RAF Scampton: Flypast and parade mark closure of Dambusters station

A Lancaster bomber has been flown over Lincolnshire to celebrate the heritage of RAF Scampton.

The station, from where the Dambusters' World War Two raids were launched, is due to close by 31 December.

Dozens of personnel also paraded at the station on Monday as part of a series of events marking the closure.

Meanwhile, a dedication service was held at Scampton Church, where a stained-glass window commemorating the station has been installed.

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) announced in 2018 that RAF Scampton, near Lincoln, would be closed as part of cost-saving measures.

The station was home to the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team - the Red Arrows - and was where 617 Squadron, the Dambusters squadron, was officially formed on 23 March 1943.

Earlier, Joe Bartrop, project coordinator, had said the dedication service for the window at Scampton Church would be "quite a community event".

He said they had raised more than £23,000 for the window, which was installed last year.

The same artist, Claire Williamson, had now been commissioned to create another window dedicated to the Dambusters, to mark their 80th anniversary next year, he said.

"When you think of that daring raid that took place in May 1943, the courage of those airmen, and you think about the number of aircraft that actually didn't return - it is something we should never forget," Mr Bartrop said.

"It is so important we remember, not just 617 Squadron, but all the squadrons that served at RAF Scampton," he added.

Plans are also in place to create an RAF war grave heritage centre at the church.

Scampton Church is a member of a community partnership which includes RAF Scampton, the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, Scampton Parish Council, local schools and The Dambusters Inn.

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