UK & Germany Dambusters
About this tour
617 Squadron the Dambusters
By 1943 scientist Barnes Wallis had invented and tested a huge bouncing bomb capable of destroying the great German dams supplying water to the industrial Ruhr valley. A new Squadron, 617, was formed at RAF Scampton and staffed with experienced flyers. 617 would be led by one of the great bomber pilots, Wing Commander Guy Gibson VC. The scene was set for the most daring and famous air attack carried out by the Royal air Force in the war.
In May 1943, the British people needed a boost and this raid provided that – but at the cost of 8 Lancaster aircraft (of the 19 taking part) and 58 men. The Bombing Campaign of the Second World War has created some post war controversy, but the Airmen’s attitude can be summed up in one word – Duty!
Sample Itinerary
- Day 1: Pick up from School. Depart for Brooklands Museum Weybridge (Barnes Wallis Bouncing bomb). Continue to Folkestone/ Dover. Ferry or Tunnel to Calais / Dunkirk. Overnight in Belgium.
- Day 2: Drive east through Belgium and Holland to Germany. (with lunch break). Afternoon visit The Mohnesee, visit the Dam and take a boat trip on the lake. Hotel/Hostel in Dortmund area.
- Day 3: Himmelpforten destroyed church. Neederenser high water mark. Crash site of Flt Lt Hoppy Hopgoods M ‘Mother’. The Sorpe Dam. Wickede memorial and visit Waldeck Castle
- Day 4: Depart for the Reichswald CWGC cemetery, where several of the crews are buried (including Guy Gibson’s crew) before heading for Calais / Dunkirk for journey home.
NB. Guided tour throughout
Battlefield and History Tours recommends the following
- Brooklands Museum: Brooklands Museum highlights a diverse collection of motor vehicles and aircraft, including notable examples like the Concorde and Hawker Harrier. The museum is on the site of the world’s first racetrack and features exhibitions on diverse topics. One of its highlights is the work of Barnes Wallis, famed for designing the WW2 Tall Boy and Bouncing Bomb, as well as the 'Stratosphere Chamber,' providing visitors with insights into his groundbreaking contributions to aviation and warfare.
- The Mohne Dam: The Mohne Dam, famously breached by the G-George aircraft piloted by Gibson, played a significant role in World War II. In his book, Gibson vividly described the massive breach, which was 100 yards wide, with water flowing into the Ruhr valley and toward Germany's industrial centers in the Third Reich. The successful breach of this dam was a critical strategic victory, disrupting the industrial production of Nazi Germany.
- The Eder Dam: The Eder Dam posed less flak resistance compared to other targets, but it presented a significantly more challenging attack route. The crew had to execute multiple runs at the dam to ensure precision in their bomb drop, as they only had three mines remaining for this critical mission. The successful breach of the Eder Dam was crucial, further debilitating the industrial capabilities of Nazi Germany during the war.
- Sorpe Dam: The Sorpe Dam, with its earthen embankments, proved a formidable challenge during the war. Due to earlier losses, only three Lancasters were available to carry out the attack, making the mission even more challenging. The nature of the dam's construction and the limited resources available for the operation added to the complexity and difficulty of this critical mission.
- Brooklands Museum: Brooklands Museum highlights a diverse collection of motor vehicles and aircraft, including notable examples like the Concorde and Hawker Harrier. The museum is on the site of the world’s first racetrack and features exhibitions on diverse topics. One of its highlights is the work of Barnes Wallis, famed for designing the WW2 Tall Boy and Bouncing Bomb, as well as the 'Stratosphere Chamber,' providing visitors with insights into his groundbreaking contributions to aviation and warfare.
Other variations on numbers and duration available plus day trips available on Request.
Experience information
Each group will have its own special interests and curricular needs. That is why every visit can be completely tailored to you. You will find some suggestions below, but you can always call us to discuss more options.
Other variations on numbers and duration available, plus day trips available on request.
