Enemy Coast Ahead: Dambuster Raid

Enemy Coast Ahead
The Dambuster Raid
617 Squadron’s maiden flight design by Jeremy White
scenario book
table of contents
Introduction 2 Scenario 6: Flight of the Diversionary Force 20
Attack Scenarios 2 Scenario 7: Flight of the Main Force 23
Scenario 1: Attack on Möhne Dam 3 Scenario 8: Flight of the Reserve Force 26
Scenario 2: Attack on Eder Dam 6 Scenario 9: The Dambuster Raid 29
Scenario 3: Attack on Sorpe Dam 9 Scenario 9: Follow-Up Raid 35

Scenario 4: Second Attack on Sorpe Dam 12 Scenario 10: The Campaign Game 36
Scenario 5: Attack on Ennepe Dam? 15 Scenario 10: Follow-Up Raid? 42
Combining Attack Scenarios 18 Multi-Player Games 43
Flight Scenarios 19 Design Notes and Credits 46
GMT Games, LLC P.O. Box 1308, Hanford, CA 93232-1308

www.GMTGames.com
2
Introduction
There are ten scenarios. The first five are presented chronologically to study the tactical action at the dams, incorporating
only the rules of Part 1 [rule sections 1.0-5.0]. Except for Scenario 1 they are brief affairs, good for learning the game but
mainly intended to present each fragment of the raid as it was about to happen. Each includes a unique Debriefing Chart.
For a more prolonged experience, attack scenarios may be combined, thus capturing the entirety of the raid while provid-
ing more game [p.18]. If you are new to Enemy Coast Ahead, Scenario 5 is a good place to start [p.15].
Scenarios 6-8 add the rules of Part 2 to those already learned, and make full use of the Flight Map. They explore the fate
of the three forces launched on the night of May 16, 1943. Scenario 9 treats the flights and attacks of all three forces as a
whole, the complete historical scenario depicting 617 Squadron’s first mission, the famous Dambuster Raid in its entirety.
A variant of Scenario 9 allows you to deviate from the squadron’s historical organization.
Scenario 10 is the complete game, the “Campaign Game,” incorporating Part 3 of the rules. It abstractly treats the planning
that led to the raid, and allows control over the organization and training of 617 Squadron and the assignment of targets.
setting up
Set up instructions are provided for each scenario, including a brief historical narrative.
outcomes [5.3]
Each scenario has a Debriefing Chart with “outcomes”. Generally, the higher up the chart your outcome, the more success-
ful your mission. Historical outcomes are boxed. Locate your outcome by reading the Debriefing Chart left to right,
column by column. Each column poses a question that will lead you to the next column until you find your specific
outcome.
For example, in Scenario 1 [p.5] you first must answer the question of the dam’s status, breached or not breached (first column).Then, you
must tally the number of Lancasters that survived the scenario, and then tally the number of ordnance still carried by your Lancasters (2nd
& 3rd columns).Thus, if you breached the dam, had 4 Lancasters returned to base or still flying to Eder Dam, and still had 3 Upkeep in
play, your outcome would be “worth the price?”
attack scenarios (scenarios 1-5) aircrew training levels [4 2.2, 4.2.3, 4.2.13]
Record the training levels of your aircrews on the Train-
ing Level Track located on the Mission Planning Blotter
approach and release chits [2.6] on the extreme left of the mapsheet. Use Training Level
When you set up, organize these ach h markers, as shown on the set up page of each scenario.
approac
chits into two groups, altitude and appro 3ft 239mph
speed, and place them in respective 5
approach
2 chits The aircrew training levels for Scenarios 1-9 are as follows:
1 chit
oach
opaque containers. You will 65ft

mph
2 chits green seasoned veteran

randomly draw these chits during altitude speed
the Approach & Release Sequence. Green Seasoned Veteran
aircrew aircrew aircrew
1 2 3
elite crewmen [2.3]
You are welcome to use the historical crewmen, or select
them at random. If you prefer random selection, for every navigation 2 3 5
crewman you are allowed, draw two others and select one
(do this one at a time and put the other two back in the
altitude
cup). & speed 2 3 5
special rule -- widening the breach
If you breach a dam, you may release more Upkeep against bomb-aiming 2 3 5
it in order to ensure the breach. You are permitted one & release
SUCCESSFUL release and any number of unsuccessful
GREEN SEASONED VETERAN
releases. (This special rule is the Attack scenario’s version aircrew aircrew aircrew
of rule 7.9.6 “Widening the Breach”.) training level markers training training
level
training
level
level
© 2014 GMT Games, LLC

3
Scenario 1: Attack on the Mohne Dam

Ruhr Valley: 0020 hours, May 17, 1943
Wing Commander Gibson flew an initial recon- Gibson ordered AJ-P commanded by Flight Officer
naissance over the dam, circled, and made his Martin in next, and this time Gibson made the run on
run in AJ-G. Flak from the sluice towers was AJ-P’s starboard. In order to draw flak away from
“aggressive,” in the words of Gibson’s front Martin’s Lancaster, Gibson flew ahead and switched his
gunner, and the sight of tracers flying past was Aldis lights back on (he was awarded the Victoria Cross
endured by the pilot, navigator and bomb-aimer who were for this). Upkeep was released at the right height and
working together to release AJ-G’s ordnance. The reflec- distance, but bounced to the left and exploded 50 yards
tions of tracers on the glassy surface of the calm reservoir from the dam.
made the flak seem to bounce off the water, which was
particularly unnerving. The Lancaster approached the At 0043 AJ-A went in accompanied by Gibson’s and
target at an altitude of 60 feet, the navigator watching the Martin’s Lancasters as escort, offering the German
two glowing circles on the water below projected from gunners of Flak-Abteilung 840 three targets instead of
twin Aldis lamps to make sure the proper altitude was being one. Squadron Leader Young flew AJ-A on course and
maintained. The engineer watched the speedometer while released the mine perfectly, exploding against the dam.
the bomb-aimer checked alignment, using the dam’s two By this time another flak gun had ceased to operate, its
towers as landmarks framing his bomb-sight. All three barrel jammed.
crewmen kept up a continual chatter for the benefit of
Gibson as he steered the machine towards the target. Ten With little to no effective flak spraying tracers from the
seconds later the bomb-aimer released Upkeep and the top of the dam, the next Lancaster went in as the others
mine splashed onto the reservoir, bounced thrice, and circled. AJ-J released Upkeep on target, and once again a
landed against the lip of the dam before sinking. As the pilot plume of debris and water spewed up.
pulled the Lancaster up into a turning climb and out of
range of the tracers, the mine exploded in a rush of water Gibson ordered Flight Lieutenant Shannon of AJ-L to
and debris. Minutes ticked by as AJ-G circled beyond flak make the next run, but after the debris cleared he
range, until Gibson determined that the dam had not belayed the order. The dam was breached! A gaping 150
actually been breached. foot hole had been punched directly in the middle of the
wall, water gushing down into the valley. At 0053 the
He ordered AJ-M to make the next run. Repeating the wireless operator on AJ-G transmitted codeword
same process, it was hit by tracers on the approach but still “Nigger” back to 5 Group headquarters, signaling that
managed to let go its ordnance. Released awkwardly, the Target X had been breached. Using the very high
mine bounced over the dam, exploding on the power frequency radio set, he ordered the three Lancasters still
station and its transformers below. While the concussion equipped with ordnance to follow him to the secondary
knocked one of the flak guns off its base, the Lancaster target, the Eder Dam.
crashed some distance from the dam.
bombers & crews endnotes
The scenario ends when the dam is breached, a Nightfighter
Lancaster aircrew elite crewman scatters the Lancasters, or at the end of the turn when none of
(if more than one is listed, select one)
the Lancasters carry Upkeep. If still not over at the conclusion
AJ-A veteran - of Turn 8, keep playing (Turn 1 follows Turn 8; make a new
AJ-G Gibson, Trevor-Roper, Visibility Check). If you play Turn 8 a third time, the game
(leader) veteran or Deering ends due to concerns about fuel limitations (i.e., they RTB).
When it ends, Lancasters that still carry Upkeep are consid-
AJ-J seasoned - ered to fly on to the Secondary Target (Eder Dam). Lancasters
AJ-L veteran Shannon or Walker without ordnance return to base (RTB).You must resolve the
fate of all RTB aircraft [player aid E1 (use the Ruhr Flight
AJ-M veteran Gregory Zone modifier)], and Morning Recon [player aid E3] before
(damaged) interpreting the scenario’s outcome (see the Debriefing
Chart). The leader continues on to the Secondary Target even
AJ-N seasoned - if not carrying ordnance.
AJ-P veteran Martin
AJ-Z veteran -
difficulty
Your biggest problem is flak, but you have plenty of bombers
All carry Upkeep (draw randomly; do not peek at back). to work with. Expectations are high.
4
Attack on the Mohne Dam

aircraft & attachments...
starts CIRCLING FAR starts
attach a randomly drawn CIRCLING
ordnance marker to each AJ-M starts damaged NEAR
aircraft damaged
U
Upkeep
1
KIA
-1
1
k
Up 1
U
1 P P
p
Upkee
ignore
Approach
gunnery damage C leader
Vector use once
1
-1 re-roll
use once
First
Seasoned Wave
Seasoned aircrew
aircrew
2
AJ-G is the
2 leader
leader designation
All aircrews are veteran, Veteran
First Reduce clutter in the is only important
except AJ-J and AJ-N aircrew
Wave CIRCLING FAR box if you play a scenario
3
by using a Wave marker combination [p. 18]
mapsheet...
appro
put all altitude approach chits appr9oach
ach
mph
1 ch in a cup, and all speed chits
53f approach 23
2 chits
1 chit
oach
65
in another cup
ft
mph
2 chits
altitude chits speed chits
water
N
Mission Planning Blotter Flight Map Target Maps
CO
level
DI MEL
DAM
SORPE DAM
3
ISTER
RE
RECON. LEVEL
DAM
1 2
Weser
L STER DAM
EDER
0
DAM
3
RECON. LEVEL
MOHNE
DAM SORPE
1 2
DAM
Ruhr
HENNE
0
DAM B VER
DAM ENNEPE
DAM
EDER DAM
0 1 2 3
RECON. LEVEL
Dutch Coast
F ight Turn
T rn 6 Tu n 5
2 0 0 00
NAV GA ION T rn 7 Tu n 4
3 0 0 00
0 1 2
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
T rn 8 Tu n 3
2 00
ENNEPE DAM
4 0
AL ITUDE & PEED
DAM’S STATUS:
0 Tu n 9 u n2
1
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 l 2
AL
AL
v l
3 500
0 1 3 4
North Sea
2 00
ALERT level 1
( l v l
RM
t ) b
ch n h
fig t r urn 0 u n1
ER
a a
R B
BOMB-A M NG & RELEASE 600 2 00
MOHNE DAM
T
activity level = 1
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Flight Turn
Seque ce of Pha es
0 1 2 3 4
C ean Up
n r a e A e t ev ?
recon level = 2
Ta get Map
MÖHNE DAM Attack Turn

English Coast
Ta get Tu n 5 urn 4
Acqu s t on
vsb i y
he k
water level = full

Re olve 30 23
Haza ds
Turn 6 urn 3
v s bi ty
Ev de ch ck
Haza ds
37 16
flak level = 3
P ace Turn 7 urn 2
Haza ds
vsb i y
heck
Nav gat on
Che k 45 07
England
Move Turn 8 urn 1
visibility = clear
53 00
Wi ele s
Attack Turn Sequence of Ph ses A1
Veteran aircrews are at training

Coo dina ion
1 Co r i a e Wa e
2 Jo n W ve
3 C ea e W ve Run pp o ch
& e e se
Ci cl ng S atus heck
level 5, Seasoned aircrews are scenario starts on Turn 4

at 3
(a VERY LIGHT FLARE marker
starts on the Turn 3 space)
Approach Vector Check Attack Turn
SEASONED VETERAN Recon Sorpe other
training Turn 5 Turn 4
training Level Eder or Bever dam attack
level
marker
level
marker 13 45 6
die roll die roll
12 35 6
die roll
12 3456
vis bility
check TURN
0 S S S M S SS SS S SA SS S
AJ FOG
+ + + +
AA A A A S A S A A AA AA A
+ + + + + :30 :23
moon
SS S M SS S S SS S S
1 + + + + + + + +
Turn 6 Turn 3
SEASONED VETERAN FOG AA A A S A S A A AA AA A visibility
check
training
level
training
level 1 2 SM S
+
SS S
+
SS S
+ + + +
:37 :16
FOG A A A A S A A A AA AA A
marker marker V
3 S
+
S
+
S
+
SS
+ Turn 7 Turn 2 Lig ery
fla h
re t
FOG A A A A S A A A AA A A
v sibility
SEASONED VETERAN 4 S
+
S
+
S
+
check
training training FOG A A SA A AA A :45 :07
level level key
marker marker Speed Michelskopf
S 1 Ch t A2 M
modifier
Turn 8 Turn 1
Alt tude 1 Very Light Flare
A 1 Ch t
A3 null fies 1 A
phase
First attack Attack Phases A1
:53 :00
All aircraft except AJ-G start in the Wave Run Circling Status Check
Circling Far Box
Approach
& Release

5
Lancasters
Dam’s RTB & Ordnance
status still flying remaining Outcome Attack on the Möhne Dam
smashing victory
4 or more Barnes Wallis smiles when he hears the news. The mine works! Hands are
shaken at Grantham but soon calm is restored. On to the Edersee.
all
job well done
3 or less The raid confirms the vulnerability of the Ruhr dams, but at Grantham, after a
round of vigorous handshaking, A.O.C. Cochrane is visibly concerned. How
many mines remain? Can the Eder be breached as well?
success
5 or more The wireless operator relays the news to A.O.C. Cochrane and his staff at
7 Grantham. The room is astir as hands are shaken all around. It worked!
costly job
4 or less “Well done!” is the exclamation at Grantham, but Barnes Wallis soon has a
sober look on his formerly jubilant face. He was sure a single mine was
enough to breach the dam. Why did it take so many?
breached costly success

4 or more Barnes Wallis is jubilant. Upkeep works! But A.O.C. Cochrane remains
calm. There will be a casualty list.
4-6 worth the price?
3 or less Barnes Wallis is vindicated, his mine works, but he is taken aback by the casual-
ties. He expected them, of course, but until that morning’s pre-flight briefing
the project had been all vectors and numbers. Now, in his mind’s eye he sees
faces. And with casualties, can the Eder be breached as well?
costly experiment
1 or more Yes, the mine works, but at what cost? 617 Squadron was equipped with 5
Group’s best pilots and crews. Was this the best application of personnel and
3 or assets?
fewer marvelous failure
Barnes Wallis smiles as he is congratulated. It worked! But there won’t be an
none attack on the Edersee, and a follow-up attack on a subsequent night will surely
lack the element of tonight’s surprise. The raid proved an engineer’s hypoth-
esis, but the cost in materiel and personnel rendered the operation a failure.
a very near thing

1 or less Barnes Wallis can already sense the attitude in the Ministry. He will soon
be a pariah. They will say Upkeep was a failure, but if only he could
6+ persuade Bomber Command to attack in daylight.
squandered opportunity
2 or more A.O.C. Cochrane shakes his head at the news. The element of surprise has
been squandered.
bloody experiment
3 or less Barnes Wallis is puzzled, anxious to interview the surviving crews. What went
not wrong?
breached
3-5 futile experiment
As the Lancasters touch back down at Scampton, Barnes Wallis is anxious to
4 or more learn everything he can from the surviving aircrew. He is already preparing a
retort to the inevitable accusations from Air Chief Marshall Harris and the
Ministry of Aircraft Production that Upkeep doesn’t work.
none catastrophe
2 or The mine failed and a squadron was slaughtered.
fewer outrageous folly
1 or more Air Chief Marshall Harris has just wasted a crack squadron in the pursuit of an
engineer’s folly.
6
Scenario 2: Attack on the Eder Dam

Edersee Reservoir: 0130 hours, May 17, 1943
After breaching the Möhne Dam, only three Lancasters AJ-L made another run, the pilot still fighting to main-
still carried mines. Wing Commander Gibson ordered tain proper airspeed, pulled up again, and then made yet
those without ordnance to return to base while he led the another approach. Shannon repeated this six times
still lethal machines deeper into the Ruhr, to the Edersee before releasing Upkeep. It bounced only twice and then
Reservoir and its gravity dam. struck the top of the dam, wrecking the parapet, stairs,
and boat dock on the south end of the structure. Mean-
The setting was calm when the four Lancasters descended while, Shannon pulled hard into a steep banking climb to
out of the moonlight. Unlike at the primary target, here avoid smashing into the face of the Michelskopf.
there were no flak installations. There were no tracers, and
no searchlights or barrage balloons either. Eder Dam was After waiting for the debris to clear, verifying the failed
undefended. release, Gibson ordered AJ-Z to try the next attack.
After making several runs, struggling with the same
The approach was unobstructed, except for Waldeck problems Shannon faced, Squadron Leader Maudslay’s
Castle situated on a spur jutting into the bending reservoir, bomb-aimer let go the mine. It was an inaccurate release,
but that was not as troubling as the steep cliff located just however, damaging the Lancaster. There was now only
beyond the wall of the dam, the Michelskopf (Michael’s one mine remaining.
Head). The entire reservoir, in fact, was nestled inside a
valley with undulating banks all around. Also, mist was Circling all the while, Pilot Officer Knight and his crew
observed hovering over the reservoir in light patches. in AJ-N had observed the two failed attacks, and when
called in by Gibson on the VHF radio to make his run, he
As he circled in AJ-G, his crew keeping an eye skyward for had decided to adjust the approach angle. Instead of
nightfighters, Gibson ordered AJ-L to make a run at the flying along the dam’s perpendicular axis, the Lancaster
dam. Flight Lt. Shannon directed his crew to get to work, would approach a few degrees to port. Although unable
and the pair of Aldis lights illuminated two spots on the to maintain perfect airspeed, Upkeep was released on
landscape below. The bomber followed the contours of the target. Knight pulled hard to make the climb and the
banks as Shannon steered it onto the reservoir, finding detonation spewed up water, foam and rubble behind
altitude easier to maintain than the proper speed. The him. This time, after the spray and debris cleared, it was
slight dive needed to get over the water and onto the obvious the dam was breached.
designed trajectory towards the wall of the dam increased
airspeed. After negotiating the castle and readjusting for At 0152, Gibson’s wireless tapped out the codeword
altitude, his engineer warned that he was going too fast. “Dinghy” to 5 Group’s HQ at Grantham.
Shannon pulled up and circled.
bombers & crews endnotes

elite crewman The scenario ends when the dam is breached, a Nightfighter
Lancaster aircrew (if more than one is listed, select one) attacks, or at the end of a turn when none of the Lancasters
carry Upkeep. If still not over at the conclusion of Turn 8,
AJ-G veteran - keep playing (Turn 1 follows Turn 8, and make a new Visibility
(leader)
Check). If you complete Turn 8 again, all Lancasters automati-
AJ-L veteran Shannon or Walker cally RTB (limitations of fuel ends the attack).
AJ-N seasoned - When it ends, Lancasters that still carry Upkeep are consid-
ered to fly on to the tertiary target (Sorpe Dam). Lancasters
AJ-Z veteran - without ordnance return to base (RTB).You must resolve the
All but AJ-G carry Upkeep (draw randomly; don’t peek at back). fate of all RTB aircraft [player aid E1 (use the Weser Flight
Zone modifier)], and Morning Recon [E3], before interpret-
difficulty ing the scenario’s outcome (see the Debriefing Chart). The
leader continues on to the next target even if not carrying
You don’t have flak to worry about, but with only three mines ordnance.
you want to make each count. And you’ll have to contend
with the Michelskopf.

