Barnes Wallis is best-known for his invention of the bouncing bomb which destroyed three crucial German dams in May 1943. It remains one of the most exciting events of the Second World War with its bold vision, Wallis' persistence in pushing it through against considerable opposition and its courageous and skilful execution.
The attack on the dams was not Barnes Wallis' only achievement in his long career. His first notable work was on airships in the First World War, and valuable design contributions came later on the Wellesley and, more importantly, on the Wellington bomber which served the RAF throughout the Second World War.
Following the success of the bouncing bomb and its naval equivalent, Tallboy, Wallis then contributed the big bomb known as Grand Slam - few others made as big a contribution to winning the war.
As well as being a brilliant engineer and scientist Wallis found time for an active private life including a lively acquaintance with the formidable birth-control campaigner Marie Stopes whose son Harry married, against her wishes, Wallis' daughter Mary.
