The Dambusters raid, 80 years on…
It was a daring plan: attack the Ruhr Valley dams, causing chaos in the local area and slowing German military production. In the end, the 617 Squadron destroyed two of the three dams, leading to extensive flooding that left the morale of British troops at an all-time high.
On May 16th/17th, we remember 80 years since the raid, which also saw 53 of the crew lose their lives, and a further three become prisoners of war.
History lesson
The Ruhr Valley was home to the Möhne, Eder, and Sorpe dams, creating reservoirs which supplied water to most of the surrounding area, including military production lines. Officials wanted to destroy the dams, but they were well protected – the RAF’s current weaponry wouldn’t do.
Barnes Wallis created the Upkeep bomb, a clever device that could skip across water before exploding when it reached its target. Affectionately known as the bouncing bomb, it had to navigate the curves and steep hills of the dams. Ultimately, Guy Gibson and his team destroyed the Möhne, and Eder dams, leaving the Sorpe intact.
The Most Capable Aircraft
A complex raid required the most capable aircraft. The Lancaster Bomber was a rugged, reliable, and flexible plane that could carry heavier loads over longer distances than any other. The large bomb bay allowed it to carry up to 14,000lbs of bombs, but the RAF 617 Squadron Lancasters were specially modified to allow for the highly advanced Bouncing Bombs.
Wing Commander Guy Gibson was only 24 years old when he led a 133-strong team through short, intense training sessions before being the first to drop his bouncing bomb on the Möhne dam.
80th Anniversary - Gift Set
In memory of Dambusters 80th anniversary, one of the most daring raids of the Second World War, we have launched the Airfix Lancaster Bomber. There are two to choose from, replicating the aircraft flown by Guy Gibson and John Leslie Munroe, two of the brave leaders in the 617 Squadron. Each model has 267 parts and includes the famous Upkeep mine.
