On the night of the 16th May 1943, 19 Lancaster bombers took off from Lincolnshire. Their targets were three dams in the industrial heart of Germany.
The Dambusters raid - officially known as Operation Chastise - was the task of No. 5 Group RAF, who formed a new squadron for the operation. 617 Squadron was formed, under the command of Wing Commander Guy Gibson.
21 crews were selected, and the squadron was based at RAF Scampton, Lincolnshire. There was a large Commonwealth contingent, including airmen from the Royal Australian Air Force, the Royal Canadian Air Force, and the Royal New Zealand Air Force.
Flight Art offer a stunning photograph taken on the evening of May 16th 2023 as PA474 banked left catching the late sun on her wings printed on canvas as a tribute to all those involved and is available as part of the Flight Art Classic Range.
