617 Squadron

This series of covers was a joint project between the Joint Services Charities Consortium, the VRT and Lincolshire’s Lancaster Association. Produced in 1998, it celebrates the 55th anniversary of the original formation of 617 ‘Dambusters’ Squadron and the 40th anniversary of the re-formation of the squadron, in 1958, on the Avro Vulcan.

The artwork by Tony Theobald features both the Avro Vulcan and the Avro Lancaster, the latter depicted in action on the squadron’s famous 1943 mission against the Ruhr dams. The covers also feature the 617 Squadron badge and the badge of RAF Scampton, the squadron’s home during its ‘Dambuster’ and Vulcan eras. Each cover was flown in a Tornado GR4 of the modern-day 617 Squadron, with a number also being re-flown in Lancaster PA474 of the RAF Battle of Britain Memorial Flight.

Two postmarks were used for the series, one featuring the Lancaster and one the Vulcan. Each cover also features a 617 Squadron backstamp and an insert describing the squadron’s history. Cover series number is JS(CC)40.