In May 1943 a specially established RAF squadron made its permanent imprint on military aviation history by flying a high-risk, low-level midnight attack against hydroelectric dams in the Ruhr Valley that were considered vital to the German armaments industry. Numerically a tiny part of Air Chief Marshal Sir Arthur Harris' four-month-long 'Battle of the Ruhr', this one raid had an impact totally out of proportion to the small number of aircraft involved. Its success highlighted the synergy of science and technology, weapons development and production, mission planning and practice, and unflinching courage in teh execution of a highly dangerous bombing raid. Furthermore, it established a legend that endures today and a legacy that lives on in the traditions and operations of the RAF's 617 Squadron.

Introduction -- Origins -- Initial Strategy and Weapons Development -- Plan and Practice -- The Raid -- Analysis -- Conclusion -- Bibliography -- Appendix -- Index.