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Dambusters: A Landmark Oral History
On the 17th May 1943, nineteen Lancaster bomber crews gathered at a remote RAF station in Lincolnshire for a mission of extraordinary daring and high risk - a night raid on three crucial and heavily defended dams deep in the German industrial heartland. The raiders would have to fly across occupied Europe at a perilously low level and drop their bombs at a mere 60 feet above the water to destroy the dam walls. Eight planes never returned.Bestselling author Max Arthur has collected together first-hand accounts of the preparation, practise, organisation and the raid itself, and the sense of emptiness and loss at RAF Scampton when 52 men failed to return. From RAF personnel and civilians to Germans who witnessed the raid, this landmark oral history collection paints a moving and personal picture of one of the most famous operations of the Second World War.
352 pages, Paperback
First published October 2, 2008
16 people are currently reading
127 people want to read
About the author
Max Arthur
85 books41 followersMax Arthur is an author who specialises in first-hand recollections of historical events. He has worked closely with the Imperial War Museum to bring together two books in the Forgotten Voices series, Forgotten Voices of the Great War and Forgotten Voices of the Second World War. Prior to becoming a writer, he served with the Royal Air Force and for some years was an actor.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
March 21, 2012
In just the last decade there has been no shortage of books published covering the Dambusters raid of 16-17 May 1943. Not surprising considering the technical wizardry alone. A six ton bomb, shaped like an oil drum, set to be spun up at 500rpm (anticlockwise) before dropping a precise distance from the walls of the dams, from a height of just 60 feet, above water, at night, at a speed of some 230mph from a specially modified Lancaster bomber, so the bomb would skip like a stone across the water, while being slightly distracted by the flak with tracer. However, before reaching the target, the three separate waves of 617 squadron had to fly from Scampton, all the way there and back again at around 150 feet. The boffins, the builders and the RAF crews had just six weeks to assemble the squadron, perfect the flying skills and iron out the technical problems to be ready for a mission that couldn't be achieved at any other time than the planned date. The casual statement from one pilot that while practicing low flying at 150 feet another Lanc flew underneath him!
The amazing story has been compiled by Max Arthur for the Oral History series. The 'Dambusters', published 2008, is told throughout by amazing testimony from flight crew, ground crew, RAF C.O.'s, Intelligence officers and down to the mess waitresses. Also statements from Barnes Wallis, Arthur Harris, Goebbels and Speer as well as German civilians. Altogether a very interesting format for such an epic story.
Standing next to a Lancaster bomber with the replica bouncing bomb at RAF Duxford's museum is an experience. I echo Stephen Fry's sentiments in the Foreword, that this was a steady, unblinking courage, tenacity and will that is out of the ordinary, so much out of the ordinary in our age that it might now be said to be extinct.
The amazing story has been compiled by Max Arthur for the Oral History series. The 'Dambusters', published 2008, is told throughout by amazing testimony from flight crew, ground crew, RAF C.O.'s, Intelligence officers and down to the mess waitresses. Also statements from Barnes Wallis, Arthur Harris, Goebbels and Speer as well as German civilians. Altogether a very interesting format for such an epic story.
Standing next to a Lancaster bomber with the replica bouncing bomb at RAF Duxford's museum is an experience. I echo Stephen Fry's sentiments in the Foreword, that this was a steady, unblinking courage, tenacity and will that is out of the ordinary, so much out of the ordinary in our age that it might now be said to be extinct.
March 6, 2021
There is nothing in this oral history that is a revelation, as it's all been documented in the years since but it is written as an oral history which reveals all the opinions of those who lived through the events and therefore it's more relevant than a fiction. Each person has given their opinion on the 'main characters', some good, some not so good - but who is perfect in everyone's eyes ?
The foreword by Stephen Fry is balanced and thoughtful. I find it disturbing that some people only look on the un-PC words (ie Guy Gibson's dogs name, also used as a code word) and all else is then wiped. It's what happened, like it or not, it was war, and as Mr Fry says, quote: 'What a story.'
The foreword by Stephen Fry is balanced and thoughtful. I find it disturbing that some people only look on the un-PC words (ie Guy Gibson's dogs name, also used as a code word) and all else is then wiped. It's what happened, like it or not, it was war, and as Mr Fry says, quote: 'What a story.'
