wykikitoon 21432 Posted May 16, 2008 Share Posted May 16, 2008 A Special moment in the Peak District today. Me girlfriends parents have been to watch the last remaining Lancaster bomber flying over Ladybower Res today. Gutted I couldnt of gone More info on the BBC webby Awesome. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Craig 6700 Posted May 16, 2008 Share Posted May 16, 2008 Would have been amazing to see that... What they achieved in that mission isn't appreciated enough IMO. To fly that low in pitch black for so many miles and to be release the bombs at the right speed, height and distance from the dams so that they would explode at the precise moment was nothing short of remarkable. They only had one shot at this as well - no tests, no dry run, no computer models to confirm either way if what they wanted to achieve would actually work. And if it hadn't, I reckon the war may have turned out a whole lot different. Saw a program about it all on the History channel a few years back - totally worth watching and no doubt will be on one of those types of channels this evening. Well worth a watch... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fop 1 Posted May 16, 2008 Share Posted May 16, 2008 A Special moment in the Peak District today. Me girlfriends parents have been to watch the last remaining Lancaster bomber flying over Ladybower Res today. Gutted I couldnt of gone More info on the BBC webby Awesome. It's worth a trip to RAF Coninsby to have clamber around inside it (if they still allow you anyway), and a look at the rest of the flight. It's great seeing them flying too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wykikitoon 21432 Posted May 16, 2008 Author Share Posted May 16, 2008 Would have been amazing to see that... What they achieved in that mission isn't appreciated enough IMO. To fly that low in pitch black for so many miles and to be release the bombs at the right speed, height and distance from the dam so that they would explode at the precise moment was nothing short of remarkable. They only had one shot at this as well - no tests, no dry run, no computer models to confirm either way if what they wanted to achieve would actually work. And if it hadn't, I reckon the war may have turned out a whole lot different. Saw a program about it all on the History channel a few years back - totally worth watching and no doubt will be on one of those types of channels this evening. Well worth a watch... Totally agree. I have a keen interest in military history. I think I have seen the programme you mentioned, it was a while ago but very very good Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bombadil 0 Posted May 16, 2008 Share Posted May 16, 2008 Would have been amazing to see that... What they achieved in that mission isn't appreciated enough IMO. To fly that low in pitch black for so many miles and to be release the bombs at the right speed, height and distance from the dams so that they would explode at the precise moment was nothing short of remarkable. They only had one shot at this as well - no tests, no dry run, no computer models to confirm either way if what they wanted to achieve would actually work. And if it hadn't, I reckon the war may have turned out a whole lot different. Saw a program about it all on the History channel a few years back - totally worth watching and no doubt will be on one of those types of channels this evening. Well worth a watch... It was certainly a remarkable mission, and as a kid, I loved the books and films about it. But was it really that important from a military point of view? I got the impression the propaganda value was more important. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fop 1 Posted May 16, 2008 Share Posted May 16, 2008 Would have been amazing to see that... What they achieved in that mission isn't appreciated enough IMO. To fly that low in pitch black for so many miles and to be release the bombs at the right speed, height and distance from the dams so that they would explode at the precise moment was nothing short of remarkable. They only had one shot at this as well - no tests, no dry run, no computer models to confirm either way if what they wanted to achieve would actually work. And if it hadn't, I reckon the war may have turned out a whole lot different. Saw a program about it all on the History channel a few years back - totally worth watching and no doubt will be on one of those types of channels this evening. Well worth a watch... It was certainly a remarkable mission, and as a kid, I loved the books and films about it. But was it really that important from a military point of view? I got the impression the propaganda value was more important. At the time they likely had no real way of knowing that, but yes with hindsight Germany wasn't realistically going to build a H bomb before the allies.... they might have managed nuclear power though, maybe. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tom 14021 Posted May 16, 2008 Share Posted May 16, 2008 That would have been amazing to see. Hope they have a good time. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tom 14021 Posted May 16, 2008 Share Posted May 16, 2008 That would have been amazing to see. Hope they have a good time. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Isegrim 10001 Posted May 16, 2008 Share Posted May 16, 2008 Would have been amazing to see that... What they achieved in that mission isn't appreciated enough IMO. To fly that low in pitch black for so many miles and to be release the bombs at the right speed, height and distance from the dams so that they would explode at the precise moment was nothing short of remarkable. They only had one shot at this as well - no tests, no dry run, no computer models to confirm either way if what they wanted to achieve would actually work. And if it hadn't, I reckon the war may have turned out a whole lot different. Saw a program about it all on the History channel a few years back - totally worth watching and no doubt will be on one of those types of channels this evening. Well worth a watch... It was certainly a remarkable mission, and as a kid, I loved the books and films about it. But was it really that important from a military point of view? I got the impression the propaganda value was more important. Well, one of the places that got bombed (Edertalsperre) is very close to where I come from. The predominant opinion down here is that the attacks on the dams were mislead in the believe to have a major economical effect, especially in cutting of electrial supply for the industry. The dam busters probably had much more of a psychological effect, not only on Germany, but especially as a morale boost for the allied troops. Which is probably why they are still held (rightfully) in such a high opinion. