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Chastise
- The Dambusters
- Narrated by: Peter Noble, Max Hastings - introduction
- Length: 12 hrs and 14 mins
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Chastise
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Summary
Operation Chastise was one of the most extraordinary episodes of the Second World War, yet it has also become one of the most misunderstood.
Max Hastings tells the gripping story of the Dambusters raid, from the invention of the bouncing bomb to the moonlit cockpits of young pilots flying at treetop height through lethal enemy fire. But Hastings also challenges what we think we know about the Dambusters, bringing to light the difficult truths that have often been left out of the legend.
‘Brings it to life as never before … Hour by nerve-jangling hour’ Daily Mail
‘Superb … The heroes shine, but their achievement haunts’ Times
‘A virtuoso performance from a veteran military historian. It is a white-knuckle narrative that brings clarity and insight to a much-loved tale, as well as offering a vital corrective to the drum-thumping conclusions of earlier books’ Sunday Times
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Critic reviews
‘A virtuoso performance from a veteran military historian. It is a white-knuckle narrative that brings clarity and insight to a much-loved tale, as well as offering a vital corrective to the drum-thumping conclusions of earlier books.’ Sunday Times
‘Hastings recounts the actual raids with dramatic intensity … He brings us into those Lancasters, flying perilously low, straight into flak … Superb.’ Times
‘Thoughtful and gripping … This is a fine book combining great storytelling with a deep appreciation of the melancholy and waste that march in step with glory.’ Patrick Bishop, Telegraph
‘What is at stake in this revision of the old glorious narrative is something important. The debate over whether this particular raid mattered is, in miniature, the wider historiographical debate over the morals and efficacy of the whole bombing war … A powerful parable which might instruct us in our own confused times.’ Spectator
‘Hastings, who is a master of his craft, unfolds the story skilfully … It doesn’t matter how many times you have seen the film, or heard the story, this book is gripping from start to finish’ Keith Lowe, Literary Review
‘A riveting account that also shines a light on the fact that more than 1,400 civilians died in the floods that followed … It’s a monumental read’ Sun
‘A fine book about that moonlit Dambusters’ raid of 76 years ago, a worthy tribute to the men of 617 Squadron – and their hapless victims’ Sunday Express
‘A remarkable book … Combining formidable narrative power with equally potent explanatory insight, it situates the Dambusters Raid in the broader strategic context of World War II’ Washington Post
What listeners say about Chastise
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Ken P
- 26-09-22
The best books on the Dambuster Raid.
Once again Max Hastings leads the field in a very in-depth book on the Dambuster Raid and all of the people, events, and developments that made it possible.
It is a great shame and massive oversight that the raid was not exploited over the following months when it would and should have made a fatal blow to German war production.
It is all history now, but the brave men carrying out this raid will never be forgotten
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance3 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Andrew W.
- 29-09-19
Superb narrative history
Max Hastings usual blend of brilliant storytelling and incisive observation. An often told story well worth hearing again in this form. My personal preference isn't for Peter Noble's rather monotone delivery, but that's purely subjective - enjoy!
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1 person found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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- Adam Shaltot
- 09-10-24
Brilliant. Just brilliant
Everything about this impressed me. The writer, the research, the insights, and the narrator. Utterly compelling.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- peter mcphail
- 17-11-20
very informative
really enjoyed this book,gave a great insight into the real story of the Dambusters raid and learn of many things i was unaware of.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Lamb
- 15-12-23
Enemy coast ahead…
The one book you need to understand and be amazed by the real story of the dams raid and the men of 617 squadron. If you have the time I suggest you combine listening to it as I did with a tour of Lincoln, Scampton, Connisby, Woodhall Spa, Lady bower reservoir and other sites in a weekend. Wonderful.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Amazon Customer
- 07-01-20
Essential history of Chastise
The best analysis of operation Chastise and its aftermath to be found. Precisely and succinctly read.
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1 person found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Chosroes
- 12-06-21
Cracking listen
Beautifully read with eloquent passages this analysis has got to be the last word on the dambusters
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Stuartm
- 10-02-23
Outstanding.
A thoroughly enjoyable and informative listen depicting a more realistic view of the dam’s raid as opposed to the film.
I listened with incredulity to the detail as these heroic young men trained for the mission and with deep sadness as the impact on human lives unfolded.
Moving and brilliant.
A must read/listen for anyone interested in military history.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
- Anonymous User
- 16-11-20
fantastic 👏
Great researched and engaging listen, Max Hastings is one of the finest Military Writers around
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance4 out of 5 stars
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- Anonymous User
- 09-10-24
A fresh insight into a firm favourite episode in WW2
This was a really great read (well, listen). The author addresses common misconceptions and dispells long held myths propagated by other books and of course, the 1950s film.
Enough details to make it reference worthy, but not so bogged down with technicalities as to make it tedious.
If you are not stirred, even a little bit, by the endeavour, heroism and sacrifice of the bomber crews of 617, you need to listen to this again.
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