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Anniversary dambusters flyover - Sheffield Telegraph

ONE of the last two flying Lancaster bombers will fly over the Derwent Dam this month to mark the 65th anniversary of the Dambusters Raid.
Only a few hundred people will be invited into the valley on Friday, May 16 to watch the flypast after an estimated crowd of 85,000 caused chaos on the 50th anniversary. However, the flight path of the Lancaster – followed by a Spitfire, Hurricane, World War Two Dakota and two Tornadoes from the modern 617 Squadron – also offers the chance of a viewing over the Chatsworth estate. Squadron Leader Stu Reid of the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight will be at the controls as the veteran plane makes three passes over the dam where 617 Squadron practised their "bouncing bomb" technique before the raid in 1943.

The event, which is also part of the RAF's 90th anniversary year, has been organised by the Peak District National Park Authority and Seven-Trent Water, which owns the dam. They decided to exclude the public after talks with the police and emergency organisations.

"It's a private event by ticket only. There is space for 400 cars," said a spokeswoman for the flight.

Access to the Derwent Valley will be restricted to local dignitaries, service organisations and members of the public chosen by ballot. Ticket applications should be emailed to dambustersmemorial@peakdistrict.gov.uk

The Lancaster will take off from RAF Coningsby at 9.40am and approach the dam from the north, expected to arrive at 10.30am. After three passes it will continue down the valley over Bamford Church Tower towards Chatsworth House and then east towards Scampton.