I’m pleased to announce that my new book, The Complete Dambusters, will be published by History Press on 1 May. More details and some exclusive preview pages will follow, but for the moment, here is the link to the publishers website:
The Complete Dambusters: History Press
and the official blurb.
“On 16 May 1943, nineteen Lancaster aircraft from the RAF’s 617 Squadron set off to attack the great dams in the industrial heart of Germany. Flying at a height of 60ft, they dropped a series of bombs which bounced across the water and destroyed two of their targets, thereby creating a legend. The one-off operation combined an audacious method of attack, technically brilliant flying and visually spectacular results, but while the story of the raid is well known, most of the 133 men who took part in the raid are just names on a list. They came from all parts of the UK and the Commonwealth and beyond, and each of them was someone’s son or brother, husband or father. This is the first book to present their individual stories.”
Dambusters Blog 
About time Charles , well done .. can I collect mine in May .
Yes, I researched these in 2014 when I photographed their names.
Hi Charles
Sounds a very interesting book, I look forward to seeing it.
What about a Limited Edition, the first 133 copies? I would certainly pay for one, duly signed as a special edition.
regards
Arthur Rayner
Questions about types of edition are best sent to the publishers — however, I don’t think there are any plans for a special limited edition.
Very much looking forward to your new book during this 75th anniversary year
I second Arthur above I’d pay for a signed limited run of133 books . Please contact me if a signed edition becomes realithn
Good stuff Charles, well done.
Hello Charles,
I hope you are well.
Today’s note below caught me by surprise. I was not aware this book was coming out.
It may be too late, but would any material about my Uncle Albert be of any help to you? Pictures, documents, etc.?
I am looking to attend the Squadron Reunion and events in Woodhall Spa. Realistically, I don’t see the opportunity to take the Dams Tour planned or stay in London for the event at Royal Albert Hall.
Hartley
Presumably, these accounts are before, during and after the raid took place. If that’s the case, It’ll be a different take on what has been written before. Well done Charles.
Some of the material will be familiar to anyone who has read all 133 Dambuister of the Day features over the years. However, a lot of new stuff has emerged in the last two years, so some of these are now out of date. Once the book is out, I will set about the mammoth task of updating all the online versions!
Hi Charles,
Congratulations with your new book! Looking forward to it.
Will you come over for the unveiling? Maybe we will see you in Woodhall Spa the weekend before.
Best wishes Macy ________________________________
Hi Macy, Yes. I am coming to the unveiling. I have already told Jan! — Charles
Do hope my uncle Bruce Bayne has a mention! His sister, my mother Patricia Gliddon, is still alive and living with us. He won the DFC but is not always mentioned, not sure why. Kind regards, Lindsay
Sent from my iPad
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I assume that you are referring to Flg Off B Bayne. He was posted in to 617 Squadron in August 1944, so did not take part in the Dams Raid which happened in May 1943.
Dear Charles I’m delighted to hear of your new book about the Dambusters. I would like to purchase a copy providing it is printed in large print or is available as an audio book. – my vision is very poor. I look forward to your reply with fingers crossed! Yours sincerely Veronica
I think the book will eventually be published as an e-book. Not sure about audio or large print versions. I will check with publishers.
Awesome news Charles and well done indeed, not just for completing such a mammoth task, but for all the hard work you must of put in compiling backgrounds to all 133 and really hope what I sent regarding Lawrence Nichols was of use. Certainly in agreeance with the limited edition idea and would love to own a signed copy.
I subscribed to your excellent blog last Autumn when I decided to commemorate the 75th Anniversary of the raid by not only visiting some of the dams but also all the cemeteries and memorials to the men who did not return. Having been to these locations in Holland and Runnymede last year, I am beginning my tour by attending the wreath-laying ceremony at Woodhall Spa on 13th May which I note from one of your earlier blogs is open to the public. I shall then travel to Germany and have arranged to stay near the Mohne dam on the nights of the 15/16th. En route, I shall call in at the two cemeteries as well as trying to find some of the crash sites. The publication of your book is keenly awaited as it should give a wonderful insight to the men who risked — and gave — their lives on this hazardous raid. Finally, a few weeks ago, I did send an email to what I assumed was your private address informing you of my trip but have to assume you did not receive it — or you have been busy completing your book! I look forward to receiving further blogs with details of any other events which are being planned for the commemoration. RegardsMalcolm Peel
Thanks for your interest, Malcolm. Sorry I didn’t reply to the earlier email. I was very busy getting the text and pictures ready for the publishers!
Congratulations Charles!
What a fantastic thing to write, to honour the memory of all the 133 chaps who flew on the raid. If it’s anything like your book on your uncle, David Maltby, it will be a winner. We’ll done to you Sir!
With very best regards,
Mike