Airfix supports release of new film: Attack on Sorpe Dam

1 year ago

Airfix is delighted to support the impending theatrical release of Attack on Sorpe Dam, narrated by the late George “Johnny” Johnson MBE, DFM who was the last surviving crew member of 617 Squadron at RAF Scampton, serving as a bomb aimer for the Avro Lancaster B.III Special, ED825/G AJ-T. Making this production evermore unique, this was Johnny’s final film appearance.

Attack on Sorpe Dam was created by the talents of Andrew Panton and Piotr Forkasiewicz and tells the true story of the May 1943 attack on the Sorpe Dam, also known as the ‘Dambusters Raid’, 80 years ago almost to the day of the premiere release in May 2023.

The film is a fitting tribute to the 80^th anniversary of the Dambusters Raid, for which Airfix is marking the occasion not only in supporting the film but with the release of the 617 Squadron Dambusters 80^th Anniversary Gift Set and sharing of the history leading up to the anniversary.

With such a rich heritage in the Airfix range, the Avro Lancaster has always been one of the most popular build projects of modellers. Aviation credentials unmatched, this kit release will mark the start of a build project for modellers across the country.

Attack on Sorpe Dam is based on a true story of an event set within the context of the RAF bomber offensive on Nazi Germany, during the Second World War. The story features a first-hand account from the perspective of George “Johnny” Johnson, a young 21-year-old RAF 617 Squadron bomb aimer. The film follows the story of Johnny and his aircrew from March 1943, on joining a newly formed squadron, for a top secret, special operation that has the potential to shorten the war in Europe.

The film features the dangerous low flying training and highly unusual bombing practices, leading up to the operational briefing on May 16th, 1943. Johnny and his crew finally discover what they are expected to do and are presented with what seems like an impossible task. They are to fly at 100 feet in a four engine Lancaster bomber at night, over many miles of occupied enemy territory. On reaching the target, they need to drop a new weapon that has never before been tried operationally, with pin-point accuracy and in a way they had not practiced and then make their way back home safely. Johnny provides a fascinating insight from an aircrew perspective throughout the training and lead up to the Dambusters operation. He vividly describes how his Lancaster attacked the Sorpe dam and the sights he saw flying over the breached Mohne dam on the return journey. The film concludes with Johnny reviewing the outcome of the Dambusters operation and sharing some final thoughts.

A statement from the narrator, George “Johnny” Johnson, reflecting on the importance of the film:

‘After all these years I feel a great sense of satisfaction that there is now a film dedicated to the attack on the Sorpe dam. A film that covers the complete story from the time Lancaster AJ-T took off from RAF Scampton to the time the aircraft returned after the operation. As the last remaining crew member of Lancaster AJ-T, I feel proud to have been able to represent the men I flew with and to tell the story as it actually happened, in terms of reaching the target, attacking the target and returning home safely.’

‘Within the broader context of the Dambusters story, I am pleased to see a film that helps people understand that there was rather more to the dams raid than the Mohne and Eder dams, although they were of equal importance and just as difficult to attack. It has been quite a journey over the past few years to work on the film, I have reflected many times on what actually happened on the night of May 16/17 1943. I am very grateful for the work Andrew Panton, Piotr Forkasiewicz and many others have done. Their work has preserved my story in film for many years to come and this will allow future generations to learn about how Lancaster AJ-T attacked the Sorpe dam.’

The film is set to premiere on Saturday the 13^th of May 2023, based at the Bristol Aquarium, utilising their auditorium. Following the first premiere, the scheduled screenings will be held at the following venues: