No. 617 Squadron RAF No. 617 Squadron RAF Number 617 Squadron is a Royal Air Force aircraft squadron, based at RAF Marham in Norfolk. It is commonly known as the "Dambusters", for its actions during Operation Chastise against German dams during the Second World War. In the early 21st century it operated the Tornado GR4 in the ground attack and reconnaissance role until being disbanded in the spring of 2014. The squadron reformed on 17 April 2018, and was equipped at RAF Marham during summer 2018 with the F-35 Lightning II, becoming the UK's first squadron with this advanced V/STOL type. According to the
RAF Scampton Sqn). The first departure was that of 83 Sqn which left in August 1942, transferring to RAF Wyton in order to become part of the fledgling Pathfinder Force. This departure resulted in 83 CF moving to RAF Wigsley where it was disbanded into 1654 Heavy Conversion Unit. On 2 January 1943, 49 Sqn departed for RAF Fiskerton with 49 CU disbanding, subsequently becoming 'C' Flight of 1661 Heavy Conversion Unit at RAF Waddington. By early January 1943 this left 57 Sqn as the sole occupier of the base. Following the development of the "Upkeep" bouncing bomb, 617 Squadron (617 Sqn),