The 'Dambusters'. The true story of World War II's most daring bombing mission.

[@philip167]

a lot of brave young men never came home from the dambuster raid god bless them all we all remember them R.I.P to them all

[@JCLampee-t3f]

I was born and raised in Lincolnshire, about five miles from Scampton. Guy Gibson was my hero even though I was about 12. I have watched The Dam Busters seven times and never tire of it

[@Jeremy-y1t]

Gibson was a racist and an anti-Semite. Operation Chastise was a complete failure, and a war crime.

[@ed_richards47]

As a young soldier, based in Germany in the 60's I sailed on the Moehne many times, and the repaired breach in the dam face was clearly visible even then. What brave men those RAF guys were.

[@MarkHarrison733]

They were terrorists.

[@martinottley2395]

Indeed they were

[@MarkHarrison733]

@@martinottley2395 They were like ISIS.

[@JamesHenderson-wk4hd]

They were like ISIS.

[@danielmaudslaycross5135]

My grandads cousin was Henry Maudslay, (the man who blew up the Eder dam) and I can’t imagine flying a bomber that low and that fast in pitch black with no nvg’s so brave they were

[@chrisaskin6144]

I spent 22 years in the RAF, and the Dambusters story is both legendary and a story that has been told many times and often, but this telling of the story revealed many facts and snippets of information that I, and I suspect many others had not previously known. Good use of CGI to explain things - very well done.

[@stephendiskin9939]

Stephen Diskin. The documemtry about the 617 Dambusters was excellent.

[@GregSchmidt711]

I actually liked the doc, too. I really liked following the development process to come up with a weapon that put whole sections of nazi mfg out of commission even if for only a few month, and then tie up resources to protect the dams afterwards.

[@allandavis8201]

Chris Askin, Per Ardua Ad Astra, 24 years, man and boy, 79-03, Rigger. You? My one and Only Claim to fame is from my Grandad, he was part of the team that did the modifications to the 617 Sqn Lancasters to take the “bomb”, I still have his Apprenticeship manuals from his time working at A.V Roe (Avro) and I actually used them to get through my Fitters Course, they were going to my son when he joined up, but he ended up with the regiment, not much call for them firing Rapiers and field Sqn.

[@stephendiskin9939]

Chris Askin No nothing to do with it.

[@chrisaskin6144]

@@allandavis8201 71 - 93. 2yr apprenticeship at Halton then Leuchars, Bruggen, Coningsby, Bruggen, Coningsby, Linton-on-ouse, Church Fenton and finally Coningsby again. I was a Plumber and my final tour at Coningsby began as an instructor on the Phantom Servicing School, then communism collapsed in the USSR and the powers that be couldn't wait to get rid of the Phantom quickly enough (along with many other things) and with that the life of Riley was over. I was moved on to the Tornado F3 OEU, two years later I was made redundant, and as far as I'm concerned the armed forces are now just a rump of what they used to be sadly.

[@paulgeare6035]

Just excellent. This should be required viewing for all students of British history.

[@ohgosh5892]

You just made me wonder, how many people have the British armed services killed in the whole of history?

[@Yankeededandy62]

Interesting documentation. May I complain just very quietly about the background music? No music required in my humble opinion

[@conniegibbons239]

I agree. Background music is absolutely annoying and unnecessary.

[@septegram]

Agreed. Maybe during the parts without narration.

[@TheLittlered1961]

Be thankful some SJW did not get this doc removed. The code name and dog name. They are always trying to cancel history. Oh I forgot, SJW"s will not watch something like this.

[@Funiskalez]

🙂

[@xr6lad]

@@septegram why? It’s not a musical. It’s a documentary.

[@merlin6955]

Many thanks for producing this excellent, informative documentary, I learnt many new facts. Sadly, few of the outstandingly highly skilled and brave squadron members survived to the end of the war, but along with all whose lives were lost, we must never forget, honour and cherish the freedom they won and gave us today. RIP hero's all.

[@markshere1022]

48 out of 133 survived...

[@nunyabidness674]

I agree with you with one exception. The uploader didn't produce this, it's some other organization that did the collection, editing, scripting, and narration... Edit: This upload is an actual example of copyright infringement if the upload is monetized. There is no credit given to the original production, no is it presented for debate or discussion. Claiming it as "For educational purposes" also requires at least some narration by the uploader to express that the intent was to educate.

