Aviation Heritage Lincolnshire 2016 Leaflet

EXPERIENCE
the excitement of Lincolnshire’s Aviation History through Events, Aviation Trails and Heritage Sites
GRANTHAM MUSEUM
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St Peter’s Hill, Grantham, Lincolnshire, NG31 6PY Tel No 01476 568783
RAF Ingham Heritage Centre, Middle Street, Fillingham DN21 5BU
rafingham@hotmail.co.uk
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Open: The museum is currently open Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays 10am-4pm
and other times by request.
Grantham was home to the Headquarters of No 5 Group in Bomber Command and a
lot of the planning for the Dam Busters raid took place there. Grantham Museum has
some displays relating to the raid and to the American forces that were stationed in the
area during the Second World War.
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rafingham@hotmail.co.uk
www.rafingham.co.uk
Open: Easter to October, Monday to Saturday 10am-5pm (last admission 4pm) and
October to Easter, Monday to Saturday 10am-4pm (last admission 3pm)
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RAF Coningsby, Dogdyke Road, Coningsby LN4 4SY
Tel: 01522 782040
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Located on a former bomber airfield, the centre includes Avro Lancaster
“Just Jane” which performs taxy runs regularly in the summer months
(check website for dates) and a veteran Dakota. The original WWII control tower
has been restored and forms part of the museum which holds many exhibits focussing
on Bomber Command, a Barnes Wallis bouncing bomb, Home Front exhibition,
a Hampden restoration project and the Royal Air Forces’ Escaping Society Museum.
Special events are scheduled throughout the Summer season. At the entrance to the
Centre is a memorial stone to 57 and 630 Squadrons. Admission is charged.
METHERINGHAM AIRFIELD VISITOR CENTRE
Located on an operational RAF airfield the BBMF operates the only airworthy
Lancaster in Britain, eight Spitfires, two Hurricanes, a Dakota and two
Chipmunks. The Memorial Flight is a living tribute to all RAF air and ground
crews who gave their lives in the Second World War. Commitments mean that
the presence of particular aircraft cannot be guaranteed.
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Charge for guided tours.
www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/bbmf
www.metheringhamairfield.co.uk
The Waddington Viewing Area is situated south of Lincoln on the A15
overlooking RAF Waddington. We offer a unique attraction of being able
to view all aircraft (E3-D Sentry, Sentinel and Shadow R1) as well as visiting
military aircraft.
A purpose built car park offers unrestricted views over the airfield with a snack
bar and gift shop on the site also.
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Open: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday at 1100 hrs, by appointment only.
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The Heritage Centre is located on this famous bomber base, home of The Red Arrows,
and covers the history of the station from the Great War. Exhibits include many items
relating to 617 Dam Buster Squadron, and the tour covers well known sites on the
station, including the restored office of Guy Gibson. The Scampton story encompasses
the Cold War as well as 3 awards of the Victoria Cross. No admission charge, but
donations welcomed.
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Museum of RAF Firefighting
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RAF Scampton, Lincoln LN1 2TR Tel: 0700 390 1223
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The Old Control Tower, Wickenby Airfield, Langworth,
Lincoln LN3 5AX Tel: 01673 885000
Open: Tuesday to Sunday from 9.00am to 5.00pm, except Christmas Day
and Boxing Day.
Located in the control tower of this former Lancaster base, the Museum
records the history of the station. Near the tower is a memorial to 12 and
626 Squadrons. The airfield remains operational, used by light aircraft.
Whilst enjoying your visit take the opportunity to have some light
refreshments in the Watch Office cafe.
www.wickenbymuseum.co.uk
RAF COLLEGE CRANWELL HERITAGE & ETHOS CENTRE
10 Cranwell Ave, Cranwell Village, Sleaford NG34 8HG
The Centre is open by appointment during normal working hours
and visits can be booked by emailing
lee.adamson256@mod.uk
Open: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday at 1100 hrs, by appointment only.
SQUADRONS’ MEMORIAL ROOMS
CRANWELL AVIATION HERITAGE CENTRE
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NEWARK AIR MUSEUM
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Heath Farm, North Rauceby, Sleaford NG34 8QR
Tel: 01529 488490 or Tel: 01529 308102 (out of hours information)
Drove Lane, Winthorpe, Newark NG24 2NY Tel: 01636 707170
Email: enquire@newarkairmuseum.org
Open: 1st April-31st October 7 days a week 10am-4.30pm.
