Further South, the first group of 3 aircraft from the first wave had crossed the Dutch coast. Led by Gibson, in formation with his deputy Hopgood and A Flight leader Maudsley . Having crossed the coast North of Walcheren they continued across Holland and into Germany. Near the town of Dorsten they encountered heavy flak, all three aircraft being hit to some degree. Worst hit was Hopgood, several rounds hit home setting his port outer engine ablaze and injuring Hopgood and three of his crew. Feathering the prop Hopgood extinguished the fire and though fully justified in aborting the mission,after a quick discussion all the crew elected to continue on to the target. Two minutes behind was the second group, Shannon, Maltby and 'B' Flight Leader Dinghy Young. Following an almost identical track they encountered the same flak but reported no significant damage. Finally the third group, Knight, Maudsley and Astell, again on almost the same track and flying into the same flak. In a repeat of the first group encounter all planes were hit but Astell was hit hard, he was seen to lose altitude and crash through overhead power lines. Remaining airborne but on fire for another few miles the plane finally crashed to the ground with no survivors. The Upkeep mine rolled away from the plane and exploded seconds later. The remaining eight aircraft continued on and with no further incidents arrived at the Mohne Dam at just after midnight. With a clear sky the reservoir was bathed in the light of a full moon. With the moon off to port, Gibson made one dummy run to check the lay of the land, then as Hopgood and Maudsley circled nearby, he radio checked all positions,switched on the spot lights and began his run,just as they had practiced, everything looked fine, but as the mine bounced the second time it seemed to lift one end and start to tumble. Striking the water 50 yards from the dam it sank. Moments later a huge column of water erupted into the air, although the German defenders must have got a good soaking the dam was undamaged. Circling round Gibson called the damaged and injured Hopgood in next to drop his mine and 'get off home'. As Hopgood began his run, Gibson flew off his starboard wing to give extra suppressing fire and to draw some of the flak. The Germans were now alert and knew exactly were the attack was coming from..... Jeremy raised a good point yesterday regarding dark images.Always a bit of a tightrope trying to depict nightime images.I realise monitors vary as much as eyesight, is anyone else struggling with the images ? I can make them lighter if you'll accept it should be dark...let me know...Neil.