I work weekends at the Metheringham Airfield Visitor Centre, and am often asked questions about airfields further afield. Generally I can give an answer based upon my interest in Bomber Command, however given the close proximity to both Scampton and Woodhall, I was ashamed on Saturday to say I hadn’t a clue to what will undoubtedly be a simple answer.
The question was simply this:- Where were 617 Sqn based at the time of the Dambuster raids?
My guess is on Woodhall, based upon the fantastic memorial in the centre of town, but didn’t Guy Gibsons dog get killed (and buried) at Scampton during the raid?
I know I could simply Google it, but you are such an educated lot…..
Cheers
By: vicky ten - 23rd August 2007 at 08:57
The museum site including Paul’s Jet Provosts is on the old No. 4 Communal site at Westmoor Farm, Martin Moor, Metheringham, LN4 3BQ
Access and timings are here on this link – http://www.airops.freeserve.co.uk/mavc/script/info.htm
Or here – http://www.metheringhamairfield.org/
Pictures here:- http://lincolnshireairfields.fotopic.net/
By: Carpetbagger - 22nd August 2007 at 20:21
For the unfamiliar with the area would it be possible to post addresses/locations for these 2 sites along with opening hours of the visitor centre?
Many Thanks,
John
By: Arabella-Cox - 22nd August 2007 at 20:06
Thanks for the mention vicky ten !
XS186 is indeed moving along nicely towards her planned ground running condition, planned for the end of a 5 year rebuild at sometime in 2009 !
Perhaps not so fantastic to some, but when you consider she was utterly stripped out and derelict when rescued, quite a feat for our small crew over five years.
XS177 has, amongst other items, yielded much of her wiring looms to help XS186 get where we want her, and an idea of the work involved is the 200+ sections of individual wiring that have been traced, identified, removed and re-installed.
The Viper has now arrived, and if the weather ever breaks we will continue to dress her in her CAW colours.
Visitors and volunteers are positively encouraged, and the crew are never not there on a Saturday.
Paul
XS186 CREW
By: Lincoln - 22nd August 2007 at 12:23
🙁 I am so ashamed to say that we pass my the visitor centre at least twice a week and we’ve never had a chance to come in (either coz it’s too late or not open) We will get there one day I promise 🙂
By: vicky ten - 22nd August 2007 at 12:02
Of course these things are never free, conscience wouldn’t let me walk past the ‘donations’ tin untroubled. Metheringham, however, is well worth it.
I’d always suggest, for those who know of him a visit to McGee’s grave too.
Moggy
You’re a fine gent, indeed, about the only thing free is the volunteer’s time.
As Moggy has also suggested, pay a visit to McGee’s grave at Scopwick if you are in the area.
Could I also suggest that other places in the locality worth a visit in conjunction with those above might be the Digby Ops room, Thorpe Camp (RAF Woodhall Spa), Cranwell Aviation Heritage Centre and the BBMF visitors centre
By: Moggy C - 22nd August 2007 at 11:53
Peter Scoley would very much like a nissan hut to be rebuilt
Not a Toyota or Honda one? :p A Nissen might be better.
But it does sound like a visit is in order. Of course these things are never free, conscience wouldn’t let me walk past the ‘donations’ tin untroubled. Metheringham, however, is well worth it.
I’d always suggest, for those who know of him a visit to McGee’s grave too.
Moggy
By: vicky ten - 22nd August 2007 at 11:37
The museum display hasn’t changed a great deal, however other aspects have.
Paul Flynn now has 2 Jet Provosts on site, his project aircraft is coming along superbly. The Gymnasium has been restored with the help of a lottery grant and is probably better now than in 1943!, it also contains the Lancaster flying model as well as some wall displays. The blast shelters and various other building foundations have also been uncovered.
Peter Scoley would very much like a nissan hut to be rebuilt on its floor base next to the museum building, this would allow many more exhibits to be displayed.
Admittance is still free, come along!
By: Moggy C - 22nd August 2007 at 11:12
I work weekends at the Metheringham Airfield Visitor Centre
I haven’t visited for maybe four years.
It was always a super little centre, has much changed?
Moggy
By: vicky ten - 22nd August 2007 at 10:55
Scampton it was then!
By: RAF Millom - 22nd August 2007 at 10:50
Sorry forgot the answer to your question
617 Squadron was based at:
RAF Scampton :: 16 Mar 1943 – 30 Aug 1943; May 1958 –
RAF Coningsby :: 30 Aug 1943 – Jan 1944
RAF Woodhall Spa :: Jan 1944 – Jun 1945
RAF Waddington :: Jun 1945 – Jan 1946
Digri (India) :: Jan 1946 – Apr 1946
RAF Binbrook :: Apr 1946 – ??, Feb 1947 – Sep 1947
By: RAF Millom - 22nd August 2007 at 10:44
So you dont get caught out again you could start here
and get a copy of
and
They have a special offer if you buy them together
Dont worry we get caught out quite often, you think you have all the answers in your head and some 8 year old then sends you a sidewinder. Always useful to have a selection of books or google to hand just in case.
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August 22, 2007 at 10:40 am