This is the first of the four part story of Operation Chastise, the bombing of the great dams of Germany’s Ruhr valley during the Second World War.  This Tale examines the life of Wing Commander Guy Gibson, VC, DSO & Bar, DFC & Bar who took on the task of forming the Squadron of Lancasters which would achieve world wide fame following the attack.  Gibson was, to some, a flawed character but his leadership, skill and determination to achieve his aim was never in question.

Guy Penrose Gibson.

Gibson stands on the steps of his Lancaster with his crew around him as they depart on the Dambusters raid.

Gibson’s final resting place, alongside his navigator who also died when their Mosquito crashed.

The English Heritage blue plaque that marks Gibson’s house in St John’s Wood, London.

Images under Creative Commons licence with thanks to the Royal Air Force, the Imperial War Museum, Edward X, Pandaplodder and Steenbergen.