7
Attack on the Eder Dam

starts CIRCLING NEAR
attach a randomly drawn AJ-G is the

ordnance marker to each leader
aircraft, except AJ-G leader designation
p Upkeep
Upkee Upk
1 Seasoned leader is only important
Approach aircrew 1
First if you play a scenario
Vector
2 Wave
combination [p. 18]
All aircrews are veteran, Veteran

First Reduce clutter in the
except AJ-N aircrew
3
Wave CIRCLING NEAR box
by using a Wave marker
mapsheet...
appro
ach
mph
1 chi in a cup, and all speed chits
53f approach 23
2 chits water
1 chit
N
oach
65
CO
in another cup
ft
mph
2 chits level
RE
EDER DAM
Mission Planning Blotter Flight Map DI MEL
Target Maps
DAM
SORPE DAM
3
ISTER
RECON. LEVEL
DAM
1 2
Weser
EDER
0
DAM
3
RECON. LEVEL
MOHNE 0
DAM SORPE
1 2
DAM
Ruhr
EDER DAM
HENNE
0
DAM B VER 0 1 2 3 4
DAM ENNEPE
DAM
SORPE DAM
DAM’S STATUS:
l
EDER DAM
0 1 2 3 4
0 1 2 3
RECON. LEVEL
Dutch Coast
F ight Turn
activity level = 0
T rn 6 Tu n 5 BEVER DAM
2 0 0 00
3 0 0 00
0 1 2 3 4
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
recon level = 2
T rn 8 Tu n 3
2 00
ENNEPE DAM
4 0
AL ITUDE & PEED
0 Tu n 9 u n2
1
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 l 2
AL
AL
v l
3 500
0 1 2 3 4
North Sea
2 00
ALERT level 2
( l v l
RM
t ) b
water level = full

ch n h
fig t r urn 0 u n1
ER
a a
R B
MOHNE DAM
T 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Flight Turn
Seque ce of Pha es
0 1 2 3 4
visibility = fog
C ean Up
n r a e A e t ev ?
Ta get Map
MÖHNE D M Attack Turn

English Coast
g
Ta get Tu n 5 urn 4
Acqu s t on
fo
vsb i y
he k
Re olve 30 23
Haza ds
Turn 6 urn 3
v s bi ty
Ev de ch ck
Haza ds
37 16
P ace Turn 7 urn 2

Haza ds
vsb i y
heck
Nav gat on
Che k 45 07
England
Move Turn 8 urn 1
53 00
Wi ele s
Veteran aircrews are at training

Coo dina ion
1 Co r i a e Wa e
2 Jo n W ve
& e e se
level 5, Seasoned aircrews are

at 3
scenario starts on Turn 5
Attack Turn
SEASONED VETERAN
EDER DAM Approach Vector Check
Recon Sorpe other Turn 5 Turn 4
training Level Eder or Bever dam attack
level
training
level
die roll die roll die roll vis bility TURN
First
13 45 6 12 35 6 12 3456 check
marker marker
+ + + + + + + + + :30 :23
FOG AA A A A S A S A A AA AA A moon
Wave 1 SS S M
+ +
SS S S SS S S
+ + + + + +
Turn 6 Turn 3
FOG AA A A S A S A A AA AA A visibility
SEASONED VETERAN check
training training 2 SM S
+
SS S
+
SS S
+ + + +
:37 :16
level level FOG A A A A S A A A AA AA A
marker marker S S S SS
3 + + + + Turn 7 Turn 2
v sibility
SEASONED VETERAN
4 S
+
S
+
S
+
check
FOG A A SA A AA A :45 :07
training training
level key
level
marker Speed Michelskopf Turn 8 Turn 1
marker S 1 Ch t A2 M
modifier
A 1 Ch t
A3 null fies 1 A
phase :53 :00

attack Attack Phases A1
All aircraft start Circling Near Run Approach

& Release
Circling Status Check

8
Lancasters
Dam’s RTB & Ordnance
status still flying remaining Outcome Attack on the Eder Dam
titanic blow
1 or more Tomorrow The Illustrated London News will read: “A titanic blow at Germany, the RAF
smashes Europe’s mightiest dams.” But the night is not over: On to the Sorpe!
4+ brilliantly conducted operation
none Air Vice-Marshal Cochrane to Wing Commander Gibson: “All ranks in 5 Group join
me in congratulating you and all in 617 Squadron on a brilliantly conducted opera-
tion.” The crew that breached the dam will receive medals at Buckingham Palace.
perfect bombing
1 or more The Daily Mail will declare that “the devastation done to Germany’s war machine has
probably only just begun.” But...will they write that the Sorpe was also smashed?
2-3
standing ovation Two days later in Washington, Prime Minister
Winston Churchill will mention the raid in his speech
none before the United States Senate. He will receive a
standing ovation.
breached heroism
At Grantham, A.O.C. Cochrane is informed that the Eder is breached and one lone
1 or more Lancaster will make its way to the Sorpe. He is elated, but then pauses to think of
the squadron’s casualty list. (In two weeks the surviving crew will have an audience
with the King and Queen at Scampton, personally decorated by the royal hand.)
1 great experiment
The acting wing commander of 617 Squadron will write to Barnes Wallis: “All my
pilots and I are honoured that we had the opportunity to take part in the last great
none experiment which has proved all your theories.”
Near the end of June, the Queen will invest the surviving crew with awards.
Determine the pilot’s award: roll a die: 1-5 = DSO, 6 = VC.
disaster in the west

Minister for Armaments and Munitions, Albert Speer, spends the next few weeks
diverting men and materiel elsewhere to repair the two breached dams. Industry
0 none soon resumes in the Ruhr thanks to his decisive action, motivated by the urgency of
the task and by the Fuhrer’s outrage. Hitler called it a “disaster in the west.”
But the cost was great. Survivors of downed Lancasters are nursed to health in
German hospitals. They are interrogated before being transferred to prisoner of war
camps. Those that survive won’t return to Britain for at least two years.
brink of victory
none Air Chief Marshal Harris had been skeptical of the bouncing mine from the start,
but if it worked at Möhne, what went wrong here? Was Möhne a fluke?
4+
lost opportunity
1 or more While the debriefing is underway at Scampton, in Germany barrage balloons are
lofted over the Eder. Searchlights and flak guns will soon be installed as well.
gone awry
none What went wrong? Barnes Wallis had calculated that a single mine could breach
not the Eder, if released properly. Now he is eager for the debriefing.
breached
1-3
disappointment
Even before the Lancasters touch back down at Scampton, Barnes Wallis is
1 or more already deflecting accusations. Was this failure the result of poor engineering on
his part, or inadequate execution on the part of pilots and crews?
a dam too far

none Barnes Wallis is mortified at the news. At first elated at the success of the Möhne
0 breach, all he can think of now is Air Chief Marshal Harris’s initial reaction to the
proposal of the bouncing bomb back in February: “My boys’ lives are too precious
to be thrown away by you.”
9
Scenario 3: First Attack on the Sorpe Dam

Ruhr Valley: 0015 hours, May 17, 1943
Flight Lieutenant McCarthy, an American who volun- AJ-T made ten runs at the target. Sorpe was not a gravity
teered to fight with the RCAF, arrived at the target at 0015 dam like Eder and Möhne, it was a steel reinforced
hours at the helm of AJ-T. He and his crew had taken off concrete core “wrapped” in deep earthen embankments.
late, after switching airplanes at the eleventh hour due to Barnes Wallis had surmised that a different technique
engine trouble, and never managed to catch up to the rest would be needed to breach such a dam. Instead of
of the wave. It was a difficult flight. AJ-T contended with hurtling Upkeep perpendicular to the dam’s wall, the
alerted anti-aircraft batteries, surviving damage sustained Lancaster was to fly roughly parallel to it, releasing the
by flak fired from a train. mine on top of it so that it would detonate as it rolled
down.
McCarthy surveyed the calm scene upon arrival, noting
that steep hills on either side of the reservoir would McCarthy’s bomb-aimer released Upkeep at 0046 hours.
obviously influence the Lancaster’s approach, allowing him AJ-T’s altitude was low and his airspeed 10mph too slow,
very little time after diving to level off before releasing but nonetheless the mine exploded against the dam. It
ordnance. There was no flak at the dam, and no other seemed to work. The debris and water-spray was impres-
defenses as well, so with only one mine to work with sive, but after circling for fifteen minutes to verify the
McCarthy endeavored to make the perfect shot. The dam results, it was evident that the earthen-casing insulated
seemed unscathed, so it appeared that the rest of the wave the concrete core from the detonation.
had not yet arrived, or had failed to damage the dam.
AJ-T circled a few more times but did not spot enemy
AJ-T’s mission was not only to attack the dam, but to aircraft, and so, with only so much fuel in his bird’s
create a ruckus to divert Luftwaffe assets from the Möhne, tanks, McCarthy turned for base.
617 Squadron’s primary target. McCarthy was therefore
liberal with his flares, dropping them in order to better The staff and officers at 5 Group were unaware of the
align his approach and illuminate the target. The flares Lancaster’s failed attack, or even its whereabouts, until
were also an attempt to make the RAF’s presence over the 0300. McCarthy had forgotten to transmit “Goner78C”
Sorpe more impressive than it really was, hoping to divert after releasing Upkeep, finally sending the codeword
nightfighters from attending the festivities over other more than two hours late. It signaled the disappointing
dams. result.
bomber & crew endnotes

The scenario ends if the Lancaster is destroyed, a Night-
Lancaster aircrew elite crewman fighter attacks, or, at the end of a turn in which it no
longer carries Upkeep (in which case it is presumed to
AJ-T seasoned Johnson head back to Scampton).
(damaged)
AJ-T carries Upkeep (draw randomly; do not peek at back). If still not over at the conclusion of Turn 8, keep playing
(Turn 1 follows Turn 8, and make a new Visibility
Check). If you conclude Turn 8 again, AJ-T automatically
returns to base.
If the bomber returns to base, you must resolve the

Lancaster’s fate on the Return to Base table [E1] before
difficulty interpreting the scenario’s outcome on the Debriefing
A single mine had little chance of breaching this type of Chart (use the Ruhr Flight Zone modifier). Also, if
dam, but the mission here also involves creating a diver- Upkeep was successfully released and damaged the dam,
sion. This is reflected in the scenario’s outcomes (see the perform Morning Recon [E3] before determining the
Debriefing Chart). outcome.

10
First Attack on the Sorpe Dam

attach a randomly drawn Upkeep

1
ordnance marker to AJ-T 1
AJ-T’s aircrew Seasoned

aircrew
+1
is seasoned 2
mapsheet...
appro
achput all altitude approach chits appr9oach mph
53f approach 23
2 chits water
1 chit
N
oach
65
CO
in another cup
ft
mph
2 chits level
RE
SORPE DAM
Target Maps
DAM
SORPE DAM
3
ISTER
RECON. LEVEL
DAM
1 2
Weser
EDER
0
DAM
3
RECON. LEVEL
MOHNE 0
DAM SORPE
1 2
DAM
Ruhr
EDER DAM
HENNE
0
DAM B VER 0 1 3 4
DAM ENNEPE
DAM
SORPE DAM
DAM’S STATUS:
l
EDER DAM
0 1 2 3 4
0 1 2 3
RECON. LEVEL
Dutch Coast
F ight Turn
activity level = 0
2 0 0 00
3 0 0 00
0 1 2 3 4
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
recon level = 2
T rn 8 Tu n 3
2 00
ENNEPE DAM
4 0
AL ITUDE & PEED
0 Tu n 9 u n2
1
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 l 2
AL
AL
v l
3 500
0 1 2 3 4
North Sea
2 00
ALERT level 1
( l v l
RM
t ) b
water level = full

ch n h
fig t r urn 0 u n1
ER
a a
R B
MOHNE DAM
T 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Flight Turn
Seque ce of Pha es
0 1 2 3 4
visibility = fog
C ean Up
n r a e A e t ev ?
Ta get Map
MÖHNE M Attack Turn

English Coast
g
Ta get Tu n 5 urn 4
Acqu s t on
fo
vsb i y
he k
Re olve 30 23
Haza ds
Turn 6 urn 3
v s bi ty
Ev de ch ck
Haza ds
37 16
P ace Turn 7 urn 2

Haza ds
vsb i y
heck
Nav gat on
Che k 45 07
England
Move Turn 8 urn 1
53 00
Wi ele s
The SEASONED aircrew’s

Coo dina ion
1 Co r i a e Wa e
2 Jo n W ve
& e e se
training levels are 3

SEASONED Recon Sorpe other
training Level Eder or Bever dam Turn 5 Turn 4
level die roll die roll die roll vis bility
marker 13 45 6 12 35 6 12 3456 check
+ + + + + + + + + :30 :23
FOG AA A A A S A S A A AA AA A
1 + + + + + + + +
Turn 6 Turn 3
SEASONED FOG AA A A S A S A A AA AA A visibility
training check
level 2 SM S
+
SS S
+
SS S
+ + + +
:37 :16
marker FOG A A A A S A A A AA AA A
S S S SS
3 + + + + Turn 7 Turn 2 attack
v sibility TURN
4 S
+
S
+
S
+
check
SEASONED FOG A A SA A AA A :45 :07
training moon
key
level Speed Michelskopf Turn 8 Turn 1
marker S 1 Ch t A2 M
modifier
A 1 Ch t
A3 null fies 1 A
phase :53 :00

AJ-T starts Circling Near Run Approach Circling Status Check

(damaged) & Release

11
Night-
Lancaster Dam Outcome First Attack on the Sorpe Dam
fighter
damaged fine shot
Wing Commander Gibson recommends a DSO for the bomb-aimer.
RTB heroism
not
damaged The pilot is recommended for a DSO (if he already has one, a bar is added). The
dam might not have been harmed, but the diversionary aim of the attack was
fulfilled.
a good egg
Before the flight, the pilot had made the usual lark about eating his buddy’s eggs
nearby damaged should he not return. The evening after the raid, Wing Commander Gibson wrote
a solemn letter to the wives and mothers of the missing crew. He very nearly
or mentioned eggs but caught himself. He made sure the letter to the pilot’s wife
attacked included the words “heroism” and “gallantry.”
bitter success
missing or There are two possible outcomes. Roll a die. If the result is EVEN:
At Grantham, A.O.C. Cochrane is perplexed. The wireless transmission was
destroyed garbled, and he is left wondering if the Lancaster assaulted the dam at all. From
intercepted German transmissions Bomber Command would learn that the
not Lancaster did indeed reach the dam. However, the fate of the machine and its crew
damaged won’t come to light until the early 1950s.
If the result is ODD:
Roll a die to determine the number of crew that survived when the Lancaster was
downed. That many bailed out, and they are all taken prisoners, some of them
badly injured, and they sit out the remainder of the war in a German POW camp.
The camp is liberated by the Soviets in 1945. Roll a die: if EVEN, they are released
in that year, if ODD they are released in 1946.
mission completed Back at Scampton, Wing Commander

Gibson shakes the pilot’s hand. During the
debriefing, the pilot explains that the mine
damaged did not detonate as expected. It rolled down
and away, exploding at too great a distance
from the lip of the dam to do harm. Next
RTB month the pilot is awarded a DSO. It is
pinned on him by the Queen at Buckingham
Palace.
not survived
damaged Having done no apparent damage to the dam and unable to attract the Luftwaffe’s
attention, the crew returns to Scampton feeling lucky to have made it back alive.
never
nearby bitter frustration
and no There are two possible outcomes. Roll a die. If the result is EVEN:
attack The Lancaster and its crew are listed as missing, and the crew’s fate remains
unknown to Bomber Command until 1946. Morning recon reveals that the dam
was damaged, but it will take decades for the full story of the attack to emerge
damaged from German sources.
missing or If the result is ODD:
Morning recon will confirm that the dam was damaged, but since the Lancaster
destroyed was downed out of contact with friendly aircraft, the fate of its crew is unknown.
Roll a die: the number indicates the number of crew who survived. They are taken
prisoner. Roll another die: if EVEN, one escapes; if ODD, they all die as POWs.
failure Four of the five Lancasters launched towards the Sorpe failed to reach
the target. The dam was not harmed, and German assets were not
not
diverted during the raid to protect it. Only two of the five Lancasters
damaged returned to Scampton, and Bomber Command would not even be able
to confirm that the dam was attacked.
12
Scenario 4: Second Attack on the Sorpe Dam

Sorpesee Reservoir, 0314 hours, May 17, 1943
Flight Sergeant Brown at the command of AJ-F received Ultimately, AJ-F made six runs at the dam. On the last
orders to attack the Sorpe Dam via wireless telegraphy one Upkeep was released and it rolled into the water,
while in the air. Had AJ-T transmitted Goner78C exploding as desired. In fact, after climbing and circling,
promptly two hours earlier, Grantham may have ordered a Brown observed the geyser of debris and spray leap out
different primary target for AJ-F. Nevertheless, the flight of the reservoir, and then...crumbling of the berm!
into the Ruhr was trying, given that the attacks on the first
two dams had alerted German defenses, and it did not help But no breach.
that fog had formed in low-lying areas along the route
leaving only the tops of hills and woods exposed. Maintain-
ing low altitude was a challenge.
Upon arriving at the reservoir, Brown descended in

between the hills on either side and made an initial pass. He
found it difficult to judge the approach in the darkness, and
admitted that he botched the first pass. He circled round,
made another pass to judge the trajectory, then instructed
flares be dropped at several points along and around the
path of flight as navigational aids.
visibility previous damage

Visibility starts as “fog” in this scenario. All visibility rolls Before starting, randomly draw an Upkeep marker and
have a -2 modifier due to the hour (it is Turn 7 on the place it on the damage end of the dam’s Status Record
Flight Turn Track). Track. This represents the damage inflicted by AJ-T
(Scenario 3). During the first Status Phase when the
Lancaster is in the Circling Near Box, resolve the
damage normally [4.4.4, player aid A14].
bomber & crew endnotes

The scenario ends if the Lancaster is destroyed, a Night-
Lancaster aircrew elite crewman fighter attacks, or, at the end of a turn in which AJ-F no
longer carries Upkeep (in which case it is presumed to
AJ-F seasoned Oancia head back to Scampton).
AJ-F carries Upkeep (draw randomly; do not peek at back).
If still not over at the conclusion of Turn 8, keep playing
(Turn 1 follows Turn 8, and make a new Visibility
Check), but when you resolve the RTB check at the end
of the game impose a -1 modifier (thus simulating the
difficulty effect of low fuel). If you play Turn 8 again, the game is
Since the scenario begins with damage already on the over (AJ-F returns to base at the end of the turn).
dam, there is a chance here to score a breach.
If the Lancaster returns to base, you must resolve its fate
But with fog and an alert Luftwaffe, the odds are not on the Return to Base table [E1] before you interpret
good. the scenario’s outcome on the Debriefing Chart (use the
Ruhr Flight Zone modifier). Also, perform Morning
Recon (also roll for the Upkeep marker that started the
scenario on the damage side of the record track) [E3].

