Most famous for the dambusting raid in the darkest days of the Second World War, the No 617 Sqn were a vastly experienced crew, yet little has been written about the unit's later operations. Formed in 1943, the squadron pioneered various experimental weapons throughout the entirety of the war, using both Mosquitoes and Mustangs in addition to standard and non-standard Lancasters. It was also the first, and only, squadron to use certain equipment and weapons (22,000 lb Tallboy bomb, for example) in combat. Covering the complete history of the No 617 Squadron, this study draws on previously unpublished information to explain the men, aircraft, weapons and operations of this squadron. Colour plates of the planes and uniforms bring this history to life, including a never-before seen squadron badge which was rejected and never made it onto the uniforms.