Originally Posted by
Barksdale Boy
Each new crew on 617 had to tend the grave in front of the squadron offices (did it myself in 1978), typically for about six weeks. Every one knew, however, that he had been buried somewhere near the airmen's mess.
On my first tour in 1969 on 617 Sqn at Scampton, the most junior officer was appointed OIC the grave, keeping it tidy until somebody more junior arrived. It was not an arduous task, and came with the bonus of a very smart tankard kept in the Officers' Mess bar, engraved with the sqn crest and the words "For the use of the most junior officer". I can confirm that the new station gymnasium was built over the site of the original grave sometime after the war.