The 'Dam Busters', 1943Page from the Operations Record Book of 617 Squadron showing details of aircraft and crew for the raid on the German dams in the Ruhr on the night of 16/17 May 1943.

The object of the raid was to support the Battle of the Ruhr by depriving factories of water power. Dr Barnes Wallis had designed a new 'bouncing bomb' for the operation, which was so heavy that the 'Lancaster' aircraft used on raids had to be specially adapted to carry it. 617 Squadron was formed especially for this operation under the command of Wing-Cdr. Guy Gibson. Thirty-three decorations were awarded to the aircrew who took part in the raids, including the V.C. for Gibson.