13
Second Attack on the Sorpe Dam


1
ordnance marker to AJ-F 1
AJ-F’s aircrew Seasoned

aircrew
+1
is seasoned 2
mapsheet...
appro
ach
mph
53f approach 23
2 chits previous water
1 chit
N
i l
oach
65
CO
in another cup
ft
damage
mph
2 chits level
RE
SORPE DAM
Target Maps Upkeep
SO
1
DAM
3
ISTER
RECON. LEVEL
DAM
1 2
1
Weser
EDER
0
DAM
3
RECON. LEVEL
MOHNE 0
DAM SORPE
1 2
DAM
Ruhr
EDER DAM
HENNE
0
DAM B VER 0 1 3 4
DAM ENNEPE
DAM
SORPE DAM
DAM’S STATUS:
l
EDER DAM
0 1 2 3 4
0 1 2 3
RECON. LEVEL
Dutch Coast
F ight Turn
activity level = 2
2 0 0 00
3 0 0 00
0 1 2 3 4
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
recon level = 2
T rn 8 Tu n 3
2 00
ENNEPE DAM
4 0
AL ITUDE & PEED
0 Tu n 9 u n2
1
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 l 2
AL
AL
v l
3 500
0 1 2 3 4
North Sea
2 00
ALERT level 3
( l v l
RM
t ) b
water level = full

ch n h
fig t r urn 0 u n1
ER
a a
R B
MOHNE DAM
T 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Flight Turn
Seque ce of Pha es
0 1 2 3 4
visibility = fog
C ean Up
n r a e A e t ev ?
Ta get Map
MÖHNE M Attack Turn

English Coast
g
Ta get Tu n 5 urn 4
Acqu s t on
fo
vsb i y
he k
Re olve 30 23
Haza ds
Turn 6 urn 3
v s bi ty
Ev de ch ck
Haza ds
37 16
P ace Turn 7 urn 2

Haza ds
vsb i y
heck
Nav gat on
Che k 45 07
England
Move Turn 8 urn 1
53 00
Wi ele s
The SEASONED aircrew’s

Coo dina ion
1 Co r i a e Wa e
2 Jo n W ve
& e e se
training levels are 3 scenario starts on Turn 3

(a VERY LIGHT FLARE marker
starts on the Turn 2 space)
SEASONED Recon Sorpe other
training Level Eder or Bever dam Turn 5 Turn 4
level die roll die roll die roll vis bility
marker 13 45 6 12 35 6 12 3456 check
+ + + + + + + + + :30 :23
1 + + + + + + + +
Turn 6 Turn 3
attack
SEASONED
training
FOG AA A A S A S A A AA AA A visibility
chec
TURN
level 2 SM S
+
SS S
+
SS S
+ + + +
:37 :16
marker FOG A A A A S A A A AA AA A moon
S S S SS
3 + + + + Turn 7 Turn 2
v sibility
4 S
+
S
+
S
+
check
SEASONED V
Lig ery
FOG A A SA A AA A :45 :07
training key
fla h
level
marker S 1 Speed
Ch t A2 M Michelskopf
modifier
Turn 8 Turn 1 re t
Alt tude A3 1null
Very Light Flare
A 1 Ch t fies 1 A
phase :53 :00

AJ-F starts Circling Near Run Approach

& Release
Circling Status Check

14
Dam’s
Release Lancaster Outcome Second Attack on the Sorpe Dam
Status
strategic victory!
The pilot is awarded a DSO, and the bomb-aimer receives a DFM. But roll a die: if
RTB a 6, the pilot is awarded a VC instead. Three dams breached!
After the war, Albert Speer, Germany’s Minister for Armaments and Munitions,
would write from his jail cell that the turning point was not Stalingrad or El Alam-
ein, but the smashing of the Ruhr dams.
posthumous heroes?
At Grantham, A.O.C. Cochrane is jubilant. Three dams! Barnes Wallis is pleased
when he hears the news. But the last wireless transmission was garbled, and the fate
of the Lancaster is cast into doubt. Morning recon will confirm the breach, but the
release whereabouts of the crew will remain unknown for some time.
breached success There are two possible outcomes. Roll a die. If the result is EVEN:
The crew all die in the crash, their whereabouts located decades later by historians,
missing or many of them unaffiliated amateurs, piecing together German and Dutch anecdotes
and records.
destroyed
If the result is ODD:
Roll a die to determine the number of crew that survived when the Lancaster was
downed. They recuperate in a POW camp until liberated. Roll another die: if
EVEN, they return to Britain in 1945 as heroes. If ODD, they are liberated by the
Soviet army, and when it is learned that they were involved in the Great Dams
Raid, they are moved east to be “interviewed” as the Soviets strive to learn the
secrets of the bouncing bomb.
mission completed
There are two possible outcomes. If the total damage inflicted on the Sorpe Dam
is 7 or more:
When the morning recon photographs reach Barnes Wallis, the engineer scrutinizes
RTB them with great care. Magnifying glass in hand, he quietly mutters to himself.
“Damn, so close.”
If 6 or less:
release Back at Scampton, the crew settles down to a hearty meal involving fresh eggs. The
success pilot’s story of how a third dam was very nearly busted grows longer every year.
package delivered
missing or Only one of the crew manages to bail out, landing near the dam. He spends May 17
eluding locals, but is nabbed the next day and sits out the rest of the war in a
destroyed Luftwaffe prison camp. Roll a die to see if he survives: on a 1-4 he returns to Britain
in 1945, where he is soon decorated. A 5 means he died before liberation, and a 6
means he died trying to escape.
not job completed Relieved to make it back to Scampton, the crew spend
much of the next day in a long debriefing session. The
breached RTB approach and release lasted only ten seconds, but the
crew spends two hours recalling every detail.
release
failed falling short
missing or Will the crew survive? Roll a die: that many bail out. Roll another die, and of those
destroyed that bailed out, that number are captured, the others that bailed out, if any, elude
capture and eventually take refuge amongst the Dutch underground. They are deliv-
ered to the British army in early 1945.
RTB
aborted
The pilot manages to return his Lancaster, its crew, and its lethal cargo back to
Scampton. The mission failed, but the assets are secure.
no
release debacle
missing or In the crash the crew die and the mine rolls into the woods where it is stumbled
destroyed upon the next day by locals. It is soon in the hands of German engineers who analyze
the device. Their findings are used to improve defenses at dams, as well as the
defenses of the battleship Tirpitz.
15
Scenario 5: Attack on the Ennepe Dam?

Somewhere in the Ruhr, 0330 hours, May 17, 1943
While already in the air, Flight Sergeant Townsend piloting the mine would come to light suggesting that AJ-O
AJ-O received orders via wireless telegraphy to attack attacked the Bever Dam. Holding back the water of a
Ennepe Dam. There was fog, searchlights and flak en route, small artificial reservoir a few miles from the Ennepe,
and after great effort and dumb luck he and his navigator the Bever may have been mistaken for the intended
managed to locate the dam. target.
They arrived in its vicinity at approximately 0320 and Unlike the Ennepe, however, the Bever was not a gravity
noticed mist clung to the valley lowland obscuring the dam. Instead, it was akin to the Sorpe, which means
target. AJ-O circled for several minutes before the crew there was virtually no hope of breaching it with a single
picked the dam out of the dark landscape. shot.
Making several passes to find the right trajectory, strug-
gling against poor visibility while the fog on the reservoir
first time?
rendered altitude control ineffective, AJ-O let drop If this is your first go at playing this game, we
Upkeep on the fourth run. suggest you make four changes to this scenario:
attach a Veteran aircrew to the Lancaster (instead of
Released at 0337, it bounced into the fog and detonated. Green);
After circling to assess the damage, Townsend signaled
“Goner78” to Grantham and then turned back to Scamp- set the Visibility at the start of the game to Clear
ton. (place the marker anywhere on the Approach Vector
Check table located on the mapsheet);
But was it the Ennepe Dam? As far as Townsend and his
navigator were concerned, it was, and that’s what they set the Alert Level to 1;
assumed during the debriefing. Decades later, however,
German eye-witnesses as well as alleged fragments from ignore the Special Fog of War rule; attack Ennepe
Dam (use the Möhne Target Map).
special rule: Fog of War

Each time your Lancaster enters the Approach (during the Run Phase), roll a die to determine which dam your bomber is (probably)
attacking: EVEN = Ennepe, ODD = Bever. Use the appropriate Target Map and dam’s Status Record Track as determined by that
die roll (the damage needed to breach is thus dependent on the dam “selected” by that roll of the die).You may have to shift markers
and move your Lancaster from one Target Map and Status Record Track to the other each Run Phase.
visibility endnotes
Visibility starts as “fog” in this scenario. All visibility rolls The scenario ends if the Lancaster is destroyed, a Night-
have a -2 modifier due to the hour (it is Turn 7 on the fighter attacks, or, at the end of a turn in which AJ-O no
Flight Turn Track). longer carries Upkeep (in which case it returns to base).
If still not over at the conclusion of Turn 8, keep playing
(Turn 1 follows Turn 8, but make a new Visibility
bomber & crew Check). If you play Turn 8 again, the Lancaster automati-
Lancaster aircrew elite crewman cally returns to base (at the end of the turn).
AJ-O green Franklin If the bomber returns to Scampton, you must resolve its
AJ-O carries Upkeep (draw randomly; do not peek at back). fate on the Return to Base table (RTB) [E1 on the player
aid (use the Ruhr Flight Zone modifier)]. Do this before
interpreting the scenario’s outcome on the Debriefing
difficulty Chart.
You have a green crew, foggy weather, and Nightfighters
hunt you.You have only one mine, and quite frankly you And, if you damaged the dam, you must also perform
don’t even seem to know which dam you’re attacking. Morning Recon [E3], before determining the outcome
Expectations are not high. on the Debriefing Chart.
16
Attack on the Ennepe Dam?

AJ O

1
ordnance marker to AJ-O 1 1
AJ-O’s aircrew Green

aircre
+1
is green w
1
mapsheet...
appro
ach
mph
53f approach 23
2 chits water
1 chit
N
oach
65
CO
in another cup
ft
mph
2 chits level
RE
ENNEPE or BEVER
Target Maps
DAM
SORPE DAM
3
ISTER
RECON. LEVEL
DAM
1 2
Weser
EDER
0
DAM
3
RECON. LEVEL
MOHNE 0
DAM SORPE
1 2
DAM
Ruhr
EDER DAM
HENNE
0
DAM B VER 0 1 2 3 4
DAM ENNEPE
DAM
SORPE DAM
DAM’S STATUS:
l
EDER DAM
0 1 2 3 4
0 1 2 3
RECON. LEVEL
Dutch Coast
F ight Turn
activity level = 0
2 0 0 00
3 0 0 00
0 1 2 3 4
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
recon level = 1
T rn 8 Tu n 3
2 00
ENNEPE DAM
4 0
AL ITUDE & PEED
0 Tu n 9 u n2
1
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 l 2
AL
AL
v l
3 500
0 1 2 3 4
North Sea
2 00
ALERT level 3
( l v l
RM
t ) b
water level = full

ch n h
fig t r urn 0 u n1
ER
a a
R B
MOHNE DAM
T 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Flight Turn
Seque ce of Pha es
0 1 2 3 4
visibility = fog
C ean Up
n r a e A e t ev ?
Ta get Map

English Coast
g
Ta get Tu n 5 urn 4
Acqu s t on
fo
vsb i y
he k
Re olve 30 23
Haza ds
Turn 6 urn 3
v s bi ty
Ev de ch ck
Haza ds
37 16
P ace Turn 7 urn 2

Haza ds
vsb i y
heck
Nav gat on
Che k 45 07
England
Move Turn 8 urn 1
53 00
Wi ele s
The GREEN aircrew’s training

Coo dina ion
1 Co r i a e Wa e
2 Jo n W ve
& e e se
levels are 2
(Veteran training levels are 5)
Target Map
?
GREEN
Recon Sorpe other Turn 5 Turn 4
train ng Level Eder or Bever dam attack
le el
marker 13 45 6
die roll die roll
12 35 6
die roll
12 3456
vis bility
check TURN
+ + + + + + + + + :30 :23
moon
Use either the Möhne or Sorpe
GREEN 1 + + + + + + + +
Turn 6 Turn 3
training
le el Target Map. The Möhne repre- FOG
2
AA A A S A S A A AA AA A
SM S
+
SS S
+
SS S
+ + + +
:37
visibility
check
:16
sents Ennepe Dam while the

marker FOG A A A A S A A A AA AA A
S S S SS
3 + + + + Turn 7 Turn 2
Sorpe represents Bever. The

v sibility
GREEN 4 S
+
S
+
S
+
check
special Fog of War rule [p. 15,

train ng FOG A A SA A AA A :45 :07
level key
marker S 1 Speed M Michelskopf Turn 8 Turn 1
Scenario Book] may have you

Ch t A2 modifier
A 1 Ch t
A3 null fies 1 A
phase
switch from one Target Map to attack Attack Phases A1
:53 :00
AJ-O starts Circling Near the other during the Run Phase Run Approach Circling Status Check
of this scenario. & Release

17
Dam’s
Status Lancaster Outcome Attack on the Ennepe Dam?
unexpected victory!
The pilot is awarded a DSO, and the bomb-aimer receives a DFM. But roll a die: if a 6, the pilot
earns a Victoria Cross instead.
Three dams breached! Had this been the Sorpe, in conjunction with the breaching of the Möhne
RTB and Eder Dams, the damage to Germany’s war industry would have been devastating. Nonethe-
less, Adolf Hitler is furious, and blames the Luftwaffe. By his order, the nightfighter force over the
breached Ruhr is strengthened, stripping air assets elsewhere.
downed victors
Will the crew bail out?
missing or
destroyed Roll a die: If EVEN, the pilot managed to gain enough altitude for the crew to bail out; if ODD,
the bomber is destroyed before the crew can leap out. If they bail out roll another die: that many
survive long enough to become prisoners of war but won’t come to know they are celebrated war
heroes until liberation.
good show
Of all the anecdotes exchanged in the days following the raid, this crew’s story seems the most
RTB unlikely. When A.O.C. Cochrane reads the debriefing report, and at the squadron commander’s
recommendation, the pilot is awarded the DSO. Nevertheless, it will not be confirmed until long
after the war, whether the Lancaster attacked the Ennepe or the Bever Dam.
a puzzle
The Lancaster’s last wireless transmission was garbled. It’s fate unknown to 5 Group headquarters
at Grantham, it is only after morning recon reveals damage inflicted on the Ennepe that it is
damaged guessed AJ-O made it to the target and successfully released Upkeep. And yet, after the war,
German sources will come to light suggesting that it was actually the Bever and not the Ennepe
Dam that was attacked.
missing or But what of AJ-O and its aircrew? Roll a die to find out:
destroyed
1 The Lancaster’s fate remains a mystery;
2-3 The crash site 40 miles from the reservoir will be marked decades after the war;
Two crewmen managed to bail out before the crash, but only because they pulled the
4-5 ripcord of their parachutes before leaping out;
6 The Lancaster crashes, but there is a severely injured survivor! Roll another die: if EVEN, he
is captured and survives the war, but if ODD, locals find him in the morning, dead.
RTB
a fine anecdote Although the attack on the dam failed, the lads back at Scampton
seem amused, and impressed, by the story of the crew’s struggle to
Upkeep locate a dam (any dam!).
released but M.I.A.
dam not missing or Grantham is not sure what orders the Lancaster received, since transmissions were garbled all
damaged destroyed night. It is not even sure the crew reached its target. Roll a die: if EVEN, one crew member
managed to bail out, elude capture, and escape to the Dutch underground. In August he is ferried
back to Britain and tells his harrowing tale. If ODD, the fate of the downed Lancaster remains
unknown until the 1970s when the graves of the dead flyers are located and marked.
a confusing night
After a harrowing return flight the Lancaster touches down at Scampton in the morning light.
RTB During the debriefing it is difficult to know who is telling whom what happened. After an hour,
the pilot and his crew are no longer sure they even located the Ennepe Dam, or any dam at all.
Finally, an exhausted navigator exclaims, “It was bloody dark!”
no vanished
release missing or The wireless operator at Grantham has been puzzled much of the night. He despatched orders to
destroyed the Lancaster, and resent them several times, unsure if receipt was confirmed. Did the crew find
the Ennepe Dam? Did they attack it? What happened to it?

18
Combining Attack Scenarios
The scenarios may be played as a sequence (the combina- b. Targets X, Y and Z:
tions are listed below). Be sure to “refresh” Target Maps combine scenarios 1 & 3 & 2...and 3 again?
between scenarios. For example, remove the Very Light This combination incorporates the diversionary attack on the Sorpe
Flare markers from the Attack Turn Track and reduce the Dam. You may come to appreciate the effect a successful diversion
Activity Level accordingly. Released Upkeep, however, might have had. It also gives you the opportunity to surpass the histori-
should remain on the dam’s Status Record Track. cal result of 617 Squadron’s raid -- it’s a shot at breaching a third
dam.
Return to Base (RTB)
At the end of a scenario, Lancasters without Upkeep Procedure:
return to base (except the leader in Scenario 1 & 2; it Follow the procedure described for combining scenarios
stays). Place returning bombers in the RTB Box on the 1 and 2 (combination a), except play Scenario 3
Flight Map, in the appropriate Flight Zone. For example, if BEFORE playing Scenario 2. If you end Scenario 3 with
returning from the Eder Dam, place in the RTB Box of the a Nightfighter “nearby” (or it attacked), you earn one
Weser Flight Zone. Resolve the fate of ALL returning free re-roll on the Nightfighter Check table when you
Lancasters at the end of the game, not at the end of each play Scenario 2. This simulates the successful diversion
scenario. over the Sorpesee Reservoir.
Outcomes At the conclusion of Scenario 2, if you breached the Eder
After each scenario, use the Debriefing Chart to check the Dam, re-play Scenario 3 using just those bombers that
progress of the raid. For the purpose of tracking progress, survived Scenario 2 AND still carry Upkeep (and the
assume all RTB Lancasters arrive safely in Scampton. leader too, even if not carrying Upkeep). Start on Turn 1,
set the Alert Level to 3, and visibility starts as FOG. If
Use the Debriefing Charts of the appropriate scenarios to none carry Upkeep, game over. If Möhne was not
determine the outcome of the sequence as a whole, unless breached, you may attack Möhne instead of Sorpe (set
playing sequence b, c or e. For those, use the Debriefing the Alert Level to 2 in this case; visibility begins as FOG).
Chart for Scenario 9 (but add 5 to the number of Lancast-
ers that returned to base safely). In summary, play this sequence:
1. Attack on the Möhne Dam (Scenario 1);
2. Diversionary Attack on the Sorpe Dam (Scenario 3);
Morning Recon 3. Attack on the Eder Dam (Scenario 2);
Resolve Morning Reconnaissance at the end of the game, 4. Attack on the Sorpe Dam (Scenario 3 again).
not after each scenario.
Use the Debriefing Charts after each scenario to check
a. Primary and Secondary Targets: the progress of the raid. Generally speaking, if you breach
combine scenarios 1 & 2 all three dams, you achieve a victory of strategic impor-
The Möhne Dam was 617 Squadron’s primary target and Eder Dam was tance.
its secondary.This combination allows you to appreciate just how crucial
it was to breach the first dam while still carrying enough ordnance to c. A Three Dam Night: combine scenarios 1-4
effectively attack the second. Follow the above procedure described for combining
Scenarios 1-3 (“Targets X, Y and Z,” combination b).
Procedure: When finished, if the Sorpe Dam is not breached, play
Play Scenario 1, and if you breach the dam or the scenario Scenario 4.
ends by a Nightfighter attack, transfer all remaining
Lancasters still carrying Upkeep, as well as the leader d. Two Lone Attacks on the Sorpe:
(even if not carrying Upkeep), to the Eder Target Map. combine scenarios 3 & 4
However, Lancasters that scattered from the Circling Near Play Scenario 3, then play Scenario 4.
Box return to base, they do not proceed to Eder. Play As a variant, when you play Scenario 4, add the
Scenario 2 using these transferred Lancasters only, not Lancaster in Scenario 5 (AJ-O), assuming the “what if ”
those indicated in the scenario instructions. (Yes, this situation that it received orders to attack the Sorpe
means you may have more, or maybe fewer, bombers to instead of the Ennepe and arrives while AJ-F is there.
work with.) All other conditions and instructions particu- AJ-O’s arrival is variable: roll a die at the start of the
lar to Scenario 2 apply. Status Phase. If the die roll is EVEN, the Lancaster
arrives (place it in the Circling Far Box). If ODD, try
When Scenario 2 concludes, all surviving Lancasters again next turn. Use Scenario 4’s Debriefing Chart, and
return to base (resolve on the RTB table), and then deter- if both Lancasters return to Scampton, use the “RTB”
mine the overall outcome on Scenario Two’s Debriefing row.
Chart.
19
e. 617 Squadron Attacks!