August 6, 2016
This is an example of how oral histories should be compiled. Various sources are interviewed and their excerpts are arranged chronologically to present the story of the famous raid on the Mohner and Eder Dams which powered the German Ruhr industrial area. Various phases are covered from the conceptualization, recruitment, execution, and aftermath of the raid. Interestingly, also includes interviews with German victims of the raids to show the impact of the raid. Recommended.
August 22, 2023
The story of the Dambusters has been told many times.
The book is dedicated to the 55,573 airmen and 91 women of the WAAF.
In particular to the 53 air crew of 617 squadron who failed to return on the night of 16 to 17 May 1943.
This book is unique. It tells the story from the people who were there.
No review can do this book justice, but it is told in such a way that the words Hero and bravery are not
wasted. They are indeed, richly deserved.
To quote Stephen Fry who forwarded the book. "What a story-I do not believe it has ever been better told."
The book is dedicated to the 55,573 airmen and 91 women of the WAAF.
In particular to the 53 air crew of 617 squadron who failed to return on the night of 16 to 17 May 1943.
This book is unique. It tells the story from the people who were there.
No review can do this book justice, but it is told in such a way that the words Hero and bravery are not
wasted. They are indeed, richly deserved.
To quote Stephen Fry who forwarded the book. "What a story-I do not believe it has ever been better told."
September 17, 2024
Another WWII exploit that has become a footnote to the war. The story of the brave volunteers of a newly formed squadron later designated 617, is told as an oral history. Max Arthur does an excellent job of weaving the individual memories into a cohesive whole. Although written about extensively over the years, the mission to destroy the Ruhr River dams has received less attention because of the lack of long-term impact on the war. The positive effect on British morale in 1943 was significant as the entire Commonwealth celebrated the success. Determined men can and do make a difference.
December 4, 2024
this book took quite a while to get through, as the first half in particular was very tedious and not at all interesting. while i appreciate the work all ground crew + the families of air crew played in solidifying the outcome of the war, it dragged on a bit too long.
once you get past around 160, the action ramps up and it gets quite interesting. i myself have looked quite deep into the dambusters, having been very interested in them for a while, and it has always been saddening.
would recommend if you enjoy world war two bomber command history.
once you get past around 160, the action ramps up and it gets quite interesting. i myself have looked quite deep into the dambusters, having been very interested in them for a while, and it has always been saddening.
would recommend if you enjoy world war two bomber command history.
November 9, 2014
I am quite a fan of books on World War II but I have never read anything quite like this. I've read the 6 volumes of Churchill's The Second World War book series with much of the writing from one persons point of view. This work is completely unlike that.
Firstly, and most importantly this is an oral history with both German and Allied voices. To me this makes it one of the most interesting books on a single event I've read. We hear voices from both sides.
Next, this is an oral history and does jump from person to person as the events unfold. What is told is often overlapping and on occasion contradictory. Both of these are the greatest strength of this type of work.
I imagine this style of book wouldn't appeal to everyone. Some may find it lacks fluidity in the writing and narrative but these are voices and oral stories drawn into a single work.
Finally, I found myself transfixed reading about an event which killed thousands. Not in a romantic manner but as a factual and fascinating account of the terrible price of war and the damage to countless life which is wrought.
If you are interested in this event its well worth reading this to go beyond the hype and glamour of other books on the subject.
Firstly, and most importantly this is an oral history with both German and Allied voices. To me this makes it one of the most interesting books on a single event I've read. We hear voices from both sides.
Next, this is an oral history and does jump from person to person as the events unfold. What is told is often overlapping and on occasion contradictory. Both of these are the greatest strength of this type of work.
I imagine this style of book wouldn't appeal to everyone. Some may find it lacks fluidity in the writing and narrative but these are voices and oral stories drawn into a single work.
Finally, I found myself transfixed reading about an event which killed thousands. Not in a romantic manner but as a factual and fascinating account of the terrible price of war and the damage to countless life which is wrought.
If you are interested in this event its well worth reading this to go beyond the hype and glamour of other books on the subject.
