RAF Scampton

In late 1916, Home Defence Flight Station Brattleby (also called Brattleby Cliff) was established on the location of present-day RAF Scampton. The Royal Flying Corps' A Flight, No. 33 Squadron, was the first operational unit to fly the Royal Aircraft Factory F.E.2b in order to defend against the Zeppelin threat. Up to 1919, the base continued to function. Renamed Royal Air Force Station Scampton, it reopened in 1936. Four C-Type hangars were added as part of the base's reconstruction and expansion.

Since its reopening, the first units to be stationed here were No. 9 Squadron and No. 214 Squadron.

The most well-known use of RAF Scampton during World War II was likely as the home base for 617 Squadron, which was tasked with bombing the Mohne, Eder and Sorpe Dams in May 1943.

After the war, RAF Scrampton continued to operate until its closure in 2023.

The base consists of wartime-era buildings and the grave of "Nigger", the dog of Wing Commander Guy Gibson, Squadron Leader of 617 Squadron (the Dambusters). The dog was killed the day before the raid on the dams and was buried outside Gibson's office as the raid was taking place.

Until a few years ago, a museum was housed in one of the original World War II hangars. It had over 400 collectibles on display, including a Blue Steel missile. The museum is now permanently closed.

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Source

• Text: TracesofWar
• Photos: Linda Mellor