History of Lincolnshire the RAF Officer Training College after the formation of the RAF in April 1918. RAF Swinderby was a Polish-manned RAF station and from 1964, the RAF's main Recruit Training Camp. RAF Scampton, was the home base of 617 Squadron. Lincolnshire still has the strongest claim to being the 'home' of RAF Bomber Command, playing host to many squadrons, including the Lancaster bombers of the famous 617 "Dambusters" squadron who were based at RAF Scampton. There were two Bomber Groups based in the county – No. 1 in the north and No. 5 Group in the centre and south. The Battle
RAF Scampton transpired that the aircraft had originally served at Scampton with 83 Squadron and was given the squadron code OL-Q "(Q-Queenie)". When 83 Sqn converted to the Lancaster MkIII in September 1943, Lancaster "Q-Queenie" was transferred to 467 Squadron who were then based at RAF Bottesford. The aircraft was subsequently re-coded PO-S "(S-Sugar)". In view of the aircraft's history the 467 Sqn codes were removed and replaced by the original 83 Sqn OL-Q code. Lancaster R5868 was dismantled at Scampton in November 1970, by personnel from No 71 MU. It was removed and is now on permanent exhibition at the Royal