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Definition
Operation Chastise
Operation Chastise, the 'Dambusters' raid, was an attack by a squadron of RAF Lancaster bombers on the dams of the Ruhr basin in Germany in May 1943. Led by Squadron Leader Guy Gibson, the bombers breached two dams causing enormous flooding...
Definition
Lancaster Bomber
The Avro 683 Lancaster bomber was a four-engine heavy bomber flown by the Royal Air Force and allies during the Second World War (1939-45). Lancasters were particularly used in nighttime bombing raids and could carry the heaviest bombs ever...
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Guy Gibson, VC
A 1944 photograph of Guy Gibson, VC, DSO, DFC (1918-44), most famous as the Squadron Leader of Operation Chastise of the night of 16 May 1943. The operation, also known as the 'Dam Busters' Raid, was carried out by a squadron of British RAF...
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Allied Strategic Bombing of Germany, 1940 - 1945
A map illustrating the impact of the Allied Strategic Bombing Operations against Germany from 1940 to 1945, a sustained aerial campaign conducted by the RAF and USAAF during World War II. Its primary objective was to cripple Germany's industrial...
Definition
Operation Gomorrah
Operation Gomorrah (aka the Battle of Hamburg or Hamburg Air Offensive) was a sustained area bombing campaign of the German port of Hamburg in four night attacks by the Royal Air Force and two daytime attacks by the United States Air Force...
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Lancaster with Bouncing Bomb
A photograph of an Avro Lancaster bomber loaded with a 'bouncing bomb' used on the 'Dam Buster' raid. Also known as Operation Chastise, the raid of May 1943 aimed to destroy several Ruhr Valley dams. (National Archives, London)
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Breached Möhne Dam
The breached Möhne dam in the Ruhr basin, Germany, after Operation Chastise of the night of 16 May 1943. The operation, also known as the 'Dam Busters' Raid, was carried out by a squadron of British RAF Lancaster bombers using a special bouncing...
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Burnt-out Hamburg Buildings, Operation Gomorrah
A photograph of burnt-out residential buildings in Hamburg following the firestorm created by the RAF bombing campaign Operation Gomorrah of July 1943. (Imperial War Museums Collection)
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Destroyed Möhne Dam
The destroyed Möhne dam in western Germany following the RAF's Operation Chastise of May 1943. (German Federal Archives)
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Bouncing Bomb Trials
A photograph showing the trials on the Kent coast using the bouncing bomb in the spring of 1943. The bomb was designed for use in Operation Chastise of the night of 16 May 1943. The operation, also known as the 'Dam Busters' Raid, was carried...