Reconnaissance Photos of the Damaged Dams

Damage to Möhne Dam

Damage to Sorpe Dam

Damage to Affoldern, downstream from Eder Dam

Aerial reconnaissance photographs taken on 17 May 1943 by a Spitfire Mk. XI of 542 Squadron. The damage caused to the Möhne and Sorpe Dams, and the flooding experienced a few miles down-stream of the breached Eder Dam, in Affoldern, are clearly illustrated.

The dramatic effect of the flood damage shown in the photographs led to them being used extensively for propaganda purposes.

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To commemorate the 65th anniversary of the "Dambusters" Raid the Royal Air Force Museum in conjunction with the Newsdesk Media Group has produced a new book "Breaching The German Dams - Flying into History" which uncovers elements of hidden history crucial to the success of 617 Squadron's attack on the German Dams in May 1943. To order your copy go to the Museum Shop.
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