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wykikitoon 21432 Posted May 16, 2008 Author Share Posted May 16, 2008 Would have been amazing to see that... What they achieved in that mission isn't appreciated enough IMO. To fly that low in pitch black for so many miles and to be release the bombs at the right speed, height and distance from the dams so that they would explode at the precise moment was nothing short of remarkable. They only had one shot at this as well - no tests, no dry run, no computer models to confirm either way if what they wanted to achieve would actually work. And if it hadn't, I reckon the war may have turned out a whole lot different. Saw a program about it all on the History channel a few years back - totally worth watching and no doubt will be on one of those types of channels this evening. Well worth a watch... It was certainly a remarkable mission, and as a kid, I loved the books and films about it. But was it really that important from a military point of view? I got the impression the propaganda value was more important. At the time they likely had no real way of knowing that, but yes with hindsight Germany wasn't realistically going to build a H bomb before the allies.... they might have managed nuclear power though, maybe. I agree Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wykikitoon 21432 Posted May 16, 2008 Author Share Posted May 16, 2008 Would have been amazing to see that... What they achieved in that mission isn't appreciated enough IMO. To fly that low in pitch black for so many miles and to be release the bombs at the right speed, height and distance from the dams so that they would explode at the precise moment was nothing short of remarkable. They only had one shot at this as well - no tests, no dry run, no computer models to confirm either way if what they wanted to achieve would actually work. And if it hadn't, I reckon the war may have turned out a whole lot different. Saw a program about it all on the History channel a few years back - totally worth watching and no doubt will be on one of those types of channels this evening. Well worth a watch... It was certainly a remarkable mission, and as a kid, I loved the books and films about it. But was it really that important from a military point of view? I got the impression the propaganda value was more important. Well, one of the places that got bombed (Edertalsperre) is very close to where I come from. The predominant opinion down here is that the attacks on the dams were mislead in the believe to have a major economical effect, especially in cutting of electrial supply for the industry. The dam busters probably had much more of a psychological effect, not only on Germany, but especially as a morale boost for the allied troops. Which is probably why they are still held (rightfully) in such a high opinion. Thats quite an interesting read that Isegrim. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fop 1 Posted May 16, 2008 Share Posted May 16, 2008 Would have been amazing to see that... What they achieved in that mission isn't appreciated enough IMO. To fly that low in pitch black for so many miles and to be release the bombs at the right speed, height and distance from the dams so that they would explode at the precise moment was nothing short of remarkable. They only had one shot at this as well - no tests, no dry run, no computer models to confirm either way if what they wanted to achieve would actually work. And if it hadn't, I reckon the war may have turned out a whole lot different. Saw a program about it all on the History channel a few years back - totally worth watching and no doubt will be on one of those types of channels this evening. Well worth a watch... It was certainly a remarkable mission, and as a kid, I loved the books and films about it. But was it really that important from a military point of view? I got the impression the propaganda value was more important. At the time they likely had no real way of knowing that, but yes with hindsight Germany wasn't realistically going to build a H bomb before the allies.... they might have managed nuclear power though, maybe. I agree See this is how war is avoided. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NJS 4446 Posted May 16, 2008 Share Posted May 16, 2008 The film was good and the pikots/Wallis deserve the plaudits but as I understand it, the effects were massivley exaggerated. The nuclear programme was 633 squadron or The Heroes of Telemark - get your films right Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
snakehips 0 Posted May 16, 2008 Share Posted May 16, 2008 The film was good and the pikots/Wallis deserve the plaudits but as I understand it, the effects were massivley exaggerated. The nuclear programme was 633 squadron or The Heroes of Telemark - get your films right That's what I thought. The damage caused was minimal ?? Where's RobW when you need him, he was probably on the flight Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Craig 6700 Posted May 16, 2008 Share Posted May 16, 2008 Would have been amazing to see that... What they achieved in that mission isn't appreciated enough IMO. To fly that low in pitch black for so many miles and to be release the bombs at the right speed, height and distance from the dams so that they would explode at the precise moment was nothing short of remarkable. They only had one shot at this as well - no tests, no dry run, no computer models to confirm either way if what they wanted to achieve would actually work. And if it hadn't, I reckon the war may have turned out a whole lot different. Saw a program about it all on the History channel a few years back - totally worth watching and no doubt will be on one of those types of channels this evening. Well worth a watch... It was certainly a remarkable mission, and as a kid, I loved the books and films about it. But was it really that important from a military point of view? I got the impression the propaganda value was more important. Well, one of the places that got bombed (Edertalsperre) is very close to where I come from. The predominant opinion down here is that the attacks on the dams were mislead in the believe to have a major economical effect, especially in cutting of electrial supply for the industry. The dam busters probably had much more of a psychological effect, not only on Germany, but especially as a morale boost for the allied troops. Which is probably why they are still held (rightfully) in such a high opinion. I agree Wolfgang, from what I've seen it was more of a psycholgical victory that anything physically significant but alongside the D-Day landings, surely was one of the major points of the war that turned things in our favour? Imagine if either campaign had been unsuccessful - the implications in terms of morale to the allied soldiers would have been quite damaging IMO. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Isegrim 10001 Posted May 16, 2008 Share Posted May 16, 2008 (edited) Imagine if either campaign had been unsuccessful - the implications in terms of morale to the allied soldiers would have been quite damaging IMO. Don't think so. If at all the war would have maybe taken a bit longer. But Germany would still never have won it. It wouldn't have changed the Russian winter, it wouldn't have changed the outnumbering of men and material, it wouldn't have changed the lack of ressources etc. Edited May 16, 2008 by Isegrim Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Craig 6700 Posted May 16, 2008 Share Posted May 16, 2008 Imagine if either campaign had been unsuccessful - the implications in terms of morale to the allied soldiers would have been quite damaging IMO. Don't think so. If at all the war would have maybe taken a bit longer. But Germany would still never have won it. It wouldn't have changed the Russian winter, it wouldn't have changed the outnumbering of men and material, it wouldn't have changed the lack of ressources etc. Yeah perhaps you're right, the result would have ended up the same. It's the physical feat of the dambusters raid which impressed me - the chances of it all going to plan were so slim - but still they took that chance. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Isegrim 10001 Posted May 16, 2008 Share Posted May 16, 2008 Imagine if either campaign had been unsuccessful - the implications in terms of morale to the allied soldiers would have been quite damaging IMO. Don't think so. If at all the war would have maybe taken a bit longer. But Germany would still never have won it. It wouldn't have changed the Russian winter, it wouldn't have changed the outnumbering of men and material, it wouldn't have changed the lack of ressources etc. Yeah perhaps you're right, the result would have ended up the same. It's the physical feat of the dambusters raid which impressed me - the chances of it all going to plan were so slim - but still they took that chance. I totally agree, the whole concept is really fascinating regardless of the need or impact. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dr Kenneth Noisewater 0 Posted May 16, 2008 Share Posted May 16, 2008 A Special moment in the Peak District today. Me girlfriends parents have been to watch the last remaining Lancaster bomber flying over Ladybower Res today. Gutted I couldnt of gone More info on the BBC webby Awesome. Is there only one left, or only one capable of flight left? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kevin Carr's Gloves 4063 Posted May 17, 2008 Share Posted May 17, 2008 You can see the one at he bottom of the Mohne Dam. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Toonpack 10381 Posted May 17, 2008 Share Posted May 17, 2008 A Special moment in the Peak District today. Me girlfriends parents have been to watch the last remaining Lancaster bomber flying over Ladybower Res today. Gutted I couldnt of gone More info on the BBC webby Awesome. Is there only one left, or only one capable of flight left? There's only one flying, there's a few around in static displays etc. Looking forward to the new film myself, Peter Jackson is the producer, should be good. Wonder if they'll have the balls not to re-name Guy Gibsons dog and therefore the mission success codeword Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fop 1 Posted May 17, 2008 Share Posted May 17, 2008 A Special moment in the Peak District today. Me girlfriends parents have been to watch the last remaining Lancaster bomber flying over Ladybower Res today. Gutted I couldnt of gone More info on the BBC webby Awesome. Is there only one left, or only one capable of flight left? There's 2 left flying in the world, but only that one in the UK, the other is in Canada I think. There's a few about the place in various states of static display though, but best to see the flight capable ones IMO. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dr Kenneth Noisewater 0 Posted May 17, 2008 Share Posted May 17, 2008 A Special moment in the Peak District today. Me girlfriends parents have been to watch the last remaining Lancaster bomber flying over Ladybower Res today. Gutted I couldnt of gone More info on the BBC webby Awesome. Is there only one left, or only one capable of flight left? There's only one flying, there's a few around in static displays etc. Than in itself is a shame. Surely more could have been saved as they are such an iconic part of our military history. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Toonpack 10381 Posted May 18, 2008 Share Posted May 18, 2008 (edited) A Special moment in the Peak District today. Me girlfriends parents have been to watch the last remaining Lancaster bomber flying over Ladybower Res today. Gutted I couldnt of gone More info on the BBC webby Awesome. Is there only one left, or only one capable of flight left? There's only one flying, there's a few around in static displays etc. Than in itself is a shame. Surely more could have been saved as they are such an iconic part of our military history. Unfortunately it usually takes private money rather than government funding and we don't have enough interested rich people or enthusiasts, unlike the in the States - see the Confederate Airforce as an example. Look at the number of B17's and P51's etc that still fly. Dave Gilmour of Pink FLoyd owns a P51, you'd think he would have gone for a Spitfire or something !! If you watch 633 Squadron, they used the last 3 flying Mosquitoes to make that and that was donkeys years ago, none flying now (I believe) since the last one crashed Edited May 18, 2008 by Toonpack Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
luckyluke 2 Posted May 20, 2008 Share Posted May 20, 2008 I read that due to the flooding of a POW camp and the loss of aircrews (think we sustained about 40% casualties) The Allies actually lost more men than the Germans. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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