[@167curly]

Barnes-Wallis was a brilliant engineer. As a schoolboy in 1954 I was very thrilled by the movie "Dambusters" starring Richard Todd as Guy Gibson. Eric Coates' "Dambusters March" was very stirring music for the movie's theme.

[@SeekerKnight]

So glad someone took the initiative to bring this program to the publics attention. Our young service people need to know that their contributions do count for something. WW2 was won by such contributions in many innovative solutions. Never underestimate the value of a dreamer.

[@chocolatte6157]

👍👍

[@jmrodas9]

I had the chance to read a book which describes the raid on the dams very well, it is the dambusters by Paul Brickhill. I always admired the ingenuity of Dr Wallis who designed the bouncing bombs, and being an engineering student at the time i liked how the compressibility of water was used to wreck those dams. The skill of the pilots who flew the modified Lancasters, and dove their four engine bombers flying at only sixty feet over the water is something remarkable indeed. They trained hard and deserved their success.

[@1MahaDas]

This is probably the most comprehensive documentary I've seen regarding the British 'Dam Busters!' It doesn't just discuss the attack, but it also reveals the science that preceded the event! Well done!

[@roseanne74]

You haven’t seen the video on the reconstruction of the mission for the anniversary some years ago???

[@terrymurphy66]

Just finished reading a book about the Bomber Pilots flying the Lancaster they had a life expectensy of only 6 days such Bravery to go out night after night to do there duty RESPECT

[@thethirdman225]

You had a 50% chance of being killed in the first 5 missions and 50% in the remaining 25. The father of a friend of mine survived two complete tours as a navigator on Halifaxes and another friend's father survived a tour of 30 missions as a tail gunner on Lancasters, before going on to fly as a Pathfinder, in which capacity he completed another one and a half tours as a tail gunner. Remember that Pathfinder tours were _45 missions..._

[@julianwells4055]

I remember watching the Dam Busters movie back in the 60's and I've been fascinated by this mission ever since.

[@duartesimoes508]

The attack on the Death Star in the 1977 movie Star Wars, in which the space ships fly at full speed along the narrow corridor, was based on it. This was freely admitted by the Star Wars Director.

[@edwardwarrington1809]

A very informative production. All respect to these young pilots, some of whom gave their all. I don’t know how I would have performed had I ever been put in their positions. Early twenties, most of them, with more courage than I have had in a sixty year life time! I won’t be forgetting this video or the pilots and flight crews in a hurry.

[@richarddold9522]

I concur with the above comment. Please cut the horrible music altogether for such a documentary. I'll await the result before continuing to view it.

[@JamesHenderson-wk4hd]

They were terrorists, like ISIS.

[@JamesHenderson-wk4hd]

@Sunny bob Quackers If Putin had murdered thousands of civilians and POWs we would have called it a war crime.

[@paulgerald7682]

617 Squadron , Wing Commander .Guy Gibson . Thank you .

[@peterlovett5841]

An excellent video containing a lot of historic film that I haven't seen before. Thank you for putting it together.

[@militaryaviationtv]

Thank you Peter...

[@Tipi_Dan]

The most precisely informative exposition of this mission that I have seen.

[@tellyonthewall8751]

How do you know ? Did you fly the mission?????

[@AgeRestrictTheInternet]

@@tellyonthewall8751 Haha, I was going to ask the same thing. Tipi, you twat.

[@lindacarruthers3423]

I really appreciate the work that brought this excellent documentary to us . I expect many , if not most of us , know of the film but not necessarily the actual facts of the preparations and of the heroism . My father , a NewZealander , fought Rommel in the Second World War , and I am particularly interested in these sort of documentaries ,not wanting the knowledge of what was given by so many to be lost .

[@militaryaviationtv]

Linda, thank you for your kind comment. We bet you are very, very proud of your father?

[@gearsau]

Excellent program. I remember seeing the Dam Busters movie, way back in 1956 or 1957. Recently, I purchased a 1:32 scale model of a Lancaster. My project for 2021 is to build it ! I have also purchased Guy Gibsons' book " Enemy Coast Ahead "

[@vincentlefebvre9255]

It's worth at least one mortgage payment ! 🤣

[@russell6341]

I have watched several versions of this story and yours is by far the best put together and presented of them all thank you folks for a fantastic program

[@militaryaviationtv]

Thank you for the kind words Russell, appreciated.

