Menu
15/04/2011
WWII Dambusters To Feature On 4
Channel 4 has signed-up Windfall Films to produce The Return of The Dambusters - an ambitious special following engineers, explosive experts and aircrew, as they try to recreate one of the most famous bombing raids of WWII.
In 1943, a squadron of Lancaster bombers staged one of the most audacious bombing raids in history; they destroyed two gigantic dams in Germany's industrial heartland with a revolutionary weapon, the bouncing bomb. Those involved became known as the Dambusters.
The raid itself is part of military folklore, celebrated for the ingenuity of the bomb's inventor, Barnes Wallis, as well as the skill and bravery of the pilots.
It is easily forgotten just what an incredible technical achievement the raid was and how difficult it was to solve all the engineering problems involved.
Now, almost 70 years later, a crack team of experts including dam engineers, explosives specialists, mechanics and aircrew are led by Cambridge engineer Dr Hugh Hunt who attempts to recreate the famous raid in order to work out exactly how it was done.
This is a restating of the mission, not a dramatic reconstruction so the team can't rely on CGI or special effects.
The end result will be truly spectacularl; a purpose-built 130-feet wide, 30-feet high concrete dam, a modified Douglas DC4 flying perilously low and one huge explosion. With less time and fewer resources than their WWII counterparts, the civilian team will find themselves fighting some battles of their own in a present-day story that will prove just as gripping as the original.
Ian Duncan, Director, Windfall Films, said: "By attempting to recreate a near impossible WWII mission, this documentary encompasses everything from ingenious resourcefulness to high-octane suspense. The Return of the Dambusters will give viewers a unique and vivid insight into a momentous part of our history with a fascinating approach into reconstructing the bouncing bomb and building a model of the Mohne Dam."
The Return of The Dambusters is a co production between Windfall Films and Omni Film Productions.
The show is produced by Tom Cook, executive produced by David Dugan and directed by Ian Duncan for Windfall Films. It is produced by Linda Hay and executive produced by Gabriela Schonbach for Omni Film Productions.
(KMcA/BMcC)
In 1943, a squadron of Lancaster bombers staged one of the most audacious bombing raids in history; they destroyed two gigantic dams in Germany's industrial heartland with a revolutionary weapon, the bouncing bomb. Those involved became known as the Dambusters.
The raid itself is part of military folklore, celebrated for the ingenuity of the bomb's inventor, Barnes Wallis, as well as the skill and bravery of the pilots.
It is easily forgotten just what an incredible technical achievement the raid was and how difficult it was to solve all the engineering problems involved.
Now, almost 70 years later, a crack team of experts including dam engineers, explosives specialists, mechanics and aircrew are led by Cambridge engineer Dr Hugh Hunt who attempts to recreate the famous raid in order to work out exactly how it was done.
This is a restating of the mission, not a dramatic reconstruction so the team can't rely on CGI or special effects.
The end result will be truly spectacularl; a purpose-built 130-feet wide, 30-feet high concrete dam, a modified Douglas DC4 flying perilously low and one huge explosion. With less time and fewer resources than their WWII counterparts, the civilian team will find themselves fighting some battles of their own in a present-day story that will prove just as gripping as the original.
Ian Duncan, Director, Windfall Films, said: "By attempting to recreate a near impossible WWII mission, this documentary encompasses everything from ingenious resourcefulness to high-octane suspense. The Return of the Dambusters will give viewers a unique and vivid insight into a momentous part of our history with a fascinating approach into reconstructing the bouncing bomb and building a model of the Mohne Dam."
The Return of The Dambusters is a co production between Windfall Films and Omni Film Productions.
The show is produced by Tom Cook, executive produced by David Dugan and directed by Ian Duncan for Windfall Films. It is produced by Linda Hay and executive produced by Gabriela Schonbach for Omni Film Productions.
(KMcA/BMcC)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
07 April 2011
Second Biggest Blitz Losses Recalled
A series of German wartime air raids that killed the second highest number of people in the UK has been recalled today. A solemn monument to commemorate victims of the Belfast Blitz that began 70 years ago today will be located in a park beside the city's iconic St Anne's Cathedral.
Second Biggest Blitz Losses Recalled
A series of German wartime air raids that killed the second highest number of people in the UK has been recalled today. A solemn monument to commemorate victims of the Belfast Blitz that began 70 years ago today will be located in a park beside the city's iconic St Anne's Cathedral.
04 August 2010
Northern Ireland Seaside Bombing Fails
An undercar booby trap bomb has been found in the driveway of an Army officer's home in Bangor, Co Down this morning. The device fell off the vehicle on Wednesday morning and was found by the officer and between 20 and 30 houses in the Chatworth area of the town were evacuated.
Northern Ireland Seaside Bombing Fails
An undercar booby trap bomb has been found in the driveway of an Army officer's home in Bangor, Co Down this morning. The device fell off the vehicle on Wednesday morning and was found by the officer and between 20 and 30 houses in the Chatworth area of the town were evacuated.
26 April 2010
Yemen Ambassador Escapes Bombing
A suspected suicide bomber has targeted a convoy transporting the British ambassador to Yemen. The senior diplomat, Timothy Torlot, was in a convoy travelling to the embassy, situated on a hill overlooking the city, when the bomb was detonated.
Yemen Ambassador Escapes Bombing
A suspected suicide bomber has targeted a convoy transporting the British ambassador to Yemen. The senior diplomat, Timothy Torlot, was in a convoy travelling to the embassy, situated on a hill overlooking the city, when the bomb was detonated.
08 January 2010
Policeman 'Serious' After NI Bombing
A policeman has been taken to hospital after a bomb exploded under his car in Co Antrim this morning. The victim of the early morning car bomb attack was rushed to hospital soon after the blast which exploded under a car, the police have confirmed. It is understood he sustained serious injuries to his pelvis.
Policeman 'Serious' After NI Bombing
A policeman has been taken to hospital after a bomb exploded under his car in Co Antrim this morning. The victim of the early morning car bomb attack was rushed to hospital soon after the blast which exploded under a car, the police have confirmed. It is understood he sustained serious injuries to his pelvis.
12 October 2009
Brighton Bombing Recalled
Those who died in a horror bomb attack that targeted Margaret Thatcher are to be recalled today as a service is held to mark the 25th anniversary of the IRA bomb attack on Brighton's Grand Hotel.
Brighton Bombing Recalled
Those who died in a horror bomb attack that targeted Margaret Thatcher are to be recalled today as a service is held to mark the 25th anniversary of the IRA bomb attack on Brighton's Grand Hotel.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Cloudy and patchy light rain will slowly clear away this evening. Then the rest of the night will be dry with broken cloud. Westerly winds freshening in the early hours. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
