The Dam Busters (1955)

Richard Thorp: Squadron Leader H. E. Maudslay, D.F.C.

Photos 

Quotes 

• Squadron Leader H.E. Maudslay, DFC : Enemy coast ahead.

• Gibson : Well, the sixpenny bombsight works and the spotlamps work. We've flown two thousand hours, and dropped a good many more than two thousand practice bombs. The specially converted aircraft start arriving tomorrow. So, from now until the word "go" I want you to practice flying them at your all-up proper weights.

  [indicates Young] 

  Gibson : You can work that out, Dinghy. Don't forget that some of the armour's been taken out. And don't exceed 63,000 pounds or otherwise we shan't get off.

  [looks around] 

  Gibson : Any problems?

  Squadron Leader H.M. Young, DFC : You want the front gunner to stay in his turret the whole time?

  Gibson : Oh yes, he'll have to deal with the flak guns.

  Squadron Leader H.M. Young, DFC : The trouble with that is his feet.

  [mimics with fingers] 

  Squadron Leader H.M. Young, DFC : They dangle in front of the bomb-aimer's face. How about fixing up some stirrups to get his feet out of the way and make him more comfortable?

  Gibson : That's a good plan.

  Squadron Leader H.E. Maudslay, DFC : Have you any idea when we're going, sir?

  Gibson : Probably within a week. But, keep it under your hats! You won't have to put up with being called "the armchair squadron" much longer

  Squadron Leader H.E. Maudslay, DFC : Two months without an operation is getting us stalejake now.

  Flight Lt. J.V. Hopgood, DFC : There was damn near a riot yesterday when somebody in 57 Squadron started it again

  Flight Lt. H.B. Martin, DSO, DFC, AFC : Our fellows would feel better if they blew off steam

  Gibson : [grins]  Alright, the next time somebody starts being funny, have a riot.

  [assembled pilots laugh] 

  Gibson : Alright, that's all.

  [pilots get up to leave] 

• Gibson : [Gibson calls around to the pilots as the attack starts]  "P for Popsie", are you there?

  Flight Lt. H.B. Martin, DSO, DFC, AFC : OK, Leader.

  Gibson : Hello, "M Mother" are you there?

  Flight Lt. J.V. Hopgood, DFC : I'm here, Leader

  Squadron Leader H.M. Young, DFC : Here, Leader.

  Flight Lt. D.J.H. Maltby, DSO, DFC : Here, Leader.

  Flight Lt. D.J. Shannon, DSO, DFC : Here, Leader

  Squadron Leader H.E. Maudslay, DFC : Here, Leader.

  Flying Officer L.G. Knight, DSO : Here, Leader.

  Gibson : Hello, all Cooler aircraft. I'm going in to attack. Stand by to come in in your order when I tell you.