[@windyworm]

Fascinating documentary, I visited the Eder dam and have also piloted a light aircraft over the dam. The skill of the pilots and the intelligence and determination of Barnes Wallis can't be overstated.

[@David-e9r8m]

OMG what a fantastic documentary makes me proud to be British absolutely love this footage ❤❤

[@Jeremy-y1t]

The raid was a war crime and a complete failure.

[@desmos-jw1bh]

The bravery shown by these young men was beond belief and we owe a great deal to them ..great doco thank you

[@janiceduke1205]

👏👏👏

[@militaryaviationtv]

Yes we do. Thank you.

[@peterleslie8326]

incredible bravery, i take my hat of to these guys, we are here today cause of people like this

[@militaryaviationtv]

Yes, we owe everything to these young warriors...

[@roadgeneral]

Extraordinary bravery on these pilot's part to press the attack under adverse conditions.

[@jeffgamby-hull8874]

My great Uncle flew 75 missions in a bomber in World War Two he was 19 when he went to war and thankfully came home he died at a ripe old age of 102 but if it wasn’t for the sacrifice of that generation we would not be here today living our lives as they are

[@militaryaviationtv]

That's a great story @jeffgamby-hull8874. So glad your Great Uncle made it home, and past his century! 😁

[@scotmandel6699]

Germany and Japan for that matter were never threats to North America. Pretty sure our lives would have been just fine.

[@claudettedelphis6476]

Thank you so much for this unique documentary ✈️ Such courage &!determination🛬

[@gregjenkins5347]

One of the best dambuster documentarys iv ever seen.. Simply fantastic

[@eegpas]

I have seen many Dambuster documentaries, this is certainly among the best, exceedingly well done

[@johnemerson1363]

I never knew about the Naval spinoff. However, flying a Mosquito at 60 feet within 1000 feet to drop a bomb and "skip bomb" the hull with a depth charge would have taken a massive set of guts. Gibson would have done it.

[@codprawn]

Absolutely fantastic video. I thought I knew everything about the Dambusters but I still learnt a lot from this. What a genius Barnes Wallis was. And the crews were heros every one of them! I actually found the remains of a highball practice bomb on a Gower beach many years ago - I wonder if it is still there?

[@JamesHenderson-wk4hd]

They were terrorists, like ISIS.

[@deetjay1]

Like the proverb.."necessity is the mother of invention", was never more clear than this moment in history

[@jerrybootneck1736]

Really enjoyed this well made and narrated documentary of the skill and bravery of everyone involved.

[@herbertsyiem9489]

I read two books on this. One is called Ensmt Coast Ahead by Guy Gibson himself. This is about orgsnusing 617 Squadron up to the raid on the Mihne and Eder Dams. The other book is called The Dam Busters by Psul Brickhill. It is an ac out of 617 Suadron during the War. Both are very good accounts of the exploits of the Sqadron.

[@quepasa2781]

Awesome production, thank you all.

[@julianpearce218]

5:30am and I have been transfixed by this video for almost an hour. I learned about the Dambusters in school (over 40 years ago). In recent years I I have heard opinions presented that the attack was unnecessary and in-effective as the dams were repaired relatively quickly and industry relocated. I believe this was an argument presented by those shocked and horrified by the massive loss of civilian lives. Whilst loss of life is always tragic, this was war, lives were being lost on both sides of the conflict and all of those lives were important. This video has pointed out the resources (both man-power and materials) diverted as a result of the raid. it also reminds us that many factories were irreparably destroyed and steel production affected for months, possibly more considering damage to mines as well. My faith has been restored, that the raid was indeed necessary and heroic. Thank you.

[@thethirdman225]

While it casts no disrespect on the crews who flew this mission, there's a lot of truth in those assertions. Not the least of this is the fact that it cost the lives of some of Bomber Command's most experienced people. The raid, as it was eventually flown, was not done according to the original plan. The two dams that needed to be destroyed to create the kind of havoc intended were the Mohne and the Sorpe. The Eder was not part of the Ruhr steel industry. It was estimated that breaching only one of the two critical dams would realise only a fraction of the effect of the effect of hitting two. But as you now know, the Sorpe required a completely different style of attack and there simply wasn't time to develop a second attack profile and a second weapon. As to its necessity, that's pretty debatable. A lot of what Bomber Command did was pretty debatable. Unfortunately, that came down to its obstinate commander in chief, who was quite happy to waste lives on missions of dubious importance. While he obviously had no interest in this until after its (qualified) success - whereupon he tried to claim credit for it - it did highlight the importance of attacking infrastructure, even if the original concept was flawed. Harris' complete indifference to cooperation with other services and his distain for targets identified by those better versed than he, probably contributed to the staggering and sustained losses of bomber crews and did nothing to shorten the war.

