Breaching the Dams - The Men Who Made It Possible by Richard Taylor

As part of the commemorations to remember the 80th Anniversary of the raids, artist Richard Taylor has created this moving triptych. Alongside the masterful portraits of both Barnes Wallis and Roy Chadwick, chosen by the artist to represent all 133 airmen who took part in Operation Chastise is a magnificent portrayal of Lancaster AJ-A ‘Apple’ with pilot Dinghy Young at the controls as his Lancaster clears the parapet of the Möhne dam seconds before his Upkeep detonates bang on target to fatally weaken the mighty stone wall. Shortly after, David Maltby in Lancaster AJ-J ‘Johnny’ will finish the job and the destruction of the Eder dam would follow.

Signatures:

Sir BARNES WALLIS CBE FRS RDI FRAeS - Engineer and inventor, Barnes Wallis designed the Upkeep ‘bouncing bomb’ fitted to the specially modified Lancaster bombers used during Operation Chastise on the night of 16/17 May 1943.

ROY CHADWICK CBE FRSA FRAeS - As chief designer engineer for the Avro Company, Chadwick was responsible for designing the iconic Lancaster bomber and was recognised for the adaptations made in preparation for the Dams Raids.

Air Marshal Sir HAROLD ‘MICK’ MARTIN KCB DSO* DFC** AFC - Martin piloted Lancaster AJ-P ‘Popsie’ as part of the first wave and was third to release his Upkeep mine during the successful attack on the Möhne Dam.

Squadron Leader LES MUNRO CNZM DSO QSO DFC JP - As pilot of Lancaster AJ-W ‘Willie’, Munro was one of three flight commanders on the night of the raids and was assigned to attack the Sorpe Dam as part of the second wave.