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 Red Arrows at RAF Scampton was the best way for them to operate, without affecting other operational flying bases. As a consequence of the decision work was undertaken to resurface the runway, ensuring Scampton was retained as an operational flying base. In July 2018, the MoD announced that Scampton would close and then be sold off with all remaining units relocated to other RAF bases in the United Kingdom by 2022. Current flying and notable non-flying units based at RAF Scampton. No. 1 Group (Air Combat) RAF No. 22 Group (Training) RAF No. 38 Group (Air Combat Service Support) RAF