combine scenarios 1-5
This is the complete raid. It combines all five attacks, but When the sequence of scenarios is completed, refer to
with a twist. Scenario 9’s Debriefing Chart to determine the outcome
(but add 3 to the number of Lancasters that RTB).
Procedure:
Play “A Three Dam Night” combination (c), and add the
variant described in the “Two Lone Attacks on the Sorpe”
(d). The twist for the variant is that AJ-O may attack any
of the three dams (Möhne, Eder, or Sorpe). It attacks
separately, in a final scenario (Alert Level 3; Fog; start on
turn 1).
Flight Scenarios (scenarios 6-9)

From left to right set up the mapsheet as follows:
Mission Planning Blotter: Status Record Tracks & Target Map

aircrew training levels water levels
Use the training levels indicated on page 2 of this book, Place a water level marker on each dam’s record track.
as described in the set up instructions for attack All dams are “full.”
scenarios.
recon levels
Flight Map: Möhne, Eder and Sorpe are at Recon Level 2, while all
other dams are at Recon Level 1.
alert level
Unless noted otherwise, the Alert Level is 1. flak defenses
hazard markers Möhne has a flak defense level of 3. All other dams have
Flak levels of 0 (zero -- no flak).
Sort the Hazard markers by color (colors correspond to
Flight Zones). Place each group in an opaque cup.
During the Place Hazards Phase you will randomly select searchlight & balloons defenses
markers to attach to waves and independent aircraft. None of the dams have Searchlight or Balloons defenses
(they are at level 0). Set those markers aside. If you play
recon level a follow-up raid (if allowed by the scenario’s outcome),
The Recon Level of each hostile Flight Zone is 2. searchlight and balloons defenses may come into play.
phase marker approach and release chits
Place the Phase marker on the Coordination Phase in the Put these in cups, as per set up for attack scenarios [p.2].
sequence of play box next to the Flight Map.
activity levels
Each dam starts at zero, except Sorpe in Scenario 8. It
Lancasters & waves starts at 1.
Place bombers and their attachments in the England
zone of the Flight Map, or in their respective wave
groups (use the Wave Holding Boxes player aid, or just visibility
set them aside in a convenient place on your gaming Determine visibility only when using a Target Map (i.e.,
table). Place waves in the England zone. when a bomber successfully acquires its target). Do this
separately for each acquired dam, during the start of the
Target Map Phase.

20
Scenario 6: Flight of the Diversionary Force

Scampton: 2100 hours, May 16, 1943
The wave took off at 2100 hours, the first of 617 Upkeep distorted compass readings, and the practice at
Squadron’s bombers to rise into the night towards the Scampton had been that after installing the mine aboard
dams. The flight route passed over the Dutch Frisian Island the Lancaster, the compass would be calibrated. The
chain, a longer route necessitating their early take-off. readings were then recorded on a card, allowing the
AJ-E flew over Vlieland first, at 2255 hours, and must have navigator to compensate for the presence of the mine
alerted flak gunners below because they opened fire on the during flight. AJ-T had just arrived at Scampton, and its
next Lancasters. AJ-W was hit by 20mm anti-aircraft fire mine had been installed but the compass had not yet
that knocked out its VHF radio, rear gun and compass, been calibrated. This meant that McCarthy’s navigator
inspiring Flight Lieutenant Munro to turn the Lancaster could not rely on the compass until Upkeep was
back to Scampton. Meanwhile, AJ-K had drifted a few released.
kilometers south and climbed to nearly 500 feet before
visually confirming bearings, when it too was hit by flak. Unable to catch up with the formation he was supposed
The Lancaster was set ablaze and crashed. Next in line, to lead, McCarthy piloted AJ-T towards Sorpe as best he
Pilot Officer Rice kept AJ-H so low throughout the cross- could. The Lancaster encountered a variety of challenges
sea route that by landfall the bomber had to veer in order along the way. The crew spotted nightfighters overhead
to avoid sand dunes. It struck the crest of waves, dislodg- but eluded them, and while flying low the Lancaster
ing its ordnance, and then turned back for base. Flying on, sustained damage from flak, but arrived at the target a
AJ-E struck electrical wires, caught fire, and crashed near few minutes past midnight (Scenario 3). After several
the Rhine. runs Sgt. Johnson released ordnance and McCarthy
headed home.
All this action alerted the local nightfighter wing, and
several Me110s from Leeuwaarden were scrambled, but
cruising at over 3000 feet their pilots were unable to spot
the only Lancaster of the diversionary force still flying, the
late-comer AJ-T. Flight Lieutenant McCarthy was a
veteran pilot, an American who had joined the RCAF in
1941, and now commanded a less experienced aircrew. He
was supposed to take off with the rest of the diversionary
wave, but one of his Merlin engines leaked coolant, so he
and his crew abandoned AJ-Q and hastily boarded AJ-T. It special rule: Wireless Phase
took off late and although he tried his best to make up Skip the Wireless Phase until either Sorpe Dam is
speed, AJ-T remained a straggler. breached or a Nightfighter attacks.
bomber & crew elite crewman primary & secondary targets

Lancaster aircrew (if two are listed, select one) Sorpe Dam is the Primary Target of all bombers. They
have no Secondary Target. Ennepe Dam is the target of
Wave:
last resort. Möhne and Eder may not be designated a
AJ-E seasoned Gillespie Primary Target in this scenario.
(leader)
AJ-H green - endnotes

AJ-K seasoned - The scenario ends when all Lancasters are in RTB Boxes
or are destroyed. When it ends, resolve the fate of all
AJ-W seasoned - RTB aircraft and check Morning Recon. Interpret the
scenario’s outcome by using the scenario’s Debriefing
independent aircraft: Chart.
McCarthy or Johnson
AJ-T seasoned (begins with Compass Card difficulty
hazard already attached) Your goal is to breach the dam (very difficult), but your
Place in the England zone: 1 wave (contains 4 bombers), secondary aim should be to stir trouble (easy). Your
and 1 independent aircraft. All Lancasters start undam- biggest challenge is the quality of your crews, but expec-
aged and carry Upkeep. Draw randomly and don’t peek. tations are not high.
21
Flight of the Diversionary Force

place AJ-T in the ENGLAND flight zone place the wave in the ENGLAND flight zone
attach a randomly
leader drawn ordnance
Upkee
p attach a randomly drawn
Seasoned
aircrew First
1
marker to each
Seasoned
aircrew 5
1 ordnance marker to the Bomb
2 pkee
p Wave
Upke
ep aircraft
2
aircraft Aimer 1 Green
aircre
w
aircrew is seasoned +1 1 First
AJ-T starts with the
Pilot compass
card aircrew are seasoned except AJ-H (it is green) Wave
COMPASS CARD
weave
& jink
hazard attached to its
use McCarthy or Johnson Upkeep marker Seasoned
aircrew Upke
ep Seasoned Upkeep
2 aircrew
1 1
2
AJ-T begins the scenario independent.

If AJ-T joins the wave, AJ-T immediately
becomes wave leader. AJ-E is wave leader
mapsheet...
water
N
CO
level
RE
Flight Zones:
N
Recon Level 2
CO
SORPE DAM
RE

Target Maps
DAM
SORPE DAM
3
ISTER
RECON. LEVEL
DAM
Weser
N
1 RECO
EDER
0
DAM
Ennepe is the target of last MOHNE

DAM SORPE
0
DAM’S STATUS:
DAM
EDER DAM
resort 0 1 3 4
Re Las et of
DA R
activity level = 0
ENNEPE
DAM
SORPE DAM
g
so t
tar
rt
l
EDER DAM
0 1 2 3 4
3
recon level = 2
RECON EVEL
Dutch Coast
primary target is Sorpe

RE
CO
N BEVER DAM
0 1
NAV GA ION
water level = full

0 1 2 3 4
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
y
T rn 8
2 00
ENNEPE DAM
4 0
AL ITUDE & PEED
0
First
Tu n 9 u n2
1
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 l 2
AL
v l
3 500
0 1 2 3 4
North Sea
( l v l 2 00
R
t ) b
ch n h
fig t r
a a
urn 0 u n1
R B
Wave
av
MOHNE DAM
RT
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
ALE
Flight Turn
Seque ce of Pha es
0 2 3 4
ALERT level 1
1
C ean Up
n r a e A e t ev ?
Ta get Map

English Coast
Ta get Tu n 5 urn 4
Acqu s t on
vsb i y
he k
Re olve 30 23
Haza ds
Turn 6 urn 3
v s bi ty
Ev de ch ck
start on Turn 1
Haza ds
37 16
P ace Turn 7 urn 2

Haza ds
vsb i y
heck
Nav gat on
First
Che k 07
land
Move
Wi ele s
Wave Attack Turn

E
Sequence of Ph ses A1
Coo dina ion
Seasoned
1 Co r i a e Wa e
2 Jo n W ve
& e e se
Ci cl ng S atus Check
aircrews are at 3, TURN

flight
Green are at 2
appro
ach
5 approach
GREEN EASONED
training 1 ch3fi
train ng level 65ft
le el marker 2 chits
ts
ligh i
d
marker
altitude chits
GREEN
SONED
training aining
level level approach
marker marker
239mph
2 chits
1 chit
SEASONED
oach
mph
ain
GREEN leveling
training arker
level
marker speed chits
put all altitude
put hazard chits into their respective cups chits
(2 cups, one for yellow and light blue; you in a cup, and all
probably won’t need dark blue hazard speed chits
markers in this scenario) in another cup
phase
flight

22
Dam RTB Flight of the Diversionary Force

Outcome
perfection!
Although the RAF was unaware of it at the time, the two crucial dams to Germany’s war industry
5 were the Möhne and the Sorpe (not the Eder and the Möhne). The water gushing from those two
reservoirs inflicts nearly irreparable harm to the Ruhr, crippling Germany’s industrial production for
weeks. Select one of the bombers: its pilot is awarded the Victoria Cross.
roll a die to resolve the hunt
turning point for surviving airmen downed
A Victoria Cross is awarded, but in Germany the Fuhrer is fuming at over Germany:
breached his Luftwaffe. Meanwhile, Albert Speer has the task of repairing the
1-4 dams and restarting the Ruhr’s war production. The blow delivered 1 = those who parachute
safely are soon caught; after
by 617 Squadron seriously impaired Germany’s industrial capacity. interrogation they are shot;
Historians will view the dambuster raid as one of the turning points
of the war. 2-4 = same as 1, except two
flyers take weeks to catch;
heroic sacrifice 5 = same as above, except one

survives interrogation and sits
0 The Prime Minister reads the names of all 35 flyers on national radio. out the war in a prison camp;
In Berlin, Adolf Hitler describes those same airmen as “cowards,” and
vows that the Luftwaffe will retaliate tenfold. 6 = same as above, except one
flyer escapes to Britain.
Night-
Dam RTB Outcome
fighter
mission accomplished
4+ Good work creating a diversion and returning safely. Better still if the dam was
at dam: damaged.
nightfighter
nearby costly diversion
(at least 1-3 Diversion accomplished, but the cost was felt after the Lancasters touched back
once) down at Scampton and the surviving crews filed into the mess hall. Too many
empty seats.
or
attacked mystery
0 Roll a die, add +1 if the dam was damaged: if 4 or higher, intercepted German
radio transmissions give Grantham an idea of what happened; if 3 or less, the
Diversionary Force disappeared into the night and the story remains a mystery
until after the war.
dam is
safe return
not DSO awarded to the pilot or bomb-aimer of each Lancaster
breached damaged that damaged the target.
5 dam is not frustrated
damaged The debriefing is long and tedious.
at dam:
roll a die to resolve the fate of
nightfighter dam is memorable night
not nearby damaged Stories are told, medals awarded. surviving airmen downed over
2-4 Germany:
nor did one dam is not eggs EVEN = roll another die: that
attack damaged The Mess is strangely quiet. many survive prison camps;
carnage ODD = a pair of flyers elude
1 The returning crew shares a much needed drink after capture; roll another die: if
the debriefing, shocked to learn that they are the only EVEN, they escape to Britain, if
survivors. ODD, they are shot on the run.
0 vanished
Roll 2 dice: that many flyers survive the war in prison camps. Only upon their
release will the full story of the doomed Diversionary Flight come to light.
23
Scenario 7: Flight of the Main Force

Scampton: 2130 hours, May 16, 1943 bombers & crews
elite crewman
Wing Commander Gibson organized nine Lancasters into Lancaster aircrew (if more than one is listed, select one)
three sections (three bombers each), taking off at approxi-
mately 2130 hours. Each wave flew separately but on the Wave:
same route, crossing over the Dutch coast at about 2300 AJ-G Gibson, Trevor-Roper,
hours. Gibson’s vanguard wave by then had drifted south of (leader) veteran or Deering
the intended landfall point, but after climbing to 300 feet, AJ-M veteran Hopgood or Gregory
and with the moonlight, Gibson’s navigator was able to
recalculate an adjusted course to the next turn point on the AJ-P veteran Martin or Leggo
route. Avoiding German nightfighter bases and known
concentrations of anti-aircraft batteries, the Lancasters
turned at the Rhine, but by then Gibson’s two wingmen Wave:
had lost him. They continued on course but were engaged AJ-A veteran Young
by flak from river barges and again near Dorsten, wound- (leader)
ing two of AJ-M’s crew and damaging one of its four AJ-J seasoned Nicholson
Merlin engines. AJ-A led the second wave on the first’s
tale, but also encountered flak and navigational glitches, AJ-L veteran Shannon or Walker
AJ-L falling away from the other two bombers ultimately
arriving at the target a few minutes late. The third wave
followed and AJ-B piloted by Flight Lieutenant Astell Wave:
struck an electrical wire pole as it made a navigational AJ-N veteran Knight
(leader)
adjustment. Its ordnance bounced and rolled, and then
exploded several hundred feet away. None of the crew AJ-B seasoned -
survived.
AJ-Z veteran -
AJ-G arrived at the Möhne Dam first, made an initial low- Place all waves in the England flight zone: All Lancasters
altitude pass to survey the defenses and the configuration carry Upkeep (draw randomly; do not peek at back), and are
of the dam and its approach, which may have alerted the undamaged.
flak gunners. Using VHF radio and Very Light flares, Wing
Commander Gibson oriented the rest of the pilots, and primary & secondary targets
then ordered them to circle out of sight while he made the Möhne Dam is the Primary Target of all bombers. Their
first run. (Here begins Scenario 1.) Secondary Target is Eder. Sorpe Dam is their Target of
Last Resort. Skip the Wireless Phase until Möhne has
After verifying the breach in the dam, Gibson led the three been breached.
Lancasters that still carried ordnance to the secondary
target (Eder Dam – Scenario 2). The other bombers endnotes
returned to base (AJ-Z was hit by flak and crashed at The scenario ends when all Lancasters are in RTB Boxes
approximately 0230, and AJ-A was hit by flak on the Dutch or are destroyed. When it ends, resolve the fate of all
coast and crashed at 0300). After the last Upkeep was RTB aircraft and check Morning Recon. Interpret the
loosed on Eder Dam, breaching it, Gibson led the remain- scenario’s outcome by using the scenario’s Debriefing
ing Lancasters back to Scampton. Although the plan was to Chart.
regroup at Möhne, the bombers returned by a variety of
independent routes.
difficulty
Your goal is to breach two dams, but don’t be shy about
breaching a third if you can.You’ve got the best flyers in
617 Squadron, and probably 5 Group, but you’re flying
on the deck and flak awaits at Möhne. Much rides on the
outcome, including an aeronautical engineer’s career.

24
Flight of the Main Force

aircraft & attachments... place each wave marker in the ENGLAND flight zone
First Second Third

Wave Wave Wave
leader
leade Second P
leader
Firs Wav
Vet
weave
ink
Veteran
p
Wave
Upkeep Third Veteran
Upkee
aircrew airc once
5 Wave Upke crew
3 1 1 map error
ignore
ep 3
1 use once
1
ignore
Upkeep map error r
once
P H 5 eran Upkeep
Upke 5 Seasoned 1
Upkeep ignore 1 rew ep 1 aircrew Navec. k Veteran
mage
pkeep
ch
5 aircrew Seasoned
5 Veteran e once 3 2 Upke
ep aircrew
1 aircrew 1 3
eteran P 1
3 aircrew ach
2
Appro
r
3 Vecto
AJ-G is wave leader AJ-A is wave leader AJ-N is wave leader

mapsheet...
Flight Zones:
N
CO
Recon Level 2
RE
N
secondary target is Eder RE
CO
water
Mission Planning Blotter M level
d d Target Maps
First Second Third
t SORPE DAM
3
RECON. LEVEL
Wave
ve Wave
ve Wave
Weser
N
L
1 RECO
EDER
Sorpe is the target of

0
DAM
primary target is Möhne last resort Möhne, Eder and Sorpe

are at Recon Level 2 (all
Re Las et of
MOHNE
DAM SORPE
DAM
g
so t
EDER DAM
tar
rt
other dams are at Recon

y HENNE
First F Third
0 1 2 4
Second DAM B VER
DAM ENNEPE
DAM
Level 1 in this scenario).

Wave Wave Wave SORPE DAM
l
EDER DAM
0 1 2 3 4
3
RECON EVEL
Activity Levels are 1 and

Dutch Coast
RE F ight Turn
CO
N T rn 6 Tu n 5 BEVER DAM
2 0 0 00
0 1
all Water Levels are Full.

