RAF Scampton originally referred to as "Squadron X", was formed at Scampton in order to carry out the proposed raid, codenamed Operation Chastise. More commonly referred to as the "Dambusters Raid", the raid would go down as the most famous and widely remembered in the history of the Royal Air Force. On the night of 16–17 May 1943, 617 Sqn despatched 19 Lancasters from Scampton. Led by Wing Commander Guy Gibson, the main bulk of the squadron attacked the Sorpe, Eder and Möhne dams with an additional aircraft tasked to perform an attack on the Schwelm Dam. Both the Eder and Möhne
RAF Scampton Welbeck Estate Group who had previously acquired nearby RAF Hemswell tech and domestic site, RAF Faldingworth married quarters and Strike Command HQ at RAF Bawtry Hall. In early 2000 following a revaluation of the logistics of the Red Arrows' operation as well as the lack of available space at RAF Cranwell, it was decided to re-base the Red Arrows at Scampton. As part of a reorganisation, Air Combat Service Support units of 2 Group and personnel from RAF Boulmer and RAF Sealand were planning to move to Scampton. This would have seen personnel levels on the station rising to 2,500