RAF Scampton, the birthplace of 617 Squadron,
closed on the 31st March 2023.
The aim of the project is to recognise the formation of 617 Squadron at RAF Scampton on the 23rd March 1943 and have the window installed at Scampton Church by the Squadron’s 80th anniversary in 2023.
Bomber Command Memorial Trustees and The RAF Historical Society are leading advocates of this appeal. We have now reached our target and the window is installed.
Commemorative book
Making a dedication following the window’s installation.
Thank you to everyone who has donated. The ‘Just Giving’ page is still open and we are accepting dedications for the commemorative book which will sit under the window, and be published online. Dedications can be 617 Squadron or RAF related. It could also be to a loved one, friend or relative, Your dedication can be up to 100 words in length and include a photograph.
We are suggesting for a donation of £50 to have your entry included, and receive a certificate, but any help would be appreciated. All donations will now go towards the creation of the Scampton Community and RAF War Graves Heritage Centre at Scampton Church. You can read more about this exciting project to enhance the RAF heritage of Scampton following the closure of the iconic station here.
Working with Heritage Lincolnshire, the project aims to encourage more schools to come and learn about our RAF heritage links at Scampton, the stories of the people buried in the 107 War and Service Graves, and the work of our partners the Commonwealth War Graves Commission. To view the commemorative book CLICK HERE
Remembrance at Scampton Church – Photo Keith Brewins.
The 617 Squadron Commemorative Window
The proposed 617 Squadron Commemorative Window is a Claire Williamson Glass commission. It will create a create a ‘sister’ window to the Claire Williamson RAF Scampton Commemorative Stained Glass Window in the nave at Scampton Church.
Several substantial pledges towards to cost of the window have already been made and the final conceptual design drawn up. Our target of £18,400 has now been reached.
We are grateful to Squadron Leader (rtd) Johnny Johnson MBE, DFM – The last surviving Dambuster at 100 years old – for fully supporting this tribute to his squadron.
The 617 Squadron Window will sit alongside the RAF Scampton Commemorative Window, completing a montage to the lasting memory and heritage of RAF Scampton.
617 Squadron Window – conceptual drawings.
Following the installation, we look forward to welcoming you to visit the church and see the window, and the RAF chapel in our beautiful 14th century grade II* (at risk) listed building that watches over our 107 Commonwealth War and RAF Service Graves.
The Dambusters
617 Squadron, Royal Air Force
617 (Dambusters) Squadron, one of the most famous squadrons in the RAF, was formed on the 23rd March 1943 under the command of Wg Cdr Guy Gibson. The Squadron evolved specifically for the famous Dams raids that took place on the night of 16/17 May 1943. During this raid, the Squadron employed the ‘Upkeep’, a bouncing bomb designed by Barnes Wallis. Of the nineteen Lancasters that left RAF Scampton that night, only eleven returned.
617 Squadron (including ground crew) shortly after the squadron’s formation.
The Squadron crest was chosen by HM King George VI and Queen Elizabeth, when they visited RAF Scampton on 27th May 1943.
In September 1944 the Squadron was tasked to attack the battleship Tirpitz. Operating from Northern Scotland and Russia over a period of several months, 617 Squadron finally sank the Tirpitz on 12 November 1944. In the summer of 1945 the unit was allotted to ‘Tiger Force’ for operations in the Far East against the Japanese. The squadron moved to India in January 1946 but returned to the UK in May.
King George VI visits Scampton 1943 – King walking with St Cdr Gp Capt Whitworth DSO DFC and Wg Cdr Gibson DSO DFC.
In 1952 it became the second squadron to convert to jet bombers and flew operationally in Malaya. The squadron disbanded on 15 December 1955. Three years later, on 1 May 1958, the unit reformed as a V-bomber squadron. No 617 Squadron disbanded on 1 January 1982. Exactly one year later it reformed at RAF Marham with Tornado aircraft.
617 Squadron is still based at RAF Marham with F-35B Lightnings, to be deployed to the aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth.
Download our RAF Commemorative Windows leaflet to learn more about our unique stained glass which remembers RAF Scampton and 617 Squadron ‘The Dambusters’.
Thank you to the following organisations for their support of this meaningful tribute.
