Corgi AA32612.(C) Avro Lancaster B Mk III Special Royal Air Force ED932/AJ-G No617 Squadron, Operation Chastise, Dambusters Raid, Ruhr Valley 1943 (w/Sights & Sounds working base)

This item has a limited edition certificate included In 1943 the most publicised bombing raid of the entire war took place. Identified as a key target in winning the war, the great dams, which supplied the hydroelectric power to the heart of Germany and based in the Ruhr Valley, were attacked. Having already become a legendary leader within Bomber Command, the expertise of Guy Gibson was once again called upon, this time to forma special squadron, known as the Dambusters, to make the attack. On the night of the 16/17th May 1943, 19 modified Lancasters (including GibsonGÇÖs own, AJ-G) of 617 Squadron took off from Scampton for GÇÿOperation Chastise. Each aircraft carried an GÇÿupkeepGÇÖ mine (also known as a bouncing bomb) developed by Dr. Barnes Wallis and the raid was deemed a great success. Both the Mohne and Eder Dams were breached, releasing a torrent of water which flooded the whole of the valley, causing great disruption to industry and communications. Once more, however, the cost of success was high, as eight of the nineteen Lancaster bombers were lost and 53 crewmen were killed (three others being captured). While the success had some tangible effect it was the massive publicity value of the raid that proved itGÇÖs greatest legacy, proving a valued morale booster throughout the allied countries and showing that the war was winnable. Gibson was awarded the Victoria Cross and 34 of his men received other decorations.