Author: ROYAL AIR FORCE
Title: No. 5 Group Operation Order No. B.976. [Photocopy of the Operational Order for Operation CHASTISE]. THE 'DAM BUSTERS' OPERATIONAL ORDER IN FACSIMILE
Description: 1943-1989]. Foolscap, 6pp typescript, with 8pp supplementary material in typescript; wire-stitched, a very good, clean copy. Classified 'Most Secret', the operational order is dated 16 May 1943 and arranged under the following headings: General, Enemy Defences, Intention, Code Name, Date of Attack, Effort, Outline Plan, Detailed Plan, Method of Attack, Time of Attack, Routes, Diversions, Armament, Fuel, Navigation, Synchronisation of Watches, Secrecy, Reports, Special Devices, Nickels, Wireless Silence, MF/DF Section, Executive Order. Three technical Appendices covering routes, timings, signals procedures, and light and moon tables are not present with this copy. The order itself is accompanied by a further 8pp of photocopies comprising 1) 2pp of prose by Marshal of the RAF Arthur 'Bomber' Harris written for ex-Pathfinder Hamish Mahaddie and used by him during lecture tours in Australia and New Zealand; 2) a full-page copy of the well-known photographic portrait of Harris with his signature; 3) 5pp photocopy of the Service of Thanksgiving for Air Marshal Sir Harold Martin held at the RAF church St. Clement Danes on 4 January 1989, including the tribute written and delivered by Group Captain Leonard Cheshire.

Keywords: aviation, ww2, wwii, raf, royal air force, bomber command, 617 squadron, dam busters, dambusters, lancaster, chastise, gibson, arthur harris, barnes wallis


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