The Attack on Sorpe Dam film is based on a true story, part of Operation Chastise – the Dambusters Raid.

The film follows the story of a young 21-year-old RAF 617 Squadron Bomb Aimer, George “Johnny” Johnson, and his aircrew from March 1943, on joining a newly formed squadron, for a top secret, special operation that has the potential to shorten the war in Europe. Johnny describes the dangerous low flying training and events leading up to the operational briefing on May 16 1943. Johnny and his crew finally discover what they are expected to do and are presented with what seems like an impossible task. They are to fly at 100 feet in a four engine Lancaster bomber at night, over many miles of occupied enemy territory. On reaching the target, they need to drop a new weapon that has never before been tried operationally, with pin-point accuracy, in a way they had not practiced and then make their way back home safely. Nothing like this had ever been attempted.

Johnny was a huge advocate for preserving the heritage of Bomber Command and a huge supporter of the IBCC.  He was also passionate about education and so we are delighted and enormously grateful to Andrew Panton and Piotr Forkasiewicz, the producers, and to Johnny’s family for handing this amazing film to the IBCC to raise funds for a new Learning Centre.

The IBCC has put over 15,000 children through its learning programme since 2018.  This award-winning programme is supported and subsidised by the IBCC’s hospitality events. However, the growth of both of these project elements has meant that there is an urgent need to provide a purpose-built Learning facility.  Johnny’s passion for teaching and for keeping the heritage of Bomber Command alive make this film a perfect fundraiser for the new centre.

If you are interested in organising a showing of the film, please email [email protected]

You can watch the trailer here