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(Previously published as ‘After the Flood’)Former RAF Tornado Navigator and Gulf War veteran John Nichol sets out on a personal journey to discover what happened to 617 Squadron after the flood.RAF 617 Squadron’s destruction of the dams at the heart of the Ruhr made them heroes and celebrities of their time. But this elite squadron was also called upon for a hundred more of the most secret and dangerous specialist precision attacks. As bestselling author John Nichol discovers, 617 would drop the largest bombs ever built on battleships, railway bridges, secret weapon establishments, rockets sites and U-boat construction pens. They were involved in attempts on the lives of enemy leaders, both Hitler and Mussolini, created a ‘false fleet’ on D-day which fooled the Germans, and knocked out a German super gun which would have rained 600 shells an hour on London. Of the 77 men who made it home from dams raid, only 45 survived to see the victory for which they fought – as 617’s reputation called them into action again and again.
This book investigates the post-Dambusters missions undertaken by the elite 617 Squadron and the fates of its airmen. Former RAF Tornado Navigator John Nichol explores the squadron's continued involvement in highly dangerous and secret precision attacks following their famous dams raid. The narrative details their operations, including dropping massive bombs on battleships, targeting critical infrastructure like railway bridges and U-boat pens, and their involvement in attempts on enemy leaders' lives. It also covers their role in deception operations, such as creating a false fleet for D-Day, and their actions against significant threats like a super gun aimed at London, highlighting the squadron's relentless service and the heavy toll it took on its members.
As a follow-up to the celebrated Dambusters raid, this book delves into the subsequent, often perilous, missions of 617 Squadron. The narrative is built upon the author's personal journey and research into the squadron's continued operations, highlighting their critical role in various high-stakes attacks. The book details the specific targets and the immense challenges faced by the airmen, underscoring their bravery and the significant impact of their actions. It also focuses on the human cost, tracing the paths of the survivors and those who did not make it home.
Page Count:
384
Publication Date:
2016-06-30
Publisher:
William Collins
ISBN-10:
0008100853
ISBN-13:
9780008100858
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