Model Dams Project

While researching the means to attack Nazi industry, Barnes Wallis was assisted by the Building Research Laboratory. Dam model in Bricket Wood

A team led by Dr Norman Davey built, then blew up, several large model dams to determine the best possible point of detonation to cause maximum destruction.

Unfortunately these tests weren’t to everyone’s convenience as an Air Ministry press release relates ‘allotment holders…were bewildered and annoyed… when a mysterious and sudden onrush of water swept down…and inundated their plots’.