It’s fun for ‘Runners in the 617 Squadron Officer’s Mess...

Some crews found themselves at the Petwood Hotel, Woodley Spa for the night before their launch event. This beautiful building set in capacious grounds was commandeered as the Officer’s Mess for 617 Squadron in 1944; and once again in 2018 for The Beaujolais Run this evening.

The car park too was resplendent with all manner of craft, all proudly displaying their AJ suffixed Dambuster call signs. From Rolls Royce Wraith to Lancaster wrapped Ford P100 the eclectic mix that the ‘Run is famous for was once again on display.

A gathering, with camaraderie reminiscent of the 1940’s, filled the world famous ‘Dambuster’s Bar’. On display was Wing Commander Guy Gibson’s Victoria Cross and many items of Dambuster’s memorabilia including items from Barnes Wallis’s drawing board. This room had been the scene of many 617 Squadron reunions since the war; and a pint of ‘Petworth Bomber’ was drunk as a mark of respect by Runner’s in the famous wartime squadrons favourite bar. Safely billeted for the night, all crews were looking forward to the launch event in the morning.