[@oml81mm]

​@thethirdman225 I agree wholeheartedly with what you have said. The aim of the raid was not achieved because the original concept was flawed. The RAF lost eight aircraft and 53 lives; approximately 1,500 civilians were killed of whom perhaps 800 or so were foreign (ie not German) slave labourers. The German steel industry was not harmed. What I have said above takes nothing away from the skill and courage of the aircrew, the engineers and their support organisations. The British, in the way that they sometimes do, turned this raid into a propaganda event, which was OK for the time. It was a brave attempt to deny Nazi Germany of an important means to wage war, and notwithstanding anything I have said above, was IMHO justified.

[@donaldcrawford5577]

a great story, 24 years later while serving in BAOR we used the dam lake as practice floating our vehicles across it. also, absailed up from below the sides of the lake. never got over both the shear size of the dam, and the size of the repairs. felt good to have witnessed it and where the historic raids happened. took many snaps of the place.

[@robertheinrichvonseyfenste267]

I visited these dams about 50 years ago. Then you could still see which parts were repaired, the new stones/bricks were lighter in colour.

[@andrewlavey6992]

Well done, Military Aviation TV, for an outstanding documentary. At last the information about what really went on. Thank you.

[@ernestdougherty3162]

Thanks for sharing very great video and God bless you and your family

[@rogerhoughton3758]

An excellent report, marred as many commentators have said, by obtrusive music. I also missed any mention of the 1.000+ allied prisoners of war (mainly Russian) who were victims of the flooding.

[@MERISI001]

A remarkable account of the raid and all that went before. Most informative and brilliantly researched. Thank you

[@altaylor3988]

Lest we Forget ..... Per Ardua Ad Astra

[@stanspeight9638]

I Saw A Movie When I Was Younger About This It Always Fascinated Me About This Operation & To See This Documentary Is An Awesome Experience Thank U For Uploading

[@ryboy2763]

Good Comment But Why The Capitals For Every Word??? Lol

[@kevincook2591]

The bomb release mechanism was made at Roses ,Gainsborough about 14 miles from Scampton

[@steveharrigan7811]

Its not so much just bombing something from the air, it's the engineering mastery under pressure that is so impressive, to be able to place a single bomb in precisely the right place, to get the desired effect. And at a time when thousands of bombs missed the target by miles. It was an amazing feat, to say the least. And it worked as a morale boost when it was needed as well.

[@sorcererstone3303]

In addition, without the R&D done on designing this bomb, we wouldn't have the highly efficient golf ball as we know it today. Something not many people is aware off. An unexpected spin off from the war effort. engineeringsport.co.uk/2009/10/27/what-has-golf-got-to-do-with-the-dambusters/

[@None-zc5vg]

@@sorcererstone3303 Thousands of lives lost to make a better golf ball.

[@sorcererstone3303]

@@None-zc5vg Hey, I know what you are saying. But what I intended to convey was an spin off invention on something completely unrelated. Lots of people (civilians & military) from both sides did die from this operation. I acknowledge that. I was pointing out something others may not have noticed. Just like Velcro was a spin off invention from Apollo project, but does it mean we lost 3 good men at the launch pad (Apollo 1) for the sake of inventing dime a dozen Velcro? No. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NASA_spinoff_technologies There is another quirky spin off (indirectly) from this Dam Buster raid - just in case not many people know. Apparently, there was an old movie named Dam Busters. And that movie was about this raid. Coincidentally, someone noticed our beloved original Star War movie, the section on the epic bombing raid on the Death Star (toward the end of that movie), was a copy cat from this old Dam Busters movie. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Dam_Busters_(film)

[@barbaravickroy7563]

Perhaps this video should be shown in math classes to underscore its effective uses.

