The Dambusters

[Annie]

Last week on radio 2 a lot of scheuduling was given over to the commemoration of the Dambusters mission of 70 years ago.
Nothing was taught to me in school about this, mores the pity as I have found the information I have picked up whilst listening in has been so inspiring.
I can't begin to imagine the courage of the young airmen who belonged to 617 squadron lead by 24 year old Guy Gibson or start to imagine the brain of Barnes Wallis who invented the bouncing bomb helped by the cricket and tennis balls of his children , apparently it wasn't the bounce that counted as much as the depth the bomb sank to before it detonated.
On Friday as I was driving in to work many tributes were being paid to people involved in this mission but the tributes were read out by the relatives themselves and they were so poignant and sincere and the relatives so incredibly proud of their association with the Dambusters, that even this tough old bird had tears in her eyes.

[Totally Scrambled]

In the 5 or 6 weeks they had to practice very low flying one of the crews was at about 60 feet when another crew flew underneath them
Seeing as a Lancs wing span is about 100 feet that sort of flying takes some spherical objects.
Dom

[Annie]

Think it was said that there are only 2 Lancasters left flying, one in GB still kept in good order though only flown if conditions are perfect for it and the other privately owned in Canada.
If parts are needed to be replaced, they have become obsolete but such is the passion for this plane , that there is a small cottage industry ready to be commissioned to make any such parts that are required.
Think the Brits are pretty proud of this bit of history and all connected to it.

[mrs boodles]

Hubby and I went to see the dams when we lived in germany, amazing. We have an air show here where we live now every year and the lancaster comes over our house very low, it is a very special sight and I feel privilged to see it.
Guy Gibson was killed the following year.

[Annie]

Hubby and I went to see the dams when we lived in germany, amazing. We have an air show here where we live now every year and the lancaster comes over our house very low, it is a very special sight and I feel privilged to see it.
Guy Gibson was killed the following year.

His death was mentioned on Friday too sometimes things just make you feel so sad. I bet it is wonderful to see the old Lancaster Mrs Boodles .

[Richard]

It is a special story isn't it. Barnes Wallis was more or less dumped by the Government after the 40's, he even drew up plans for a Flying Saucer!

Have you ever read about Guy Gibson's dog 'Nigger' (wouldn't be allowed nowadays). Nigger died when Gibson was on a Mission. Very moving and directed very well into the movie.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nigger_(dog)

Richard

[mrs boodles]

I thought the dambusters film was excellent, did`nt Barnes Wallis design the Wellington bomber.

Think Richard Todd who portrayed Guy Gibson was excellent in the role, a very underaclaimed actor.

[Totally Scrambled]

Yes he worked for Vickers and designed the Wellington. They wanted to take him off the bouncing bomb so he could concentrate on designing Vickers' new heavy bomber the Windsor.
Dom

[Annie]

It was said by the leader of todays 617 squadron on the radio on Friday, that the film was very true to actual events - wonder if you can still watch it anywhere, I would love to see it again.
Think if it was remade now they would have to fill it with handsome glory boys and not the accurate casting of the old film

[Totally Scrambled]

Think if it was remade now they would have to fill it with handsome glory boys and not the accurate casting of the old film

And it would be a completely American enterprise as per Hollywood's usual slant on History
Yes there was at least one American who was serving with the RAF involved as well as other members of the Commonwealth

[Totally Scrambled]

wonder if you can still watch it anywhere, I would love to see it again.

Annie,
Apparently it will be shown on Channel 5 this Saturday 25th May at 12:20pm-2:55pm and on Channel 5 + 1 at 1:20pm-3:55pm
Dom

[Benny&Co]

I really enjoyed the Radio 2 coverage.

How extremely brave where they all.

We get fly pasts here every now and then as we're very near to Bletchley Park.

The sound of the Lancaster is spine tingling.

[albertajune]

I also enjoyed the coverage and I'm so glad that todays young are still being told of how brave those young men were. It was a terrific feat that was carried out, by in some cases, young men still in their late teens. Today that is so hard to really take in. What brilliant examples they set for the young men of yesteryear.

[Annie]

wonder if you can still watch it anywhere, I would love to see it again.

Annie,
Apparently it will be shown on Channel 5 this Saturday 25th May at 12:20pm-2:55pm and on Channel 5 + 1 at 1:20pm-3:55pm
Dom

Thank you Dom , if I am not able to watch then I can at least record or catch up with on demand (think record best option)

[Maggie1]

I know Barnes Wallace regretted doing it after, as he felt so guilty as it killed so many people.