The mission was codenamed Operation Chastise.
One of the targets, the Mohne dam in North Rhine-Westphalia, was the largest in Europe.
It was built to help control floods and secure the water supply for much of the surrounding area.
It was also used to generate hydropower.
An illustration depicting Lancaster bombers attacking German dams during Operation Chastise.
The same could be achieved with a smaller explosive charge if detonated against the dam wall under the water.
If only there was a way to get past the torpedo nets.
Engineer Barnes Wallis came up with a solutionthe bouncing bomb.
The bomb was to be delivered by an aircraft travelling very low over the surface of the water.
Photo: Imperial War Museum
A new squadron was formed for the mission, called No.
The RAF carried out extensive tests at sites across the country.
The delivery had to be precise, otherwise the bouncing bomb wouldnt work.
In the absence of modern technology, the RAF devised innovative solutions for each technical problem.
To determine the exact moment of the drop, a special targeting unit with strings and prongs was built.
The bouncing bomb being tested at Reculver bombing range, Kent.
To avoid radar detection, the bombers flew at only 100 feet.
It took five tries before the Mohne dam was breached.
The small city of Neheim-Husten was also hit with over 800 victims.
The attack on Sorpe dam failed.
Eder Dam on the morning after the attack.
The breach in the Mohne Dam four hours after the Dambusters raid in May 1943.
Photo:Imperial War Museum
Mohne Dam after the attack.
Photo:Schalber/Wikimedia Commons
The RAF flyers sustained heavy loses.
With people perished thousands of cattle, pigs, horses and smaller animals like goats and sheep.
Wing Commander Guy Gibson with members of his crew.
Photo:Imperial War Museum
The Mohne dam and reservoir today.
