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617 Squadron: The Dambusters at War
An eye-opening history of the famous 617 Squadron and its pilots and crews by a man who flew alongside them. A perfect book for fans of Max Hastings, John Nichol and Patrick Bishop. In May 1943, Guy Gibson led 617 Squadron on an audacious assault on the dams of the Ruhr valley using Barnes Wallis’ ingenious ‘bouncing bombs’. What happened to RAF 617 Squadron after the completion of Operation Chastise? The raid had been a success, but the bombing offensive against Nazi-occupied territories did not let up and 617 Squadron continued to be at the heart of these operations. Squadron Leader Tom Bennett, who flew as one of the lead navigators of 617’s Mosquito marker force, recounts many of the precision attacks made by 617’s Lancasters on vital targets in occupied Europe, such as the tragic Pölitz raid of December 1944, the attack on Bergen in January 1945 and the numerous raids made against the Nazi battleships Tirpitz. A number of personalities who served with the Squadron leap from the pages, like Tom McLean, who managed to destroy three night-fighters while wounded from his position as rear gunner, as well as the unpredictable Australian Colin Keith ‘Aspro’ Astbury who after being retired from active duty snuck out of his dull job with the Air Ministry to continue flying with his crew. ‘One of the finest tributes to human endurance to emerge from World War 2’ — Wingspan 617 The Dambusters at War provides unique insight into the reminiscences of the men who flew in this crack Royal Air Force squadron during the last three years of World War Two.
434 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1986
425 people are currently reading
73 people want to read
About the author
Tom Bennett
60 books18 followersTom Bennett was a teacher in inner-city London schools for thirteen years.
Currently he is the Director and founder of researchED, a grass-roots organisation that aims to make teachers research-literate and pseudo-science proof.
Since 2013 researchED has grown from a tweet to an international conference movement that so far has spanned three continents and six countries. He is also the series editor for the best-selling range of researchED books, and the editor of the quarterly researchED magazine.
In 2009 he was made a Teacher Fellow of Corpus Christi College, Cambridge University. From 2008-2016 he wrote a weekly column for the TES and TES online, and is the author of five books on teacher-training, behaviour management and educational research. In 2015 he was long listed for the GEMS Global Teacher Prize, and in that year was listed as one of the Huffington Post’s ‘Top Ten Global Educational Bloggers’.
In March 2017, Tom published a review of behaviour in schools for the UK Department of Education (DfE). In 2019 he chaired the Behaviour Management Group for the DfE and was appointed their independent Behaviour Advisor. He trains teachers and schools around the world in all aspects of behaviour management and research integration. He currently leads the Department for Education’s Behaviour Hubs project, a £10 million program designed to reboot behaviour skills in disadvantaged schools throughout the UK.
Currently he is the Director and founder of researchED, a grass-roots organisation that aims to make teachers research-literate and pseudo-science proof.
Since 2013 researchED has grown from a tweet to an international conference movement that so far has spanned three continents and six countries. He is also the series editor for the best-selling range of researchED books, and the editor of the quarterly researchED magazine.
In 2009 he was made a Teacher Fellow of Corpus Christi College, Cambridge University. From 2008-2016 he wrote a weekly column for the TES and TES online, and is the author of five books on teacher-training, behaviour management and educational research. In 2015 he was long listed for the GEMS Global Teacher Prize, and in that year was listed as one of the Huffington Post’s ‘Top Ten Global Educational Bloggers’.
In March 2017, Tom published a review of behaviour in schools for the UK Department of Education (DfE). In 2019 he chaired the Behaviour Management Group for the DfE and was appointed their independent Behaviour Advisor. He trains teachers and schools around the world in all aspects of behaviour management and research integration. He currently leads the Department for Education’s Behaviour Hubs project, a £10 million program designed to reboot behaviour skills in disadvantaged schools throughout the UK.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
June 11, 2021
What really went on inside the cockpit of the wartime Lancaster bomber.
This book is special in several ways. It is the story of the famous Dambusters during the second half of WW2 and their unique and powerful camaraderie both as a squadron and as individual aircrews forced to trust each other implicitly inside the cockpit during acute emergencies in the air. It is as near to historically accurate record as the author can establish ‘from the cockpit eye view’, with some details being recorded for the first time, both of which are rare. Most of all it is also a tribute to those who flew the Lancaster bombers for months on end, some surviving to thrive in the future, some who struggled and all too many who did not make it back to base.