3 0 0 00
0 1 2 3 4
ALERT level 1
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
T rn 8 Tu n 3
ENNEPE DAM
AL ITUDE & PEED
0 1 2 3 4
0 1 2 3 4
BOMB-A M NG & RELEASE

MOHNE DAM
RT
0 1 2 3 4
ALE 0 1 2 3 4
ON
L iv
Attack Turn
EC water
Tu n 5 urn 4
A
R AK
vsb i y
he k
FL
30 23
level Turn 6 urn 3

v s bi ty
ch ck
start on Turn 1
37 16
Turn 7 urn 2
vsb i y
heck
Nav gat on
Che k 45 07
Turn 8 urn 1
First
Move
53 00
Wi ele s
Second Attack Turn Sequence of Ph ses A1

Coo dina ion
Veteran aircrews Wa Third

1 Co r i a e Wa e
2 Jo n W ve
& e e se
Ci cl ng S atus Check
Wav
are at 5, Seasoned Wave TURN
flight
are at 3
appro
ach
5 approach
SEASONED
aircrew
VETERAN
aircrew 1 ch3f
level level 65ft
marker marker 2 chits
ts
ligh i
altitude chits
VETrc
SEASONED
ai
aircrew
marke
approach
ERAN
level
rew
level
marker
r
239mph
2 chit
1 chit
oach
mph
SEASONED VETERAN
aircrew
aircrew level
level
marker
marker speed chits
put all altitude
chits
in a cup, and all
put hazard chits into their respective cups speed chits
(3 cups, one for each color) in another cup
phase
flight

25
Möhne Eder Sorpe RTB Outcome Flight of the Main Force

smashing victory
The cracks in the Ruhr dams signal the breaking of Germany’s industrial back. A Victoria
1+ Cross is awarded, as well as other decorations to returning aircrews. The tide of war has
turned.
Sorpe awful victory
breached Intercepted German radio transmissions give Grantham an idea of what happened, but
the full story will remain obscure for decades. Morning recon reveals that all three dams
0 were breached, but Air Chief Marshal Harris questions the efficacy of the raid. His best
pilots and crews were lost in a single night. Meanwhile in Germany, Adolf Hitler is blind
with rage as Albert Speer delicately explains the scale of the calamity.
brilliant success
Eder Barrage balloons will soon float over the remaining dams in the Ruhr, and Germany’s
Ministry of Armaments and Munitions will devote material and personnel to the
breached 4+ repairing of the dams. Recovery will take weeks. Meanwhile, the British press is
informed and headlines declare victory. A Victoria Cross will be awarded, as well as
many other decorations. Vindicated, Barnes Wallis will continue work on other unique
Sorpe types of ordnance. The war goes on.
not success
breached 1-3 Air-Vice Marshal Cochrane congratulates the returning crews. He recommends several
airmen for decorations. The losses are so great, however, that 617 Squadron is dissolved,
Möhne its personnel reassigned to other squadrons.
breached
dear success
0 Barnes Wallis is congratulated, yet he is greatly disturbed by the casualty list. Air Chief
Marshal. Harris avoids him, believing the losses of elite aircrews outweigh the gains.
marginal success
5+ One dam breached and at least half the force returned to base. Acceptable perhaps, but
the job was left unfinished. Now that the Luftwaffe knows about the bouncing bomb, Air
Chief Marshal. Harris is inclined to drop the dams as a primary target. The element of
surpise is lost, and the other dams will surely be well defended.
hard fought
Eder RAF losses are devastating, but the dam was breached! Treated as a success by the press,
not 1-4 several airmen are decorated, but privately Bomber Command is slow to explore the
breached potential of Barnes Wallis’s peculiar ordnance, or any other gizmo on his drawing board.
bloody diversion
Air Chief Marshal Harris is fuming. Nine Lancasters lost, and nine crack aircrews wiped
0 out, including some of the best men in Bomber Command. The strategic value of breach-
ing a single dam is questionable, and now the RAF has just tipped the Germans off that
it is targeting the Ruhr Valley dams. Harris hopes that at least the attack on the Möhne
will work as a distraction, diverting resources and defenses from more vital targets that
Bomber Command can concentrate on effectively.
RTB Outcome roll a die to resolve the fate of
airmen downed over Germany:
experiment
6+ The raid fails, but losses could have been worse. Barnes Wallis is keen to talk to 1-2 = there are no survivors,
the crews. What went wrong? one of the risks of this
low-altitude mission;
futility
Möhne 3-5 Barnes Wallis is mortified by the losses and scarcely has the will to interview 3-5 = those who parachute
not surviving aircrews. Bomber Command shelves his bouncing mine. safely are soon caught; most
breached survive the war in prison camps
catastrophe
1-2 The squadron is disbanded, surviving aircrews assigned elsewhere. Barnes 6 = some survive and are
Wallis is denied access to the Ministry of Economic Warfare and RAF facilities. caught, but one escapes, finds
the Dutch underground in a
slaughter place called Arnhem; he is
“rescued” by British paratroop-
0 The RAF decommissions the squadron. The number “617” becomes taboo
amongst superstitious airmen for at least seven decades. ers in September 1944.

26
Scenario 8: Flight of the Reserve Force

Scampton: 2300 hours, May 16, 1943 bombers & crews
elite crewman
Five Lancasters of the airborne reserve took off shortly Lancaster aircrew (if more than one is listed, select one)
before midnight and were under the direct command of 5
Group’s AOC, Air Vice-Marshal Cochrane. The intention Wave:
was to direct these bombers to targets after the results of AJ-C
the first attack were communicated back to 5 Group by (leader) seasoned Guterman
way of wireless telegraphy. The reserve would be directed AJ-F seasoned -
via wireless as well.
AJ-O green Townsend or Franklin
Like the other waves, these Lancasters flew at 1500 feet AJ-S seasoned -
over England and then dropped below 100 feet as they
crossed the sea. Following the main force’s route, they AJ-Y green -
reached the Dutch coast but faced alert defenders. Night-
fighters flew overhead and flak guns were poised to fill the Place in the England zone. All Lancasters carry Upkeep
(randomly selected; don’t peek at back of Upkeep
moonlit sky with tracers. At 0200 AJ-S was hit at the coast markers).
and crashed near a German airfield. Shortly afterward,
Cochrane issued target designations over the wireless, primary & secondary targets
countermanding them five minutes later with new targets. The wave’s Primary Target is Möhne, and its Secondary
The flurry of encoded orders confused the wireless opera- Target is Eder. However, Möhne will be breached by the
tors. Ultimately, AJ-O was instructed to attack Ennepe main force on Flight Turn 4, but the airborne reserve
Dam, while the others were directed to attack Sorpe Dam. will not know this when it takes off. Eder Dam will be
breached on Flight Turn 5, but again, the wave will not
While cruising over hills and empty valleys, skirting know this unless informed by Grantham via wireless
known concentrations of flak, Pilot Officer Ottley’s telegraphy. Ennepe Dam is the Target of Last Resort.
Lancaster was illuminated near Hamm by searchlights and
knocked down by flak. Only the tail-gunner survived.
Flight Sergeant Brown piloted AJ-F to Sorpe and attacked wireless telegraphy
it shortly after 0300 (Scenario 4), returning to base after Starting on Flight Turn 5, you may perform wireless telegra-
nearly being downed by blinding searchlights and flak at phy actions during the Wireless Phase of the flight turn.
the coast. Meanwhile Flight Sergeant Anderson failed to Bomber Command has reassigned the Reserve’s Primary
locate his target, ultimately steering AJ-Y back to Scamp- Target to Sorpe Dam, which means you must attempt to
ton, ordnance still intact. Flight Sergeant Townsend and his assign it as the new Primary Target (during the Wireless
crew attempted to find Ennepe Dam, but probably Phase).
attacked Bever instead (Scenario 5), and returned to base
at 0615 after eluding nightfighters alerted by AJ-F’s As per rule 6.4.4, if you are not successful in changing the
narrow escape across the sea. Altogether, it was a harrow- Primary Target by wireless telegraphy, the Lancasters must fly
to the Möhne Dam. Once there, the crew sees that the target
ing and decidedly unsuccessful flight. is breached, and their Secondary Target automatically
becomes the new primary target. This means they must fly to
Eder, and when they see that it too has been breached, they
difficulty must fly to the Target of Last Resort (Ennepe).
Your goal is to breach a dam (you don’t get credit for
Möhne or Eder, so it’s got to be another dam).You don’t
have the best aircrews in the squadron though, and by the previous damage to Sorpe Dam
time they reach the enemy coast two dams will have been Randomly draw an Upkeep marker and place it on Sorpe
breached, and thus, the Germans will be active. This won’t Dam’s Status Record Track. It represents damage
be easy. inflicted by Lancasters earlier in the night (don’t reveal
the amount of damage until you have a bomber in the
endnotes Circling Near Box during Step 4 of the Status Phase of an
Attack Turn [this is explained in rule 4.4.4]).
The scenario ends when all Lancasters are in RTB Boxes
or are destroyed. When it ends, resolve the fate of all RTB
aircraft and check Morning Recon. Interpret the
scenario’s outcome by using the scenario’s Debriefing
Chart.
27
Flight of the Reserve Force

aircraft & attachments... place each wave marker in the ENGLAND flight zone
AJ-C is the leader of the wave

Seasoned A attach a randomly
leader
aircrew
Upk p drawn ordnance
2 Upkee
First eep
marker to each
1
Wave Upkeep Upkee
p
1
Seasoned 1
aircraft
p e
Seasoned Upke aircrew 1 1 Green Gree
aircrew aircre n
l 2 aircrew w
2 1
1
ignore
map error
use once
First
Wave
mapsheet...
Flight Zones: the dam is already damaged; reveal the damage

during the Status Phase when you have a
N
CO
Recon Level 2 Lancaster Circling Near [4.4.4];

RE
the ACTIVITY LEVEL starts at 1

secondary target is Eder PS EET
Mission Planning Blotter Flight Map d arget Maps
DI MEL
DAM First SORPE DA
3
RECON. LEVEL
Wave
ve
N
Weser
N
CO
1 RECO
EDER
Upkeep RE
0
water
DAM
1 level
primary target is Möhne MOHNE
DAM SORPE
DAM
RECON
R
p m y
1
Firstt
Möhne, Eder and Sorpe
HE
0
DAM B VER 0 1 4
DAM ENNEPE
DAM
Wave SORPE D
l
EDER DAM
0 2 3 4
are at Recon Level 2 (all
3
RECON EVEL
Dutch Coast
RE ight Turn
CO
other dams are at Recon

N rn 6 Tu n 5 BEVE M
0 0 00
0 1
NAV GA ION 7 Tu n 4
0 1 2 3 4
Level 1 in this scenario).

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
ALERT level 3
AL ITUDE & PEED
0
1
Ennepe is the target of NNEPE DAM
last resort
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 l 2
AL
v l
3 1 2 3 4
North Sea
( l v l
RM
t ) b
ch n h
fig t r
a a
BOMB-A M NG & RELEASE
OHNE DAM
so t f
Re Las et o
RT
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
ALE
rg
0 1 2 3 4
rt
ta
MÖHNE DAM Attack Turn start on Turn 3

English Coast
Tu n 5 urn 4
vsb i y
he k
Re olve 30 23
Haza ds
Turn 6 urn 3
v s bi ty
Ev de ch ck
Haza ds
37 16
P ace Turn 7 urn 2

Haza ds
vsb i y
TURN
heck
Nav gat on
Che k 45 07
First
England
Move Turn 8 urn 1
Wi ele s flight
Attack Turn
Coo dina ion
Seasoned Wave
1 Co r i a e Wa e
2 Jo n W ve
& e e se
Ci cl ng S atus Chec
aircrews are at 3,
Green are at 2
appro
ach
5 approach
GREEN
ASONED
training 1 ch3
training level 65ft
le el marker 2 chits
ts
ligh i
d
marker
altitude chits
GREE SEA SONED
train ing
approach
trainin level
le el marker
marke
239mph
2 chits
1 chit
oach
mph
ASONED
GREEN aining
training level
le el
marker
arker
speed chits
put all altitude
chits
in a cup, and all
put hazard chits into their respective cups speed chits
(3 cups, one for each color) in another cup
phase
attack

28
Dam
not Möhne RTB Outcome Flight of the Reserve Force
or Eder
decisive victory
3+ Three breached dams devastate Germany’s war industry. Select one of the returning Lancasters -- its pilot or
bomb-aimer is awarded the Victoria Cross.
the last VC?
Success beyond all expectations! The Ruhr is flooded, its industrial capacity dramatically reduced for months.
The Fuhrer is enraged that such an attack could do so much damage, and he personally oversees new measures
breached to defend other industrial infrastructure, diverting vast resources from the Eastern Front.
Roll a die to determine the fate of downed flyers: if a 1, none survive, but any other result means that some
0-2 either bail out or manage to land a damaged bomber in enemy territory. Of those who survive, most are taken
prisoner and the rest die of injuries or are shot escaping camp or are killed during interrogation (the Germans
are eager to learn everything they can about the bouncing bomb). Some of the captured flyers survive incar-
ceration and are liberated in 1945, but many were presumed dead and records are not properly sorted out for
months. Roll another die: if EVEN, one of those liberated men eventually learns that he has been awarded the
Victoria Cross for his actions during the early morning hours of May 17, 1943. He is formally decorated at
Buckingham Palace in 1946, the last veteran of the war to receive the VC.
harmless failure
5 Wing Commander Gibson congratulates the returning crews, recommending decorations for some of them
after the debriefing.
bail out? Roll a die to determine the fate of the lost aircrew: EVEN, some of the crew escapes,
4 either parachuting safely or scampering out of the downed aircraft (roll a die: that
number escape the doomed bomber); if ODD, all die.
letters home Two crews don’t return. After long debriefings, a hearty meal and a hefty drink, and a
brief nap, Wing Commander Gibson and the squadron adjutant sit down to write letters
3 to the wives and mothers of the men who did not return. Gibson would like to wait a
day, just to see if word of their survival turns up, but the press is already abuzz with news
damaged of the raid.
but not high price As he and his adjutant write letters to the wives and mothers of flyers who did not
breached return, Wing Commander Gibson can’t help but think how high a price the squadron
don’t count 1-2 paid to damage that dam. He recommends decorations for returning crews. Meanwhile,
pre-existing a letter of commendation to the squadron is being penned by A.O.C. Cochrane.
damage
disappeared
Morning recon reveals that Roll a die to determine the fate of missing aircrew:
the dam was damaged, but 1 = all die either in their planes or soon after they bail out;
it is not known which 2-5 = some survive, but are soon captured; they spend the rest of the war in
0 Lancaster was responsible prison camps, and some of those will attempt escapes; only a few will survive
for it. the war, and only then will the full story of the Reserve Force come to light;
6 = same as above, except one escapee is not caught; he makes his way to the
French coast, then to Britain, with the help of the French underground, and the
story of his daring journey becomes one of the most popular reads of 1945 (his
participation in the dambuster raid a mere footnote to the story).
futile flight roll a die to resolve the hunt

Feeling lucky to have returned, the crews endure a relatively short debrief- for surviving airmen downed
3+ ing and then settle into their bunks. Some eat first. Within a few hours the over Germany:
neither details of the attack on Möhne and Eder are told and retold. There will be
other missions. 1-2 = none survive;
breached
nor survived 3-5 = that many parachute
damaged The returning flyers land in the early morning and soon find themselves in safely are soon caught; most
don’t count 1-2 the debriefing room at Scampton. Exhausted, they recount the crucial details survive the war in prison
pre-existing of the their flight, and soon learn that they suffered the worst that the camps;
damage Germans offered last night.
6 = same as above, except
children’s crusade one escapes and finds the
Morning recon reveals no information, and wireless messages during the Dutch underground, and
0 makes his way to American
early morning hours were garbled or incomplete. The sacrifice of the Reserve
Force mars an otherwise successful mission. forces in late 1944.
29
Scenario 9: The Dambuster Raid

This scenario combines Scenarios 6-8.Your goal is to breach two dams, or more, and you have 19 Lancasters to work with. The Alert
Level begins at 1, and the Recon Levels of all dams is 1, except Möhne, Eder and Sorpe which are at Recon Level 2. All hostile Flight
Zones are at Recon Level 2 as well. All Activity Levels are 0 (zero) and all Water Levels are Full. Flak at Möhne is at Level 3 but all
other defense levels (at every dam) are at Level 0 (zero). You have the element of surprise, use it well.
bombers & crews

elite crewman elite crewman
Lancaster aircrew (if more than one is listed, select one) Lancaster aircrew (if more than one is listed, select one)
Wave: primary target = Möhne; secondary = Eder Wave: Airborne Reserve (see below)
AJ-G veteran Gibson, Trevor-Roper, AJ-C seasoned Guterman
(leader) or Deering (leader)
AJ-M veteran Hopgood or Gregory AJ-F seasoned -

AJ-P veteran Martin or Leggo AJ-O green Townsend or Franklin
AJ-S seasoned -
Wave: primary target = Möhne; secondary = Eder AJ-Y green -
AJ-A veteran Young Place in the England zone. All Lancasters carry Upkeep
(leader)
(randomly selected; don’t peek at back of Upkeep markers).
AJ-J seasoned Nicholson
AJ-L veteran Shannon or Walker
Wave: primary target = Möhne; secondary = Eder

AJ-N
airborne reserve
(leader) veteran Knight The Airborne Reserve enters play on Flight Turn 3.
Before the game begins you must assign Möhne as the
AJ-B seasoned -
Primary Target and Eder as the Secondary Target. You
AJ-Z veteran - may not change these target designations prior to the
Wireless Phase of Flight Turn 5.
Wave: primary target = Sorpe
AJ-E difficulty
seasoned Gillespie or Williams
(leader) Your goal is to breach at least two dams.You’ve got the
AJ-H green - entire 617 Squadron, so, expectations are high.
AJ-K seasoned -
VARIANT Scenario 9v: free set up
AJ-W seasoned - In this variant you are welcome to organize the 19 Lancast-
ers as you see fit. Fly as many or as few waves as you like
independent aircraft: primary target = Sorpe (some, none or all bombers may fly independently). You
McCarthy or Johnson may start the scenario on any turn, but only 15 bombers
AJ-T seasoned
COMPASS CARD attached may take off on the same turn. All bombers must have
Place all waves and AJ-T in the England zone. All Lancasters Primary Targets before you play the first Flight Turn. Also,
carry Upkeep (select randomly; don’t peek at backs). before play begins, you must decide when each Lancaster
takes off (i.e., which Flight Turn to place each aircraft in
target of last resort the England zone).
Any dam may be selected, except Möhne, Eder or Sorpe.
Assign targets any way you like, but only Möhne, Eder and
endnotes Sorpe may be Primary Targets (if you’d like greater
The scenario ends when all Lancasters are in RTB Boxes freedom to select Primary Targets, play Scenario 10). ALL
or are destroyed. When it ends, resolve the fate of all LANCASTERS must have assigned Primary Targets before
RTB aircraft and check Morning Recon. Interpret the the game begins, and a bomber’s primary target may not
scenario’s outcome by using the scenario’s Debriefing be changed until it enters play [see rule 6.4.4 regarding
Chart. how a Primary Target may be changed].
30
Scenario 9: The Dambuster Raid

RTB Outcome
1+ a (p.31)
Four dams breached
0 b (p.31)
primary secondary
third dam
target target
RTB Outcome
Möhne Eder any (pp.31-34)
11+ c
breached 1-10 d
0 e
Eder 16+ f
breached
not 10-15 g
breached 5-9 h
1-4 i
0 j
Möhne
breached 16+ k
11-15 l
breached 5-10 m
Eder
1-4 n
not 0 o
breached 16+ p
11-15 q
not
breached 5-10 r
1-4 s
0 t
1+ u
breached
0 v
Eder 14+ w
breached
not
7-13 x
Möhne breached 1-6 y
not
breached
0 z
13+ aa
Eder breached 7-12 bb
not 0-6 cc
breached not 1+ dd
breached
0 ee
31
outcome Scenario 9
Adolf Hitler is dumbfounded when his Minister for Armaments and Munitions explains the implications of the raid.
a Through a shroud of rage he orders every measure necessary to repair the dams, defend them, and then demands to see a
map highlighting every dam and reservoir in Britain. “Retaliation one-hundredfold” will be theme of his next radio address
to the volk.
Meanwhile at Scampton, returning flyers celebrate, and mourn those they left behind. A Victoria Cross is awarded, as well
as a bevy of other decorations. Headlines in the British press offer hyperbolic accolades. The Daily Mail blares “RAF
SMASHES GERMAN INDUSTRY,” while the Illustrated London News declares the raid a “TRIUMPH.” Air Chief Marshal
Harris later personally congratulates Barnes Wallis, offering support for any other ideas the engineer might have. In years
to come historians will include the Dambuster Raid on the list of the war’s strategic turning points.
b When Air Chief Marshal Harris hears that none of the Lancasters in 617 Squadron returned to Scampton, he is dumb-
founded. From the very beginning he was suspicious of the bouncing bomb’s efficacy, and while waiting to hear details he
begins a letter intended to remove Barnes Wallis from all association with the RAF and the Ministry of Aircraft Produc-
tion. But then he receives the full report of breached dams, confirmed in the morning by reconnaissance aircraft, and his
zeal dulls. The engineer’s unlikely device not only worked, it proved to be of strategic importance. Without apparent
irony he is heard to exclaim, “I’ll be damned.”
c After several days of inspections, Albert Speer, Minister for

