‘Attack on Sorpe Dam’; In Pursuit of Victory. The True Story of the May 1943 Attack on the Sorpe Dam
A film by producers Andrew Panton and Piotr Forkasiewicz.
Attack on Sorpe Dam is based on a true story of an event set within the context of the RAF bomber offensive on Germany, during the Second World War. The story features a first-hand account from the perspective of George “Johnny” Johnson, a young 21 year old RAF 617 Squadron bomb aimer.
The film follows the story of Johnny 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 narrates 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 were 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 had to drop a new weapon that had never 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 before.
Sadly, Johnny Johnson, the last surviving ‘Dambuster’, died on 7th December 2022, shortly after his 101st birthday. This film is a fitting legacy to an incredible man who was part of an exceptional group of individuals whose stories should be told and remembered.
Johnny was a huge advocate for preserving the heritage of Bomber Command and a huge supporter of the International Bomber Command Centre. He was also passionate about education and a percentage of the money raised from this film showing will be going towards the creation of a new Learning Centre at IBCC. So far, their Learning Team have worked with over 15,000 children.
This film is not available on DVD or streaming services.
The Atkinson is honoured to be allowed to show this film with the consent of International Bomber Command Centre.
