Main content

May 11th to May 17th
No. 617 Squadron RAF begins the famous Dambusters Raid, the First Fleet sets sail for Botany Bay, and the first colour photograph is shown to the Royal Institution in London.
Fascinating, surprising and eye-opening stories from the past, brought to life.
16th May 1943 - Operation Chastise: No. 617 Squadron RAF begins the famous Dambusters Raid
13th May 1787 - The First Fleet sets sail for Botany Bay, Australia, with 11 ships and over 700 convicts
17th May 1861 - The first color photograph, of a tartan ribbon is shown by Scottish scientist James Clerk Maxwell to the Royal Institution in London
On radio
Wed 13 May 202611:40
BBC Radio 4
Broadcasts
- Wed 13 May 202611:40BBC Radio 4
- Fri 15 May 202620:55BBC Radio 4
Podcast
![]()
This Week in History
Fascinating, surprising and eye-opening stories from the past, brought to life.
