Dambusters rehearsing at Abberton Reservoir small version Metal Print

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617 Squadron rehearsed for Operation Chastise, the attack on the Ruhr dams in May 1943, by practising low flying at night on three reservoirs in England in particular: the Derwent, the Eyebrook, and this one - then newly built, Abberton Reservoir in Essex and referred to in the squadron's records as "Colchester Lake". Improbably, given the landscape, it was the substitute for the primary target at the Mohnesee. The specially adapted Type 464 (Provisioning) Lancaster bombers were flown at just 60ft above the water - purely by eye until spotlights were devised, converging at the correct height.

This is a smaller version of the original very wide picture, as I realise not everyone has the wall space!

Photographer and digital artist based in the UK. Landscapes, cityscapes and seascapes - and photographically crafted aviation scenes under the Flight Artworks banner: catch up on Facebook or on Instagram. Please contact me or visit my website, flightartworks.com if you would like to license my photos, although a growing range is available via Alamy. Discussions about how my pictures are made are in my blog, Aerial Combat. On Instagram also at @gary.eason. On Twitter @flightartworks and @garyeason. CHANGES: As part of a constant quality improvement process please note that I review and sometimes replace or remove earlier works. COPYRIGHT NOTICE: Please respect the considerable time, effort and investment in equipment that goes...