Dambusters (AU) - episode 2

Summary

Podcast Summary

Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Episode: Dambusters (AU) - Episode 2
Date: April 25, 2026
Host: Harold's Old Time Radio

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Episode Overview

This episode continues the dramatization of "The Dam Busters," a celebrated story from the Golden Age of Radio. Based on Paul Brickhill’s account and dramatized by Morris West, it chronicles Barnes Wallace's relentless pursuit to develop the bouncing bomb—a revolutionary weapon intended to destroy key dams in Nazi Germany’s Ruhr Valley. Episode 2 focuses on the scientific hurdles, inter-ministerial resistance, bureaucratic entanglements, and the eventual green-lighting of the project, culminating in the formation of the famed squadron tasked with carrying out the operation. Listeners experience both the emotional toll and the logistical complexities faced by Wallace and the RAF as they prepare for one of WWII’s most celebrated raids.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Wallace’s Early Bomb Tests & Setbacks

• Dramatic Experiment: Barnes Wallace is depicted executing test explosions on a Welsh dam, signifying forward motion but also the huge technical and practical risks involved.
  • Notable moment: successful detonation of a dam replica.
  • (02:29–03:14)
• Quote:

  Observer/Witness (03:14): “The dam’s gone. D’you see that? It’s gone. We’ve blown the dam.”

2. The Battle with Bureaucracy

• Ministry Friction: Despite test successes and promising reports, Wallace faces staunch resistance from the so-called ‘Policy Controllers’, who dismiss his proposal as impracticable.
  • (04:03–04:11)
• Quote:

  Sir Henry Tizard (04:03): “Excellent work, Wallace. They’d convince anybody but a congenital idiot.”
  Sir Henry Tizard (04:17): “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.”

3. Breakthrough: The Role of Visual Evidence

• Turning the Tide with Film: It’s suggested that policy-makers can’t ‘see’ the plan’s credibility—literally—so Wallace’s films of successful tests become the clinching proof.
  • (04:50–05:03)
• Quote:

  Sir Henry Tizard (04:57): “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.”

4. Confrontation with Air Marshal Harris

• Initial Skepticism: Air Marshal Sir Arthur Harris is caustic and dismissive of ‘inventors’, valuing the lives of his men over experimental ideas.
  • (05:30–06:15)
• Quote:

  Sir Arthur Harris (05:39): “Now what the devil do you want, Wallace? I got no time for you damned inventors... My boys’ lives are too precious to risk in your crazy inventions.”

• Earning Acceptance: Wallace advocates for a trial with a single plane, using his evidence to win a critical audience.
  • Film demonstration scene (07:04–07:30)
• Quote:

  Barnes Wallace (07:04): “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.”

• Harris Relents:
  • (07:29–07:40)

  Sir Arthur Harris (07:29): "Very interesting... I’ll think it over."

5. Personal Sacrifices & Frustrations

• Emotional Toll: Wallace expresses deep frustration at scientists being disregarded by “men of affairs” and contemplates resignation after being accused of being a bureaucratic nuisance.
  • (08:10–09:41)
• Quote:

  Barnes Wallace (08:28): “The saddening part is that it has taken all these months to persuade [Harris] to regard me as what I am. A reputable scientist with solid achievement to his credit.”

• Turning Point:
  • Wallace offers his resignation to Sir Charles Craven when told to cease pushing his project.
  • Dramatic moment:

    Barnes Wallace (10:39): “…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…”

6. Approval from the Top: Churchill Steps In

• Prime Minister’s Direct Involvement: Winston Churchill himself intervenes, endorsing the project and instructing immediate action.
  • (12:10–12:54)
• Quote:

  Prime Minister (12:10): “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.”

7. The Project Moves Forward

• Official Go-Ahead: Wallace is informed his project is approved and must be ready by May, signifying a shift from concept to execution.
  • (14:37–14:49)
• Quote:

  Sir Charles Craven (14:37): “Orders have been received from the Prime Minister… that your dams project is to go ahead immediately.”

8. Formation of the Special Squadron

• New Squadron in Action: RAF Bomber Command’s Sir Arthur Harris and Air Vice Marshal Ralph Cochrane assign Guy Gibson to lead a new, elite squadron of experienced crews for the operation.

  • (16:53–17:47)

• Quote:

  Sir Arthur Harris (17:44): “Yes. Yes, I have. Gibson. Guy Gibson.”

• Squadron X:

  • Initial confusion about obtaining a squadron number leads to the unit being dubbed "Squadron X."
  • (22:23–22:37)
  • Humorous moment:

    Barnes Wallace (22:37): “We’ll call you Squadron X.”

9. Training & Squad Culture

• Squadron Training: Guy Gibson and his team recruit top flyers, emphasizing low-level night flying—a critical skill for the coming operation.
  • Notable moments involve the selection and banter among pilots, especially the inclusion of Australian Mickey Martin.
  • (23:12–24:09)
  • Quote:

    Guy Gibson (23:13): "It's a low flying job. I want you for training the boys."

• Squadron Spirit & Discipline:
  • Early issues with uniforms and ground crew bureaucracy are handled with initiative and humor, reflecting a unique squadron camaraderie.
  • (25:19–25:47)
  • Quote:

    Guy Gibson (25:27): “I don’t give a tinker's damn whether they've got a number or not. That's not your business, that's mine.”

10. The Challenge & Secrecy

• Final Night Briefing: Gibson explains, with characteristic blend of humor and steel, the gravity and secrecy of the mission to his assembled squadron.
  • (26:17–27:48)
• Quote:

  Guy Gibson (26:48): “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… 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.”

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Notable Quotes & Moments With Timestamps

• The triumph of testing:
  • “The dam’s gone. D’you see that? It’s gone. We’ve blown the dam.”
    — Observer/Witness (03:14)
• Bureaucratic despair:
  • “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.”
    — Sir Henry Tizard (04:17)
• Securing support with moving images:
  • “Pictures. But we’ve got pictures... Moving pictures, films. I’ve got a complete record of every stage of the operation.”
    — Barnes Wallace (04:45–04:50)
• Reluctant top brass:
  • “My boys' lives are too precious to risk in your crazy inventions.”
    — Sir Arthur Harris (05:39)
• Resignation out of integrity:
  • “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… try something else.”
    — Barnes Wallace (10:39)
• Highest-level approval:
  • “I have read with great interest the reports... attend a meeting at Chequers at 9:30am on Thursday next for final discussion and decision on this vitally important project.”
    — Prime Minister Winston Churchill (12:10)
• Squadron's birth:
  • “We’ll call you Squadron X.”
    — Barnes Wallace (22:37)
• Leadership and secrecy:
  • “You’ve got to do everything you’re told, without question... 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.”
    — Guy Gibson (26:48–27:48)

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Major Sections & Timestamps

| Section | Timestamps | Details | |-----------------------------------------------|-------------------|-------------------------------------------------------| | Dam test and explosion | 02:29–03:14 | Wallace’s underwater test and the successful breach | | Bureaucratic setbacks and film breakthrough | 04:03–05:03 | Policy Controllers, need for visual evidence | | Meeting with Air Marshal Harris | 05:30–07:40 | Presenting the film, initial skepticism softens | | Wallace’s emotional turmoil and resignation | 08:10–10:54 | Frustration, confrontation, resignation offer | | Churchill’s endorsement | 12:10–12:54 | PM’s memo, approval at the highest level | | Project officially moves forward | 14:37–14:49 | Orders for immediate preparation | | Selection of squadron and leadership | 16:53–17:47 | Choosing Guy Gibson, squadron formation begins | | Squad “X” and operational prep | 22:23–24:09 | Assembling crewmembers, squadron identity | | Training, logistics, and squad culture | 24:32–25:47 | Bureaucracy, uniforms, esprit-de-corps | | Gibson’s first full briefing | 26:17–27:54 | Secrecy emphasized, preparation for special target |

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Tone & Style

The episode balances stiff-upper-lip humor and poignancy, reflecting both the British wartime spirit and the personal determination required to overcome technological, organizational, and political obstacles. Dialogue is brisk and often sprinkled with understated, characteristic RAF wit, alongside moments of deep fatigue and frustration from Wallace and his loyal supporters.

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Listener Value

Even those unfamiliar with the historical context will come away with a rich understanding of the incredible collaborative effort—marked by genius, doggedness, and eventual unity—behind the Dambusters raid. The episode captures both the behind-the-scenes bureaucratic battles and the emerging camaraderie and courage in the birth of Squadron X.

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For fans of history, classic radio drama, and stories of perseverance against the odds, this dramatized episode is both informative and emotionally compelling.

Transcript

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[Barnes Wallace]

Liberty.

[Liberty Mutual Spokesperson (Bird)]

Liberty. Liberty.

[Guy Gibson]

To the men, living and dead who did these things, we dedicate this program the Dam Busters. Presented by the author himself, Paul Brickhill. Dramatized by Morris West An Australasian radio product.

[Narrator (Paul Brickhill)]

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.

[Squadron Officer / Announcer]

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

[Barnes Wallace]

Tell me again, how is the charge placed?

[Sir Charles Craven]

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?

[Sir Charles Craven]

Checked and double checked.

[Barnes Wallace]

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

[Sir Charles Craven]

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.

[Squadron Officer / Announcer]

Ready, everybody? Watch for debris.

[Guy Gibson]

Fire.

[Squadron Officer / Announcer]

On the count of three. One, two, three.

[Observer / Witness]

The dam's gone. D' you see that? It's gone. We've blown the dam.

[Mrs. Wallace]

Hello? Yes, this is Mrs. Wallace. Oh, yes, yes. My husband's just come in. I'll get him for you. It's for you, dear. Sir Henry Tizard.

[Sir Charles Craven]

Oh, good, good.

[Barnes Wallace]

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. They 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. Get the first train to London.

[Barnes Wallace]

Whom are you going to talk to? This timer, Harris. Oh, 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. Well, you. Tizard. This, I suppose, is your inventor, fella.

[Sir Henry Tizard]

This is Mr. Barnes, Wallace.

[Sir Arthur Harris]

Well, 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 that your boys are flying today.

[Sir Arthur Harris]

Was that.

[Guy Gibson]

No.

[Sir Arthur Harris]

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 in 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 dam 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. 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 Sen 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

[Sir Arthur Harris]

be nothing more of the moment. Thanks. I'll think it over, Dave. Tazard 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 it has 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 somewhat of the works. Oh, Sir Charles Craven. This is an unexpected pleasure, sir. Won't you come in?

[Sir Charles Craven]

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?

[Sir Charles Craven]

No, no, Wallace, if you don't mind,

[Barnes Wallace]

I'd like a word in private in my. Elsa. Charles. What can I do for you?

[Sir Charles Craven]

This could be awkward for both of us.

[Barnes Wallace]

Awkward? In what way?

[Sir Charles Craven]

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.

[Sir Charles Craven]

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.

[Sir Charles Craven]

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.

[Sir Charles Craven]

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.

[Sir Charles Craven]

Quite so, quite so. Unfortunately, Wallace, I have received information from certain friends of mine which indicates that you have been making a nuisance of 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. You mean to say that it's.

[Observer / Witness]

Mutiny. That's what it is, Wallace. Mutiny. Mutiny.

[Barnes Wallace]

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

[Sir Charles Craven]

Good night, Wallace.

[Mrs. Wallace]

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

[Barnes Wallace]

I. I've resigned. Resign?

[Mrs. Wallace]

But what for? Why all your words?

[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. It's foolish to be upset. Just. Just make me a cup of tea. I think I'll go to bed. Good night, my dear.

[Prime Minister (Winston Churchill)]

Memorandum from Prime Minister to Chief of Air 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.

[Narrator (Paul Brickhill)]

Yeah?

[Barnes Wallace]

Oh, morning, Bert.

[Sir Arthur Harris]

I'm Mr. Wallace.

[Barnes Wallace]

Yes, Bert, what is it? I left a message in your office.

[Sir Arthur Harris]

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.

[Sir Charles Craven]

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.

[Chorus / Repeated Voice]

Nuisance to the Ministry. Nuisance to the Ministry.

[Barnes Wallace]

Nuance to the Ministry.

[Narrator (Paul Brickhill)]

Come in.

[Sir Charles Craven]

Oh, good morning, Wallace.

[Barnes Wallace]

Please take a chair. Thank you.

[Sir Charles Craven]

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

[Barnes Wallace]

Well, for. It's unnecessary, Sir Charles.

[Sir Charles Craven]

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

[Barnes Wallace]

But for.

[Sir Charles Craven]

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

[Barnes Wallace]

What news, Mr. Wallace?

[Sir Charles Craven]

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.

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[Barnes Wallace]

Liberty.

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[Narrator (Paul Brickhill)]

The Dam Buster project was approved at last. And for 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 Commander, call to his headquarters. Air Vice Marshal, the honorable Ralph Cochrane.

[Sir Arthur Harris]

That's the project, Cocky. You gotta 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.

[Air Vice Marshal Ralph Cochrane]

Well, sir, I Learned 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.

[Air Vice Marshal Ralph Cochrane]

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?

[Air Vice Marshal Ralph Cochrane]

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.

[Air Vice Marshal Ralph Cochrane]

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

[Sir Arthur Harris]

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

[Air Vice Marshal Ralph Cochrane]

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

[Barnes Wallace]

Bomb.

[Chorus / Repeated Voice]

Aim it a, Captain. Left, left, right. Steady. Steady. Okay. How's that bombs going? Bomb's gone,

[Squadron Officer / Announcer]

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

[Sir Arthur Harris]

Come in.

[Squadron Officer / Announcer]

Come in.

[Wing Commander / Assistant]

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

[Guy Gibson]

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

[Wing Commander / Assistant]

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

[Guy Gibson]

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

[Wing Commander / Assistant]

Yes, sir, wouldn't it?

[Air Vice Marshal Ralph Cochrane]

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

[Guy Gibson]

Thank you, sir.

[Air Vice Marshal Ralph Cochrane]

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

[Guy Gibson]

Oh, thank you, sir.

[Air Vice Marshal Ralph Cochrane]

Would you like to do one more trip?

[Guy Gibson]

What kind of a trip, sir?

[Air Vice Marshal Ralph Cochrane]

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

[Guy Gibson]

Yes, I. I think so, sir.

[Air Vice Marshal Ralph Cochrane]

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.

[Guy Gibson]

It's.

[Squadron Officer / Announcer]

It's not the.

[Guy Gibson]

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

[Air Vice Marshal Ralph Cochrane]

No, it isn't.

[Guy Gibson]

Thank God for that.

[Air Vice Marshal Ralph Cochrane]

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. You'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.

[Guy Gibson]

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

[Air Vice Marshal Ralph Cochrane]

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.

[Guy Gibson]

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

[Air Vice Marshal Ralph Cochrane]

Get hold of him.

[Guy Gibson]

Yes, sir. How about aircraft, sir?

[Air Vice Marshal Ralph Cochrane]

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

[Guy Gibson]

Yes, sir.

[Air Vice Marshal Ralph Cochrane]

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

[Guy Gibson]

There you go, sir.

[Air Vice Marshal Ralph Cochrane]

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

[Guy Gibson]

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

[Wing Commander / Assistant]

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 bootlaces and toilet paper. And to get all those things, you

[Barnes Wallace]

have to have a number.

[Guy Gibson]

A number?

[Squadron Officer / Announcer]

What sort of a number?

[Wing Commander / Assistant]

A squadron number, of course.

[Squadron Officer / Announcer]

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

[Wing Commander / Assistant]

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

[Guy Gibson]

Why do I do there?

[Wing Commander / Assistant]

You make one up for the moment.

[Barnes Wallace]

We'll call you Squadron X.

[Mickey Martin]

Do you mind if I.

[Barnes Wallace]

Well.

[Mickey Martin]

Holy smoke. Gibson. Guy Gibson.

[Squadron Officer / Announcer]

Mickey Martin. Oh, come in.

[Guy Gibson]

Come in, boy.

[Observer / Witness]

Sit down.

[Guy Gibson]

Hey, I sent out a panic call

[Squadron Officer / Announcer]

for you two days ago.

[Guy Gibson]

Yes, I got it. I'm on my way to Scampton. Now, what gives, Guy?

[Mickey Martin]

What's all the mystery?

[Guy Gibson]

Well, 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 at Scampton. Oh, nice to be with you, Guy, but why me? Well, it's a low flag flying job. I want you for training the boys. Do I come in on the strike? You do.

[Sir Charles Craven]

Fine, fine.

[Guy Gibson]

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

[Sir Arthur Harris]

They are my boys.

[Guy Gibson]

That's a good show. Yeah, 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 to Scabson. Yeah, you need a good flight sergeant to do that for you. I think I got one. Chiefy Powell. You know him?

[Sir Arthur Harris]

Sure.

[Wing Commander / Assistant]

He's good.

[Guy Gibson]

He knows his job and he looks after the men. That's a good start, Mickey. I'll be glad to get all the details sorted out and start training.

[Flight Sergeant]

Flight Hydrogen power reporting's up.

[Guy Gibson]

Oh, well, stand easy, Fly. What's the news?

[Flight Sergeant]

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

[Guy Gibson]

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

[Flight Sergeant]

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

[Guy Gibson]

what is it?

[Flight Sergeant]

Bit of trouble, sir.

[Guy Gibson]

What sort of trouble?

[Flight Sergeant]

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

[Squadron Officer / Announcer]

Anything in it?

[Flight Sergeant]

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

[Squadron Officer / Announcer]

Anyway, to hell with the charges. We can't start a squadron that way.

[Guy Gibson]

That fixes that.

[Squadron Officer / Announcer]

Now tell the equipment officer that I want all my men refitted tomorrow morning.

[Flight Sergeant]

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?

[Guy Gibson]

Give me that phone.

[Squadron Officer / Announcer]

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.

[Guy Gibson]

That's that.

[Chorus / Repeated Voice]

All right.

[Air Vice Marshal Ralph Cochrane]

Take over, Flight.

[Squadron Officer / Announcer]

I'll see the men on parade tomorrow morning.

[Barnes Wallace]

Yes, sir.

[Flight Sergeant]

And, sir?

[Air Vice Marshal Ralph Cochrane]

Yes?

[Flight Sergeant]

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

[Squadron Officer / Announcer]

Good evening, gentlemen.

[Guy Gibson]

Close the door, please.

[Squadron Officer / Announcer]

All mess staff and unattached personnel will leave. Right now. I know you're all wondering why you're here. Well, here is a crack squadron to do a special job which I'm told will have startling results and may shorten the war. I can't tell you what the target is or where it is.

[Guy Gibson]

All I can tell you is you'll

[Squadron Officer / Announcer]

have to practice low flying day and nights until you can do it with your eyes shut. Don't jump to conclusions. It may be the Tuppets, 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. Discipline is essential. So is security. You're going to be talked about. Rumors are flying about already, but you've

[Guy Gibson]

got to keep your mouth shut.

[Squadron Officer / Announcer]

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.

[Guy Gibson]

You're old enough and ugly enough to know what happens. That's about all.

[Squadron Officer / Announcer]

I'll give you more details in the briefing room tomorrow morning. Well, now I'd like someone to buy me a drink.

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