I took my girlfriend and the pooch for a walk around Derwent today. I've been going there for the best part of 15 years since I moved to Yorkshire and was well aware of its links to 617 Squadron. For the first time today though I met Mr Vic Hallam who keeps the memories alive in this part of 'Gods Country' with a museum in the West Tower of the Derwent Dam. I could harp on about the story but I think a link to his site would be far more appropriate and I'd like to say thanks to Vic for being one of the most friendly amenable men I have ever met......He even invited my dog into the museum so we could all look around together. Cheers Vic ! Dambusters <------Clickety Click So the pic's Walking up the westside towards the rear of the dam Memorial at the entrance to the dam Remembering the 16th,17th May and the 204 Airmen of 617 Sqn. Looking towards the West Tower with Barney waving his ear ! Looking at the approach path to the dam-I would assume they weren't flying much higher than I was when I took this picture. Some pictures of the memorial flight inc. one of the first. photographs from a certain newspaper. The view after passing over the dam 'For your tomorrow they gave their today' A Lancaster Bombers main wheel. A Bouncing Bomb Bill Townsend's Medals Geoff Rice's Medals Guy Gibson's Medals Guy Gibson's Log Book Guy Gibson's Dog Collar (Note the cross has been turned over), Barnes Wallis's Glasses, A Cigarette Lighter presented to Richard Todd and a Cigarette Case belonging to Ken Brown. Looking south at the dam from the west bank Same again Looking south towards the dam from east bank Same again Looking north towards the Lancasters flight path down the valley. About 1 mile infront of the dam. The back of the dam facing north "Aprés moi, le deluge"
Those are great photos, Andy. We used to do a tour here where you could get a helicopter flight following the route of the Lancs. Did you get Vic to join the forum?!
Andy, Great photos in honour of a very brave Squadron who lost a lot of brave men that night. Regards Tom
cool. B-) I am not letting myself read the book or watch the movie, coz i'll be scared of going over ridges, just like a certain movie made me... }=]
Hi Peter and welcome to the forum. I did wonder looking at the security and the museums location (Middle of nowhere) whether they are real Looking at your signature do you happen to be a descendant of a VC holder ? Regards Andy
REMAKE OF THE FILM COMING SOON Lovely photos, can all those items be originals? Like Nigger's collar and Wallis's specs. Not sure I can use that word on here ................... why not .................. that was his name ............. Wallis!!
I mentioned to James S when I met him in Leeds a few weeks back that the collar was turned over (I suspect to prevent causing offence). I think the medals were copies (No one in the right mind would leave a VC there over night) but I reckon the other stuff like the glasses and cigarette case etc are all real. (The whole tower is full of memorabilia) donated by relatives of the 617 crews. Cheers Andy
Hi Peter and welcome to the forum. I did wonder looking at the security and the museums location (Middle of nowhere) whether they are real Looking at your signature do you happen to be a descendant of a VC holder ? Regards Andy Andy, Many thanks for the welcome. Guy Gibson VC's medals are held by the Royal Air Force Museum: ROYAL AIR FORCE MUSEUM Yes indeed, Daniel Cambridge VC is my great great grandfather: Daniel Cambridge VC - For Valour Danny won the Victoria Cross in 1855 at Sebastopol and he was the 22nd man to receive the Cross at the very first Investiture. After he retired from the Artillery in 1871 he was appointed to the Yeomen of the Guard, Queen Victoria's Body Guard. Pete
Peter, What a report you posted. A remarkable report, which really brings home how brave the men were that night. Regards Tom