New film: Attack on the Sorpe Dam

A new film featuring George “Johnny” Johnson’s Dambuster crew has recently made its UK film premiere, in the run up to the 80th anniversary of the Dams Raid this week. The film is now on a UK tour and venues can be found on the film’s website attackonsorpedam.com The site also has trailers and further information.

The Attack on Sorpe Dam film follows the story of Johnson, the bomb aimer in the crew piloted by Flt Lt Joe McCarthy. In March 1943, after a tour of operations in 97 Squadron, they joined a newly formed squadron for a top secret, special operation that had the potential to shorten the war in Europe. Johnny describes the dangerous low flying training, the events leading up to the operational briefing on 16 May 1943 and then the attack on the Sorpe dam and the aftermath of the Dambusters operation.

The film has been directed by Andrew Panton, who commented: ‘For people who are looking for a historically accurate first-hand account, of what it was like to be a part of one of the most famous RAF’s bombing operations of World War 2, the Dambusters raid, this film is for them.’

Future showings are:
May 16 and 17 – Lincolnshire Premiere, Kinema in the Woods, Woodhall Spa
May 18 – Lincolnshire Aviation Heritage Centre, East Kirkby
May 20 – Duxford Air Museum
June 11 – Poynton Club Cheshire
June 18 – Stratford Manor Hotel
July 22 – Brooklands Museum
July 29 – Boscombe Down Aviation Collection Museum near Salisbury.
Further dates will follow. Check the film website.

12 thoughts on “New film: Attack on the Sorpe Dam

  1. paulbswhiteoutlookcom's avatar paulbswhiteoutlookcom May 14, 2023 / 4:07 pm

    Hi
    The showings list for the Sorpe dam raid says Bath Forum on 22nd May but the Forum website does not list it as showing on any date ..

    Best wishes

    Paul
    Paul White

    Please excuse any spelling or grammatical mistakes…..blame predictive text!!😉

    Sent from my iPhone

  2. Mathieu Prevost's avatar Mathieu Prevost May 14, 2023 / 4:08 pm

    Any streaming plans?

  3. David Sulman's avatar David Sulman May 14, 2023 / 5:32 pm

    Hello Charles, Sadly, it’s only a few screenings in England; nothing in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland. Very disappointing for many. Apparently,
    no plans for a DVD either. Regards, David.

    • Catherine Bridges's avatar Catherine Bridges June 21, 2023 / 11:28 am

      Oh no….. I was hoping to see it somewhere or buy a dvd 🤦‍♀️🤷‍♀️….

  4. Tim Rathbone's avatar Tim Rathbone May 14, 2023 / 6:18 pm

    When will it come to the states? Southern California?

  5. Caroline Howell's avatar Caroline Howell May 14, 2023 / 6:34 pm

    I can’t travel very far, so can’t make any of the screenings, despite living in Lincolnshire. I’ve had a particular interest in AJ-T for a number of years, so am really disappointed. I’ve emailed to ask about further releases on other formats, but can can now see others have already done so. I hope I’m able to view this documentary some time. ☹️☹️☹️

  6. sheldi's avatar sheldi May 14, 2023 / 7:06 pm

    Will it be on a streaming service?

  7. andrew panton's avatar andrew panton May 14, 2023 / 9:30 pm

    The film was designed to be shown as part of a live public presentation and will be shown across various UK venues from May to November. The attackonsorpedam.com website will feature other venues and developments as they are announced.

  8. mfazzman's avatar mfazzman May 14, 2023 / 11:04 pm

    That sounds absolutely brilliant news Charles! Alas, does anyone know if a DVD of the film is likely to be released in due course for some of us less mobile types?

  9. michael Marsden's avatar michael Marsden June 13, 2023 / 10:13 am

    Are you planning any showings in South Wales?

  10. andrew graham panton's avatar andrew graham panton October 8, 2023 / 6:46 pm

    The Attack on Sorpe Dam film has been donated to the International Bomber Command Centre (IBCC)i n Lincolnshire. The film is available for public viewing through a licence agreement with the IBCC. To request a film screening contact susan@internationalbcc.co.uk

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