the Dambuster raids.

The guests were privileged to see rare film footage of the bouncing bomb being tested while Jim gave information about its invention and development. The inventor, Barnes Wallis, was also seen on some of the footage.

Jim explained to the audience that there had been many setbacks in the development of the bouncing bomb. Several designs had been tested in a research laboratory in Harmondsworth and eventually on a larger scale at the Nant-y-gro dam in Wales.

The plane chosen to carry the new invention was the Lancaster Bomber and with it came the formation of the 617 squadron with Guy Gibson as Squadron leader.

Long hours of practice followed while the pilots became adept at flying at low levels over water. Footage of the final test of the bomb was shown where Guy sent a thousand foot water spout shooting up into the air.

The Dambusters raid was destined for the Mohne, Eder and the Sorpe dams in the Ruhr district of Germany. The breaching of these dams would cause devastation to the German armament industry which relied on the electricity produced there.

On May 16th and 17th nineteen planes set off using the code name 'Chastise'. They flew in two waves and in two separate directions to confuse the Germans. The Mohne and Eder dams were both breached, but because of the position of the Sorpe dam it was much more difficult to attack. It was damaged but not breached.

There were many brave and heroic acts by the crews concerned and not surprisingly only 11 planes returned. The squadron became affectionately known as the Dambusters and Guy was awarded the Victoria Cross for his devotion to duty.

Jim showed a photograph of the memorial to the Dambusters which is at Woodhall Spa. The final film clip was of Guy himself addressing a scout group, we were privileged to see this rare footage.

Questions were answered from the floor. Jim was accompanied by Colin Cole, a wireless operator with the 617 squadron, Dave Willis, an ex-RAF pilot and Rob Bourne, helper and friend. He brought various pictures for sale and they all enjoyed talking to the audience.

The buffet provided by the Vines restaurant was excellent and the hospitality of the serviceman's club was second to none. Altogether this made for a remarkable evening.

Photos

Photo 1 left to right Jim Shortland (speaker) - Chris Witty (BASH Committee Member) - Colin Cole (Wireless Operator 617 Squadron) - Rob Bourne (Helper) - Dave Willis (ex-RAF Pilot)

Photo 2 Back row left to right - Jim Shortland - Dave Willis Front row left to right - Rob Bourne - Colin Cole

Photo 3 Colin Cole signing a Dambusters Print

Photo 4 left to right Jim Shortland - Dave Willis - Colin Cole - Rob Bourne

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Last modified 10 July 2008