The BBMF Lancaster flying over the Ladybower Dam in 2008. [Pic: MoD/Wikimedia]
The worst-kept secret of the events to commemorate the 75th anniversary off the Dams Raid is out! It has been officially confirmed today that the BBMF Lancaster will perform a flyover at the Ladybower Dam in the Peak District’s Derwent valley on Wednesday 16 May at approximately 12.05pm. In April and May 1943, the reservoir and dam were one of the training locations used by 617 Squadron in the run up to the Dams Raid.
The Lancaster will fly over RAF Scampton and then move on to the Derwent valley. It will perform two passes over the dam before going on to fly over Chatsworth House, the Rolls Royce plant in Derby and the Eyebrook reservoir in Leicestershire.
The authorities are keen to inform you that this event is of course weather-dependent, and in the event of cancellation due to inclement conditions there will not be another date.
Traffic congestion is expected to be very high, and members of the public are urged to use public transport if possible as private car parking will be very restricted. Previous events at the dam have resulted in traffic jams lasting up to six hours. Note that the nearest rail station is at Bamford, 2 miles from the dam (wear walking boots).
Check this information from the Peak District National Park and this from Derbyshire County Council.
There is more information on the BBMF Facebook page. This does not say which base the Lancaster will be using on the day, but it is likely to be its home station of RAF Coningsby.
Dambusters Blog 
What time will the Lancaster leave RAF Scampton and what time will it return ?
Thanks
Roger
See the revised post. It is likely to be leaving from Coningsby and then flying over Scampton, but this is not yet spelt out.
Thanks I meant to ask what time will it leave Coningsby and return also ?
Roger — I don’t know. Nothing yet announced by BBMF.
Thanks for your help will keep looking for info
Roger
A video of this would be wonderful, especially for those that are unable to be there.
Which Rolls Royce plant will it fly over, Derby has quite a few Rolls Royce buildings
Regards
Bill
Sorry, can’t help you there. You’ll need to check with BBMF or Derby Cty Council.
Just a small correction – the reservoir and dam used in training was the Derwent (as shown in the pic above). Ladybower was still under construction in 1943 and not fully flooded until 1946. In fact the last service held in Derwent church (now submerged under Ladybower reservoir) was held on 17th March 1943, the same day that 617 squadron was formed at Scampton. More here: http://turnock.com/index.php/2015/12/14/lost-villages-of-derwent-and-ashopton/
The BBMF have issued a press release this afternoon, they are warning that the wind strength is forecast to be over the Lancs limit tomorrow and the flight is currently under review but may have to be cancelled.
Appreciate the sad news when do you think would be the latest time they would make a decision ?
Thanks
Roger