Dambusters (AU) 54-xx-xx episode 2

Summary

Podcast Summary: "Harold's Old Time Radio – Dambusters (AU) 54-xx-xx Episode 2"

Release Date: May 10, 2025
Host: Harold's Old Time Radio
Title: Dambusters (AU) Episode 2

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Introduction

In this riveting episode of "Harold's Old Time Radio," listeners are transported back to the Golden Age of Radio, immersing themselves in the dramatic unfolding of the infamous Dambusters mission during World War II. Presented by Paul Brickhill, the episode pays homage to the men—both living and deceased—who orchestrated this pivotal operation. As Brickhill aptly states at [00:51], "To the men, living and dead who did these things, we dedicate this program." The show is dramatized by Morris West, offering an authentic Australasian perspective on this historic event.

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Barnes Wallace's Breakthrough

The narrative centers around Barnes Wallace, a determined scientist whose innovative approach is crucial to the Dambusters mission. At [01:36], the narrator sets the scene:

"With a certain grim satisfaction, Barnes Wallace approached his next task to measure exactly how much high explosive would be required to breach the concrete retaining wall of a dam."

Wallace's meticulous planning is evident as he oversees the placement of explosives, demonstrating his technical expertise and unwavering commitment. His interaction with the engineers highlights the precision required for the operation:

• Barnes Wallace ([02:29]): "Tell me again, how is the charge placed?"
• Engineer ([02:34]): "Hard up against the base of the wall, sir. As near to dead center as I could get it."

This collaboration underscores the critical nature of their task—blowing the dam to disrupt enemy infrastructure.

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Facing Bureaucratic Hurdles

Despite Wallace's technical success, he encounters significant resistance from higher authorities. After successfully testing the explosive on the dam, Wallace seeks approval from Sir Henry Tizard. The conversation at [04:00] reveals the bureaucratic challenges:

• Sir Henry Tizard ([04:12]): "Reports are now in the hands of a bunch of people who call themselves Policy Controllers. They regard the whole idea as unpracticable and wasteful."

Frustrated by the lack of support, Wallace contemplates resigning, feeling marginalized despite his contributions:

• Barnes Wallace ([10:22]): "It's an important project. I've used every effort to have it accepted."
• Engineer ([10:39]): "I have been asked to request you in the politest possible fashion to stop this nonsense and stick to your own job."

This segment poignantly illustrates the often-overlooked struggles of innovators facing institutional inertia.

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Project Approval and the Path Forward

A turning point occurs when a memorandum from the Prime Minister grants official approval for the Dam Buster project, as conveyed by an engineer at [12:10]:

"Orders have been received from the Prime Minister through the Chief of the Air Staff that your Dams project is to go ahead immediately. The operation must be ready at all costs no later than May."

With renewed vigor, Wallace resumes his work, emphasizing the collaborative effort required to design the specialized bomb and plan its deployment. The dedication is palpable as the narrator states at [15:48]:

"The Dam Buster project was approved at last. And to Barnes Wallace, life was work from dawn till midnight."

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Formation of the Special Squadron

Sir Arthur Harris, the Chief of Bomber Command, takes an active role in mobilizing the necessary resources. In a strategic meeting at [16:23], Harris outlines the ambitious plan:

• Sir Arthur Harris ([16:23]): "That's the project, Cocky. You got to breach the Murna Dam and a couple of others with the biggest bomb of all time. I know it sounds far fetched, but I think it has a good chance."

Paul Brickhill highlights Wallace's trusted relationship with Harris, reinforcing the significance of their collaboration:

• Paul Brickhill ([16:32]): "Well, sir, I've known Wallace for 25 years. He's a wonderful engineer. I've never known him not to produce the goods."

Harris's determination is further evident as he insists on forming a new squadron without disrupting existing bomber forces:

• Sir Arthur Harris ([20:12]): "Security. This is a top secret operation. As far as the others are concerned, this is just an ordinary new squadron."

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Recruitment and Training of the Squadron

The episode delves into the meticulous process of assembling and training the specialized squadron. Key figures like Guy Gibson and Mickey Martin are introduced, illustrating the blend of experience and expertise required for the mission:

• Paul Brickhill ([19:36]): "First, Gibson, I'd like to congratulate you on the part of your dsl."
• Sir Arthur Harris ([21:20]): "I think I'm going to like this squadron, sir."

