Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water marks 70th anniversary of the famous World War II Dambusters raid at Elan Valley

• 17th May 2013 is the 70th anniversary of successful World War II Dambusters raid
• Anniversary ‘Dambusters Walk’ to take place at Elan Valley
• Nant-y-Gro Dam at Elan Valley used for secret testing of bouncing bomb
• Testing in Elan Valley led to further experiments in other parts of the UK
• Dambusters raid detonated three of Germany’s principal dams

20-5-2013 — /europawire.eu/ —Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water will this week be marking the 70th anniversary of the famous World War II Dambusters raid, by highlighting the significant role that the Elan Valley played during its trials.

The scenic area in mid Wales, favoured by both locals and tourists for its serenity and tranquillity, played a major part in the secret testing of Barnes Wallis’ bouncing bomb, when trials were carried out on the remote and redundant Nant-y-Gro Dam.

The Elan Valley was chosen for secret testing because it was already being used as a firing range by the military and due to its remoteness, it was deemed to be the perfect location.

To mark the occasion, a special ‘Dambusters Walk’ will be held on Saturday 25th May, meeting at the Elan Valley visitor centre at 2pm. This will enable members of the public to be taken to the remains of the Nant-y-Gro Dam, and to have the opportunity to learn about the history of the area.

The secret experiments were carried out on the dam in May and July 1942. This resulted in an explosion blasting away a massive section of the central dam wall.

Ed Parsons, Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water Area Lands Manager at the Elan Valley said, “This is such a peaceful location so it’s hard to believe that seventy years ago, a large hole was blown in the Nant-y-Gro Dam during initial testing of the bouncing bomb. I’m sure many people in mid Wales aren’t even aware that the dam exists, as it is two miles off the beaten track, let alone the fact it was used in the trials of a World War II attack.

“The ‘Dambusters Walk’ will be a great opportunity for the public to be shown its exact location and to learn about its history from the rangers who work here. Following some clearing of trees, now is a really good time to view the remains.”

The following year, ‘Operation Chastise,’ the codename for the raid, was carried out on 17th May 1943. It was deemed a great success as the destruction of the Möhne and Eder dams caused widespread flooding and disruption of rail, road and canal communications in Germany.

Note to editors

• The 35-feet high dam at Nant-y-Gro was built at the end of the 19th Century to provide clean water for the workers during the construction of the Caban Coch, Craig Goch, Claerwen and Pen-y-Garreg dams in the Elan Valley. Once the dams were built, the Nant-y-Gro dam became redundant.
• Visitors wishing to take part in the anniversary walk should meet at the visitor centre at the Elan Valley, which is now open all year around (excluding Christmas Day). Please ring 01597 810898 for more details.
• Responsibility for protecting the Elan Valley lies with Welsh Water and The Elan Valley Trust, who manage the largest part of the Estate under a long-term lease including the farmland and open hillside. Both organisations promote public access and recreation; provide environmental education services and work together to enhance biodiversity in this special area.