Scores of people turned out to watch a flypast to commemorate the heroism of the Dambuster raids today.
It was 70 years ago to the day that 19 Lancaster crews from 617 squadron set out to destroy dams in Germany.
A Lancaster, two Spitfires and two Tornadoes flew over Eyebrook Reservoir, on the border of Leicestershire and Rutland – which was used in practice runs for the mission – at 1.45pm, as the crowds watched below.
Richard Adams, 69, of Oakham, watched the historic planes with a group of friends.
"It was a brilliant afternoon, very moving," he said. "We met people who came from all over - there was someone who had come from Worcester just to see it - as well as local people.
"We had a picnic and it was a lovely day.
"I was there for the anniversary 10 years ago as well, although it wasn't as spectacular as this one."
Lindsay Miller, 54, of Market Harbrough, also watched the flypast.
"It was spectacular," he said. "I came to the last one 10 years ago. It's important to commemorate those who lost their lives."
Read more on the Dambusters in Leicestershire: the county's little-known role in the daring wartime raid.
Throughout the day tweets of the original Morse code signals from the famous Second World War air raid were posted on the RAF's official Twitter account @RoyalAirForceUK minute-by-minute - 12 hours early to be seen during the day - allowing followers to relive all the drama from May 16, 1943. Additional posts to highlight unfolding events that were unknown at the time, such as when aircraft were lost during action, were also published.
The tweets included messages about Leicestershire pilot Flight Lieutenant Geoff Rice, a former Hinckley Grammar School pupil who was at the controls of Lancaster AJ-H on the night of the raid.Related content:• Pictures: Dambuster flypast - Eyebrook Reservoir, Rutland / Leicestershire• Article: Dambusters honoured at Leicester ceremony • The story of the Dambusters raid (pdf)
