News : Dambusters fly-by

To commemorate 65 years since their World War II mission, a service and fly-by has been held in Derbyshire, England in honour of the Dambusters.

Their mission was to destroy three dams in Germany's Ruhr valley, thus significantly reducing the industrial might of the Nazi war machine. Led by Wing Commander Guy Gibson, the Dambusters managed to destroy two dams, though at the cost of eight aircraft and 53 crew.

The mission is remembered not only for the boost it gave to the British war effort, but the revolutionary 'bouncing bomb' that skimmed across the water, rolled down the dam wall and exploded at depth. The 'bouncing bomb' was the creation of engineer Sir Barnes Wallis, who was knighted in 1971.

Taking part in the fly-by, a Lancaster bomber - the aircraft used during the historic mission. This was joined by a Spitfire and Hurricane, which were instrumental during the Battle of Britain.