[@terryofford4977]

ALL bomber crews were gallant,men, with an excellent use of what today would be considered simple navigation aids, the sheer audacity and guts of those young men will remain in history forever, sadly, many were killed on that operation.The RAF has lots of history. RAF crews, were never honored in the aftermath of war, how disgusting the British Government was to not even recognise their deeds and that, some time later, it was an Australian Rock Group The Bee Gee's who commenced and pursued the idea of a Bomber Command Monument , Myse;lf, I enjoyed 16 years in the Royal Air Force and enjoyed every minute of it, The men and the force itself are legendary.

[@bruceboome]

What a great doccie. My late Dad was a Lancaster pilot and with the surname Boome he soon acquired the nickname boomerang- because he always came back. How those young men were able to bomb Germany night after night, knowing how small their chances of escaping a horrible death were, escapes me. He claimed that they were the best years of his life, though it was only near the end that I heard him talk about his experiences.

[@nigeldewallens1115]

I had two uncles that flew in there wellington! One as a pilot and the other as a navigator! Sadly the navigator died on his first bombing raid! the other uncle survived and used to come with us on our boating holiday and one day he was telling me what it was like doing torpedo runs in the med! Just as he was explaining how low he used to fly an RAF plane was flying as low as my uncle was expelling what he did and it had to pull up to miss us! That was surreal! May I just say thank you to your late dad for what he did for us all! We can never thank those brave souls back then! Thank you Sir and R.I.P My uncle I talked about died of cancer later in in life R.I.P Uncle Alf!

[@bruceboome]

@@nigeldewallens1115 Thank you. You're right. The good life we live is all due to the actions of our fathers and grandfathers who fought in the war. I can't imagine how it was to strap yourself into the cockpit night after night knowing your chances of escaping a horrible death were so low.

[@nigeldewallens1115]

@@bruceboome My surviving uncle did not tell me what that side was like but he did say you could see the crew running all over the place on a boat as you flew in low to drop your torpedoes! We are all very lucky frankly

[@donalddodson7365]

Wonderful combination of historical film footage and animation. Well researched and presented. Well done!

[@davidwilcox5655]

I worked at BSC Sheffield, and one of the old lathes was one that turned the shells of the bombs.(I was told but not sure if it was true?)this was early 70,s and I know the motor on the machine was ancient .

[@militaryaviationtv]

Great memory David...

[@chamjezage]

I had the pleasure of meeting the great man Sir Barnes, he was very down to earth, not pompous at all. that was back in 1966. he spoke of his inventions and what his thoughts for the future he would like to see happen.......

[@schallrd1]

I remember seeing the movie as a kid and left an impression. I also built the model of the Lancaster bomber. Brave men who went on the mission.

[@feurquiola9444]

I salute these pilots and its crew for their bravery and patriotism .They risked thrir lives that others may lives and destroyed the evil.For those who survived "MABUHAY".FOR THOSE WHO PERISHED "God bless you and may all your souls rest in peace ". ABOVE ALL WE LOVE ALL PILOTS AND CREWS WHO DID THOSE BOMBINGS.

[@camrenwick]

Excellent documentary and commentary. Many facts that I didn't know about.

[@terryofford4977]

Pity the entire film was ruined by the most ridiculous sounding music at far too loud a level, this made the entire production difficult to follow. I'd suggest that the individual responsible for the unwarranted noise should stick to Kiddy Pops cartoons, certainly not important and serious film such as this film presents.

[@thestones8022]

May god bless them all, thank you for the video

[@militaryaviationtv]

Our pleasure!

[@jjsc4396]

Visited Möhne dam on a beautiful Autumn evening with my partner from a nearby village in Soester Börde. We were entirely alone and walked round the river at the bottom and up and over the dam. Sublimely peaceful and serene. Although I knew the history of the dam very well, it was a striking and melancholy contrast. There’s a dam dedication iron plate inside the N dam tower. It’s a reproduction as Australian soldiers nicked the original (a bit of their larrikin spirit) & it’s in the Australian war memorial in Canberra (an absolutely amazing place). I should add, it would have been no small task to get the thing off and transported as it’s huge, bolted and welded on, iron or steel, must weigh a ton, and doing that kind of thing wasn’t exactly “occupying authority approved” so to speak. So those blokes put some thought into it. The Germans have respectfully asked if the original could be returned. So far, Australia’s respectfully said, “nope”. My partner queried - a little annoyed- why they wouldn’t return it. I tried to explain to her how it represented a kind of humorous, larrikin, side of Australian character, and how strongly Australians feel about their war sacrifices, symbols and honouring veterans. The reproduction….well, you wouldn’t know the difference really, other than a little plaque near it explaining the “nicking”. I think my chuckle as an Australian when reading about it was somewhat ill timed 🙄

[@Madeinwem]

Let us not forget the many who lost their lives (not just the Dam Busters but all our military hero's past and present) ....so sad.