Training focuses intensively on low-altitude flying and night operations, essential for the success of the Dambusters' raid:

• Sir Arthur Harris ([25:47]): "You've got to practice low flying day and nights until you can do it with your eyes shut."

The emphasis on secrecy and discipline is paramount, as Harris communicates to the squadron at [25:47]:

"If we can surprise the enemy, everything will be fine. If not, then you're old enough and ugly enough to know what happens."

This stern guidance underscores the high stakes involved in the mission.

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Conclusion

By the episode's end, the Dambusters project is fully mobilized, with a dedicated squadron ready to undertake their daring mission. The blend of technical prowess, strategic planning, and unwavering determination showcased by Wallace and Harris exemplifies the essence of wartime innovation and leadership.

Through immersive dramatization and insightful narration, "Dambusters (AU) Episode 2" offers listeners a compelling portrayal of one of World War II's most legendary operations. The episode not only highlights the technical challenges but also the human elements of perseverance and collaboration that ultimately led to the mission's execution.

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Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Barnes Wallace ([02:34]): "Hard up against the base of the wall, sir. As near to dead center as I could get it."
• Sir Henry Tizard ([04:12]): "Reports are now in the hands of a bunch of people who call themselves Policy Controllers. They regard the whole idea as unpracticable and wasteful."
• Barnes Wallace ([10:22]): "It's an important project. I've used every effort to have it accepted."
• Sir Arthur Harris ([16:23]): "That's the project, Cocky. You got to breach the Murna Dam and a couple of others with the biggest bomb of all time."
• Sir Arthur Harris ([25:47]): "If we can surprise the enemy, everything will be fine. If not, then you're old enough and ugly enough to know what happens."

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Final Thoughts

For enthusiasts of historical radio dramas and military history, this episode of "Harold's Old Time Radio" serves as an engaging and informative retelling of the Dambusters' mission. The detailed character interactions, coupled with authentic period dialogue, create a vivid auditory experience that honors the legacy of those who served.

Transcript

[Nicole Byer]

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[Paul Brickhill]

To the men, living and dead who did these things, we dedicate this program.

[Barnes Wallace]

To the Dam Busters.

[Paul Brickhill]

Presented by the author himself, Paul Brickhill. Dramatized by Morris West An Australasian radio product.

[Narrator]

Good evening, this is Paul Brickhill. With a certain grim satisfaction, Barnes Wallace approached his next task to measure exactly how much high explosive would be required to breach the concrete retaining wall of a dam. He had run into so many blank walls in the previous months that the prospect of blowing onto smithereens gave him boyish pleasure. So on a grey winter's afternoon, he climbed the Welsh hills to the head of Rhyadr Lake, where a concrete wall cut off a narrow neck of water from the main body of the lake. On a rope, he lowered the explosive into the water, down against the inner base of the wall. Engineers unrolled the insulated cables from a small drum and and connected them to the detonator. Then they stood a few moments together, a gray wind blown group looking down at the choppy water.

[Engineer]

We're ready to shoot when you are, sir.

[Barnes Wallace]

Tell me again, how is the charge placed?

[Engineer]

Hard up against the base of the wall, sir. As near to dead center as I could get it.

[Barnes Wallace]

You checked the detonator connection?

[Engineer]

Checked and double checked.

[Barnes Wallace]

Mr. Wallace, is the charge on the lake bed or above it?

[Engineer]

No, about three feet above it, sir. There's a ledge of concrete that drops down into the mud. I thought it better to put it there.

[Barnes Wallace]

That's fine, fine. If it were a bomb, you see, it would strike above the ground level. Well, that's all, I think.

[Sir Arthur Harris]

Ready, everybody?

[Engineer]

Watch for debris.

[Barnes Wallace]

Fire.

[Sir Arthur Harris]

On the count of three.

[Engineer]

One, two, three.

[Barnes Wallace]

The dam's gone. D' ya see that? It's gone.

[Engineer]

We've blown the dam.

[Mrs. Wallace]

Hello? Yes, this is Mrs. Wallace.

[Sir Arthur Harris]

Oh, yes, yes.

[Mrs. Wallace]

My husband's just come in. I'll get him for you. It's for you, dear. Sir Henry Tizard.

[Barnes Wallace]

Oh, good, good. I was beginning to wonder why I hadn't heard from him. Thank you, dear. Hello? This is Wallace.

[Sir Henry Tizard]

Oh, Wallace. Mrs. Tizzard here. I I got your reports. Most interesting. I passed them onto the quarters I promised.

[Barnes Wallace]

You got the second set? The test on the bomb casing?

[Sir Henry Tizard]

Yes, yes, I got those too. Excellent work, Wallace. May convince anybody but a congenital idiot.

[Barnes Wallace]

I'm very glad. When do we start work, sir?

[Sir Henry Tizard]

We don't.

[Barnes Wallace]

I beg your pardon?

[Sir Henry Tizard]

I said we don't. Believe me, old man, I'm as disappointed as you are. But.

[Barnes Wallace]

But what?

[Sir Henry Tizard]

Reports are now in the hands of a bunch of people who call themselves Policy Controllers. They regard the whole idea as unpracticable and wasteful.

[Barnes Wallace]

Oh, no.

[Sir Henry Tizard]

I don't want you to lose heart altogether. It is going to take some more time. The trouble is, so few people in London seem to be able to read. I'm working on other approaches now. If only I had something else to show them.

[Barnes Wallace]

But the reports.

[Sir Henry Tizard]

I've told you, my dear fellow, they can't read. If we had a picture book, perhaps.

[Barnes Wallace]

Pictures. But we've got pictures.

[Sir Henry Tizard]

What sort of pictures?

[Barnes Wallace]

Moving pictures, Films. I've got a complete record of every stage of the operation. In the air, on the surface and under the water.

[Sir Henry Tizard]

In that case, my dear Wallace, we really can get somewhere. First, pack a bag and your films and get the first train to London.

[Barnes Wallace]

Whom are you going to talk to this time? Oh, I don't like the sound of that. They tell me he's the toughest autocrat in the business.

[Sir Henry Tizard]

I know that. That's why I want you here. If you can't convince Harris, nobody.

[Sir Arthur Harris]

Go in. No. It's you. Tizard. This, I suppose, is your inventor, fella.

[Sir Henry Tizard]

This is Mr. Barnes, Wallace.

[Sir Arthur Harris]

I'll sit down. Take a chair. Haven't much time to waste. Now what the devil do you want, Wallace? I got no time for you damned inventors. You know my boys. Lives are too precious to risk in your crazy inventions.

[Barnes Wallace]

I designed the place as your boys are flying today.

[Sir Arthur Harris]

Was that? No. Did you? Well, why don't you stick to your last like a good cobbler?

[Barnes Wallace]

Aircraft are made to carry bombs. Bombs are made to do damage. I've worked out a plan for destroying the German dams and the Ruhr.

[Sir Arthur Harris]

As I've heard about it, it's far fetched.

[Barnes Wallace]

I don't think so. I've tested it. It works.

[Sir Arthur Harris]

If you think you can walk in here and get a squadron of Lancasters out of me, you made a mistake. You won't.

[Barnes Wallace]

Now look here, Sir Arthur.

[Sir Henry Tizard]

Take it easy, Wallace.

[Barnes Wallace]

We don't want a squadron, sir. We'd like a chance to prove it in trial with one Lancaster. First.

[Sir Arthur Harris]

You really think you can knock a damn down with that thing?

[Barnes Wallace]

Yes, it may take three or four, but we can put them all in the same place.

[Sir Henry Tizard]

We'll prove it will work.

[Sir Arthur Harris]

Prove it? I'll arrange a squadron. But I'm tired of half baked inventors trying to run things.

[Sir Henry Tizard]

Now look, we've got some films here that show clearly how it works.

[Sir Arthur Harris]

All right, let's see them. I'll get San be in on this. He can work the projector if it's as good as you say. There's no point in letting everyone know. Come into the projection room and have some tea. Send in.

[Barnes Wallace]

This shot was taken inside a glass tank. You. You see the model bomb plunging under the water and crawling into position at the base of the wall, which is exactly where we need it to create the maximum damage by transmitted thrust. And that's all, gentlemen.

[Sir Arthur Harris]

Switch on the lights.

[Sir Henry Tizard]

Well, Harris, what do you think?

[Sir Arthur Harris]

Very interesting.

[Barnes Wallace]

If you want any other demonstrations. I'll be nothing more of at the moment.

[Sir Arthur Harris]

Thanks. I'll think it over. Day tzard day, Wallace. Thanks for.

[Mrs. Wallace]

It's nine o' clock, dear. You're tired. Why don't you go to bed early for a change?

[Barnes Wallace]

No, no, not yet, dear. I'll sit up for a while, I think. You know, I've been wondering.

[Mrs. Wallace]

Wondering what, dear?

[Barnes Wallace]

Why it is that men of affairs, men of action, great men, some of them regard the scientists as a sort of addle pated idiot who can't even tell the time of day.

[Mrs. Wallace]

They don't all think that way, my dear. After all, you told me yourself you had a very satisfactory interview today with Air Marshal Harris.

[Barnes Wallace]

Well, it wasn't unsatisfactory. The saddening part is that he's taken all these months to persuade him to regard me as what I am. A reputable scientist with solid achievement to his credit. Look, my dear. Vicars themselves have made hundreds of thousands of pounds out of me alone. They know that when I present them with a set of figures and drawings, it's solidly reasoned, accurate work. Not to be dismissed. Likely because they. They don't like the color of my eyes or the way I wear my tie. There are times when I. Dear, who.

[Mrs. Wallace]

Can be calling at this hour?

[Barnes Wallace]

I'll take it. It's probably somewhere from the. Oh, Sir Charles Craven. This is an unexpected pleasure, sir. Won't you come in?

[Engineer]

I. I happen to be passing Wallace and as the matter is rather important, I thought I'd take the opportunity of seeing you.

[Barnes Wallace]

Oh, glad you did. You just in time for a cup of tea?

[Engineer]

No, no, Wallace. If you don't mind, I'd like a.

[Barnes Wallace]

Word in private in my. Sir Charles. What can I do for you?

[Engineer]

This could be awkward for both of us.

[Barnes Wallace]

Awkward? In what way?

[Engineer]

Well, as you know, Wallace, you are and always have been one of the most important and most valued members of Vickers.

[Barnes Wallace]

I'm glad to hear it.

[Engineer]

The work which you are doing on aircraft design is of vital importance to this country and to. Well, to the empire.

[Barnes Wallace]

I'm aware of that, too.

[Engineer]

Unfortunately, Wallace, you seem to be diverting a great deal of time and energy to this project of dam construction.

[Barnes Wallace]

All of which is quite within the scope of my contract.

[Engineer]

Oh, yes, yes, yes, quite. No question for that at all. However, Wallace, it appears that you've been peddling this project with some insistence around the ministries.

[Barnes Wallace]

It's an important project. I've used every effort to have it accepted.

[Engineer]

Quite so, quite so. Unfortunately, Wallace, I have received information from certain friends of mine which indicates that you have been making a nu yourself around the ministries. I have been asked to request you in the politest possible fashion to stop this nonsense and stick to your own job.

[Barnes Wallace]

In that case, Sir Charles, it would appear that I'm not acting in the best interest of the war effort. I feel, therefore, that I should offer you my resignation and. And try something else.

[Sir Arthur Harris]

You.

[Engineer]

You mean to say that it's. Mutiny. That's what it is, Wallace. Mutiny.

[Sir Arthur Harris]

Mutiny.

[Barnes Wallace]

Do you mind letting yourself out, Sir Charles? I've had a long day. I'm very tired.

[Engineer]

Good night, Wallace.

[Mrs. Wallace]

Darling. Darling. What is it? What was Sir Charles shouting about?

[Barnes Wallace]

I. I've resigned.

[Mrs. Wallace]

Resignation? But what for? Why all your work?

[Barnes Wallace]

Do you mind bringing me a glass of water? I think I'll sit down for a moment.

[Mrs. Wallace]

Was it because of the other things you've been doing?

[Barnes Wallace]

That's right. I'm. I'm a nuisance at the ministries.

[Mrs. Wallace]

Oh, no. I. I'll get the water.

[Barnes Wallace]

No, no, it's all right now, my dear. Foolish to be upset. Just. Just make me a cup of tea. I think I'll go to bed. Good night, my dear.

[Engineer]

Memorandum from Prime Minister to Chief of our staff. I have read with great interest the reports covered by your minute IJX317 and the conclusions reached by your staff. These conclusions agree substantially with those submitted to me from other quarters. I should like you to attend a meeting at chequers at 9:30am on Thursday next for final discussion and decision on this vitally important project. Message ends, memorandum acknowledged. I shall be present at the Chequers Meeting on Thursday next at 9:30am Mr. James.

[Sir Arthur Harris]

Morning, Mr. Wallace.

[Barnes Wallace]

Yeah? Oh, morning, Bert.

[Sir Arthur Harris]

Oh, Mr. Wallace.

[Barnes Wallace]

Yes, Bert, what is it?

[Sir Arthur Harris]

I left a message in your office. Mr. Wallace. Sir Charles Craven would like to see you when you come in, Sir Charles.

[Barnes Wallace]

Oh, yes, yes, Bert. I'll call in and see him. February 26th. Oh, well, it had to come sometime. Wallace here.

[Engineer]

Oh, this is Craven. Look, if you're free now, I'd like you to come to my office.

[Barnes Wallace]

Yes, sir. Yes, I'll be right along.

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[Barnes Wallace]

Nuisance to the Ministry. Nuisance to the Ministry. Nuisance to the Ministry. Come in.

[Engineer]

Oh, good morning, Wallace. Please take a chair.

[Barnes Wallace]

Thank you.

[Engineer]

Wallace, I. I feel I owe you some sort of an apology. Well, for.

[Barnes Wallace]

It's unnecessary, Sir Charles.

[Engineer]

You will probably be called to London within the next hour or two.

[Paul Brickhill]

But for.

[Engineer]

For obvious reasons, I should like you to have the news from me first.

[Barnes Wallace]

What news, Mr. Wallace?

[Engineer]

Orders have been received from the Prime Minister through the Chief of the Air Staff that your Dams project is to go ahead immediately. The operation must be ready at all costs no later than May.

[Barnes Wallace]

I see. That's very good news, isn't it, sir? That's very good news.

[Narrator]

The Dam Buster project was approved at last. And to Barnes Wallace, life was work from dawn till midnight. He planned, he drafted, thought, discussed, consulted experts on weather and explosives and aerodynamics and civil engineering. His job was to design the Dam Buster bomb. Other men had the problem of delivering it on target. So on March 15, Sir Arthur Harris, Chief of Bomber Command, called to his headquarters Air Vice Marshal the Honorable Ralph Cochrane.

[Sir Arthur Harris]

That's the project, Cocky. You got to breach the Murna Dam and a couple of others with the biggest bomb of all time. I know it sounds far fetched, but I think it has a good chance.

[Paul Brickhill]

Well, sir, I've known Wallace for 25 years. He's a wonderful engineer. I've never known him not to produce the goods.

[Sir Arthur Harris]

You know how he works. I hope he produces the goods this time. Now, Cocky, I want you to organize a raid. Ask for anything you want as long as it's reasonable.

[Paul Brickhill]

Well, it's gonna need some good air crews. I think I better screen one of my squadrons right away and start training them.

[Sir Arthur Harris]

No, I don't want to do that. I don't want to take a single squadron out of the line if I can help it. It mustn't interfere with our striking force. What I have in mind is a new squadron of experienced people who are just finishing a tour of duty. Some of the keen chaps won't mind doing another trip. You find enough in your group?

[Paul Brickhill]

Yes, sir. I think I can. Have you got any particular man in mind to command it?

[Sir Arthur Harris]

Yes. Yes, I have. Gibson. Guy Gibson.

[Paul Brickhill]

You couldn't find a bet on him? As a matter of fact, he's going out tonight. It's the last trip of his third tour. Then he's due for leave.

[Sir Arthur Harris]

Let's hope he gets back safely. What's the target?

[Paul Brickhill]

Stuttgart. It's liable to be a dirty run. In fact, I'm rather worried about it.

[Engineer]

Bomb aimator, Captain. Left, left, right. Steady. Steady.

[Sir Arthur Harris]

Okay.

[Engineer]

How's that bomb's going? Bomb's gone.

[Barnes Wallace]

Captain.

[Sir Arthur Harris]

The crew port out are gone. I'll take it down. Wait for it.

Come in.

Come in.

[Engineer]

Sorry to wake you so early, sir, but there's an urgent message from group headquarters.

[Sir Arthur Harris]

Oh, no. I'm going on leave today.

[Engineer]

Yes, sir. Let's hope it's nothing.

[Sir Arthur Harris]

Let's hope. Give it to me. Leave canceled report immediately. Number five, Group Headquarters, dar, wouldn't it?

[Engineer]

Yes, sir, wouldn't it?

[Paul Brickhill]

Ah, Gibson. Nice to see you. Take a chair.

[Sir Arthur Harris]

Thank you, sir.

[Paul Brickhill]

First, Gibson, I'd like to congratulate you on the part of your dsl.

[Sir Arthur Harris]

Oh, thank you, sir.

[Paul Brickhill]

Would you like to do one more trip?

[Sir Arthur Harris]

What kind of trip, sir?

[Paul Brickhill]

An important one. I can't tell you any more about it now except that you would command the operation.

[Sir Arthur Harris]

Yes, I. I think so, sir.

[Paul Brickhill]

Good. That's fine. I want to warn you that this will be no ordinary raid. And it can't be done for at least two months.

[Sir Arthur Harris]

It's not the. It's not the turbotz, is it, sir?

[Paul Brickhill]

No, it isn't.

[Sir Arthur Harris]

Thank God for that.

[Paul Brickhill]

Training for this raid is so important that the commander in chief wants a special squadron formed. I want you to form it. As far as air crews are concerned, you'll want good ones. You'd better pick on yourself. I'm telling all the squadrons. They'll have to give you all their best crews. They won't like it, but that's too bad. I'll have to move fast. As you haven't got very long and training is very important, try to get your aircraft flying in four days.

[Sir Arthur Harris]

Well, what sort of training? What sort of target?

[Paul Brickhill]

Low flying. You've got to be able to low fly at night until it's second nature. I can't tell you the target yet, but you've all got to be perfect at low flying at night.

[Sir Arthur Harris]

I know just the boy. On Australian. Mickey Martin even got a gong for low flying.

[Paul Brickhill]

Get hold of him.

[Sir Arthur Harris]

Yes, sir. How about aircraft, sir?

[Paul Brickhill]

The equipment staff have that in hand. The first will be flown in tomorrow. One thing more.

[Sir Arthur Harris]

Yes, sir.

[Paul Brickhill]

Security. This is a top secret operation. As far as the others are concerned, this is just an ordinary new squadron.

[Sir Arthur Harris]

Very good, sir.

[Paul Brickhill]

Crew Captain Whitworth commands the bomber base at Scampton. He'll be training there. He'll give you any help you want. That's all, Gibson. Good day.

[Sir Arthur Harris]

Oh, yeah. Good day, sir. How the hell do you start to organize a squadron?

[Engineer]

Well, that's one of the things even a wing commander is expected to boggle at. There are 21 crews, seven men in each. There are pilots, navigators, engineers, bomb aimers, wireless operators and gunners. There are 21 aircraft. There are a dozen different trades in the ground crew. There's a list of equipment, from spark plugs to thermos flasks. There are blankets and beer, boot laces and toilet paper. And to get all those things, you have to have a number.

[Sir Arthur Harris]

A number? What sort of a number?

[Engineer]

A squadron number, of course.

[Sir Arthur Harris]

I haven't got a squadron yet. How the hell do I go about getting a number?

[Engineer]

Oh, some boffin in the Air Ministry. They probably don't work so fast there.

[Sir Arthur Harris]

What do I do then?

[Engineer]

You make one up for the moment. We'll call you Squadron X. Do you mind if I. Well.

[Sir Arthur Harris]

Holy smoke.

[Engineer]

Gibson. Guy Gibson.

[Sir Arthur Harris]

Mickey Martin. Oh, come in. Come in, boy.

[Engineer]

Sit down.

[Sir Arthur Harris]

Hey, I sent out a panic call for you two days ago.

[Engineer]

Yes, I got it. I'm on my way to Scampton now. What gives, Guy? What's all the mystery?

[Sir Arthur Harris]

Well, it's. It's a long story, Mickey. Most of it I don't know myself. Something about a new squadron or something. Yes. Haven't even got a number yet. A lot of the boys are waiting for us as captain.

