Bouncing bomb inventor's family sell personal items

Marbles used in the invention of the bouncing bomb are among a number of personal items of Sir Barnes Wallis put up for auction by his family.

Artefacts including aerial photographs of the "Dam Busters" raid are among those that could sell for thousands when they go on sale in Horsham at the end of March.

Wallis, from Leatherhead, was the main mind behind the creation of the bombs, which were integral in destroying German dams during World War Two.

Elisabeth Gaunt, Sir Barnes Wallis' daughter, said: "He was just so inventive."

She added: "They were my precious marbles, and I was really anxious because they got shot into the rose bushes.

"I hope the people who have these pieces understand he was not a war-like man - he was tender, spiritual and sensitive beyond all belief."

Wallis, who died in 1979, famously developed the bouncing bomb with the help of marbles in a water tub in the garden of White Hill House in Effingham, Surrey.

The marbles are from these experiments, and estimated at between £20,000 and £30,000.

Wallis continued his work after World War Two, including helping to design supersonic aircraft.

Other items up for auction are the contents of Wallis' office, including paintings and a pair of his glasses.

The inventor tested his bombs from RAF Manston, near Ramsgate in Kent, before they were used in Operation Chastise, destroying German dams in the Ruhr valley in May 1943.

Operation Chastise and Wallis' bouncing bombs were immortalised in the 1955 film The Dambusters.

Leo Denham, managing director of Denham's Auctioneers, said: "He is one of Britain's greatest engineers.

"It's hard to say what some of these things will sell for as they are so unique."

The auction will take place at Denhams on 25 March, with items now available for public viewing.

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