[@stardustbros6768]

And the some 1000 civilians killed in the valley after the attack, of course.

[@patagualianmostly7437]

@@stardustbros6768 ....And the many thousands killed by blitz-style raids on major cities by both sides in WW2. (The deliberate bombing of civilians was initiated in WW1 by the Germans.) Both sides will argue forevermore that "the end justified the means".

[@stardustbros6768]

@@patagualianmostly7437 just compare the 72,000 dead British civilians from ww1 and ww2 combinded, to the around 400,000 dead German civilians from ww2 alone. I don't care who started it, thats a childish excuse to not recognise all the civilian deaths caused by these tactics.

[@0anant0]

I remember reading a book on 'Dambusters', many, many years ago. In that, in a party, an elderly person is talking about some young kid present in the party who is wearing RAF uniform. The elder man says 'this kid is not old enough to join the RAF'. This 'young kid' turns around and the elderly person is utterly astonished to see him wearing a 'Flying Cross'! That young kid was part of the Dambusters squadron.

[@MarsFKA]

Dave Shannon has his twenty-first birthday on the day the King and Queen came to visit the squadron after the raid. Shannon survived the War.

[@anthonyeaton5153]

Probably was Aussie David Shannon who grew a moustache to make himself look older. He also got a DSO.

[@0anant0]

@@anthonyeaton5153 Thanks for this info!

[@rabayasekara5278]

Wow, what incredible capabilities and performance. Thanks for sharing.

[@militaryaviationtv]

You're very welcome.

[@surinfarmwest6645]

History told as it was with no alteration to names. Well produced documentary, thank you for sharing.

[@stoopingfalcon891]

Watching in 2022. I have watched the movie a few times over the years, but your narration had me rivetted to the story.

[@militaryaviationtv]

Thank you kindly...

[@jaywalker3087]

When I was an AnE nurse I met a tail gunner and later an erk that took part. The tail gunner, who I shall quote, said There were many times during that I nearly shit meself , but that night was the closest I ever came to it . Immediately the bomb was gone, the skipper pulled up so hard , the ends of my guns were in the water!!". They both made me feel very humble.

[@bobw222]

Interesting that this contains additional material I've never seen before in the 3 or 4 other documentaries and films I've seen about this topic.

[@mikehagan4320]

I would suggest that you reload this without the background Noise. The audio is simply too Busy to listen to. Best Wishes ! M.H.

[@militaryaviationtv]

Thanks for the feedback Mike.

[@johnfiler6448]

Really very informative video. Some very brave airmen lost their lives on this mission. This video is one of the best I have seen on the Dambusters. Well done and thank you.

[@militaryaviationtv]

John; thank you for your kind words. Yes, very brave chaps, and we must not forget their sacrifice.

[@jamesedwards2483]

The Motto Of 617 Squadron Sums It Up The Best-APRES MOI, LES DELUGE, "After Me, The Flood"

[@taofledermaus]

How come you didn't mention the code-word they used when the Möhne was breached?

[@militaryaviationtv]

It was originally in the documentary, as a use of fact. However, we had so many complaints, and from YT, that we had to edit it out...

[@davidhartley2926]

Amazing men, all of them. Thank you.

[@bartlettredneck4583]

Outstanding! Job well done. Love the dog story.

[@militaryaviationtv]

You are very welcome.

[@NickPenlee]

A wonderful presentation of the facts behind this heroic venture and constitutes a very worthy tribute to all those concerned. I'm pleased too that you've opted to ignore political sensitivities and referred to Gibson's dog by his given name "nigger". Gibson didn't seem to be the kind of man who would wilfully give offence by using the term in a derogatory fashion but rather as a statement to the colour of the black Labrador Retriever. It was a disgrace that the RAF in July 2020 chose to remove the name off the dog's headstone at Scampton. They may be able to erase certain FACTS from the history books but not from peoples memories.

[@NickPenlee]

@Aussie Pom Yeh I know I live 'down-under'.

