Awaiting Ops
 

In the film "Dambusters" there is a very poignant scene where all the crews are awaiting the start of the raid, spread out on the grass area at Dispersal talking, playing cards, chess, cricket etc.

Would this have been a very common thing for Bomber Command Crews? Ort would they, after briefing etc, simply go directly to their aircraft? And how would the above routine for night bombing differ from crews of the 8th AF, who would have got up, had breakfast, attended briefing and then prepared for a daylight operation? Would they too gather together awaiting the time for take-off?