617 Sqn - Plaque

Memorial
Title

617 Sqn - Plaque

Images

Locations

Last known location:
Derwent Dam
Western Access Road
Derwent
Derbyshire

Nearest postcode:
S33 0AQ

NGR:
SK 17097 89792
(From online digital mapping)

Location details:
In the western gatehouse of the dam.

Type

Overall type: Plaque

Overall condition: Good. The inscription is legible.

Description:

A wall mounted rectangular brass plaque with polished narrow raised border and a raised inscription in upright capital roman lettering against a stippled ground.

Components:

Component	Material	Height	Width	Depth	Condition
Plaque	Brass	c400	c600	c20	Good
Dimensions in millimetres unless stated otherwise, ±5mm.

Inscription

Plaque:

THIS PLAQUE UNVEILED ON 16TH MAY 1988
COMMEMORATES THE NIGHT OF
16TH 17TH MAY 1943
WHEN 19 LANCASTERS OF 617 SQD. R.A.F
ATTACKED THE RUHR DAMS AT LOW LEVEL
ALSO REMEMBERED HERE ARE THE
204 617 SQD. AIRCREW WHO LAID DOWN
THEIR LIVES BETWEEN 1943-1945

Conflicts and people commemorated
Conflict	WW2
Number died	0
Number served and returned	0
Total names	0

Administration

Custodian:
The gatehouse forms part of the structure of Derwent Dam, owned by Severn Trent Water Ltd.

Local Authorities:
Since 1974: Hope Woodlands Parish Council; High Peak Borough Council; Derbyshire County Council.

History

17th April, 1951: The memorial lies within the Peak District National Park designated on that date.

16th May, 1988: Unveiled.

17th May, 2010: Surveyed by Roy Branson and Alan Willmot.

21st September, 2014: Surveyed by Anne and Roy Branson.

References

The Seven Blunders of the Peak, Brian Robinson (Ed),
Scarthin Books, 1994, Pp 91-98, ISBN 0 907758 77 0

Comments

The book by Brian Robinson presents a case for 617 Squadron's use of Derwent Dam being minimal.