Don’t be put off by the prologue which hammers through a list of ‘what they did next’ after the bouncing bomb episode and lists all those involved. The exciting bits are coming, bringing these events and characters to life in vivid and gripping detail, mainly through the eyes of those within the individual Lancaster bombers. The knowledge that the writer is describing real events in which he or those he knows participated creates an immediacy which no fiction can emulate. Each crew has its own dynamic, with the frequently irreverent personalities of the members welding together in mutual trust and support – or occasionally not. The details bring home the dangerous euphoria and wildness which is sometimes necessary to keep the men going. A useful glossary helps any reader unaccustomed to air force slang of the time, but the brisk, slightly militaristic writing and excellent dialogue make for a highly readable and often touching story of human endeavour and courage. Even the individual planes take on personalities.
The last section describes what happened to the individuals already described between the end of the war and 1986 when the book was originally published and what life held for them. What comes over starkly is just how very young most of the aircrew were when in charge of those huge bombers and how much they achieved in very short spans in their lives, both in learning the many skills required and in using them to devastating effect.
This book is special in several ways. It is the story of the famous Dambusters during the second half of WW2 and their unique and powerful camaraderie both as a squadron and as individual aircrews forced to trust each other implicitly inside the cockpit during acute emergencies in the air. It is as near to historically accurate record as the author can establish ‘from the cockpit eye view’, with some details being recorded for the first time, both of which are rare. Most of all it is also a tribute to those who flew the Lancaster bombers for months on end, some surviving to thrive in the future, some who struggled and all too many who did not make it back to base.
Don’t be put off by the prologue which hammers through a list of ‘what they did next’ after the bouncing bomb episode and lists all those involved. The exciting bits are coming, bringing these events and characters to life in vivid and gripping detail, mainly through the eyes of those within the individual Lancaster bombers. The knowledge that the writer is describing real events in which he or those he knows participated creates an immediacy which no fiction can emulate. Each crew has its own dynamic, with the frequently irreverent personalities of the members welding together in mutual trust and support – or occasionally not. The details bring home the dangerous euphoria and wildness which is sometimes necessary to keep the men going. A useful glossary helps any reader unaccustomed to air force slang of the time, but the brisk, slightly militaristic writing and excellent dialogue make for a highly readable and often touching story of human endeavour and courage. Even the individual planes take on personalities.
The last section describes what happened to the individuals already described between the end of the war and 1986 when the book was originally published and what life held for them. What comes over starkly is just how very young most of the aircrew were when in charge of those huge bombers and how much they achieved in very short spans in their lives, both in learning the many skills required and in using them to devastating effect.
November 14, 2020
This was given freely for review by Sapere Books.
617 Squadron are best known for the 1943 Dambusters raids on the Mohne and Edersee dams in Germany which disrupted German war production. Plenty has been written and filmed about that mission but this book focusses on missions after that famous event. Tom Bennett himself was a member of the squadron and this personal book follows brave individuals and their experiences over France, Germany and Norway. The most high profile mission featured is the sinking of the Tirpitz at harbour in Norwegian Arctic territory late in the war. During that mission some didn't make it home with several spending the remainder of the war as prisoners while some were able to get their damaged planes to neutral Sweden and repatriation.
As well as detailed accounts of the missions the book also highlights life on the various bases and the camaraderie that kept morale particularly high in this band of brothers in arms. Each pilot, navigator, engineer or gunner featured has their personality clearly defined - this isn't just a book of facts, it's a book of people. Canadians, Australians, New Zealanders and Brits - all feature equally here in a multi-national effort that also owes a heavy debt to Polish and other nationals who manned the fighters accompanying the bombers.
For me, it's this element that is most poignant. The book was first published in the mid 1980s from interviews and research in the years preceding. I was in my mid-teens and soldiers, airmen and sailors from the war were still of working age as I started my working life (I remember seeing First World War veterans marching on Remembrance parades). Many of the characters from this book were, at the time of publication, just starting their retirement or still in their post-war careers in Britain and the Commonwealth. Sadly, it's unlikely that any are still alive. It's a good thing that we still remember them.
617 Squadron are best known for the 1943 Dambusters raids on the Mohne and Edersee dams in Germany which disrupted German war production. Plenty has been written and filmed about that mission but this book focusses on missions after that famous event. Tom Bennett himself was a member of the squadron and this personal book follows brave individuals and their experiences over France, Germany and Norway. The most high profile mission featured is the sinking of the Tirpitz at harbour in Norwegian Arctic territory late in the war. During that mission some didn't make it home with several spending the remainder of the war as prisoners while some were able to get their damaged planes to neutral Sweden and repatriation.