[@thethirdman225]

The slab over the dog’s grave wasn’t placed there until after the war. Ergo, it wasn’t an authentic artefact of the mission.

[@mikedrop4421]

There's no non offensive version of the word. Heros have flaws. Dude named his black dog a racial epitaph used to deride black people. It's wrong, period.

[@TwoHemiViewer]

Thank you to those brave and skillful for saving thousands and thousands, thank you.

[@johnturnbull3361]

First class this has to be the best in every respect,i have learned a lot,we need more of this top quality work many thanks regards J.T.

[@janethollman7894]

We now live near Lossiemouth RAF base which was their base. It was from here they left to get the German warship Tirpiz (sorry for the spelling). Although the squadron is no longer here we watch them leave to keep ours skies safe. They now fly Typhoons which are awesome we also got to see them with Tornadoes. I don’t think we will ever be able to say enough thank yous or express our gratitude. They work hard everyday either keeping our skies safe or training. It’s a true privilege to be able to see them flying over our cottage.

[@bermudarailway2411]

I have been studying this for over 30 years and have never seen this footage before.

[@militaryaviationtv]

Thank you bermudarailway, you have now. 😁

[@sr633]

This video was done very well and covered it point by point.

[@militaryaviationtv]

Thank you sr633.

[@hoatattis7283]

Possibly the greatest bombing mission of WW2 in the ETO

[@ericadams3428]

Yes, it was

[@eddyjohan8650]

Absolutely.there were great bombong missions in ww2. Taranto....doolitle over tokyo....stringbags against bismarck....dive bombing in battle of midway etc. But dambuster raid is up there on top. The vision, planning, technical ingenuity and bravery simply epic.

[@terranceparsons5185]

An excellent review of a historic moment. Thank you for posting.

[@militaryaviationtv]

Glad you enjoyed it Terrance...

[@darwinrides1688]

77 years later, a much younger fellow (Royal Navy) aviator moved to tears. Had to hug my black Lab (Stetson), salute Wing Commander Gibson (26) and toast the memory of Barnes Wallace. "Never was so much owed by so many to so few..."

[@COIcultist]

@the taker They were dedicated to the Battle of Britain pilots but Bomber Command had the highest rate of losses of British forces. I'd not deny them the same accolade.

[@normabloice894]

On the 40thanniversary celebrations at the petwood hotel, I was working there on 17th May , being able to meet them, before they left there was a photo session on the lawn, I have a copy, also I have a postcard with signatures on it , Johnny Johnson , willy tait, and many more, I have treasured this ever since.

[@militaryaviationtv]

Wonderful story Norma. Feel free to share any of your photos.

[@jablot5054]

Photos of murderers how terribly British

[@douglasmiller5439]

Great presentation, well documented, accurate and well told. To the memory of those brave and brilliant men and their deeds, Salute!

[@jasonallen1532]

Excellent program, thank you

[@militaryaviationtv]

Glad you liked it, Jason.

[@brianmilligan1787]

Trigger was on one of the planes As I heard him say to Rodley. All right Dave.

[@viardmike4130]

I had a lancaster to bust the german dams in 1985, my second flight simulator on Amstrad CPC 464. that was hard and stressfull. Nice reportage.

[@henrimichelpierreplana4332]

Same game in a C64...

[@flyifri]

What wonderful name for a dog.!

[@gsmdo8836]

One of the great mysteries of WWII is why Bomber Command - having paid such a high price for the original raid - didn't follow up with conventional attacks on the dams, to disrupt and delay their repairs. Max Hastings' excellent book Chastise goes into great detail about this raid (including attacks on dams not mentioned here) -- and is well worth a read...

[@militaryaviationtv]

Yes, Max Hastings book is a great read...

[@gfindlay70]

I read this story in a Readers Digest Condensed books when I was just a 16 year old girl. It made quite an impact on my teenaged mind and I have remembered it all these years later.

[@danhenderson3097]

A great video...the first movie fl DamBusters is one of my favorites. Can’t wait until the next one is released!

[@pilotactor777]

Brilliant doccie. I've met a bunch of the 617 pilots. ( Tornado pilots)Good chaps.

[@idie2game771]

Those birds at 15:30 had me rollin! lol I was yelling Mooove!!!

[@alanjm1234]

Looked like swans. Bet they got a fright!

