- Paperback: 272 pages
- Publisher: Pan Books; New ed of 2 Revised ed edition (22 Jan 1999)
- Language English
- ISBN-10: 0330376446
- ISBN-13: 978-0330376440
- Product Dimensions: 19.2 x 13 x 2 cm
- Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 274,900 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
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Product Description
Product Description
Originally published in 1951 by Evans Brothers this is the story of the 1943 raid when nearly 350 tons of water crashed into the valleys of the Ruhr, when the Lancasters of 617 squadron breached the giant Moehne and Eder dams with 'blockbuster' bombs. In the PAN GRAND STRATEGY series.
From the Publisher
A classic of World War Two
The Dam Busters tells the story of how the crews of 617 Squadron Bomber Command used their flying skills, their tremendous courage and Barnes Wallis' highly accurate bombs to deal devastating blows to Nazi Germany.
The Dam Busters tells the story of how the crews of 617 Squadron Bomber Command used their flying skills, their tremendous courage and Barnes Wallis' highly accurate bombs to deal devastating blows to Nazi Germany.
'The best wartime story of the RAF' Douglas Bader
'In all the history of arms there is no finer epic' Daily Express
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
15 of 15 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
This is the story of the formation and operations of 617 squadron, from it's first, very famous dam busting mission, through to the end of the war. Many people believe that the dam busting mission was all there was to this squadron, but they went on to perform some remarkable feats of airmanship and precision bombing. The development and use of Barnes Wallis' other great bombs, the Tallboy and the ten ton Grand Slam, are described in some detail. Dropping one bomb from 18,000 feet and hitting the target is a little bit old hat with today's laser guided smart bombs, but these guys were doing it without any of todays technology.
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
I first read this when I was about 10 years old. Since then I've read it literally countless times and every time I enjoy it. If I had not read this book I would not be typing this review at my desk on 54 Squadron at RAF waddington (when I should be writing annual reports instead!). A lot of books/films about the Dambusters start a few weeks before the raid and finish as the last aircraft lands - this is the full story from Barnes Wallis' original idea through to the attacks carried out by 617 (and other squadrons)in the latter days of the war. It is a superb testament to the skill and bravery of all involved - as well as exposing a lot of the bureaucracy that had to be overcome to get the bombs made. Whether you've seen the film or not you will enjoy this book - follow it up with a visit to the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight to see their gorgeous (flying) Lancaster and it really puts it in perspective.
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
If you've ever seen The Dam Busters on tv, this is the book of it and it's brilliant fun reading about the exploits of Barnes Wallis and 617 squadron and not just for the bombing of the Merner and Eder dams.
Most of the book is dedicated to the Dambusting but, to be fair, it is the title! The bombing raid involved the now legendary bouncing bomb and crack pilots to bomb the two dams. Apparently the bombing caused industrial production to slip 20% one month and so was crucial to ending the war early as it deprived Germany of many man-hours of production.
The rest of the book I found more interesting as it moves onto more unfamiliar territory. Barnes Wallis, who designed the bouncing bomb, also designed 'Tall boys' and 'Earthquake' bombs which did serious damage to Nazi Germany. The book also details the bombing of the Tirpitz, and a bombing where 617 squadron bombed a French factory and intentionally left the canteen (where the workers were) untouched!
The technology of Pathfinding Mustangs and Earthquake bombs meant highly accurate bombing raids years ahead of their time and meant the war was ended sooner rather than later.
This book is a fascinating read and good for anyone who admires heroism and ingenuity.
Most of the book is dedicated to the Dambusting but, to be fair, it is the title! The bombing raid involved the now legendary bouncing bomb and crack pilots to bomb the two dams. Apparently the bombing caused industrial production to slip 20% one month and so was crucial to ending the war early as it deprived Germany of many man-hours of production.
The rest of the book I found more interesting as it moves onto more unfamiliar territory. Barnes Wallis, who designed the bouncing bomb, also designed 'Tall boys' and 'Earthquake' bombs which did serious damage to Nazi Germany. The book also details the bombing of the Tirpitz, and a bombing where 617 squadron bombed a French factory and intentionally left the canteen (where the workers were) untouched!
The technology of Pathfinding Mustangs and Earthquake bombs meant highly accurate bombing raids years ahead of their time and meant the war was ended sooner rather than later.
This book is a fascinating read and good for anyone who admires heroism and ingenuity.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
A true classic of the genre
I read this book forty years ago and have read it a few times since. My old battered copy (6d, bookshop in Eton) finally fell apart years ago and it was a pleasure to see it out... Read more
Published 3 months ago by John Fareham
Breathtaking and still relevant through the years.
I just picked up a copy again 40 yrs from when I first read it.
Its difficult to really understand what these guys were made of in the context of the PC, dumbed down... Read more
Its difficult to really understand what these guys were made of in the context of the PC, dumbed down... Read more
Published 10 months ago by Norman Cotterill
What a story
A "mad" scientist, brave airmen and some dams that need to be destroyed are at the heart of this superb real life story. Read more
Published 21 months ago by Mr. A. Moore
Dam Busting and Tear Jerking
This is the story of the formation and operations of 617 squadron, from it's first, very famous dam busting mission, through to the end of the war. Read more
Published on 2 Jan 2007 by Jay
The story of the most daring airborne mission of World War 2
This is the story of the most daring airborne mission of World War 2. It accurately captures the birth of the idea to bomb the dams supplying water to the industrial heartland of... Read more
Published on 2 Aug 2001 by Laurence Upton (marketing@seregroup.fsbusiness.co.uk)
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