1st November-31st March open Saturday and Sunday only from 10am-4pm
Open: March to October 10.00 am to 5.00 pm and November to February 10.00 am
to 4.00 pm. Closed on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New
Year’s Day.
The Centre traces the history of RAF Cranwell from its Royal Navy years and
the Royal Air Force College to the present day. The experience includes
interactive exhibits including a Jet Provost flight simulator, displays, various
exhibits and artefacts, storyboards, courtyard area with Jet Provost aircraft,
Vampire nose pod, video theatre, local tourist information and shop area.
Light refreshments are available. Group and school visits are most welcome
by prior arrangement.
For information on special events please contact the centre. Admission is free.
www.heartoflincs.com
This leaflet is available in large print, Braille, audio, electronic formats
such as CD or in a different language. Please contact Aviation Heritage
Lincolnshire on 07584216890 or 07584216891 for more information.
Situated on the Lincolnshire/Nottinghamshire border with easy access from the A1,
the museum is proud to be associated with Aviation Heritage Lincolnshire and its
aims. From just one aircraft, Newark Air Museum now displays 77 aircraft and cockpit
sections. This remains an excellent starting point if you are visiting from outside
of Lincolnshire, before you move further into the county to visit the other aviation
heritage centres. There is an admission charge, with ample
free parking, café and museum shop.
www.newarkairmuseum.org
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The RAFC Cranwell Heritage & Ethos Centre pay tribute to the personnel
who have trained at Cranwell and strived through adversity to succeed
within the RAF. The centre hosts a display dedicated to the history of the RAF
Central Flying School.
rafscamptonheritagecentre@gmail.com
www.raf.mod.uk/reds
www.raf.mod.uk/rafscampton
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RAF Scampton, Lincoln LN1 2TR Tel: 01522 738361
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Located on part of the former RAF Metheringham base, recalls life on an operational
airfield, and honours those who served there. Nearby are the remains of runways
and taxiways, and a memorial to 106 Squadron. During the year a number of special
events and lectures take place. Entry to the Visitor Centre is free
RAF KIRMINGTON
RAF SCAMPTON HERITAGE CENTRE
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Westmoor Farm, Martin Moor, Metheringham LN4 3WF Tel: 01526 353879
Open: Easter to October Wednesday 11am-4pm, Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holidays
11am-5pm. Group visits at other times by arrangement.
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For more information about RAF Sandtoft, and RAF Kirmington please look at
www.nlaviationheritage.com
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www.lincsaviation.co.uk
Open: Monday to Friday 10.00am to 5.00pm, and some weekends
in the summer. Guided tours of the hangar take place from 10.30am to
3.30pm (3.00pm November to February). The Visitor Centre is normally
closed weekends, all public holidays and two weeks over the Christmas/
New Year period.
Open: 8am to 5pm, Monday to Saturday.
RAF WICKENBY MEMORIAL MUSEUM
RAF SANDTOFT
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www.raf.mod.uk/rafwaddington
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East Kirkby Airfield, East Kirkby, Spilsby PE23 4DE Tel: 01790 763207
BATTLE OF BRITAIN MEMORIAL FLIGHT VISITOR CENTRE
RAF Waddington Aircraft Viewing Experience
Sleaford Road (A15) Waddington, Lincoln LN5 9FG Tel: 07540 752432
Temporary exhibition open on Sundays from 09.00 to 12.00
RAF Ingham was the home of 300 & 305 (Polish) and 199 Bomber Squadrons,
flying Vickers Wellingtons. A team of volunteers are currently renovating the former
Airmen’s Mess on the airfield, in order to create the RAF Ingham Heritage Centre.
