The Dambusters came to encapsulate the bravery and self-sacrifice of Britain’s armed forces in the Second World War.
The daring mission, codenamed ‘Operation Chastise’, saw a brave band of airmen destroy three German dams in May 1943.
While its usefulness has been disputed, it gave Britain a much-needed morale boost after years of misery in the Blitz.
Now, 75 years since the audacious raid, a series of special events will take place across the country.
A flypast by a Lancaster Bomber over Derwent Dam in Leicestershire had to cancelled due to high wind, but has been replaced with a Typhoon fighter jet.
The RAF said the conditions were ‘well beyond the limits’ for the Lancaster, which is only one of two airworthy bombers left in the world.
The flypast is due to mark the 100th anniversary of the RAF as well as the 75th anniversary of the raid on major German dams by 617 Squadron, later known as the Dambusters.
A thoughtful note will be struck at the Bomber Command Memorial in London’s Green Park where 53 pairs of flying gloves will be laid out to represent the men who died.
Relatives of those who took part in the 1943 raid and an RAF bugler will signal a minute’s silence.
A total of 133 aircrew left for the raid on board 19 Lancaster bombers from RAF Scampton, led by Wing Commander Guy Gibson.
But the dangerous mission left 53 men dead and three were captured by the Nazis.
Squadron Leader George ‘Johnny’ Johnson, Britain’s last surviving Dambuster, said the anniversary should act as a reminder for younger generations.
When asked what advice he would offer to the current aircrew in his former squadron, the 96-year-old from Bristol said: ‘Do your utmost to maintain the performance and prestige of the squadron.’
His crew was one of five selected to target the Sorpe dam, and had to fly along its length at as low an altitude as possible and drop the bomb in the centre.
Although Mr Johnson’s aircrew did not destroy their target, the Germans had to empty the dam to repair it, causing major disruption to the war effort.
Asked about the most significant thing he remembers from the night of the raids, he said: ‘It was an exhilarating feeling, flying low level into the Ruhr Valley in bright moonlight.
‘Once we had recovered from the early disappointment of the target – the Sorpe didn’t require us to spin the bomb or use any of our practised techniques – the most significant memory was the sight of the burst Mohne dam as we flew home.’