The Mohne Dam; then and now.....

In 2012 the Mohne Dam is a tranquil, beautiful location. On the evening when Dambusters 2012 was at the dam the evening light bathed the open side of the dam creating a spectacular view.

It is very difficult to then imagine the same scene on the night of 16th/17th May 1943 with flak guns firing from both towers and from sites on the banks of the lake too, Lancasters flying low over the water, bombs bouncing across the lake's surface and huge explosions lifting water hundreds of feet into the air. Yet that is what happened and is why we came to be standing there looking out over the sun drenched scene 69 years later.

It was extremely moving to be there and to consider the bravery of the aircrew, the loss of life on both sides and the destruction caused to the dam and by the wall of water that flowed down the valley in the aftermath.

In 2012, 617 Sqdn is still one of the premier flying units of the Royal Air Force. Today the squadron fly the Tornado GR4 over Afghanistan to provide fast air support to coalition troops on the ground. Brave men and women who continue to do a fabulous job on behalf of the nation.

Dambusters2012 is a charity ride that is about raising awareness of and cash for the work carried out by Help for Heroes (www.helpforheroes.org.uk) . We are delighted to enjoy the support of the current 617 Sqdn team and wish them all a safe and speedy return to their loved ones in the UK.

Donations to Help for Heroes can be made on-line at www.bmycharity.com/dambusters2012