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One of the models built across the Bricket Wood Stream in early 1941.
B689
While researching the means to attack Nazi industry, Barnes Wallis was assisted by the Building Research Laboratory.
A team led by Dr Norman Davey built, then blew up, several large model dams to determine the best possible point of detonation to cause maximum destruction.
Unfortunately these tests weren't to everyone's convenience as an Air Ministry press release relates 'allotment holders…were bewildered and annoyed… when a mysterious and sudden onrush of water swept down…and inundated their plots'.
Browse the Dambusters exhibition using the buttons below:
To commemorate the 65th anniversary of the "Dambusters" Raid the Royal Air Force Museum in conjunction with the Newsdesk Media Group has produced a new book "Breaching The German Dams - Flying into History" which uncovers elements of hidden history crucial to the success of 617 Squadron's attack on the German Dams in May 1943. To order your copy go to the Museum Shop.
RAF Museum Shop