[@Mike12522]

Little wonder that at first Barnes Wallis was ignored repeatedly. The Lancasters had to be stripped of armor weight and some guns. Even the steel plating behind the pilot's seats was removed. That left the crews and the planes very vulnerable. The 9,250 pound bomb HAD to be precisely dropped at 60 feet, 450 yards from the dams, at 232 m.p.h. It also had to spin backwards, inside the plane ( ! ), at 500 R.P.M. This all had to be done at night, in the face of heavy fire. All in all, the flying mission alone was at first considered to be much too dangerous, and impossible to achieve.

[@englishmaninfrance661]

Some of the bravest men ever to walk the face of this planet , and Barnes Wallace , a total genius . I was , however , astonished by the speed with which the Germans repaired the dams

[@fredhatfield5863]

The bonus was that workers were taken off the Atlantic wall projects which helped the invasion succeed

[@richardvernon317]

The Germans knew the problems that they were going to have the following year if the Dams were not repaired ASAP, so they threw tens of thousands of workers off other projects to be able to do it (Including a big chunk of the workforce earmarked to work on the Atlantic Wall). Harris could have attacked the repair effort to slow it down, but that would have resulted in a lot of dead Allied Civilians being used as forced labour, so politically it was a none starter.

[@alanjm1234]

My Dad was with 617 Squadron at Scampton during the late 60's and early 70's, working as an airframe, hydraulics and engine fitter on Vulcans. I remember seeing the Lancaster "gatekeeper" quite a few times. I was a youngster then though.

[@samypons3185]

dang, cool

[@grahamjordan1040]

It’s in the process of being brought back to flying condition at east Kirkby

[@B-A-L]

When I was 14 years old in 1981 I was invited to visit 617 Squadron at RAF Scampton and got a personal tour of the interior of the Lancaster gatekeeper as well as a tour of a fully operational Vulcan that they were using at the time!

[@migranthawker2952]

I'm surprised no mention was made of the use of the Howden Dam in the Derwent Valley in the Peak District. I also wonder if the mention of Porton Down is correct. I would have thought Boscombe Down would have been the place used, but I'm ready to be corrected on this!

[@militaryaviationtv]

Please feel free to fact check Migrant....

[@burtthebeast4239]

God bless you all..

[@philiphutchinson4210]

Competent handling of the subject, excellent

[@roncrystal9]

A great workup of what Barnes Wallis's ideas were on how to solve a problem that needed a solution.

[@wilburfinnigan2142]

Interesting that the Model Lancaster chosen for the Dam busters was the MkB III.....They were powered by the PACKARD Merlin Built in America, 3.040 of them were built plus 400 Canadian built Lancasters Mk X Also powered by the Packard Merlins. WHY ??? Reliability ???

[@dianebohne1525]

I agree. Please no music!

[@TH-sn7mw]

Outstanding historic recreation.

[@lisaburnett3368]

How many men of their age would do this for our country today if needed ? I could count them on one hand.

[@legneil]

Lisa Burnett took the words right out of my mouth

[@davidwordsworth5584]

There are heroes and leaders in every generation. They just need the right circumstances to come forward. You are living in a world of nostalgia if you think the past is a better time.

[@lisaburnett3368]

@@davidwordsworth5584 no. Not living in the past. But the present doesn't seem to hold the same calibre of a man to come forward and show the same kind of courage. Back then was not one, But thousands answered the call. Can you say that now. I think not. My regards.

[@lisaburnett3368]

@James Henderson And you would know. Laughable idiot.

[@brianperry]

I understand it's against the Geneva Conventions now to attack dams. I believe there are many who would answer the call. They wouldn't be the drug dealing raping toe rags that one sees all to often on news programs though..

[@johnready630]

When my father was posted to Germany we lived close to the Mohne Dam and visited the area several times . I could see the V shape where it was repaired and looking on the valley side I could imagine the damage . It's a big damn !!

[@johnready630]

@L SIMCOCK Yes , from 1965-68

[@larryechols8487]

The movie 'Dambusters' is available on TV from PRIME, I saw it many years ago, it's very entertaining.

[@duartesimoes508]

Paul Brickill's books volume I and II "The 617 Squadron" were my companions for several days of reading when I was in the Portuguese Army on Guard duty, in the eighties. Seems like yesterday...

[@militaryaviationtv]

Oh how time flies...