The Dambusters

We have recorded it as well.  My old boss from a many years ago was also Lancaster pilot but did not say what he did, to many bad memories possibly.

Watched the first two episodes this afternoon. I quite like Dan Snow presenting programmes, always so enthusiastic. One aspect of this type of programme I am not so keen on is the constant recapping of what has previously be shown. Having said that there have been some good series on Channel 5 recently, is there someone new in charge I wonder?

David

Richard Todd actually took part in the opening battles of D Day as a captain and parachuted in and met up with Major John Howard on Pegasus bridge. Richard Todd then went on to play John Howard in the Longest Day. 

I suppose, looking back, that as young lad watching the film and reading the book by Paul Brickhill put me the track for my life. I wanted to learn to fly with the RAF and also Barnes Wallis inspired me to study more in maths.

I was lucky to end up doing both, at the same time.  

There have been more books written about the mission and its famous squadron. In act I'm currently reading one called Chastise by Max Hastings. Some interesting points are in them, Gibson, while without doubt brave and a great leader but he wasn't liked by the ground crews. Also when the King and Queen visited they only met officers even though the majority of aircrew were NCOs.

I've used the searchlight and bomb aiming device many times when teaching trig.

The son of a friend of mine has recently concluded his career in the RAF as one of the air mechanics with the BoB Memorial flight. Travelling between shows he would cadge a lift in the mid upper turret of the Lanc , and in his words " They paid me for the privilege of doing so " 😀.

Nearest club site Sutton on Sea

There are (IMHO better) alternatives, such as a CS from 't other club.  It's literally on the other side of the trees from the Aviation Heritage Centre, so a very short walk to get to it.  Had a very enjoyable stay there and a very interesting visit to the Centre.

But can you also walk,into Sutton on sea or to the beach

This afternoon we watched the last episode of this series, quite dramatic I thought. A very heavy price to pay for what appeared to be little return? I appreciate the whole series was about the run up to the raid and the raid itself but it would have been interesting to know what happened to the "after war" survivors.

David

There were a number of "special ops" that had limited military effect. The Bordeaux raid by the "Cockleshell Heroes" must have had quite an impact on morale though as attacks in unexpected places puts the opposition on edge. St Nazaire was not dissimilar although that had more strategic effect as it denied a dry dock to the Bismark/Tirpitz.

Didn't want to go to Sutton on Sea or the beach, been to that area once and much prefer other coastal areas.

Back on topic: we've also recorded the series, OH has watched 2 of them so far, and found it very interesting.