Dambusters Memorial, Woodhall Spa
A solemn and striking memorial in Woodhall Spa honoring the bravery and sacrifice of the legendary Dambusters of No. 617 Squadron.
The Dambusters Memorial in Woodhall Spa, Lincolnshire, is a poignant tribute to the brave airmen of No. 617 Squadron who carried out the famous Dams Raid during World War II. Erected in 1987 on the site of a wartime bombing, the memorial features a striking design shaped like a breached dam with engraved names of the fallen, honoring their sacrifice in a tranquil park setting.
A brief summary to Dambusters Memorial
- Station Rd, Woodhall Spa, Woodhall Spa, LN10 6QL, GB
- Duration: 0.5 to 1.5 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Monday 12 am-12 am
- Tuesday 12 am-12 am
- Wednesday 12 am-12 am
- Thursday 12 am-12 am
- Friday 12 am-12 am
- Saturday 12 am-12 am
- Sunday 12 am-12 am
Local tips
- Visit the memorial early in the day for a peaceful and reflective experience before it becomes busier.
- Take time to read the engraved names and battle honours to fully appreciate the squadron’s sacrifice.
- Combine your visit with nearby attractions such as the Woodhall Spa Cottage Museum or the Petwood Hotel for a fuller historical context.
- Wear comfortable shoes as the memorial is set in a garden park area suitable for gentle walking.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
- Trash Bins
Getting There
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Car
Driving from Lincoln, take the A158 towards Horncastle for approximately 20 minutes. Exit towards Woodhall Spa and follow local signs to Station Road where the memorial is located. Free parking is available nearby.
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Bus
Local bus services connect Woodhall Spa with nearby towns such as Lincoln and Horncastle. From the town center, the memorial is a short 10-minute walk along Station Road. Check local schedules for service frequency.
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Walking
If staying in Woodhall Spa, the memorial is accessible on foot via gentle, flat paths suitable for most visitors. Walking from the town center takes about 10 minutes.
Dambusters Memorial location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
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Rain / Wet Weather
Discover more about Dambusters Memorial
A Tribute to Courage and Sacrifice
The Dambusters Memorial stands in Woodhall Spa, Lincolnshire, as a solemn homage to the men of No. 617 Squadron RAF, renowned for their daring mission known as the Dams Raid in May 1943. The memorial commemorates the 53 airmen who lost their lives during this pivotal operation, as well as the additional 151 squadron members who died in subsequent missions throughout World War II. Their names are inscribed in alphabetical order on the memorial, emphasizing equality in sacrifice without regard to rank.Symbolism Rooted in History
Erected in 1987, the memorial is thoughtfully designed to resemble a breached dam, symbolizing the dramatic destruction achieved during the raid. A slate slab represents the floodwaters rushing through the breach, upon which the squadron’s crest and battle honours are engraved. This artistic choice powerfully evokes the squadron’s historic achievement and the cost paid for freedom, underscored by the inscription "They Died For Your Freedom" prominently displayed.Location and Setting
Situated on Station Road in Woodhall Spa, the memorial occupies the site of the former Royal Hydro Hotel and Winter Gardens, which were destroyed by a Luftwaffe bombing raid in 1943. The surrounding area is a peaceful park and garden space, offering visitors a reflective environment to contemplate the bravery and sacrifice of the squadron’s airmen. The memorial’s placement within the town connects it to the local history and the wartime RAF station nearby.Legacy of No. 617 Squadron
No. 617 Squadron, famously led by Wing Commander Guy Gibson, executed the innovative Dams Raid using Barnes Wallis’s bouncing bomb, targeting the Mohne and Eder dams in Germany’s Ruhr Valley. The operation’s success was tempered by heavy losses, with eight Lancasters destroyed and many crew members killed or captured. The squadron continued to undertake perilous missions until the war’s end, with the memorial honoring all who served and sacrificed.Visitor Experience and Reflection
The memorial attracts history enthusiasts and casual visitors alike, many of whom come to seek out names and pay respects. The design’s evocative symbolism and the engraved names serve as a powerful reminder of the human cost of war. The tranquil surroundings encourage quiet reflection, making it a meaningful stop for those interested in military history and the legacy of the RAF.Commemorative Importance Today
Beyond honoring the past, the Dambusters Memorial serves as a lasting reminder of courage, innovation, and sacrifice. It stands alongside other regional sites dedicated to the RAF and Bomber Command, contributing to Lincolnshire’s rich aviation heritage. The memorial’s presence in Woodhall Spa ensures that the story of No. 617 Squadron remains alive for future generations to appreciate and remember.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
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For the design and aesthetic lover
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For the social media creator & influencer
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For the kind of experience you’re after
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For how adventurous you want the journey to be
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Location Audience
- Family Friendly
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- Couple Friendly
