The Men Who Breached the Dams: 617 Squadron ‘The Dambusters’ - Softcover

Cooper, Alan W.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1781590745 ISBN 13: 9781781590744

Publisher: Pen and Sword Aviation, 2013

Synopsis

First published to acclaim in 1982, this was author Alan Cooper's first publication before he went on to become a prolific writer of aviation history. As we approach the 70th Anniversary of the Dam Buster Raids, this re-print will make a timely addition to the library of any enthusiast wishing to mark the occasion, and any curious readers who wish to expand their knowledge of this key operation in World War II history.

Painstaking research went into every aspect of an operation, which at the time and ever since has captured the imagination of the world. This forms an evocative history of one of the most successful operations of the Second World War carried out by the famous 617 Squadron and led by Guy Gibson. This account includes the whole lead up to the final mission; the development of the bouncing bomb, the forming of 617 Squadron and the intense course of training carried out to make the operation a success. The raid itself is viewed from both British and German camps; many of the aircrew who took part in 617 operations give their accounts, as do several Germans, including Albert Speer, the Armaments minister. There is a remarkable eyewitness account of the raid from a man who was a gunner on the Mohne dam itself, telling of the damage after the raid and how he and his companions shot down one of the attacking aircraft. The investigation is completed by an in-depth study into the effects of the operation, how far it proved successful and the true extent of the devastation it caused.

Overall, the book recreates the excitement and aura of danger and uncertainty, which surrounded the Dam busters' mission, giving the reader the full story of one of the greatest episodes of the war.
'A fascinating record which will be difficult to better' – Group Captain W.S.O. Randle, Aerospace

About this title

About the Author:

Alan W Cooper joined and served in everything from the cubs to the Army cadets until when aged 17 he enlisted in the Territorial Army (2nd Monmouthshire Regiment) as a boy bandsman and served with them until 1958 when he was called for National Service with the South Wales Borderers (They of Rourke's Drift fame) but having already decided to become a regular soldier he enlisted in the 4/7th Royal Dragoon Guards band and subsequently learned to march wearing spurs. A year in the Royal Military School of Music followed and then service in Germany and Yorkshire until 1963 when he transferred to the Coldstream Guards band in London. As his interest and archives grew he decided to attempt his first book and in 1982, and had his first book 'The Men Who Breached The Dams' published. It is the story of the raid on the Ruhr dams in 1943, but from the eyes of the men who carried out this daring, and very gallant operation, their efforts, and their story. He has gone on to write many WWII history books, often with the guidance from other men who served

Review:

Interestingly, there is an eye-witness account of the raid from a man who was a gunner on the Mohne Dam. -Britain at War

About this edition

• Publisher: Pen and Sword Aviation
• Publication date: 2013
• ISBN 10: 1781590745
• ISBN 13: 9781781590744
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 232