As well as detailed accounts of the missions the book also highlights life on the various bases and the camaraderie that kept morale particularly high in this band of brothers in arms. Each pilot, navigator, engineer or gunner featured has their personality clearly defined - this isn't just a book of facts, it's a book of people. Canadians, Australians, New Zealanders and Brits - all feature equally here in a multi-national effort that also owes a heavy debt to Polish and other nationals who manned the fighters accompanying the bombers.
For me, it's this element that is most poignant. The book was first published in the mid 1980s from interviews and research in the years preceding. I was in my mid-teens and soldiers, airmen and sailors from the war were still of working age as I started my working life (I remember seeing First World War veterans marching on Remembrance parades). Many of the characters from this book were, at the time of publication, just starting their retirement or still in their post-war careers in Britain and the Commonwealth. Sadly, it's unlikely that any are still alive. It's a good thing that we still remember them.
November 2, 2020
Reading this book is like watching an exciting World War II movie - the action just keeps coming! This is the story of a British bombing squadron - their various missions, dogfights, accidents and successes.
Two things particularly impressed me - the eagerness with which these young men volunteered to fly dangerous missions and the extensive training they received. One is also impressed by the friendships they forged and their respect for one another.
The format is somewhat unusual: a brief history of the squadron leads into separate accountsb of individual careers and various missions. There is inevitably some overlap, but it is handled well and there is no confusion. There is some technical terminology (the author has thoughtfully provided a glossary in the appendix) but this does not cause any problems. The writing is very good.
Of special interest is the account of the bombing of the German battleship Turpitz, and the subsequent ditching of a plane inNorway, where the crew was captured and eventually repatriated.
Because there are so many stories of individuals, the reader is engaged and can not help but emerge with a sense of admiration for these skilled, intelligent, dedicated heroes who helped save the world.
Two things particularly impressed me - the eagerness with which these young men volunteered to fly dangerous missions and the extensive training they received. One is also impressed by the friendships they forged and their respect for one another.
The format is somewhat unusual: a brief history of the squadron leads into separate accountsb of individual careers and various missions. There is inevitably some overlap, but it is handled well and there is no confusion. There is some technical terminology (the author has thoughtfully provided a glossary in the appendix) but this does not cause any problems. The writing is very good.
Of special interest is the account of the bombing of the German battleship Turpitz, and the subsequent ditching of a plane inNorway, where the crew was captured and eventually repatriated.
Because there are so many stories of individuals, the reader is engaged and can not help but emerge with a sense of admiration for these skilled, intelligent, dedicated heroes who helped save the world.
November 28, 2020
I thought I will read an account of the dambusters - when that didn’t happen I was slightly disappointed but kept reading on
It turned out to be a very fascinating reading indeed!!
Tom Bennett is describing several different, daring air raid actions of the same squadron involving different targets and crews
His writing is engaging, funny and utterly captivating.
His research is detailed - to a point of providing details about the lives of the people he wrote about and eye witness accounts of actions he wrote about
I highly recommend this book especially if you interested in special missions of RAF crews or like me just want to learn more about WWII
It turned out to be a very fascinating reading indeed!!
Tom Bennett is describing several different, daring air raid actions of the same squadron involving different targets and crews
His writing is engaging, funny and utterly captivating.
His research is detailed - to a point of providing details about the lives of the people he wrote about and eye witness accounts of actions he wrote about
I highly recommend this book especially if you interested in special missions of RAF crews or like me just want to learn more about WWII
February 19, 2021
Essential reading for those needing to understand how contagious bomber crews were in WW11
This is a superb book written by a serving officer of the squadron giving it the authenticity it deserves. I liked the variation between descriptions of individual operations and potted biographies of the individual personnel.
Having met some of these men, either at work or play, after the war I can testify to their very high calibre. They are some of the finest men I have met
Anyone who wants an insight to understanding how brave men can face extreme danger continuously should read this book
This is a superb book written by a serving officer of the squadron giving it the authenticity it deserves. I liked the variation between descriptions of individual operations and potted biographies of the individual personnel.
Having met some of these men, either at work or play, after the war I can testify to their very high calibre. They are some of the finest men I have met
Anyone who wants an insight to understanding how brave men can face extreme danger continuously should read this book
November 1, 2020
Squadron Leader Tom Bennett, who served with 617 Squadron, has written a thoroughly absorbing history of the famous squadron which will delight anyone who has an interest in military history. I particularly liked the way the book was written - instead of being written as a straightforward history the author has focused on a number of individuals and in telling their stories the story of the squadron as a whole is brought to life.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, it is easy to read, flows well and is full of information and detail.
