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17th May 2006

Steady... Steady.... Bomb Gone.

63 years on and 134 (Bedford) squadron, Air Cadets was busy re-enacting Operation Chastise or as it is more commonly known, the Dam Busters raid.

Having watched the portrayal of the mission in the 1954 Dam Buster film, the cadets where led outside where after a briefing from Warrant Officer Oliver Browne they took turns in using a replica bouncing bomb firing mechanism designed to fire spinning golf balls at a model dam. 

The success rate of hitting the target varied massively, but several cadets scored direct hits and the mission was declared a complete success. 

In addition to the re-enactment of the famous raid the cadets were asked to research and build replica Avro Lancaster control columns. 

The standard was excellent and after much deliberation Cadet Gilbert was awarded a die cast model of an Avro Lancaster MkIII for her excellent control column and pilots outfit complete with flying jacket and goggles.

Rear row: Cdt Gilbert, Cdt Pickering & Cpl Denham
Seated: Cdt Airton

Following the success of the living history aspect of the evening Adult Warrant Officer Oliver Browne said, "Themed evenings like this bring RAF history to life and reinforce to the cadets the important role played by Bomber Command in the second world war."