Synopsis (Credit: Back cover)

The Dam Busters is certainly one of the three or four most enthralling and inspiring war books yet published. It is the story of 617 Squadron of the Royal Air Force, which was formed early in 1943 for one special job — to breach the Moehne and Eder Dams in Germany. To carry out this operation the squadron was equipped with colossal "earthquake bombs" devised by a scientist who for a long time could obtain no official support for his invention.

The overwhelming success of the great raid on the dams made the squadron famous, and it was retained as a unit and used for other equally perilous missions. It evolved a new technique of pin-pointing targets, and dropped bombs accurately on tunnels and factories. It knocked out Hitler's last and most terrifying secret weapons, the V.3s — enormous guns in underground emplacements that were to have obliterated London. It destroyed the battleship Tirpitz in a Norwegian fjord.

617 Squadron has been described as the most effective unit of its size that the British forces ever possessed. For sheer valour it was unsurpassed — its members won two Victoria Crosses and over 150 other decorations.

This book realistically portrays all the grimness of air warfare, but also tells of humorous episodes and of the disappointments when theories and plans were upset.

(Bought second-hand at Book Wise Exchange, High Street, Bellville.)

Even though I am one who believes that war is just about never the answer to anything, it didn't take long to get caught up in the ingenuity and bravery of those who found themselves in the midst of it and with no other choice, as described in this book. Paul Brickhill tells a remarkable story in a way that makes it difficult to put the book down.

I couldn't help thinking a lot about the lyrics of the song Als Het Net Even Anders Was Gegaan by Herman van Veen.

Given to Hondbedot, who has read this as a student and might wish to read it again.

From stoepbrak

Het die fliek gelees as student en wou die boek lees. Intussen was ek self in 'n oorlog en het doodslag met eie oog gesien en belewe. Die boek het te veel rou herinneringe opgeroep en kon nie my aandag hou nie. Miskien te veel verwag. Nie boek se skuld

To be left on the Gautrain on the way to the airport tomorrow afternoon.