Dambusters raid map set to go up for auction

A historic map used in the Dambusters mission during World War II is set to go up for auction.

The map was handed to Lancaster bomber crews who used the famous bouncing bomb, designed by Barnes Wallis, to destroy three dams in Germany’s industrial Ruhr valley in May 1943.

The document is from the collection of retired aviation engineer and World War II expert, David Lilley, who turned his home into a Bomber Command museum.

Hansons Auctioneers militaria expert, Matt Crowson, said: “If you live in Derbyshire, you will know how important the county was to one of the most famous raids in aviation history.”

In preparation for the mission, members of the 617 Squadron practised their low-flying skills at the Derwent Dam in the Peak District as it closely resembled the Möhne and Eder dams in western Germany.

The raid, officially known as Operation Chastise, aimed to destroy key dams in Germany’s industrial Ruhr Valley and disrupt water supplies, hydroelectric power and industrial production.

The map, one of four Bomber Command maps up for sale, would have been issued to the bomb aimers and used on operations to identify the exact target.

Mr Lilley, 85, is from West Sussex and became interested in aviation while he was a member of the Air Training Corps before he had a 50-year career as an aviation engineer.

His son Iain Lilley, said: “Dad loved Lancaster bombers, and the house he retired to became a shrine to aviation.

“Through his work he became friends with a number of 617 Squadron pilots. As a child I remember a lot of the pilots popping in.”

Mr Crowson added: “In terms of provenance and WWII interest it is difficult to imagine anything better than a map used on the legendary Dambusters raid.

“To know that it came from the collection of such a dedicated devotee of Bomber Command in particular and Lancaster bombers in general makes it all the more special.”

The other three Bomber Command maps also set to go under the hammer detail the bombing raids on Peenemünde Army Research in 1943, the bombing of U-boat pens in Bergen and the railway viaduct at Arnsberg.