RAF Scampton: Meeting date set over future of Guy Gibson’s dog’s …
A date has been set for a crucial meeting which will decide whether Guy Gibson’s dog’s grave will stay at RAF Scampton[1]. The memorial, dedicated to the Dambuster[2] icon's black labrador, has been at the centre of controversy in recent months after the RAF applied for permission to relocate it to the current home of the 617 Squadron in Norfolk.
West Lindsey District Council's[3] planning committee is slated to hold the pivotal meeting at the Lincolnshire Showground’s Epic Centre on Wednesday, July 5. This will allow more space than the limited public seating at the council offices.
Councillor Ian Fleetwood, who proposed hosting the meeting in a larger venue during last month's annual general meeting, expressed the significance of public involvement in the decision. He said: "I regard this as being very much in the public interest and so I don’t think it would be fair to exclude people.
Poll: What's the worst road in Lincolnshire for traffic?[4]
"Coincidentally, the Epic Centre is also right alongside Scampton so it’s a very fitting location." The representative for Bardney ward later emphasised the grave's historical value to Lincolnshire, predicting that hundreds of people might come to witness the proceedings.
He added: "The dog was killed on the A15 and Guy Gibson buried him at Scampton, so it’s Lincolnshire heritage." The plans to exhume the animal have been called 'disgusting' in the past[5].
In its application, the RAF expressed concerns about the preservation of the dog’s resting place due to the uncertainty surrounding the housing of asylum seekers at the former home of the Red Arrows. The proposed relocation has divided many since becoming public knowledge, with Scampton Councillor Roger Patterson describing it as “a kick in the teeth for the community”.
However, others feel the grave should go where it would be best cared for. The dog served as the mascot for the Dambusters and was buried outside Hangar 2 at the request of his owner.
In its application, the RAF said: "As there is now no guarantee of a sustainable heritage focused future for Scampton with careful management and interpretation of the story of the raid and Wg Cdr Gibson’s dog, we believe the grave site is at risk and carries significant reputational risk given the racial slur now associated with the dog's name. We feel it would be better to return the marker and any remains to 617 Squadron."
References
- ^ RAF Scampton (www.lincolnshirelive.co.uk)
- ^ Dambuster (www.lincolnshirelive.co.uk)
- ^ West Lindsey District Council's (www.lincolnshirelive.co.uk)
- ^ What's the worst road in Lincolnshire for traffic? (xd.wayin.com)
- ^ have been called 'disgusting' in the past (www.lincolnshirelive.co.uk)