Planners have thrown out an application to move the grave of Dambusters hero Guy Gibson’s dog. West Lindsey District Council has made the decision to keep the memorial dedicated to Guy Gibson’s dog at RAF Scampton.
In May, the RAF proposed relocating the grave to RAF Marham in King’s Lynn, citing concerns that it may be at risk due to the government’s plans to house up to 2,000 asylum seekers at the former home of the Dambusters, 617 squadron LincolnshireLive reports. Gibson who won the Victoria Cross for leading the raid, called Operation Chastise, famously returned alive from the dangerous attack on German dams in the Second World War. His beloved pet was run over and killed on the morning of the raid - and the news was kept from the squadron as it was feared they might see it as a bad omen. Gibson was himself killed later in the war.
Last night (July 5) the West Lindsey District Council planning committee rejected the proposal unanimously, saying it believed relocating the grave of the black Labrador would diminish the historical significance tied to the former Dambusters base.
The meeting held at Lincolnshire Showground featured a wide range of speakers, including Gainsborough MP Sir Edward Leigh and controversial far right figure Alek Yebury, who all voiced their strong opposition to the plans.
Sir Edward Leigh said: “History is vital and this dog’s history is linked inexplicably to this base. We are saying not over our dead body, we want a future for this site and we will fight for it.”
West Lindsey District Council has opposed the asylum plans, claiming they have disrupted a £300 million heritage, enterprise and tourism project from Scampton Holdings. The council’s case will reach a critical juncture next week when it is presented to the High Court on July 12 and 13.
At this stage, a decision will be made on whether to proceed with a full judicial review to assess the legality of the Home Office’s proposed plans. Should the legal challenge fail, the first wave of around 200 men, predominantly from Afghanistan, Iraq, and Iran, is expected to arrive in mid-August.