The Centre will also become the ‘Home of the Polish Bomber Squadrons’; and have
memorials to both RAF Ingham personnel and those of the four Polish Bomber
Squadrons. The Centre is due to open in 2016.
www.granthammuseum.org.uk
LINCOLNSHIRE AVIATION HERITAGE CENTRE
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RAF INGHAM HERITAGE CENTRE
The Museum of RAF Firefighting is lodged at RAF Scampton and displays over 40 fire
engines and associated memorabilia. Viewing is by appointment only and visits can be
arranged by e-mail enquiry@firemuseum.co.uk or phone 07003901223
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enquiry@firemuseum.co.uk
www.firemuseum.co.uk
RAF DIGBY SECTOR OPERATIONS ROOM MUSEUM
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RAF Digby, Scopwick LN4 3LH
Open: From 1st Sunday in May to the 1st Sunday in October at 11am for
guided tours. Sunday only.
The original operations room bunker of this former Fighter Command airfield
has been restored, complete with plotting table, state boards and equipment.
Other rooms include items related to the many bomber squadrons that were
based in the county and the history of RAF Digby.
Contact the Visits Coordinator at RAF Digby on 01526 327272,
Monday - Friday service 01526 327272
Admission free, but donations welcomed.
digbymuseum@aol.com
www.raf.mod.uk/rafdigby
RAF WADDINGTON HERITAGE CENTRE
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RAF Waddington, Lincoln LN5 9NB Tel: 01522 728595
or email the Visits Co-ordinator on Wad-Heritagecentre@mod.uk
Open: everyday, by appointment only.
Visit RAF Waddington Heritage Centre and learn the history of the station.
Travel back in time to RAF Waddington’s history within Bomber Command and the
Augsburg raid; learn about the V-Force during the days of the Cold War and the Black
Buck raid on the Falkland Islands. Discover the science of radar and other modern
technologies used in the Combat ISTAR platforms flown from Waddington today.
Visits are free by appointment only and group visits can be arranged on request.
Coach parties as part of an organised event are welcome with sufficient
prior notification.
www.raf.mod.uk/rafwaddington/aboutus/heritagecentre.cfm
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Elsham Wolds, Elsham, North Lincolnshire
RAF Elsham Wolds was home to 103 and 576 Squadrons during WWII.
There is a Memorial Garden and Memorial Room dedicated to RAF Elsham
Wolds which is open to visitors by prior appointment only. Visits can be
arranged through Robin Lingard who can be contacted on 01652 653247.
For further details visit www.rafelshamwolds.com
THORPE CAMP Visitor Centre
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Woodhall Spa Road, Tattershall Thorpe LN4 4PE Tel: 01526 342249
Open: every Sunday and Bank Holiday Monday from Easter to the end
of October and on Wednesdays during July and August from 1pm-5pm.
Occasional special weekend events during the summer
The Centre, situated on the former bomber base, is dedicated to the history of
RAF Woodhall Spa and the Squadrons which operated from the airfield: 97,
619, 617(the Dambusters) and 627 squadrons, and civilian life in Lincolnshire
during World War II. Admission charged.
www.thorpecamp.org
Lincolnshire’s Aviation Heritage
DISCOVER
Join us on a
JOURNEY
through Lincolnshire’s extensive
and rich aviation heritage
Experience the thrill of
Aviation Trails
Aviation
Lincolnshire Aviation Trail App.
The free Lincolnshire Aviation Trail App for both Android and
iphones is now available. Go to Download from
Google Play App Store
in Lincolnshire
South Kesteven District Council Aviation Trail
Entitled “Heritage of Flight”, the South Kesteven District Council
aviation trail booklet can be obtained by calling 01476 406080
(extn 6498/6440) or e-mail pr@southkesteven.gov.uk
North Kesteven District Council
Aviation Trail
Copies of leaflets on Aviation Heritage and Air Force
Memorials are available from West Lindsey District Council, Tourism
Unit, Aviation Heritage, Guildhall, Marshalls Yard,
Gainsborough, DN21 2NA.
