Celebration of Dambusters anniversary in Lincolnshire

A Lancaster Bomber, used by the 617 "Dambusters" Squadron

A special piece of artwork will be unveiled in Lincolnshire today to mark the 70th anniversary of the Dambusters.

TV presenter Dan Snow will reveal the tail-art on an RAF Tornado jet, at RAF Coningsby, to commemorate the formation of the famous 617 Squadron.

He will also have the rare opportunity to fly in the Tornado, which is currently used by today's 617 Squadron. When it was formed on March 21 1943 at RAF Scampton, the squadron flew Lancaster Bombers, and later Vulcans.

Dan will also review the Memorial Flight Lancaster, which he is scheduled to fly in on the 70th anniversary of the raid later in May.

In May 1943 the specially formed 617 Squadron executed what's thought to be the most daring and innovative air-raid in WWII by attacking three defended dams in Nazi Germany. The Squadron has been known as "The Dambusters" ever since.

The mission, known as Operation Chastise, was immortalised in the 1954 film "Dambusters".

The "bouncing bomb" the squadron needed was very difficult to use and they spent hours practising on the River Derwent.

The raid finally took place on May 16 when 19 Lancaster Bombers with 133 crew members took off from RAF Scampton in Linconshire. Squadron Leader Wing Commander Gibson earned the Victoria Cross for returning to provide covering gun fire for the other planes, and others were also given medals for their bravery.