Today I visited Wickenby in North East Lincolnshire (via the X1, Number 3 and Number 23 buses from Hull, Grimsby and Market Rasen).
Wickenby was a No.1 Group Bomber Command aerodrome and home to No.12 Squadron, flying Lancasters. Although most of the runways are present, the airfield is cut in half by a road – to the north of which are located two active runways and the control tower turned homely museum. The runways to the south of this access road are disused. The aerodrome is vast with technical and domestic sites scattered for miles around
I didn’t have much time to have a closer look as I was filming the site for my DV documentary on Bomber Command. I highly recommend visiting Wickenby. Although they have no historic aircraft on display, it is an active aerodrome with students and flying club members making the site very active.
Please don’t do what I did. They have a well stocked shop and cafe, but with limited funs I came away not having spent any money or donating any loose change I had. This despite them being extremely helpful. Funds were limited and with the possibility of missing a connection I thought it wise to hold onto the few quid just in case. But I do hope to make amends.
Also, if anyone is interested, they have Queen Mary trailer hidden away. I’m not saying its for sale, but it wouldn’t harm giving them a call. As someone interested in aerodrome fire fighting vehicles, I also appeciated their Series II Land Rover pick-up Crash Tender.
By: David Burke - 3rd November 2005 at 10:13
There might well be more historic aircraft operating and based at Wickenby soon!
By: G-ORDY - 2nd November 2005 at 20:21
Don’t forget 626 Sqdn
In addition to No.12 Sqdn, Wickenby was home to No.626 Sqdn – also equipped with Lancasters. My late father served with 626 at Wickenby as a Flight Engineer – even though he was a qualified pilot – and frequently flew the Lanc in place of the Captain.
Oddly enough, some 20-odd years ago I was flying an Auster J/1 (G-AGTO) over Linconshire and the weather turned nasty very quickly. I spotted some nice big runways and put her down – taxied into the lee of a T2 and lo & behold, there I was at Dad’s old base. Two members of the same family who were both pretty fond of Wickenby!
I believe my nephew wrote his Degree Thesis on Wickenby’s remaining architecture.
By: Guzzineil - 2nd November 2005 at 19:03
well top marks for using Lincolnshires ‘public transport.. I keep thinking about getting the bus to Lincoln but havent actually seen one, just the timetable.. :rolleyes:
The airfield Memorial at Wickenby is different from the usual ones in that it includes an metal sculpture of Icarus falling to earth… I thourght I had a picture, but I’m sure theres one on here somewhere.. http://www.rafwmm.flyer.co.uk/index.htm
Yep you’re right about the caff’ – I often stop by there for a cuppa if i’ve been out for the day in that direction..
Neil.
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November 2, 2005 at 6:07 pm