Dr. Dan Ellin, Historian and Archivist from the International Bomber Command Centre, joins Sean to discuss The Dam Busters (1955).

Discussion Points:

-Dan discusses his love/hate relationship with the film and it's portrayal of Operation Chastise.

-The absence of major motion pictures about RAF Bomber Command.

-The importance of collective memory regarding the Second World War.

-The use of the Dam Busters march at 'Bomber' Harris's funeral.

-The enemies in the film: bureaucrats, Whitehall and red tape.

-The fantastic casting in the film.

-The incredible flying during the making of the film.

-Putting RAF Bomber Command into historical context.

-The lack of the raid on the Sorpe Dam in the film.

-The impact of the Official Secrets Act on the film.

-Sean does his best to translate very English aspects of the film for American listeners.

-The optics of history and the loss of nuance.

-The influence on this film on George Lucas when he was making Star Wars (1977).

-The things that Britain leans back on in times of adversity.

Raised Questions:

-Do people see RAF Bomber Command as either 'Dam Busters or Dresden'?

-Are the historical details faithfully intact?

-How important are myths to a country?

-Was it really difficult for Barnes Wallis to get the idea for the raid accepted?

-Why do the British love an underdog story?

-Did the Americans have better PR and spin?

-Would you love to see Peter Jackson's The Dam Busters?

-Does the film tell the story of what happened rather than what was meant to happen?

-Why is Guy Gibson portrayed a certain way in the film?

-Does the film lack nuance?

-Does the film serve as a good starting point for people who may not know the story of the Dam Busters raid?

Further Reading Recommendations:

-'Guy Gibson' by Richard Morris.

-'Dam Buster Barnes Wallis: An Engineers Life' by Richard Morris.

-'The Fire' (Original Title: Der Brand) by Jorg Friedrich.

-'The Strategic Air Offensive Against Germany' by Noble Frankland and Charles Webster.

-The Weirdstone of Brisingamen (1960) and Elidor (1965) by Alan Garner.

Film/Documentary Recommendations:

-They Shall Not Grow Old (2018).

-Dambusters Declassified (2010) with Martin Shaw.

-Inspector George Gently (2007-2017).

-Judge John Deed (2001-2007).

-The Guns of Navarone (1961).

-The Heroes of Telemark (1965).

-The Carling Black Label adverts.

Podcast Recommendations:

-History Rage.

-Never Mind The Dambusters.

Thanks for Listening!

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