Did you know, Rutland has a strong historical connection to the Royal Air Force (RAF) and played a small but significant part in the famous ‘Dambusters’ raid of the Second World War?
The night of 16 May 2023 marked the 80th anniversary of the Dambustersraid on the Möhne, Eder and Sorpe dams in Germany’s Ruhr Valley, carried out by Wing Commander Guy Gibson and his famed 617 Squadron. Eyebrook Reservoir, just south of Uppingham, was the place that 617 Squadron undertook much of its low level, over-water training in their Lancaster bombers.
Practice flights took place from the 3rd May 1943, with a full ‘dress rehearsal’ on the 14th May of 14 Lancasters ‘attacking’ the Eyebrook Dam. In the late evening of 16th May Operation Chastise saw 19 Lancasters take off from RAF Scampton in Lincolnshire for Germany, and the three German dams were attacked in the early hours of the following morning. The Möhne and Eder dams were successfully breached, but at heavy cost: eight aircraft were lost with 53 RAF aircrew killed and 3 taken prisoner.
A short ceremony took place at the Eyebrook Reservoir in May 2023 to observe the 80th anniversary of Operation Chastise and to honour the sacrifice and bravery of the Dambusters.
Tata Steel, who own the reservoir, kindly supported the ceremony and permitted the laying of wreaths at the commemorative plaque, which is situated on the reservoir dam. Three wreaths were laid by the Lord Lieutenant of Rutland, Dr Sarah Furness, by the Chairman of the Rutland Branch of the RAF Association, Mr Duncan Manderson, and by Mr Adam Lowe, Chairman of the Rutland Branch of the Royal British Legion. Tata Steel were represented by their Health & Safety, Sustainability & Environmental Manager, Mr Paul Ilko.
