Commemorating the 70th Anniversary of the formation of 617 Squadron

It is 70 years since 617 Squadron was formed to undertake Operation Chastise – the special raid on the dams in Germany. The success of the operation gained the squadron its nickname – the Dambusters.  Although it is one of the youngest squadrons in the Royal Air Force it is also one of the most famous.

For the remainder of the war the squadron specialised in precision attacks using the Tallboy and Grand Slam bombs. In the Cold War its aircraft carried nuclear weapons as part of Britain’s independent deterrent. Now, however, it has returned to precision attacks using the latest guided weapons.

This calendar marks the anniversary with a selection of photographs from the Museum’s collection, showing the squadron from that first operation right up to the present day. Also included are photographs relating to the Dams Raid itself.