nhe story of No 617 Sqn's formation has sometimes been told in a way that simplifies complicated circumstances into a single storyline. In such linear history blind alleys or false starts tend to be overlooked; each step leads inevitably to the next and things like misunderstanding, dissent or confusion that may have been influential at the time are downplayed. The canonical account of No 617 Sqn's formation was framed within weeks of the Dams raid. On June 7, 1943, Air Vice Marshal the Hon R.A. Cochrane, AOC No 5 Group, submitted his report on Operation Chastise to HQ Bomber Command (HQBC). Cochrane began the narrative on March 1 7, when HQBC had informed his Group headquarters by letter of the existence of a special weapon known as Upkeep and of the intention to use it "against a large dam in Germany'. The same letter had directed that a new squadron be formed for the task and that training should begin "as early as possible", According to Cochrane's report the squadron came into being at Scampton on March 21 and Wing Commander G.P Gibson DSO, DFC, was appointed squadron commander.
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