Armaments and Munitions, reports that the RAF attempted to
Ai cr w te
“strike at our whole armament industry by destroying the applies to outcomes on this page
hydroelectric plants of the Ruhr.” In 48 hours Hitler approves To determine the fate of the crews lost over enemy territory,
Speer’s ambitious plan to strip other factories to restore roll two dice:
electrical power service and to repair the broken dams before
the autumn rains commence. Thousands of laborers are 2 none survive;
brought in to do the work, including more than 20,000 Todt
Organization laborers employed building the Atlantic Wall in 3-5 that number survive, and sit the rest of the war
France, Belgium and the Netherlands. The Luftwaffe is also out in PoW camps;
required by the Fuhrer to divert its resources to the Ruhr,
installing barrage balloons, searchlight and flak batteries, and 6-9 less than a dozen flyers manage to bail out or
increasing nightfighter patrols over the area. scramble away from downed bombers, only to
be captured by the Germans; most sit the war
Meanwhile in Britain, the returning flyers celebrate, and out in PoW camps, but several die of disease or
mourn those they left behind. A Victoria Cross is awarded, as malnutrition, especially after being forced to
well as a bevy of other decorations. Headlines in the British march to new camps as the Allies push into
press offer hyperbolic accolades. The Daily Mail blares “RAF German territory in early 1945;
STRIKES MIGHTY BLOW,” while The Illustrated London News
declares the raid a “TRIUMPH.” Air Chief Marshal Harris later 10-11 nearly a dozen airmen survive, but are soon
personally congratulates Barnes Wallis, offering support for captured; many die in interrogation, but nearly
any other ideas the engineer might have. half survive the war;
If Sorpe was the third dam breached, in conjunction with escape? -- roll a die: that number escape
Möhne, the flood is so devastating that historians will assess the from their PoW camp; roll another die: if
raid to have been a strategic turning point in the war. EVEN they are killed evading recapture; if
ODD they are returned to camp to wait the
end of the war;
d Same as c (above), but with this added: 12 same as above, except one escapee manages to
In the early hours of May 17, shortly after the last returning flee to Switzerland or to the underground;
Lancaster landed back at Scampton, telegrams began to tap out
notifications to the next-of-kin of flyers who did not return. get away? -- roll another die: if EVEN, he
Letters would follow. The long casualty list mars an otherwise manages to get back to Britain before the end
magnificent mission. of the war; he endures a long and belated
debriefing, and is awarded the Conspicuous
Gallantry Medal (CGM); if ODD, he reaches
e Same as b (above), except Harris can’t bear to shake the Britain after VE Day.
engineer’s hand.
f Coastal Command relays this to 617 Squadron: “Well done Scampton. A magnificent night’s work.” Since so few Lancasters
were lost in the raid against the dams, the Germans remain oblivious of Upkeep. As one engineer confessed in his report
later that month, “it is not known yet what type of explosive was employed.”
Meanwhile, back in Britain, a Victoria Cross is awarded, as well as several DFC’s, DSO’s, CGM’s and bars, keeping the King
busy at Buckingham Palace in June and July. With most of its aircraft and crewmen intact, 617 Squadron is assigned other
challenging and vital targets, including the German battleship Tirpitz using another device engineered by Barnes Wallis -- a
ten-ton bomb codenamed Tallboy.
32
outcome Scenario 9
Air Vice-Marshal Cochrane signals this from Grantham: “All ranks in 5 Group join me in congratulating you and all in 617
g Squadron on a brilliantly conducted operation.” Air Chief Marshal Harris personally attends several of the debriefings, along
with Barnes Wallis, where Harris congratulates the engineer and tells him that his skepticism of the bouncing bomb is no
more. Shaking his hand he exclaims, “you can sell me a pink elephant.” In the Ruhr Valley, several powerstations are no longer
operational, knocked out by floodwaters. The Möhne in particular gushes a tidal wave damaging roads, buildings, sweeping
away bridges and inundating buildings as the water rises more than thirty feet. A 20-ton turbine is washed away and the dam’s
torpedo netting is forced through the breach. The water let loose by the Eder rises more slowly as it fills the broader valley,
but ultimately it rises higher, just topping 39 feet. Civilians scramble out of the way as best they can, but more than a thousand
of them die.
h
The raid is a success, but a problem comes to light. Despite the safety precaution of
a self-destruct detonator fixed to Upkeep, the RAF soon learns that the Germans
Ai crew ate
applies to outcomes on this page
managed to get their hands on an intact mine. The Air Ministry fears that a Heinkel-
177 or Dornier-217 may be capable of carrying Upkeep, and before the month is To determine the fate of the aircrews
out at least one Parliament minister asserts that British and Scottish dams are vulner- lost over enemy territory, roll two dice:
able. By the end of June, anti-aircraft guns, searchlight batteries and smoke cannons
are installed to defend nearly a dozen dams, manned by the 57 Anti-Aircraft Brigade 2-3 none survive;
comprised of 5,000 personnel.
4-6 that number survive, but are
captured by the Gestapo;
i Two dams breached is a marvelous result, yet the casualty list is devastating. Air
Chief Marshal Harris is dubious of the mission’s success, given the cost in lives and some die during questioning;
aircraft, especially considering the vast talent and experience that 617 Squadron with great patience and
considerable effort, the
represented. The losses are so great that the squadron is decommissioned, its Germans learn the technical
remnants transferred to other units. Barnes Wallis is also disturbed by the losses, so details of Upkeep;
much so that he considers shelving schemes he has for other ordnance.
The casualties suffered by 617 Squadron that night have long-lasting impact. 7-9 several flyers parachute
Decades after the war, one surviving pilot will tell a British reporter that, “To this safely or survive crashes, and
day, I think about the ghastliness of the numbers.” Over the years British tourists many are badly injured;
will visit the site of the dams, as well as the many places where 617 Squadron’s captured within days, some
die before their transfer to
Lancasters hit the ground. Graves will be marked, and the anniversary observed for PoW camps, where they sit
decades. the war out until liberated by
Allied armies;
Same as b (but use the Aircrew Fate table on this page), with this amendment:
j Air Chief Marshal Harris writes the letter, emphasizing the extent of the catastro-
phe: 617 Squadron was organized with 5 Group’s best pilots and crews. In one night
it is wiped out. 10-11 several flyers survive and are
captured;
On May 18 the headline of The Daily Mirror reads, “TORRENT RAGES ALONG escape? -- roll another die:
k RUHR.” The mission is a great success, especially considering the risk of flying
under-armored low-altitude aircraft over hostile territory. A Victoria Cross is
that number escape from
their PoW camp; roll two
awarded, as well as other decorations, and Prime Minister Winston Churchill is more dice: that is the
greeted with a standing ovation by the United States Senate when he gives them the number of days it takes the
news in a speech he delivers in Washington, D.C. on May 19. Germans to recapture them;
half the escapees die
The lightness of the casualties and the excited insistence of Barnes Wallis to “finish attempting to flee;
the job,” encourages Air Chief Marshal Harris to press the attack. He orders a
follow-up raid, to be launched as soon as possible, before the Germans install
effective counter-measures. This second raid can only take place if: 1) at least 6 12 same as above, except at least
undamaged Lancasters returned to Scampton at the end of the scenario, and 2) you one escapee eludes recap-
ture; he manages to find the
have at least 4 Upkeep markers left at the end of the scenario. (If the conditions are Dutch underground.
satisfied, and you wish to play the follow-up raid, see the instructions on p. 35.)
Same as k (above), with the following amendment:

l Roll a die: if EVEN, another attack against Eder Dam is ordered. If ODD, the casualties suffered by 617 Squadron are deemed
too great by Air Marshal Harris. He is not even convinced the mission was a success. There will be no follow-up raid.
Air Vice-Marshal Cochrane signaled this from Grantham: “All ranks in 5 Group join me in congratulating you and all in 617
m Squadron on a brilliantly conducted operation.” Privately, he is disturbed by the losses suffered by the squadron, and his boss,
Air Chief Marshal Harris, states flatly that the mission can scarcely be considered a success. Harris is determined that another
Pyrrhic disaster like this one will not be perpetrated on his flyers, and he writes a letter to the Air Ministry requesting that
Barnes Wallis no longer receive support for his “experiments.” Meanwhile, the Air Ministry is feeling pressure from a Parlia-
ment minister who is convinced that British and Scottish dams are vulnerable to the same kind of bouncing bomb attack.
Intelligence soon learns that at least one Upkeep has been recovered intact by the Germans, lending urgency to fears of retali-
ation. By the end of June, anti-aircraft guns, searchlight batteries and smoke cannons are installed to defend nearly a dozen
dams.
33
outcome Scenario 9
n Same as i (above, except use the Aircrew Fate table on this page). And, roll a die: if EVEN, Churchill insists on a follow-up raid
targeting Eder Dam [p.35]; if ODD, Harris talks him out of it.
Same as j (above, except use the Aircrew Fate table on this page). If Sorpe was breached, British intelligence gradually learns
o that the raid was more devastating than anticipated, due to its floodwaters combined with the Möhne’s. Roll a die: if EVEN,
Barnes Wallis is given a green light to develop other ordnance. If ODD, Harris
successfully has the engineer barred. Ai crew ate
Air Chief Marshal Harris is pleased that Upkeep worked, but is skeptical of the applies to outcomes on this page
p operation’s success. The primary objective was accomplished, but Eder Dam To determine the fate of the aircrews lost
remains, and he is informed by Barnes Wallis and Air Ministry staff that a follow-up over enemy territory, roll two dice (roll
raid is necessary to make a lasting impact on Germany’s industrial output. once for all crews):
The lightness of the casualties convinces Air Chief Marshal Harris to press the attack 2-4 none survive;
as soon as possible, before the Germans install effective counter-measures. He 5-6 that number survive, but
orders a follow up raid against Eder Dam [see instructions, page 35]. are soon captured; some
die during questioning;
with great patience and
q Same as p (above), but with this amendment: to determine if a follow-up raid is considerable effort, the
Germans learn the techni-
ordered, roll two dice and subtract the number of Lancasters that did not return to
Scampton. If the modified roll is 2 or higher, a follow-up raid is ordered. cal details of Upkeep;
7 same as above, but roll a
r Air Chief Marshal Harris pens a sharp letter to the Air Ministry reiterating his long-
standing conviction that “low attacks with heavy bombers” results in nothing but
die: EVEN, one flyer
eludes capture and
“costly failures.” When pressed by Barnes Wallis and other supporters of Operation remains in hiding, until he
Chastise, he admits the technical problem of the mine was solved, but the result was finds the U.S. Army in
an impractical weapon amounting to military folly. 1944 (or it finds him);
ODD, one flyer eludes
Meanwhile, the Royal Navy’s high command scratches its plans to attack the battle- capture and remains in
hiding for months, when
ship Tirpitz with a smaller version of the bouncing mine, codenamed Highball, from he is finally rooted out of a
a squadron of Mosquitoes. The element of surprise has been squandered. farmer’s cellar by German
soldiers;
s On the afternoon of May 17, the airfield at Scampton looks deserted. Groundcrews
go about their tasks in near silence and there are not enough machines for them to 8-9 several flyers parachute
safely or survive crashes,
work on. Men stand idle. In the mess hall there are so many empty seats and vacant and many are badly
tables, the wait staff also have little to do, and the atmosphere in the room is morose. injured; all are captured
Soon the squadron will be disbanded, its personnel reassigned elsewhere, and before within days, some die
long Scampton will be host to airmen and Erks who will have little knowledge of the before their transfer to
intense training that led up to the disastrous night of May 16, 1943. PoW camps, where they sit
the war out until liberated
Years later Air Marshal Harris will refer to Barnes Wallis as that man who “threw by Allied armies;
away men’s lives for a demolitions experiment.”
10-11 same as above;
t Although the dam was breached, an inquiry and eventually a court-marshal is escape? -- roll another
appointed to investigate the alleged negligence that led to the destruction of an die: that number escape
entire squadron [see p.42 bottom]. from their PoW camp; roll
two more dice: that is the
number of days it takes the
u There are two possible outcomes:
Germans to recapture
a) Sorpe is breached: If you ended the scenario with 4 or more Upkeep markers them; half the escapees die
attempting to flee;
still attached to bombers, AND at least 6 undamaged bombers returned to Scamp-
ton, you may play a follow-up scenario targeting the Möhne Dam. See the instruc-
tions for the follow-up raid on page 35. 12 some airmen manage to
survive but they are soon
b) Sorpe not breached: The water gushing out of the two dams are disastrous captured; some die
to the region down-river, but Albert Speer, German Minister for Armaments and attempting to escape from
Munitions, is soon informed by engineers that the devastation would have been their PoW camp; one
worse had the Sorpe given way in addition to the Möhne. His next few weeks are actually succeeds, even
devoted to repairing the dams before the Autumn rains commence, and bringing eluding recapture; he
manages to find the under-
production back up to pre-Chastise levels. ground; roll another die: if
Meanwhile, Air Chief Marshal Harris is pressed to order a small follow-up raid EVEN he makes contact
with Allied soldiers in the
against the Möhne Dam. If you ended the scenario with 6 or more Upkeep markers Summer of 1944; if ODD,
still attached to bombers, AND at least 8 undamaged bombers returned to Scampton, he is shot eluding German
you may play a follow-up scenario targeting the Möhne Dam. See the instructions on soldiers.
page 35 for the follow-up raid.
34
outcome Scenario 9
Two dams breached, but what carnage! The squadron is lost, soon to be dubbed the “doomed squadron” by ambitious histori-
v ans after the war. Considered unlucky, the number 617 is decommissioned along with the squadron, and the story of Opera-
tion Chastise will join the likes of the Charge of the Light Brigade. Not until after the war when downed airmen are liberated
from prison camps will the full story of that night come to light.
Since casualties are light, in order to strike before defenses at the dams are improved, Ai crew ate
w 617 Squadron is ordered to make a second attack on the Möhne Dam the following
night. Roll a die to determine if the squadron is ready to fly again: if EVEN it is, if
applies to outcomes on this page
ODD, it flies two nights later (subtract 1 from the die roll when you check Möhne’s To determine the fate of the aircrews lost
defenses). In either case, see the instructions for the follow-up raid on page 35. over enemy territory, roll two dice:
2-5 none survive;

x The flood waters inundate roads, mills, a nearby airbase, and sweep away bridges,
lightweight buildings, and even a turbine that crashes along with the rest of the
torrent. Nearly 40,000 cubic yards of soil swept into the Fulda River will have to be 6 six survive, but are soon
captured; some die during
dredged in order to restore its navigability. All this becomes the headache of Albert questioning; with great
Speer, Minister for Armaments and Munitions. It is his job to explain to his enraged patience and considerable
Fuhrer that as shocking as the damage is, the fact that only this one dam was breached effort, the Germans learn
is a blessing. It could have been far worse. the technical details of
Upkeep;
y Lord Beaverbrook, former Minister of Aircraft Production and the man who helped
7 seven survive and are
initiate the bouncing bomb project, finds it difficult supporting Barnes Wallis despite captured (as above), but
the success of the mine at Eder. Air Marshal Harris, commander of Bomber Com- one manages to concoct a
mand, is irate, demanding all further “dangerous experiments with low-flying heavy believable tale about
aircraft” be discontinued. torpedo-armed Lancast-
ers; for several weeks a
z Barnes Wallis is ecstatic that the mine worked, but when the extent of bomber losses
becomes known, he is mortified. Roll a die: if EVEN, he is so shaken by the casualty
high-ranking German
officer is convinced that a
list that he drops all further work on munitions and aircraft for several months, until team of British comman-
coaxed back to work by colleagues. If ODD, the Minister of Aircraft Production dos cut the torpedo nets in
finds it necessary to block Wallis’ access to the Ministry’s facilities and projects. the dam’s reservoir on the
night of May 16, 1943;
aa It is a long night at Grantham. Air Chief Marshal Harris, Air Vice-Marshal Cochrane,
their staff, and Barnes Wallis, endure a confusion of wireless communications from 8-9 several flyers parachute
safely or survive crashes,
617 Squadron. By dawn it seems that the primary and secondary targets remain and many are badly
intact, but a tertiary target was breached. Wallis’ device works, but why didn’t it injured; all are captured
work on the intended targets? The debriefing sessions of May 17 drag on and start within days, some die
again on the 18th. before their transfer to
PoW camps, where they
Roll a die: if EVEN, a follow-up raid against Möhne and Eder is ordered by Harris. sit the war out until
Play the follow-up raid only if you ended the scenario with at least 6 undamaged liberated by Allied armies;
Lancasters and 4 Upkeep markers returning to Scampton. See the instructions on
page 35. If ODD, Cochrane and Harris come to believe that 617 Squadron was 10-11 same as above;
handled poorly. If Wing Commander Gibson survives the scenario, he is given a long escape? -- roll another
furlough. die: that number escape
from their PoW camp; roll
bb Same as aa (above), except that a follow-up raid is NOT contemplated (do not roll two more dice: that is the
a die). Instead, Air Vice-Marshal Cochrane commends 617 Squadron for gallantry, number of days it takes the
and if Wing Commander Gibson survived the scenario, he receives a DSO bar. Germans to recapture
them; half the escapees die
Air Chief Marshal Harris calls the operation a “slaughter,” and Barnes Wallis is devas- attempting to flee;
cc tated by the news of casualties. Despite the success of Upkeep at the breached dam,
Wallis retires. 12 same as above, except at
least one escapee eludes
When dawn breaks at Grantham, Air Chief Marshal Harris grumbles “What folly!” recapture; he manages to
dd He reaches Scampton before noon and congratulates the surviving crews, but he has find the underground; in
already given orders to bar Barnes Wallis from all RAF facilities. “That man will not 1945 he makes contact
experiment with my men’s lives anymore.” with Allied soldiers;
1 Wing Commander Gibson is posthumously (and conveniently) found negligent;
ee A court marshal is appointed to inves-
tigate. Roll a die: 2 Barnes Wallis and his ambitious device are found to be ill-advised; the scandal is
debated in a closed session of Parliament; Lord Beaverbrook resigns from the Cabinet
Regardless of the die roll, the details of and Wallis becomes a pariah;
what happened over Germany on the 3 Air Vice-Marshal Cochrane, A.O.C. 5 Group, becomes a scapegoat; he had only been
night of the dambuster raid don’t on the job since February, but in June he is transferred to Delhi;
emerge until after the war when 4 Air Chief Marshal Harris finds himself defending his lukewarm support of Upkeep;
downed airmen are liberated from
PoW camps. 5-6 no action is taken.
35
Scenario 9
If the outcome indicates that a follow-up raid is ordered, RECON LEVEL
play the scenario again, but with the following changes: The Recon Levels of all dams remain the same, except for
those where Lancasters entered the Circling Near Box --
LANCASTERS increase the Recon Level by 1.
Only use undamaged Lancasters that returned to Scamp-
ton. You may repair two damaged bombers before play DAM DAMAGE and ACTIVITY LEVELS
begins and you may add one new Lancaster to those avail- If you damaged the dam, it remains damaged. Remove
able. Remove all hazard attachments from Lancasters and Upkeep markers that did not damage dams, and reset Activity
crews before play begins (e.g., Faulty Merlin or Map Levels to zero.
Error).
TARGETS
UPKEEP, AIRCREWS, ELITE CREWMEN The Primary Target is Möhne. If already breached, it is Eder,
You get two more Upkeep markers and one new Elite unless already breached, in which case it is any dam (your
Crewman marker to attach to Lancasters, in addition to the choice).
markers that returned to Scampton at the end of the
scenario (elite crewmen that used their “once only” benefits OUTCOME
may use them again in the follow-up raid). Randomly draw Use Scenario 9’s Debriefing Chart (again), but consider the
the new markers. You may detach and re-attach Upkeep, initial raid and its follow-up to be a single raid.
aircrew, and Elite Crewmen markers as necessary, before
play begins. For example, detach an Upkeep marker from a For example, if a dam was breached in the initial raid and another
damaged bomber to attach it to an undamaged bomber. was breached in the follow-up, read the outcome by applying both
breached dams. Thus, if Eder was breached in the first raid and
WAVES Möhne was breached in the second, the potential outcomes would be f
Organize aircraft and attachments in any manner you through j.
prefer.
To determine the number of Lancasters that returned to base,
ALERT LEVEL use this “formula”:
Reset the Alert Level to 1, unless damage was inflicted on Total Lancasters 19
three or more dams, in which case roll a die: if EVEN, reset
How many Lancasters did not RTB? (subtract)
it to 1, if ODD, reset it to 2.
Lancasters that returned to base
DAM DEFENSES
The Germans are now protecting the dams. The first time For example, if three bombers failed to RTB at the conclusion of the initial raid and
the dam is acquired, roll a die to determine the improve- another six did not return from the follow-up raid, ten aircraft are considered to
ments: have returned to base. Continuing the above example, the outcome would be g.
Möhne Eder other