Thanks to Sapere Books for a copy to review.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, it is easy to read, flows well and is full of information and detail.
Thanks to Sapere Books for a copy to review.
February 27, 2021
The heroes of Bomber Command
It is with deep respect and admiration that I recommend this to anyone who wishes to know of the travails of those who served in Bomber Command during the tumultuous days of World War II. Those who feel priveleged enough to slight the heroic efforts of all involved, no matter their rank or trade, ought to avail themselves of this opportunity to appreciate the len.gths to which these heroic men and women so selflessly gave of their lives
It is with deep respect and admiration that I recommend this to anyone who wishes to know of the travails of those who served in Bomber Command during the tumultuous days of World War II. Those who feel priveleged enough to slight the heroic efforts of all involved, no matter their rank or trade, ought to avail themselves of this opportunity to appreciate the len.gths to which these heroic men and women so selflessly gave of their lives
February 2, 2022
While I thought it would have information on the Dam Busting raids, this book covered 617 squadron after that time frame and covered many of the other missions such as going after the Tirpitz and went into detail various crews. Those that were shot down, killed, and those who made it through the war. A good book for those interested in one of the RAF's best squadrons during the war.
October 4, 2023
A great read!
Sqn Ldr Bennet captured very well the essence of 617 Squadron and of the bomber war with the personal crew stories post dams raid. Joe McCarthy was my Dad’s CO many years later in the RCAF and I knew the background of 617. This book brought out the personnel and history of squadron operations in detail and poignancy.
Thank you very much!
Sqn Ldr Bennet captured very well the essence of 617 Squadron and of the bomber war with the personal crew stories post dams raid. Joe McCarthy was my Dad’s CO many years later in the RCAF and I knew the background of 617. This book brought out the personnel and history of squadron operations in detail and poignancy.
Thank you very much!
September 3, 2021
Very informative read
A must for anybody following the RAF in WW2, the book is well written by a man who was involved, and for myself a “ Couldn’t put down”. It was good to read about aircrew who don’t normally don’t get mentioned.
A must for anybody following the RAF in WW2, the book is well written by a man who was involved, and for myself a “ Couldn’t put down”. It was good to read about aircrew who don’t normally don’t get mentioned.
September 11, 2021
interesting and Informative for Americans
Americans might start with the Glossary and acknowledgements at the end of Kindel version, and then research Squadron 617. The RAF and Commonwealth had many differences from US forces.
Americans might start with the Glossary and acknowledgements at the end of Kindel version, and then research Squadron 617. The RAF and Commonwealth had many differences from US forces.
March 2, 2023
Well researched book, full of interesting detail. My uncle was on 617.
Personal details of crews and incidents while in action were good and made interesting reading. Have it 5 stars as I enjoyed it so muvh.
Personal details of crews and incidents while in action were good and made interesting reading. Have it 5 stars as I enjoyed it so muvh.
April 1, 2021
Interesting read
Provides a quite broad view of this very special squadron. Much background new to me and very interesting it was too.
Provides a quite broad view of this very special squadron. Much background new to me and very interesting it was too.
April 14, 2021
Informative read
This book was heavy in facts and personal stories of bomber crews. Not my favorite book on bombers but a good read.
This book was heavy in facts and personal stories of bomber crews. Not my favorite book on bombers but a good read.
June 3, 2021
Excellent
I loved reading this book except that I couldn't keep the individual airmen straight. It tells the true stories of the 617 squadron as thesubdue
I loved reading this book except that I couldn't keep the individual airmen straight. It tells the true stories of the 617 squadron as thesubdue
January 27, 2022
Detail provided often included info beyond boring.
March 28, 2022
Brilliant
Well researched obviously a labour of love by one of my father's generation. A great invite inside his world then
Well researched obviously a labour of love by one of my father's generation. A great invite inside his world then
March 12, 2023
My favourite squadron
Loved all the history, the details and the personal aspects. Appreciated the depth of research and the writing style too.
Loved all the history, the details and the personal aspects. Appreciated the depth of research and the writing style too.
September 29, 2024
A real page turner
This book really allows one to drill down into the DNA of 617 Squadron. A truly three dimension insight to this elite squadron.
This book really allows one to drill down into the DNA of 617 Squadron. A truly three dimension insight to this elite squadron.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews