Well, it wouldn’t have been a true celebration of Britishness without some reference to the Second World War’s most famous tune – and this duly turned up in what was probably the most Wow Factor moment. Check the soundtrack between 2.30 and 4.30 on the video link below, and marvel again at the wit and vision of Danny Boyle and his colleagues in producing the most stunning Olympic opening ceremony ever. [Hat tip: Jane!]
BBC IPlayer link for UK readers
Try this link if you are outside the UK : TheNextWeb.com
Dambusters Blog 
GULP ! I’m reluctant to say this-BUT! The Dam Busters march at an OLYMPIC opening ceremony ?? I’m afraid I found it cringeworthy. How embarrasing for the young German athletes and officials etc. I’m as patriotic as anyone, I have always supported the promotion of our historic acheivements, especially with regard to the war on the Nazis. My young half brother died 5 days before wars end in a Halifax bomber raid on Kiel–THEE last raid of WW2. BUT–we risk deserving the critique, that we really ARE fixated and timewarped into this era, and makes us look –a little foolish. We must NEVER forget our boys bravery (theres a correct and suitable time for this) but not this occasion, it was misplaced. The Olympic ideal has many aims, one is to unite in harmony for a shared dream of athletic ambition and acheivement. P.Croft.
Completely disagree. Lighten up!
That’s your perrogative. I have nothing else to say.
Well said Philip! It was completely out of place in an international friendly setting such as the Olympics.
There was no intent to antagonize people with this tune. It’s just a really great peice of music. And besides the present-day German’s know full well that the Nazis were idiots, so lets move on.
I completely agree. As a German myself I was not the least offended. I thought of it only as a nice opening-ceremony. I know that my friends felt the same way, and most will have felt the same (if they recognized the tune at all – DamBusters is not well-known here). Besides, we (hopefully!) have easied up. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LuIJqF8av6I&feature=related is a really GREAT piece.
We have a limited edition Official Royal Air Force Dambusters 70th Anniversary Commemorative pin badge available http://www.theairforceshop.co.uk
Eckehard Stier, Chief Conductor of our wonderful Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra conducted the Dambusters March last year.
Shows we have all grown up I guess!
Yes Eckerhard is German by birth, and I was surprised at his choice of music, but glad that history is behind us and we can all enjoy the wonderful music. Look up the history of the piece too!
Cheers!
George
Auckland
New Zealand
I first saw the Dam Busters film in a German cinema in about 1964. The Germans were cheering the “good Guys” and crying at the tragedies. The film is an international story of triumph over adversity. I hope the second film, when released, is as good.