By Danielle McPherson
They say if you don’t know your history you are doomed to repeat it.
It’s been 80 years since Operation Chastise, also becoming known as ‘Operation Dam Busters,’ an audacious air attack on dams in Germany’s industrial heartland by a crew made up of airmen from Canada, Britain, America, Australia, and New Zealand.
For the 80th anniversary of Operation Chastise the Huntsville Kiwanis Club has invited Canadian author Ted Barris to talk about his book “Dam Busters,” and give light on the Canadian perspective of an often-forgotten part of the Second World War.
The book takes an in-depth look at the attack on German dams along the Ruhr River carried out on the nights of 16/17 May 1943 by 617 Squadron RAF Bomber Command, who used special “bouncing bombs.” The goal was to reduce the capability of Nazi Germany to build steel by taking out or damaging their hydroelectric dams. Of the 133 RAF members, 53 were killed and three captured, and eight out of 19 aircraft destroyed.
Barris believes it’s an important story to share, especially from the Canadian point of view.
“This is an amazing story. The fact that there were so many Canadians involved, of the 133 aircrew men involved, a quarter of them were Canadians from all over the country; literally from BC to Nova Scotia and I tracked down several of them,” said Barris.
The author will be at Trinity United Church on May 10. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and his presentation begins at 7 p.m.
Rick Brooks, treasurer/ secretary for the Kiwanis said he is happy to welcome Barris back and is expecting a decent turn-out at the event.
Those interested in attending are encouraged to purchase tickets before May 10th. Those who plan on purchasing tickets at the door are asked to register with Brooks at 705-635-2101 in order to help determine numbers.
Don’t miss out on Doppler!
Sign up here to receive our email digest with links to our most recent stories.
Local news in your inbox so you don’t miss anything!
Click here to support local news
0 Comments