1 die new defense levels 1 die new defense levels 1 die new defense levels
1 Flak Level 4, 1 Flak Level 3, 1 Flak Level 2,

Searchlights Level 1, Searchlights Level 2, Balloons Level 2;
Balloons Level 2; Balloons Level 2;
2 Flak Level 1,
2 Flak Level 3, 2 Flak Level 3, Balloons Level 2;
Balloons Level 2; Balloons Level 2;
3 Flak Level 1,
3 Flak Level 2, 3 Flak Level 2; Balloons Level 1;
Balloons Level 1; Nightfighter Nearby;
4 Flak Level 1,
4 Flak Level 2, Balloons Level 1;
Balloons Level 1; Nightfighter Nearby; 4 Searchlights Level 1,
Nightfighter Nearby; Balloons Level 1;
5 Flak Level 1,
5 Balloons Level 1.
5-6 Flak Level 2, Balloons Level 1;
Nightfighter Nearby;
6 Balloons Level 1. 6 no change.

36
Scenario 10: The Campaign Game

This scenario presents the problem of organizing 617 Squadron and training its crews to attack the dams. It uses the entire
rules set [1.0 - 13.0], as well as the entire mapsheet including the full Mission Planning Blotter.
The game starts with Planning Turn 1: The curtain rises in April when the new A.O.C. of 5 Group informs you that a new
squadron is being formed for a very special mission, and you are hereby appointed its wing commander.
Congratulations and best of luck!
mission planning blotter
TURN
Exaini
Tr
Re
RPques
you start with 60 RP

tra ng
planning
RP RP x10
t
le ty
k ri
l
ve
ris ecu
s
Set the security risk level

marker aside (technically, it
starts on the zero space, but set-aside
you won’t need it until
Flight Prep); you won’t
know what the starting
Alert Level is until you 5 15
perform the Security Risk
Check [11.4.2], so set that you will use these here
marker aside too: [10.2]
AL
ER
T
VETERAN
a rcrew
level
you will use this here

marker
training levels VETERAN

ai crew
N WALL S
[10.3.3]
onu
level
marker w
ma ker
VETERAN
place training training
level
marker
level markers in
VETERAN
air rew
level
ma ker
the zero space SEASONED

of each training training
level Dann
track marker
VHF bombsight
yes
GREEN
training
level
marker you will use these here [10.4]

37
flight map and dam record tracks

set-aside
to be brought into play during the recon & water level markers
Requisition Phase [10.1]
N randomly draw a recon marker
Groundcrew O (don’t peek at the back) and
10 Handle EC
R place on the zero space of each
5 Erk dam record track, and on each
1 5 6
hostile flight zone’s recon track
sortie
water place a water level marker on

Green Seasoned Veteran level the “rising” space of each dam’s
aircrew aircrew aircrew record track
Weser
1 2 3
LISTER DAM 4 rv dam’s damage
capacity
12 8 6
no damage
dam ge
Upkeep
N
when you requisition water
CO
15 1 2 level 3 4
Upkeep, draw randomly
RE
Up
N
1
CO
1
Up from a cup and do not peek RE
at the back
ke
DIEMEL DAM
ep
4 rv
12 8 6
no damage
N
damage
CO
water
when you bring elite crew-
RE
level
men into play, draw 0 1 2 3 4

i
randomly from a cup
use
da JINX SPY armorer
EDER DAM 9 rv
n
add these to the cup RE
ig o
gu 12 i n 8 6f
no damage
ignore damage CO
fatigue
of elite crewmen
P
N water
level
0 1 3 4
HENNE DAM 2 rv
12 8 6
no damage
N
damage
CO
put in cups for later
water
RE level
0 1 3 4
to be drawn randomly during flight or
attack turns SORPE DAM 5 rv (+1 if Mohne breached)
appro
15 12 10 u
no damage
ach
N
damage
CO
53f approach wat

1 chi er
RE
f leve
65ft l
2 chits 0 1 2 3 4
altitude chits
approach BEVER DAM 3 rv
239mph 14 11 9 u
no damage
2 chits
damage
1 chit
oach
water
RE
mph
CO
level
1 3 4
N
speed chits
put all altitude
chits ENNEPE DAM 3 rv
in a cup, and all N 12 8 6
CO
no damage
RE
damage
speed chits water

in another cup level
0 1 3 4
ap
m rror
e
MOHNE DAM 8 rv
put hazard chits into their respective 12 8 6
N
no damage
CO
damage
cups (3 cups, one for each color) water

RE
level
0 1 3 4

38
scenario 10
Debriefing happens as a five-step process. Each of the first three steps has its own Debriefing Chart and outcomes,
and will award you VP. In Step 4 total the VP awarded in Steps 1-3 to determine the political outcome. In Step 5,
determine if there will be a follow-up raid. Instructions for the follow-up raid follows Step 5.
step 1
debriefing: 5 Group
Was 5 Group affected adversely by the raid? To evaluate the impact of 617 Squadron’s casualties on 5 Group, add
the requisition points of all destroyed aircrew (that is, of all aircrew that did not return to base at the end of the
game). Include aircrew destroyed during training (crashed). Then, add the number of Elite Crewmen markers
attached to Lancasters that did not return to base. The sum is the “crew loss”. The immediate effect on 5 Group is
indicated in the chart. Also, note the victory points awarded to you. If the result reads “no follow-up raid,” then
regardless of the Step 5 outcome, no follow-up raid is permitted (not by 5 Group anyway).
crew loss
req. points + elite crewmen lost Outcome: effect on 5 Group VP
acceptable
15 or less Personnel losses are acceptable. The effectiveness of 5 3
Group remains high.
moderate
16-24 Personnel losses are acceptable. The Group’s effectiveness 1
remains good, but replacements are necessary.
heavy
The raid sacrificed too many men, and quite possibly too
25-30 many experienced aircrews. Without immediate replace- 0
ments, 5 Group’s effectiveness has dropped.
severe (no follow-up raid)

Personnel losses were so extreme that 5 Group’s effective-
31-35 ness has been compromised. Immediate replacements are -1
necessary to restore aircrew numbers and quality.
catastrophic (no follow-up raid)

617 Squadron was manned by the best aircrews in 5 Group,
and a single raid has decimated its ranks. The squadron will
be decommissioned and 5 Group will require personnel
36 or more transferred from other groups in Bomber Command to -3
maintain its effectiveness.
Henceforth, the number “617” will be bad luck to supersti-
tious airmen.

39
scenario 10
step 2
debriefing: Bomber Command
To determine Bomber Command’s evaluation of the raid, add the rv (reservoir value) of each breached dam
[3.5.1]. Then, subtract the number of Lancasters that did not return to Scampton. Do NOT include those that
crashed during training. Use the difference to determine the Bomber Command outcome, and the VP scored.
rv - Lancasters destroyed Outcome: Bomber Command VP
brilliant success
15 or more Air Chief Marshal Harris pledges to enthusiastically support 8
any and all ideas proposed by Barnes Wallis and his staff.
mission success
12-14 Upkeep works and low altitude precision night bombing is 5
proven to be a devastating weapon.
Upkeep works and low altitude precision night bombing is
8-11 proved feasible. 3
mission complete
5-7 Upkeep works, it is an engineer’s success, but given the time
and assets devoted to training a squadron to carry out this
2
unique mission, was it worth the investment?
mission failed or incomplete

2-4 Upkeep works, but the results of the mission do not justify
the time and resources devoted to it. 1
failed experiment
After weeks of preparation the raid was finally launched.
-1 to 1 Now, this experiment dispensed with, Bomber Command 0
can return to delivering hurt to Germany’s war industry
using methods it knows to work.
embarrassing failure
-2 or less Missions sometimes fail, but given the time and assets
invested in this unusual mission, this failure is galling.
-1

40
scenario 10
step 3
debriefing: Ministry of Aircraft Production
To determine the Ministry of Aircraft Production’s assessment of the raid, refer to the row in this chart corre-
sponding to the number of dams breached. Note the number of VP scored.
dams breached Outcome: Ministry of Aircraft Production VP
brilliant success
A strategic turning point in the war. If the rv of breached dams totals 10
5 or more 25 or more, award yourself another 5 VP -- you have hastened the war
to a swifter conclusion. (+5?)
At least one pilot, and at least one bomb-aimer, are awarded the
Victoria Cross.
mission success
Barnes Wallis is honored by the Prime Minister, and is invited to
4 Buckingham Palace for decoration. His engineered mine is celebrated
as the weapon that will break the back of German war industry. Wallis 9
is encouraged to develop other weapons, and is now enthusiastically
supported with facilities, funding, and staff.
Upkeep is proven to be a weapon of strategic value, lethal to
Germany’s industrial output. The Prime Minister encourages Stafford 7
3 Cripps, the new head of the Ministry of Aircraft Production, to find
more applications for this most unusual ordnance.
If the rv of breached dams add to 10 or more, award yourself one (+1?)
more VP.
success
5
2 Upkeep works, and a severe blow was delivered to the enemy. If the
rv of breached dams totals 10 or more, award yourself one more VP. (+1?)
squandered opportunity
Upkeep works, but not enough harm was done to Germany’s indus-
1 trial infrastructure; its industrial capacity was not significantly 2
harmed. And here’s the rub: the enemy is now alerted to Bomber
Command’s new weapon and tactic.
experiment Alert
This was a disappointing result, but hopefully no harm was done. If the Level 0:
opportunity presents itself, the experiment may be started anew, 1
0 assuming the Germans have not been tipped off as to the aim of
Operation Chastise and the secret weapon codenamed Upkeep. Alert
Level 1+:
The VP awarded is dependent on the Alert Level at the end of the game: -1
41
scenario 10
step 4
debriefing: the political outcome Total the VP scored in steps 1-3, and look up the corresponding outcome.
total VP Outcome
steps 1-3
strategic turning point

The raid demonstrated the vulnerability of Germany’s industrial capacity. Dams were breached,
18 or more thousands of civilians killed, agricultural land ruined, electrical power-stations obliterated, and
bridges and roads washed away or crippled. A stunning victory!
decisive victory
The success exceeded Bomber Command’s expectations, and the Prime Minister is certainly
13-17 pleased. The raid helps persuade the Americans that night bombing is a viable strategy against
German war industries, and the Soviets are assuaged by the results.
major victory
The raid was a success in every measure. Barnes Wallis is vindicated, and encouraged to develop
11-12 other weapons. Bomber Command is given a mandate to aggressively pursue the engineer’s ideas,
and develop the tactics to deliver such ordnance where it can do the most harm.
The Germans were surprised, none more than Adolf Hitler who is
marginal victory furious at the Luftwaffe for allowing such a transgression in the Ruhr.
He orders the diversion of resources to protect the dams, siphoning
9-10 assets and personnel from other theatres. But his Armaments Minister,
Albert Speer, emphasizes to the Fuhrer that the damage could have
been far worse.
encouraging but flawed result

The raid was successful, but not everything went as well as it should. Damage was inflicted on
6-8 Germany’s war industry, but was it enough? And did it warrant the investment in time, resources,
and engineering that went into Operation Chastise? And now the surprise is gone.
inconclusive
4-5 The Prime Minister is not pleased. Too many resources were diverted for this project to net such a
meager result.
frustrated
3 Operation Chastise will be rendered a footnote in the war’s annals, a failed and largely inconsequen-
tial mission. Will there be a Court of Inquiry? Roll two dice: if the sum of numbers rolled is a 2,
perform a Court of Inquiry Check [next page].
mission failed Will there be a court of inquiry? Roll a die: if the number rolled is a 1,
2 perform a Court of Inquiry Check [next page].
catastrophe
1 Will there be a Court of Inquiry? Roll a die: if the number rolled is ODD, perform a Court of
Inquiry Check [next page]; if EVEN, news of the raid is suppressed by order of the Prime Minister.
0 or less court marshal Who will take the blame? Perform a Court of Inquiry Check [next page].

42
scenario 10
step 5
follow-up raid?
Unless the outcome of step 1 specifically bars a follow-up ALERT LEVEL
raid, you may be eligible to play another raid targeting Note the Alert Level at the conclusion of the last Clean-Up
one or more dams. This second raid takes place 24 or 48 Phase of the initial raid, then reset it to 1 when you start the
hours after the launching of the first raid. The Planning follow-up raid.
Turn remains the same (and thus the moon condition
remains unchanged). DAM DAMAGE & DEFENSES
Do not perform Recon and do not check for Surprise. Instead,
A follow-up raid is possible if 10 or more Lancasters are the first time a dam is acquired, roll 2 dice to determine the
levels added to that dam’s defenses:
available at Scampton, and you have at least 6 Upkeep
available. dice roll improvement (dam defense levels)
2 or less +3 Flak, +2 Searchlights, +2 Balloons
LANCASTERS
To determine the Lancasters available, count all returned 3-4 +2 Flak, +2 Searchlights, +1 Balloons
undamaged aircraft, plus those that were requisitioned but did 5 +2 Flak, +1 Searchlights, +1 Balloons
not fly (and are undamaged). Additionally, if you choose to 6 +1 all categories Place Balloons in the
launch the follow-up raid 48 hours after the initial raid, you Close Zone; if already
automatically repair 1 damaged Lancaster per Groundcrew 7 +1 Flak, +1 Balloons in the Close Zone,
add 1 marker to the
marker. 8+ +1 Balloons Climb Box.
UPKEEP Modifiers: From the sum of numbers rolled, subtract the Alert
To determine the Upkeep available, count all Upkeep markers Level at the conclusion of the initial raid. Also, subtract 1 if you
that returned to Scampton, plus those that were requisitioned launched the raid 48 hours after the initial raid. And, if the rv of at
but never attached during Flight Prep. Also, if you choose to least one breached dam is 5 or more, subtract 1.
launch the follow-up raid 48 hours after the initial raid, you
receive 2 new Upkeep markers (draw randomly). If 24 hours NIGHTFIGHTERS NEARBY
later, you only receive 1 new Upkeep marker. When a dam is acquired, place a Nightfighter Nearby marker
on its Target Map.
ATTACHMENTS
Remove all Hazard attachments (put back in cups). You get DAM CLEAN UP
one new Elite Crewman marker to attach to Lancasters, in When a Lancaster arrives at an unbreached dam, remove all of
addition to the markers that returned to Scampton at the end that dam’s Upkeep markers that were released in the initial
of the scenario and those that were requisitioned but never raid but failed to damage the dam. If you launched the
attached.You may detach and re-attach Upkeep, Aircrew, and follow-up raid 24 hours after the initial raid, damage remains
Elite Crewmen markers as necessary, before play begins. For unchanged. If you launch 48 hours later, roll a die: if EVEN,
example, detach an Upkeep marker from a damaged bomber damage remains unchanged, if ODD, remove the lowest
to attach it to an undamaged bomber. value damage marker unless the die roll is a 5 in which case
remove the highest value damage marker.
FLIGHT PREP
Perform only Step 5 of Flight Prep (Sortie). Organize aircraft OUTCOME
and attachments in any manner you prefer. Assign targets as Do not determine the outcome of the follow-up raid
you see fit. separately. Instead, recalculate the outcomes of the original
raid by adding any new data garnered from the follow-up raid.
court of inquiry 2 dice result