Tel: 01427 676666 www.west-lindsey.gov.uk
East Lindsey District Council Aviation Trail
This new trail is downloadable from www.e-lindsey.gov.uk or www.
visitskegnessandmablethorpe.com. Alternatively if you would like a
hard copy please Telephone 01507 613116
or E-mail: tourism@e-lindsey.gov.uk
Northern Lincolnshire
Aviation Heritage Booklet
Tel 01652 657053 brigg.tic@northlincs.gov.uk
Lincolnshire is the ideal destination for a short break. Explore
the wonderful museums and visitor centres which reflect
the county’s rich aviation heritage from the early years of
military flying to the present day. Visits to the county aren’t
just for aviation enthusiasts as they can be combined with
other activities including family history, churches, walking,
cycling, antiques, houses and gardens. For information on
where to stay, food and drink, places to visit and what’s on in
Lincolnshire please visit www.visitlincolnshire.com
ON HERIT
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2016
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Aviation Heritage Lincolnshire will be developing various
new aviation trails so for more information on the latest
trails please visit our website
www.aviationheritagelincolnshire.com
Short Breaks
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To find out more about aviation heritage in Northern
Lincolnshire please request your free guide from
Tourist Information Centre, Market Place, Brigg,
North Lincs, DN20 8LD.
International Bomber Command Centre LN4 2RF
The first phase of this ambitious project has been completed
and comprises the memorial Spire and walls carrying
the names 26,296 men who lost their lives serving in
Bomber Command. Another 29,000 names will be added
over the coming year. In Addition an exhibition and
education centre is being built and the opening will be
dependent on funds being raised.
The site is not yet open to the public but the IBCC are
running free tours for the duration of 2016. To book or to
find out more about the project please visit
www.internationalbcc.co.uk Tel No 01778 421420
events@internationalbcc.co.uk
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West Lindsey District Council Aviation Heritage
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Tel 01529 414155 www.heartoflincs.com
International Bomber Command
Centre - LN4 2RF
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This award-winning Airfield trail is available for free from North
Kesteven District Council, Economic Development
Office, Kesteven Street, Sleaford, Lincolnshire NG34 7EF.
www.aviationheritagelincolnshire.com
Take to Lincolnshire’s ‘big skies’
and experience the thrill and
excitement of aviation – past and
present. Discover a landscape criss-crossed
by wartime airfields and reminders of
Lincolnshire’s historic aviation role – and
home to the famous Red Arrows and Battle
of Britain Memorial Flight display teams.
Whether you’re an enthusiast or simply
looking for a great family day out, Lincolnshire
has something to suit. See two of only four
Lancaster bombers left in Britain. View the
elegant buildings of the world’s oldest military
air academy at RAF Cranwell.
In the Beginning
The American Connection
During the Great War Lincolnshire’s 37 airfields housed fighters targeting
Zeppelins. They were also the locations for training aircraft and airships,
whilst Lincoln was one of Britain’s largest aircraft production centres.
During the Great War US Navy flying boats flew anti-submarine
patrols from the county and in the 1940’s fighter pilots were
trained here. C-47 transports carried D-Day paratroops and B-29
strategic bombers were also based in the county. The 3 Eagle
Squadrons were all based at Kirton in Lindsey during WWII.
The RAF was formed in 1918 from the Royal Naval Air Service and
the Royal Flying Corps and after the war there were only three active
airfields left in Lincolnshire. At Cranwell’s Royal Air Force College,
formed in 1920, Frank Whittle proposed the basis of the jet engine.
T E Lawrence (Lawrence of Arabia) also served there.
Bomber County
During the Second World War Lincolnshire became Bomber County,
home to many Lancaster squadrons. Almost half Bomber Command’s
19 Victoria Crosses honoured airmen flying from Lincolnshire, including
Wing Commander Guy Gibson of 617 Squadron, the Dam Busters.
By 1945 there were 49 airfields, more than any other county. Pilot poet
John Magee flew Spitfires with the Royal Canadian Air Force and is
buried at Scopwick. Almost 500 air force memorials mark the sacrifice
of young men and women of many nations.
The Cold War
Britain’s nuclear deterrent was maintained by the RAF’s
V-Force in the 1950’s and 1960’s, with Scampton and
Waddington operating the mighty Vulcan bomber and the
Lightning interceptors flew from Binbrook.
The Present Day Royal Air Force in Lincolnshire
AF Coningsby Eurofighter Typhoons, the RAF’s R
new strike aircraft, and the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight
RAF Cranwell
The RAF College and Central Flying School
RAF Digby
Ground communications base
RAF Scampton
Home of The Red Arrows
RAF Waddington Sentry airborne early warning AWACS aircraft and radar-equipped Sentinels.