August 5, 2016
Arthur's oral histories are always well worth reading; in the case of 617 Squadron he's done what few others have and sought out material from the ground crews and other nonflying personnel (and the comparison of their reactions to the horrific losses of the Dams raid and those of the flying personnel are a little off-putting; the ground crews, WAAFs, and Barnes Wallis were weeping, the air crew who'd made it back were celebrating). One thing that would have made the book a bit more useful would have been to show the date of each piece; for instance, there are multiple interviews represented for some people, and anything published during the war should have be taken with a large grain of salt due to censorship. Overall Arthur did a fine job of picking telling pieces and organizing them; his attention to the ground crews and to the people in Germany who suffered the effects and witnessed a couple of the crashes are a bonus. The book could have been longer, and ought to have had oral histories from the later war period when the Dambusters finally were living up to the hype from Operation Chastise.
July 10, 2015
Squadron 617 has been heralded since WWII for their mission against the Ruhr Valley dams. The mission included cutting edge technology, great planning, flawless timing, and bravery of the highest sort. Many participants died.
What Max Arthur has done is cobble together accounts of the mission, from the pilots and air crews, the ground crews, various support staff, planners, scientists, and even German military and civilians who were the victims of the attack.
Like some oral histories, especially those that have a lot of participants, there is a bit of repetition, but in this case it can not be avoided because each retelling of tiny portions of events contained naturally shared experiences. But each retelling adds a little something extra.
It is a thorough examination of one of the benchmark events of the war and is a very enjoyable read.
What Max Arthur has done is cobble together accounts of the mission, from the pilots and air crews, the ground crews, various support staff, planners, scientists, and even German military and civilians who were the victims of the attack.
Like some oral histories, especially those that have a lot of participants, there is a bit of repetition, but in this case it can not be avoided because each retelling of tiny portions of events contained naturally shared experiences. But each retelling adds a little something extra.
It is a thorough examination of one of the benchmark events of the war and is a very enjoyable read.
May 13, 2016
I can't believe I paid money for this book. It is utterly unreadable. It is composed in little paragraphs of oral interviews. The story of the raid is not told just little bits of memories, bouncing from person to person without any real continuity. The raid itself is an incredible story but the only incredible thing about this book is that it was published.
I suppose this is a good add on to other books if you want deeper information on the bombing mission but don't purchase this book as a first source. As a matter of face don't purchase at all!
I suppose this is a good add on to other books if you want deeper information on the bombing mission but don't purchase this book as a first source. As a matter of face don't purchase at all!
February 17, 2015
A great book that weaves together the recollections of many of those involved in the Dambusters' raid. There's no attempt to editorialise, or to smooth over differences in recollections, and the book is better for that. It probably ought not be the only book you read on the raid, but it's certainly a fascinating account.
January 16, 2015
I thought this book was great and was different from anything I had read before. To hear from so many different people who were involved in the build up and how they felt after was fascinating. It also had the added extra of hearing about the attack from the other side which is rare.
March 1, 2015
A DAM GOOD READ !!!
One of the best wartime books I've had the pleasure to read..You are there, being shot at, wondering if you will make it back alive...If you like war stories you will love this book, Get your copy today
One of the best wartime books I've had the pleasure to read..You are there, being shot at, wondering if you will make it back alive...If you like war stories you will love this book, Get your copy today
April 14, 2015
I would have liked some more technical details, but there are other book for this.
Hearing the story as told by the bomber crews and the people living below the dams was fascinating and terrifying. I was impressed by how the crews pushed on after seeing about half the planes not making it back.
Hearing the story as told by the bomber crews and the people living below the dams was fascinating and terrifying. I was impressed by how the crews pushed on after seeing about half the planes not making it back.
December 12, 2012
Excellent read, written oral history from the aircrew and ground crew of 617 Squadron RAF, the "Dambusters".
March 24, 2015
Enjoyable
A bit disconcerting with the going from one person to another and not always on the same item, but interesting and informative
A bit disconcerting with the going from one person to another and not always on the same item, but interesting and informative
September 2, 2018
Amazing bombing story
The development of bombs capable of breaking dams and being delivered by planes, is amazing. The men and the missions are riveting.
The development of bombs capable of breaking dams and being delivered by planes, is amazing. The men and the missions are riveting.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews