Dams raid 75th Anniversary.

[Airframes]

Tonight sees the 75th anniversary of the raid, by 617 Sqn, RAF, on the Ruhr dams, when the Mohne and Eder dams were breached, when Operation Chastise was launched on the night of 16th / 17th May, 1943, lead by Guy Gibson.
I was going to go to the Derwent dam today, not that far from where I live, to watch the BBMF Lancaster fly-past, but the predicted large crowds, restricted parking, and expected six-hour traffic delays persuaded me not too.
I also thought the weather was probably marginal, at best, as the BBMF enforce tight restrictions on flying, with a minimum visibility of 3 miles, and max cross-wind component of 10 knots at take off and landing, and it seems I was right, as the Lancaster fly-past was cancelled. There was also some confusion, as the fly-past by a Typhoon II was also accidentally announced as cancelled, and apparently caught out many disappointed spectators, as it flew past as the crowds were dispersing.
Pic below (stock photo) from a previous anniversary fly-past.

 

[fubar57]

Would have been nice to see but you certainly lucked out

 

[Airframes]

Yep.
Some of the pre-event announcements were also slightly confusing, naming three different dams in the area, although the Ladybower dam (used for practice by 617 Sqn in 1943) was the main one for the fly-past, as shown in the pic.

 

[Wurger]

 

[Gnomey]

Seems like a good choice not to go Terry!

Would have been good though!

 

[Wayne Little]

watched a doco yesterday about it......probably the right decision terry.

 

[Crimea_River]

Our Lancaster in Nanton Alberta has been given a new livery for this event. AJ-M was piloted by F/Lt. John Hopgood DFC and the full story of its tragic mission can be found here: http://www.bombercommandmuseum.ca/posters_temp/poster_2018august_ajm.pdf

 

[Airframes]

Good stuff Andy. Nice to see that the full appearance has been attempted, with upper turret and bomb doors removed, and the addition of an 'Upkeep' mine.

 

[Crimea_River]

They are still working on it Terry. There will be an official commemoration in August, with the full scale Upkeep bomb attached.

 

[Airframes]

Could get a starring role in Peter Jackson's re-make of the movie - when it eventually gets going again.

 

[parsifal]

The eder, before it was breached;

 

[Marcel]

The Mohne when I was there in 2014:

 

[vikingBerserker]

I was lucky enough to go to the RAF Museum in London this past weekend. They had a nice little section on this raid.

 

[Airframes]

Thanks for the additions , Michael and Marcel.
Hope you enjoyed the RAFM David - it's being moved around a lot, due to the up-coming refurb and additional facilities.
I'll add some more 'historic' stuff to this thread over the next few days.

 

[vikingBerserker]

I was a kid in a candy store - it was an amazing collection! I got so excited that after being in the museum for a total of 3 minutes one of the curators called out to me. In my excitement of seeing a Cookie Cutter bomb I apparently had jumped a barrier.

My better half is still laughing at me.

 

[Airframes]

If you ever get the chance to go the the other RAF Museum site, at RAF Cosford, near Wolverhampton, you won't be disappointed. They have a number of rare WW2 aircraft, as well as many other rare airframes, and some of the Hendon exhibits have recently been moved there. It's also where the main conservation / preservation work is undertaken, and the staff are very helpful, allowing close access, when possible, if requested.
The lighting, and positioning of aircraft is also much better than at Hendon.

 

[Crimea_River]

I learned the other day that our local Lanc in Nanton is being fitted out with a full Upkeep mod for their commemoration of this anniversary in August. A full scale upkeep bomb was fabricated and is now at the museum ready to be painted.

If it's appropriate I will update this project in this thread. Pic shortly.

 

[Airframes]

Certainly Andy - post whatever you can.

 

[vikingBerserker]

That's very cool!

 

[Crimea_River]

Here's the full scale replica Upkeep bomb. 3/4 inch steel welded can and modern bolts.