A memorial Service is to be held on the Dam Wall 10:00am on the 16th May 2008, to commemorate the 65th anniversary of the 617 squadron RAF, raid on the Ruhe Dams (Dambusters). The end of the service will be marked by a flypast of the Battle of Britain memorial flight, including the only remaining Lancaster Bomber based in the United Kingdom. (This is NOT a display flight. It is a Memorial Service marked by a flypast)
The Derwent road which runs up the valley from the A57 Snake Road will be closed. Police will be actively enforcing parking restrictions outside of the Valley to ensure that traffic flows are not disrupted. However, in order to ensure that as many people as possible get the chance to see these magnificent aircraft in flight, their route is being extended along the valley to Chatsworth where people will be able to get outstanding views!
Cars are able to enter the Valley by means of an official pass only! The allocation of passes will be to civic dignitaries, VIP\’s including former aircrew and a few serving RAF personnel. Any remaining passes will be allocated by a ballot system. Anyone who wishes to apply for entry into the ballot should send their details to despam(Dambustersmemorial@peakdistrict.gov.uk, email)
The reason for limiting access is purely related to public safety and the number of car park passes being issued is directly related to the number of vehicles which can be safely accommodated in the valley without impeding access for Ambulances or other Emergency Vehicles. Anyone who arrives by public transport and is prepared to walk into the valley on foot in order to attend the service is welcome to do so.