On Saturday 16 th May 2026, Lincolnshire Aviation Heritage Centre at East Kirkby will host the launch of a new book “ The Lost Dambuster Lancaster”, describing the last flight of Lancaster DV403 as it departed nearby RAF Woodhall Spa to attack the V2 site at Wizernes, Northern France.
After years of painstaking research, Professor Trevor Kerry and French author Gaëtan Sagot have joined forces to produce this riveting account of the fate of this famous bomber and its crew and the aftermath story of the heroism of the French Resistance, treating the injured and subsequently burying the dead crew members.
On 24 th June 1944, eighteen aircraft of the famous 617 Sqn Dambuster Sqn took off on this epic raid to destroy the V2 site employing the new Tallboy deep-penetration bomb designed by Barnes Wallis.
The launch will take place at 12.30 on Saturday 16th May at East Kirkby.
Professor Kerry, and eight surviving family members, will be in attendance at the launch to sign copies and give a short talk on the book, as well as answering questions from the press and media. Copies will be available from the Heritage Centre’s bookshop.
The event is being promoted by Aviation Heritage Lincolnshire (AHL), There will be an opportunity to view memorabilia relating to 617 Squadron and the DV403 crew kindly brought by relatives of
the crewmen and by local aviation enthusiasts. There will also be a rare opportunity to see the logbook of one crew member: F/O Bill King, DFC, Flight Engineer.
11.00 A short briefing from Trevor Kerry about the context of East Kirkby and other local airfields (10 mins)
A short introduction to the East Kirkby site by Chris Ward (award-winning author on 617 matters) (10-15 minutes)
Explore the site in your own way but with Chris and others available to give information and answer questions
This was the home of 57 Squadron and the airfield from which Bill King, DV403 Flight Engineer, originally flew with Cheshire before transfer to 617. 630 Squadron from 5 Group also flew Lancasters from here.
12.30 Begin to gather at the Function Room (accessed from inside the café)
Before and after lunch Trevor Kerry will be available to sign books for those who wish this (your choice)
Relatives may be asked to sign books for 617 Squadron collectors present
13.00 Lunch - Sausage casserole (drinks not included) (NOW FULLY BOOKED)
We will be joined at lunch by members of local aviation/historical societies
We hope that a member of the Panton family (owners of EK) will speak to us about East Kirkby for a few minutes after lunch.
AFTER LUNCH Some relatives of the crew will bring memorabilia for everyone to look at; and Simon Rolt and Steve Rogers will do likewise. A unique opportunity - Please share these views if you can, take photos with permission etc
