X-Nico

unusual facts about Operation Chastise



Elan Valley Reservoirs

The lessons learned from the destruction of the Nant-y-Gro dam culminated in the 1943 Dam Busters raid when RAF Bomber Command used the same principles to breach the dams in the Ruhr Valley.

Glamorganshire Golf Club

Guy Gibson the leader of the legendary Dam Busters raid over Germany in World War II, was not only an honorary member of Glamorganshire Golf Club but when the news came that he had been awarded the Victoria Cross he celebrated that night in the clubhouse.

Harold Brownlow Martin

He took part in Operation Chastise, the RAF's "Dambusters" raid in 1943, and was described by journalist Sir Max Hastings as "one of the three great bomber pilots of the war".

Pamela Green

Her third partner was the photographer Douglas Webb, a former war hero of the Dambusters raid, with whom Green lived from 1986 until his death in December 1996.

RAF Manston

Barnes Wallis used the base to test his bouncing bomb on the coast at nearby Reculver prior to the Dambusters raid.

Tyne Valley, Prince Edward Island

Some famous Islanders hailing from, or who have hailed from, the community include 'Dambuster' F/O Vincent Sanford MacCausland, former Premier Keith Milligan, former Dean of McGill Law, Percy Ellwood Corbett, Member of Parliament Joseph McGuire, Island visual artist Charlene Williams, historic shipbuilder James Yeo, and deceased folk artist Larry Gorman.

Upper Derwent Valley

The topographical similarity between the Upper Derwent Valley and the Ruhr Valley of Germany led to the dams being used as a practice environment for the Lancaster bombers of the 617 Dam Busters Squadron in 1943 before their attack on the Ruhr dams.

West Malling

Wing Commander Guy Gibson, V.C., leader of The Dambusters, was stationed at RAF West Malling in 1941 & his signature is preserved on the ceiling of the cellar at Douce's Manor which was used as an Officers Mess by the Airmen.


see also