- Type of Memorial
- Window
- WMR Reference Number
- 20354
- Description
- Two circular stained glass windows with explanatory panels below.
The left window depicts scenes from the Dambusters Raid, and the right window depicts aircraft flown by 617 Squadron since its inception until the date of manufacture of the windows. These are Lancaster, Mosquito, Vulcan and Tornado, the Squadron badge is at upper centre.
- Inscription
- Left window: 16TH MAY 1943 - 617 SQUADRON/ TO COMMEMORATE/ the/ 50th Anniversary/ of the/ DAMS RAID/ 17TH MAY 1943 THE DAMBUSTERS
Left window information panel: THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE DAMS/ RAID BY 617 SQUADRON./ The window depicts the story of the raid from/ Barnes Wallis' conception of the theory, through/ take-off as 617 Squadron, to the attack and/ breeching [sic]of the Dams. This followed by the/ return to base (flying over Lincoln Cathedral) as/ "THE DAMBUSTERS"./ Also portrayed are Wing Co. Guy Gibson and his/ dog 'Nigger'. ('Nigger' was the code-word used to/ confirm the successful breeching [sic] of the first dam./ The dog being killed on the eve of the raid).
Centre information panel: These windows were designed and constructed by/ JOHN N. FREEAR in his spare time over a 6/
month period of time./ They are a tribute to the men who flew the special/ mission (and who, as a schoolboy, he watched/ from his classroom window as they practised).
Right window: 1943 - 1955 (Squadron badge) 1958 - 1981 RAF/ To Commemorate/ the/ 50th Anniversary/ of/ 617 SQUADRON/ THE DAMBUSTERS/ 1983-93...
Right window information panel: THE 50th ANNIVERSARY OF THE/ FORMATION OF 617 SQUADRON./ The window illustrates the aircraft flown by the/ Squadron to date (Lancaster, Vulcan, Canberra/ and Tornado)/ Squadron formed 21st March 1943-/ ..............disbanded 15th December 1955./ Re-formed 1st May 1958-/ ..............disbanded 31st December 1981./ Re-formed 16th May 1983-/ Still flying as 617...... "THE DAMBUSTERS."