Abberton Reservoir gets its blue plaque from Visit Essex

The blue plaque was awarded to Abberton Reservoir for its role in World War II. The reservoir was a training ground for 617 Squadron’s tests for the ‘bouncing bomb’.

The plaque was placed on the reservoir’s causeway wall on Wigborough Road. An unveiling ceremony took place with representatives from Visit Essex plus Essex and Suffolk Water.

The blue plaque was awarded after a public vote, which nominated the reservoir for the accolade.

The campaign was part of Visit Essex's Essex Day celebrations to mark historic events in the county.

Abberton Reservoir was the winner thanks to the part it played in World War II. The RAF 617 Squadron practiced dropping the ‘bouncing bomb’ at Abberton before their dare devil flights on targets in the Ruhr valley. The 1955 film ‘The Dam Busters’ was based on their mission.

The judging panel consisted of BBC Essex presenter, Ben Fryer, Chair of Visit Essex Mark Durham, plus Visit Essex’s Tourism and Place Marketing Manager, Lisa Bone.

Chair of Visit Essex, Councillor Mark Durham, explains: “617 Squadron’s raids on German dams using the bouncing bombs made a significant contribution to World War II. Abberton Reservoir played an important role in an iconic moment of British history, and we’re delighted to be able to mark this with a blue plaque.”

He continued: “Essex Day (26 October) is always a wonderful chance to celebrate the diversity in Essex. Enabling us to mark historic places, plus outstanding people.”

Abberton Reservoir is managed by Essex and Suffolk Water and they were delighted to gain the plaque.

Kieran Ingram, Water Director, said: “We are thrilled that the generous public of Essex recognised the historic role that Abberton Reservoir played in the Second World War. It is a small part of Essex history that many are not aware of, so we’re very grateful to the judging panel for helping us highlight it.”

To discover more about Abberton Reservoir and the county’s blue plaque trails, go to www.visitessex.com.