Product Description

Operation Chastise - the Dambusters Raid, as it became known - undertaken by 19 Lancasters of 617 Squadron on the night of 16 May 1943, was the most audacious bombing raid of the Second World War. For the loss of 11 aircraft, the Mohne and Eder dams in Germany's industrial heartland were breached, and a famous if controversial victory won. John Sweetman's book is the most comprehensive account of this legendary mission, from the development of Barnes Wallis' 'bouncing bomb' (in reality a revolving depth-charge) to every moment of the raid itself, under the charismatic command of Guy Gibson, VC. It recalls a time of commitment, perseverance and sheer dogged determination in the face of dangerous and improbable odds.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #271830 in Books
• Published on: 1999-03-18
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 314 pages

About the Author
Dr John Sweetman is Hon. Research Fellow at Keele University and former Head of Defence & International Affairs at Sandhurst. He has written many other books, incl. Tannenberg 1914, also published by Cassell.

Customer Reviews

An emotinal roller-coster ride from theory to aftermath.
I have always had an interest in the RAF and most of all it's exploits carried out during WWII. This book gave a gripping accurate account of the Dambuster's raid. I found that John Sweetman gave a very detailed account of events, people and aircraft; from the department in which a person worked, right down to the aircraft numbers. The book provided a rollercoster ride from start to finish. I couldn't help but share in Barnes Wallis' disappoint and frustration when trying to convince others that his plan would work. I found myself drawn into the rush when approval was finally granted and the deadline was drawing near for the bomb to be ready. Even though John Sweetman set out to correct the errors made in previous accounts he took nothing away from the efforts and heroism of those involved. John Sweetman made excellent use of maps, photos,diagrams and a detailed description of the terrain helped me understand what Barnes Wallis hoped the bomb would achieve and what the raid had achieved. A thoroughly enjoyable read.

a good read
the book is in depth, and tells all you need to know. very good. a good read.