I have just come across this 1955 Pathe News Film of the Dambusters reunion and the film premier at the Odeon, Leiceter Square.

A dazzling evening – and what a tribute to the real Dambusters.

I was quite moved to see Barnes Wallis present to Princess Margaret the children – now teenagers – of the men who had lost their lives in the raid.

The commentary also tells us – something I did already know – that Barnes Wallis was awarded some £ 10,000 for the wartime work he had done including this project, and he donated the whole of this sum to further the education of the youngsters who had lost their fathers in conflict with the RAF

Below – The Petwood Hotel at Woodhall Spa Lincolnshire – Home to 617 Squadron. The Dambusters.