Dambusters Declassified

In this fascinating documentary, Martin Shaw looks at the truth behind the Dambusters famous raid.

For most people, the story of 617 Squadron depicted in the famous film is seen as the real story, with perhaps a few embellishments for the purposes of storytelling. In fact, although the raid had the effect shown in the film, a number of key facts and characters were the product of the filmmakers’ imaginations.

For example, the actual bomb used in the raids was still classified under the government’s 30 year rule, so they took a logical guess as to how the bomb must have looked in order to carry it across the surface of the water. It had to be round, didn’t it? Well actually, no it didn’t! We also discover that Guy Gibson, the charismatic leader of 617, wasn’t the easy going character portrayed by Richard Todd in the film, according to one of the last living Dambusters, George ‘Johnny’ Johnson DFM. He also divulges the limitations of the famous triangular sights shown in the film.

Martin Shaw presents this film in a low key, almost awestruck manner - it is quite clearly a labour of love on his part. As he says on a number of occasions, the truth is even more remarkable than the fiction. His respect for these amazing men shines through and you don’t begrudge for a second his chance to live out his boyhood dreams by taking to the air in one of the last two airworthy Lancasters. The participants all have something valuable to add, whether they were part of the raid or not, but it is ‘Johnny’ Johnson who is the real star. His matter of fact approach is the mark of a true hero and it is a privilege to listen to him.

There is really only one aspect of Dambusters Declassified that makes for uncomfortable viewing. As Martin Shaw walks through a deserted and decaying RAF Scampton, 617 Squadron’s base, you are left wondering why on earth the authorities have not made a single effort to preserve this base and turn it into a fitting permanent memorial to the Dambusters.



Airs at 8pm on Sunday 17th October 2010 on BBC Two.

Reviewed by David Pearce.