Wing Commander Guy Gibson VC, DFC, DSO & Bar

On the night of 16th/17th May 1943 19 specially modified Avro Lancasters of the newly formed 617 Squadron performed a daring raid aimed at the very heart of industrial Nazi Germany, the mighty Dams of the Ruhr, with the aim of striking a heavy blow against the enemy’s industrial power. The raid combined scientific brilliance with dogged determination and exceptional bravery and which saw 56 airmen fail to return with 53 giving their lives in the pursuit of their objective. Over time the raid has come to symbolise for many a turning point in the war for the Allies - now they were hitting back, and hitting back hard.