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MOST SECRET

A.C.A.S (Ops.)

Reference

Copies to:

Ops/5/714

P.S. to S. of S
P.S. to V.C.A.S.

The reconnaissance of the three dams has now returned and photographs are believed to be successful.

2. A quick interpretation will be telephoned through before lunch.

3. Pilots’ visual report state:-

(i) The two big dams (presumably the Möhne and the Eder) have definitely been destroyed and extensive flooding is seen.

(ii) No damage to the third dam was seen. In this case we did not expect a breach to be effected but we hoped for eventual destruction to be brought about by seepage through the water-tight core leading to erosion and, ultimately, complete collapse.

[Signature]
D.B.Ops.

17.5.43