If the outcome in step 4 included the conven- 10+ proceedings are mired in political squabbling (no outcome)
ing of a Court of Inquiry, roll two dice and add
the numbers together. Add to that sum the 9 Air Chief Marshal Harris is sacked
number of breached dams to find the result:
7-8 the squadron commander is transferred to a training unit
6 Air Vice-Marshal Cochrane is transferred to Madras
2-5 Barnes Wallis is barred from all RAF facilities
43
multi-player games
Enemy Coast Ahead:The Dambuster Raid may be played with two or three players. There are a variety of ways this may be
accomplished. The five games here offer cooperative or competitive play. Unless noted otherwise, all rules remain in
effect.
Game 1 Game 2
two-player competitive – short two-player competitive – long
Each player controls 4 Lancasters and attacks a dam on This is identical to Game 1 except each player has more
their own. Play Attack Turns and Phases simultaneously Lancasters and the game includes the flight to the dams.
using two Target Maps. Roll dice against each other as They will each have a unique Primary Target but will
needed (for example, if Player A has to make a Flak Check, share the Secondary Target, so it will be a race to see who
Player B rolls the dice and selects the kept dice). If you and can breach the first dam and then get to the second one
your opponent each have a copy of the game, use your own first.
set of Approach & Release chits, otherwise split them into Primary Player A = Möhne; Player B = Ennepe
two sets [see p. 46 of this book]. Targets Players may only attack their own
Map Möhne and Eder Target Maps (ignore the Primary Target (for Ennepe, use the Eder
Michelskopf Box); use the “other dam” Target Map but ignore the Michelskopf
category when resolving Approach Vector Box).
Checks;
Secondary Eder (both players)
Alert Level 1 No Target of Last Resort (skip the Wire-
less Phase)
Lancasters 4 (each player), start Circling Near
Alert Level 1
Aircrew each player gets a Veteran, two Seasoned
and one Green; Lancasters 8 each, but distribute evenly (e.g.,
Player A gets AJ-A, AJ-C, AJ-E, etc.,
Training Levels veteran 5, seasoned 3, green 2; and Player B gets AJ-B, AJ-D, AJ-F,
etc.); a player may use less than 8
Elite Crewmen 2 each -- each player randomly selects 5 Lancasters if desired;
Elite Crewmen markers, one at a time;
each chooses two to keep; do not draw the Aircrew each player gets 20 Requisition points;
Jinx, Armorer or Spy (set them aside); spend them to select crews and Elite
Crewmen (Elite Crewmen cost 1 RP
Upkeep each player gets a 1/2, 2/3, 3/4, 4/5 each, but you draw them randomly
Upkeep marker; mix them and randomly (draw 3, return 2), no Jinx, Armorer or
attach to Lancasters (don’t peek); Spy); take turns requisitioning two
counters at a time;
Dams Flak Level 2, Recon Level 4, Water Level Training Levels veteran 5, seasoned 3, green 2;
full, Clear visibility, no-Moon period;
Upkeep each player gets the same distribution of
Game Duration begin on Turn 1; play simultaneously, 8 markers each: two 1/2, two 2/3, two
concluding at the end of Attack Turn 8 (but 3/4, one 4/5, and one 5/6; attach
if a player breaches his dam, no longer has randomly (don’t peek);
Upkeep to release, or scatters, then his
Lancasters automatically RTB at the end of Dams Flak Level 2, Recon Level 4, Water Level
the turn -- he is free of Nightfighter full, Clear visibility, no-Moon period;
Checks); do not perform RTB checks or
Morning Recon.
Flight Zones Recon Level 2
chits split the approach & release chits into Game Duration start on Flight Turn 1, all aircraft in
two sets (see p. 46); only Green aircrew England Flight Zone; aircraft must be in
may use the Dummy Run/Approach waves (3 waves max. per player); game
Observed marker; ends when all RTB;
winning award points to each player at the end chits split the approach & release chits into
of the game (see the table on p.44). two sets (see p. 46); only Green aircrew
may use the Dummy Run/Approach
Observed marker;
winning award points to each player at the end of

the game (see the table on p.44).
44
Drawing and Placing Hazards: Game 3
For the purpose of drawing and placing Hazard markers, two-player cooperative
treat each player separately and perform the action one
player at a time (take turns as first player). That is, each Play Scenario 9v but add an extra Lancaster and an extra
player’s waves and independent aircraft trigger their own Green aircrew, Upkeep marker and Elite Crewman
set of Hazard markers during the Place Hazards Phase, marker (randomly drawn). Evenly divide the 20 Lancast-
while ignoring his opponent’s Lancasters. Also, during the ers into two groups, and put each group in the control of
Place Hazards Phase, players draw and assign Hazard mark- a player. Players must agree upon an organization and
ers for their opponent. distribution of attachments, organizing the squadron
into waves (6 total), assigning targets to aircraft.
Example: Let’s say the Alert Level is 2. Player A has a wave in the Weser
Flight Zone and Player B has two independent aircraft in that zone as This is a cooperative game, so although players maintain
well. Player A will draw and assign Hazard markers on Player B’s control of their Lancasters they work together to achieve
Lancasters, and then Player B will draw and place markers on Player A’s a positive result. Share approach and release chits, or
wave. So, Player A adds up the number of Hazard markers he’s supposed divide into two sets (if you divide them, see p. 46). At the
to draw: two independent aircraft plus 2 for the Alert Level, plus 2 for the conclusion of the game they share a single outcome,
zone; he draws 6 Hazard markers and assigns 3 to each of Player B’s determined by using the Debriefing Chart in the
Lancasters. Then, Player B returns the favor, but draws only 5 Hazard Scenario Book [p.30].
markers (2 for the Weser zone, 2 for the Alert Level, and 1 for the wave),
placing them all on Player A’s wave.
Evading and Resolving Hazards:

Each player benefits from the Recon Level (i.e., each may Game 4
evade two hazards). Players assume control over the
Hazard markers assigned to their waves and independent
three-player cooperative
aircraft during the Evade Hazards and Resolve Hazards Same as Game 3 except use only 18 Lancasters and
Phases. Each player decides which Hazards may be evaded, divide them equally amongst the three players.
and will assign Hazard markers to Lancasters within a
wave.
Game 5 (designer’s favorite)
Attacking Eder Dam:
Players may each have Lancasters on the Target Map at the
three-player cooperative/competitive
same time. Use alphabetical order if both players want Play Scenario 10, but players assume the roles of Over-
their Lancaster to enter the Approach during the same Run all Commander and Flight Commanders.
Phase. For example, AJ-A has precedence over AJ-B. Player
B is permitted a one-time override -- he may “go first” Overall Commander:
once, regardless of alphabetical order. One player assumes the role of the Overall Commander
(wing commander at Scampton and Air Vice-Marshal
RTB & Morning Recon: Cochrane of 5 Group at Grantham). He will take all
The game ends when all Lancasters are in the RTB Box or actions during the Planning Turns and the Flight Prep
are destroyed; finish the game by resolving RTB [E1] and Sequence until Step 5, Sortie. He is also the only player
Morning Recon [E3]. who may take actions during the Wireless and Place
Hazards Phases of the Flight Turn.
Flight Commanders:
winning (Games 1 & 2) The other two players do nothing until Step 5 of Flight
Prep. Kibitzing is encouraged.Thereafter, they are in
control of their Lancasters and may organize them as
points awarded they see fit.
Breach 8 each breached dam
if not breached:
Sortie:
During Step 5 of Flight Prep, the Overall Commander
each Upkeep 1 if release was SUCCESS evenly divides Lancasters, Aircrew, Elite Crewmen, and
Upkeep into two groups. He gives each Flight Com-
your opponent’s mander a group. He must also assign each Flight Com-
Lancaster: mander one Primary Target, and designate the
damaged 1 squadron’s Target of Last Resort. Flight Commanders
may assign their own Secondary Targets.
destroyed 2 + 1 if veteran
+ 1 if elite crewman
player with Set B (chits) wins if players tie

45
Evenly Divided? Each of the two groups must have an Outcome:
equal number of Lancasters (and attachments). Set extras It is possible for one or more players to “win” this game,
aside. Also, the aircrew types must be evenly divided so but only one of the winners can be declared the victor.
that if the Requisition value of each group’s aircrews were Winning is good, but being the victor gets you a promo-
added together they would equal the other group’s sum. tion and a publicity tour in North America.
Elite Crewmen markers must be evenly divided as well.
You may vary from this rule of equality only if all three After the raid,Wing Commander Guy Gibson was awarded theVictoria
players consent. Cross. He was given leave and sent to North America on a publicity
tour, and then ordered to write an account of his service in the RAF
The Overall Commander must also make sure that during the war, geared for the public who clamored to know more
Lancasters are evenly distributed in terms of their I.D. about air operations and the men in the RAF. That book was titled
(e.g., Flight Commander A should get AJ-A, AJ-C, AJ-E, “Enemy Coast Ahead.” In game terms, Gibson was the “victor.”
etc., and Flight Commander B should get AJ-B, AJ-D, AJ-F,
etc.). This will be important if and when both Flight Com- Overall Commander: The Overall Commander
manders strive to attack the same dam simultaneously (see wins if the Scenario 10 outcome on the Debriefing Chart
below, “Target Map”). (Step 4) is at least a “Marginal Victory”. The Overall
Commander earns a commendation if the outcome is a
Primary Targets? Each Flight Commander must be Decisive Victory or higher.
assigned a unique Primary Target during Sortie. The rv of
these targets may be different, they do not have to be equal. Flight Commanders: To determine if a Flight
During the Wireless Phase of a Flight Turn, only the Over- Commander wins, add the rv of all dams his Lancasters
all Commander may attempt to change the Primary Target breached, and subtract from that sum the number of
of a wave or aircraft. aircraft under his command that sortied but did not
return to Scampton. If the result is 1 or more, he wins. If
Secondary Targets? During Sortie, a Flight Commander both Flight Commanders win, the one whose result is
is free to assign his Lancasters one or more Secondary higher wins the Victoria Cross. If a tie, they both earn
Targets. Flight Commanders may share the same Second- DFCs (Distinguished Flying Crosses).
ary Targets. During the Wireless Phase, however, Second-
ary Targets may not be assigned by any player. Who Gets Credit for Breaching a Dam?
It is possible that Lancasters belonging to both players
For example, Player A may assign Sorpe Dam as a wave’s Secondary may damage the same dam, but if such a dam is breached,
Target, and Player B may do the same. only one player earns credit for the breach. The player
whose Lancaster released the last Upkeep marker against
A Flight Commander may want to assign his aircraft Secondary the dam and thus forced the breach receives the credit.
Targets in the hopes of increasing the rv total of his group’s Upkeep that widens the breach [7.9.6] does not count.
breached dams.This may come in handy when it comes time to see
who’s the victor. For example, let’s say Player A successfully detonated a mine against
Lister Dam, inflicting 5 points of damage. But then Player B’s
The Jinx? If the Jinx is in play, the Overall Commander Lancaster releases Upkeep and inflicts 2 points of damage, breaching
decides which Lancaster it is attached to. When it must the dam. Player B is credited with the breach.
transfer to another Lancaster [13.1], the Overall Com-
mander must attach it to a Lancaster belonging to the other Who is the Victor? Only a player who wins can be
player. Thereafter, when it transfers, it must transfer from the victor. If only one player wins, he is the victor. If two
one Flight Commander’s Lancaster to the other (if players win, the one who earns the Victoria Cross is the
possible), and each time the Overall Commander is the victor, or if neither earned it, the Overall Commander is
player who decides which Lancaster is saddled with it. the victor.
Hazards and the Flight Map: If all three players win, declaring the victor is a little
The Overall Commander draws and places Hazard mark- more complicated:
ers during the Resolve Hazards Phase, and only he may
remove Hazard markers as a result of Recon during the If the Overall Commander earns a commendation, he is
Evade Hazards Phase. All other decisions regarding Hazard the victor. If he did not earn a commendation, then the
markers are made by Flight Commanders. Flight Commander who earned the Victoria Cross is the
victor. If all three players win but neither Flight Com-
Target Map: mander won the VC and the Overall Commander did
Players may each have Lancasters on the same Target Map not earn a commendation, the Overall Commander is
at the same time. Use alphabetical order if both players the victor.
want their Lancaster to enter the Approach during the
same Run Phase. For example, AJ-A has precedence over If there are no winning players, all three lose.
AJ-B. Flight Commander B is allowed a one-time override
-- he may “go first” once, regardless of alphabetical order.

46
Dividing the Approach and Release Chits

Several multiplayer games necessitate dividing the chits into two sets. When divided, each player uses only their own
Set. Also, you may place the Dummy Run/Approach Observed marker only on Green aircrew. If you have two copies of
Enemy Coast Ahead each player may use a complete set of chits (that is, 14 chits instead of 7), and the restriction on the
Dummy Run/Approach Observed marker is lifted.
SET A SET B
release release release release release release
M
M M 228 223 218
52ft +1 56ft +2 +3 mph +1 mph +2 mph +3
64ft
release release release release release release release release

M M
+0 213 216 220 M +0
M
mph +1 mph +2 mph +4 erratic 70ft +1 67ft +2 60ft +4
erratic
vertical stripe In Games 1 & 2 the player using Set B gets a handicap:
denotes SET A He wins if the point score is tied.
Design Notes more interesting features.

Project Kickoff: Mark Aasted deserves credit for initiating Bouncing Bomb: How to render the engineering precision
this project in February 2011, since it was he who suggested it of Upkeep in a game? Dramatically, one hopes, and not too
to begin with and was rather insistent that the dambuster raid quickly, lest the action at the dams feel anticlimactic. The
could be gamed. I’m beginning to think he was right. Approach and Release Sequence models ten seconds of histori-
cal time, yet the game zooms in and imposes slow-motion,
Solitaire and the Fog of War: Had this been a traditional allowing the player to watch the event unfold while making
two-player game, a German player would have done little more crucial decisions.
than roll dice. Asymmetrical situations like this one beg for
solitaire treatment; no “idiot rules” are necessary to make a Outcomes: Typically in solitaire games, the player’s interest is
German player ‘not know’ his dams are about to be cracked. expected to drop once he wins, which is why so many design-
ers strive for a high difficulty level. The approach here was
Sources: There is no shortage of secondary works dedicated quite different. Historically, the raid was successful but it could
to this raid, but the key text is Wing Commander Guy Gibson’s have been more successful. “Winning” is contingent and subjec-
account that he wrote in 1944, Enemy Coast Ahead. Except for tive. Given the planning involved and the resources mustered
oral histories of other crewmen, most committed to paper for it, and given the results, a definitive “you win” or “you lose”
years after the war, just about every scholar who tackled this result, or the usual degrees of “decisive,” “major” and “marginal”
subject drew the lion’s share of their information from that victory, seemed unsatisfying measures. The intent here is to
account. This design was based largely but not exclusively on it, contextualize the event by providing a narrative, or at least the
supplemented by two books: John Sweetman, The Official suggestion of one. The Debriefing Charts suggest that narra-
Dambusters Experience, and James Holland, Dam Busters. There tive. Some outcomes stretch the historical record, yet they are
were others, but these were the most useful. historically derived. In mid-May 1943, for example, Winston
Churchill was in Washington, and he did announce the
Mood: Historical simulations offer a unique experience some- dambuster raid in a speech at the Capitol (and American
where between passive reading or watching, and re-enacting; lawmakers did indeed respond with a standing ovation). The
solitaire games especially so. Rules and graphic treatment are game, therefore, is not just about solving the puzzle, it’s a
here intended not only to model the historical situation and vehicle for immersion in a historical subject, an attempt to
provide clarity, but to evoke the intangibles of the historical convey context and consequence in an engaging way. Above all,
event. The Jinx rule is an extreme example. The designer the outcomes are intended to convey the sense that, regardless
strove to remain faithful to the mood, or tone, of Gibson’s of the results of your raid, the war labors on.
account.
Scale: A designer arbitrarily draws a frame around his subject, Credits

cutting away everything else. Ultimately his choice of scale, Game Design & Artwork: Jeremy White;
more than any other design element, establishes the param- Producers: Gene Billingsley, Tony Curtis, Andy Lewis, Rodger
eters of a game’s decision tree. Focusing on a single squadron as MacGowan, Mark Simonitch;
the “unit of measure” is unusual, but it affords a number of Alpha Playtest and Counsel: Mark Aasted, Steve Carey, Chris
player-decisions involving the organization of the fighting unit. Janiec, Andy Lewis, Terry Nichols, Tim Porter, Martin Scott;
Starting the game clock weeks before the raid allows the player Beta Playtest: Mark Aasted, Mark Barker, Tim Collier, Colin
to explore this organizational problem more deeply, and neces- Sykes, Jeremy White;
sitates interesting features rarely treated in military simulation Proofreading: Swati Chattopadhyay, Hans Korting, and the
games. Groundcrew and specialty flight training are two of the incomparable Ian Wakeham.
617 Squadron Log
Use this sheet if you prefer to keep track of your Lancast-
ers with pencil and paper [1.8]. Squadron’s Target of Last Resort
Lancaster Primary Target notes Lancaster Primary Target notes
AJ-A AJ-S
Apple Sugar
AJ-B AJ-T
Baker Tommy
AJ-C AJ-W
Charlie Willie
AJ-D AJ-X
David X-ray
AJ-E AJ-Y
Easy York
AJ-F AJ-Z
Freddie Zebra
AJ-G
George
AJ-H
Harry
AJ-J
Johnny
special orders/notes
AJ-K
King
AJ-L
Leather
AJ-M
Mother
AJ-N
Nuts
AJ-O
Orange
AJ-P
Popsie
AJ-Q
Queenie
AJ-R
Roger

617 Squadron Log
Version Two [1.8]. Use this sheet if you prefer to keep track of
your Lancasters with pencil and paper. This version of the Squadron’s Target of Last Resort
log is more detailed than version 1.
Aircrew Bomber Status Target Aircrew Bomber Status Target
AJ-A v damaged primary AJ-S v damaged primary

e
e
av
av
s s
Apple Sugar
w
w
g Upkeep released secondary g Upkeep released secondary
AJ-B v damaged primary AJ-T v damaged primary

e
e
av
av
s s
Baker Tommy
w
w
AJ-C v damaged primary AJ-W v damaged primary

e
e
av
av
s s
Charlie Willie
w
w
AJ-D v damaged primary AJ-X v damaged primary

e
e
av
av
s X-ray s
David
w
w
AJ-E v damaged primary AJ-Y v damaged primary

e
e
av
av
Easy s s
York
w
w
AJ-F v damaged primary AJ-Z v damaged primary

e
e
av
av
Freddie s s
Zebra
w
w
AJ-G v damaged primary

e
av
s
George
w
g Upkeep released secondary
AJ-H v damaged primary

e
av
Harry s
w
AJ-J v damaged primary

e
av
Johnny s
w

special orders/notes
AJ-K v damaged primary
e
av
s
King
w
AJ-L v damaged primary

e
av
Leather s
w
AJ-M v damaged primary

e
av
Mother s
w
AJ-N v damaged primary

e
av
s
Nuts
w
AJ-O v damaged primary

e
av
Orange s
w
AJ-P v damaged primary

e
av
s
Popsie
w
AJ-Q v damaged primary

e
av
Queenie s
w
AJ-R v damaged primary

e
av
s
Roger
w

Enemy Coast Ahead: Dambuster Raid

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What are the different scenarios covered in the game?

What are the different scenarios covered in the game?

How are aircrew training levels tracked?

How are aircrew training levels tracked?

Enemy Coast Ahead

The Dambuster Raid

617 Squadron’s maiden flight design by Jeremy White

Attack Scenarios 2 Scenario 7: Flight of the Main Force 23

Scenario 1: Attack on Möhne Dam 3 Scenario 8: Flight of the Reserve Force 26

Scenario 2: Attack on Eder Dam 6 Scenario 9: The Dambuster Raid 29

Scenario 3: Attack on Sorpe Dam 9 Scenario 9: Follow-Up Raid 35

Scenario 5: Attack on Ennepe Dam? 15 Scenario 10: Follow-Up Raid? 42

Combining Attack Scenarios 18 Multi-Player Games 43

Flight Scenarios 19 Design Notes and Credits 46

GMT Games, LLC P.O. Box 1308, Hanford, CA 93232-1308

opaque containers. You will 65ft

2 chits green seasoned veteran

© 2014 GMT Games, LLC

Scenario 1: Attack on the Mohne Dam

Attack on the Mohne Dam

MÖHNE DAM Attack Turn

water level = full

Move Turn 8 urn 1

Attack Turn Sequence of Ph ses A1

Veteran aircrews are at training

level 5, Seasoned aircrews are scenario starts on Turn 4

© 2014 GMT Games, LLC

breached costly success

a very near thing

Scenario 2: Attack on the Eder Dam

bombers & crews endnotes

© 2014 GMT Games, LLC

Attack on the Eder Dam

attach a randomly drawn AJ-G is the

All aircrews are veteran, Veteran

water level = full

MÖHNE D M Attack Turn

P ace Turn 7 urn 2

Move Turn 8 urn 1

Attack Turn Sequence of Ph ses A1

Veteran aircrews are at training

level 5, Seasoned aircrews are

phase :53 :00

All aircraft start Circling Near Run Approach

© 2014 GMT Games, LLC

disaster in the west

a dam too far

Scenario 3: First Attack on the Sorpe Dam

bomber & crew endnotes

If the bomber returns to base, you must resolve the

© 2014 GMT Games, LLC

First Attack on the Sorpe Dam

attach a randomly drawn Upkeep

AJ-T’s aircrew Seasoned

water level = full

MÖHNE M Attack Turn

P ace Turn 7 urn 2

Move Turn 8 urn 1

Attack Turn Sequence of Ph ses A1