RAF Tholthorpe

Found myself at the former RAF Tholthorpe today,on a last minute job,to deliver a portakabin to the industrial estate,which occupies a part of the site,near the village.

My drop off point,was about 100 metres from the former control tower,and once finished,my curiosity got the better of me,so I wandered over towards it’s location.

Upon approaching,the owner came out,and asked if I was looking for anything in particular.After re-assuring him of my intentions on the site,he invited me into his garden,to have a look round,and to say I was amazed,is an understatement.

As some of you will know through research,the tower was in a bad state of disrepair,until about 1995,when it was completely restored into a private dwelling,and in speaking to the owner,even period window frames were obtained,in keeping with the originality of the property.

And what caught my eye on the wall of the property,was a plaque,which was donated by persons who were connected,in one way or another,to the RCAF sqdns of 431 (Iroquois) and 434 (Bluenose),who operated from the site.

I thanked the owner,and came away after some 15-20 minutes of his time,with a small history lesson,and after returning to my truck,stood alone for a few minutes,to try and comprehend what went on at this beautiful location.

Sorry I wasn’t able to take picures of the site,as I didn’t have my camera with me,but I may re-visit again in the future,and will be prepared next time.

Ken.