Barnes Wallis, typed letter [retained carbon copy] to Alex Dunbar, dated 21 July 1940

329 x 201mm; 6 leaves, printed on one side only

Good condition: fragile carbon paper; edges chipped not affecting text; hole punches to left edge

The origin of the ‘Dambusters Raid’: a highly significant record of one of the most important moments in the Second World War. This letter, which comes directly from Barnes Wallis’ own personal files, is the sole record of Wallis’ crucial meeting with Lord Beaverbrook in July 1940, during which Beaverbrook heard the first details of Wallis’ idea for the ‘Dambusters’ raid and gave his qualified assent for work to begin. The letter, addressed to the managing director of Vickers-Armstrongs, is exceptionally rich – digressive, chatty and full of technical detail. The text remains unpublished, though it forms a crucial part of Brickhill’s classic The Dam Busters (1951), and Jack Morpugo’slandmark 1972 biography of Wallis. Both Brickhill and Wallis must have had access to this specific copy, as we have been unable to locate the as-sent letter or any other copies of the carbon.

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