[Engineer]

Oh, nice to be with you, Guy, but why me?

[Sir Arthur Harris]

Well, it's a low flying job. I want you for training the boys.

[Engineer]

Do I come in on the strike?

[Sir Arthur Harris]

Mm, you do.

[Engineer]

Fine, fine. That's all I wanted to know. Whatever boys have you got?

[Sir Arthur Harris]

Well, There's Hopgood, Shannon, an Aussie, and Burpee. They're from my own squadron. Dinghy Young is senior flight Commander and there's quite a bunch of Aussies. Simpson, Foxley, Jack Lego and Bob Hay.

[Engineer]

They are my boys.

[Sir Arthur Harris]

That's a good show. We've got a fine bunch of blokes. But I hate to think of the sorting out we've got to do when we get the scabs and yeah, you.

[Engineer]

Need a good flight sergeant to do that for you.

[Sir Arthur Harris]

No, I think I got one. Chiefy Powell, you know.

[Engineer]

Sure, he's good. He knows his job and he looks after the men.

[Sir Arthur Harris]

That's a good start, Mickey. I'll be glad to get all the details sorted out and start training. Flight Tygen Power reporting Z. Oh, well, stand easy, Fly. What's the news?

[Paul Brickhill]

Well, sir, all air crews are in and settled in quarters.

[Sir Arthur Harris]

I'll see them at mess tonight. What about ground staff?

[Paul Brickhill]

Oh, it's still coming in, sir. I'm sorting them out now. They look pretty good to me, but.

[Sir Arthur Harris]

What is it?

[Barnes Wallace]

Bit of trouble, sir.

[Sir Arthur Harris]

What sort of trouble?

[Paul Brickhill]

A bunch of charge sheets. One of the SPs have been putting my men in for scruffy uniforms.

[Sir Arthur Harris]

Anything in it?

[Paul Brickhill]

Nothing, sir. Boys have had to travel a long way. Some of them need new outfits.

[Sir Arthur Harris]

Anyway, to hell with the charges. We can't start a squadron that way. That fixes that. Now tell the equipment officer that I want all my men refitted tomorrow morning.

[Paul Brickhill]

I've already done that, sir. But he says the squadron hasn't got a number and he hasn't got any authority.

[Sir Arthur Harris]

Oh, does he? Give me that phone. Ah, is that the equipment officer? Listen, this is Gibson. And what's this I hear about no refit for my men? I don't give a tinker's damn whether they've got a number or not. That's not your business, that's mine. I want every one of those men completely refitted before parade tomorrow morning. To hell with the papers. I'll sign them when I'm ready. That's that. All right, take over, Flight. I'll see the men on parade tomorrow morning.

[Paul Brickhill]

Yes, sir. And sir.

[Sir Arthur Harris]

Yes?

[Paul Brickhill]

I think I'm going to like this squadron, sir. Good evening, gentlemen.

[Sir Arthur Harris]

Close the door, please. All mess staff and unattached personnel will leave right now. I know you're all wondering why you're here. Well, you're here as a crack squadron to do a special job. It's I'm told we'll have startling results and may shorten the war. I can't tell you what the target is or where it is. All I can tell you is you'll have to practice low flying day and nights until you can do it with your eyes shut.

[Engineer]

It's the ruddy Tirpitz.

[Sir Arthur Harris]

No, don't jump to conclusions. It may be the Tirpitz, it may not. Whatever it is, I want you to be ready. If I tell you to fly to a tree in the middle of England, I want you to be able to do it. If I tell you to fly through a hangar that isn't wide enough for your wingtips, I want you to be able to do that, too. You've got to do everything you're told without question. Now, discipline is essential. So is security. You're going to be talked about. Rumors are flying about already, but you've got to keep your mouth shut. If you get stuck in the pub on the hops and someone asks you what it's all about, tell him to jump in the river. Your lives depend upon secrecy. If we can surprise the enemy, everything will be fine. If not, then you're. You're old enough and ugly enough to know what happens. That's about all. I'll give you more details in the briefing room tomorrow morning. Well, now, I'd like someone to buy me a drink.

[Nicole Byer]

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[Sir Arthur Harris]

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[Nicole Byer]

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