166 Squadron Memorial Service ~ Kirmington
166 Squadron Memorial Service ~ Kirmington in Lincolnshire
Today I was both honoured and privileged enough to be at a Memorial Service for RAF 166 Squadron as well as witnessing a Lancaster fly past
Lots of varied photographs for this event folks . . .
A glorious 3rd September 2011 Saturday morning and with the greatest of thanks to History Hunter for the tip off I set off to St Helen’s Church Kirmington in ‘Bomber County’ for a Memorial Service held on honour of RAF 166 Squadron and I’m delighted to say there was an excellent turn out.
Real Men !
The dignity and bearing of the veterans today was a sight to see, it’s always moving for me as I’m sure it is for many. It’s especially impressive when you consider the advanced years of the gentlemen - I don’t believe we’ll see the like of this generation ever again in this country
Leaving the Church Service
As well as RAF veterans there today there were also serving members and the ‘cadets’ as well. Talking to a serving officer about how important such events are he made the point that it’s important we don’t forget - agreeing I made the further point that it’s also vital that people know !
There are a lot of people out there who cannot forget because they simply don’t know what men such as these did for their country and ultimately us.
It’s well worth remembering that the majority of them were not young men who’d chosen a military career of their own free will and knowing what that may entail but young men doing National Service !
Just Prior to the Wreath Laying
Whilst an obvious time for remembrance and solemnity it was also a time to be enjoyed by those attending, marked with a particularly good atmosphere.
I personally enjoyed meeting some of those involved and also got to meet several friends of the site which is always a real pleasure.
Proud Men ~ Justifiably So !
After the church service there followed a wreath laying and The Last Post at the RAF Memorial - once again it was great to see the turn out with the road blocked with people. I suspect a lot more would have been there had they known as well, such a difficult thing to inform people of.
RAF Memorial ~ Wreath Laying
It was both interesting and a pleasure to meet Mike Clark and to actually see a photograph of his cousin Ross who is mentioned on the site, brings it all home as well as reminding me what a small world it is even in internet terms.
I’ve got some pictures for you Mike !
Great to meet everyone connected with the site today - please do introduce yourself if you see me out and about and don’t forget to tell me you name or ‘handle’ you use if you leave comments.
As to photographs I enjoyed spending time once again with JezB whom I first met on Cleethorpes Beach when we waited in vain for a Lancaster on Cleethorpes Armed Forces Day Jez has an eye for an angle when it comes to getting the shot - where’s Jez I wondered at one point only to look round and see him stood on top of a 5-Bar-Gate !
Lancaster Memorial Flight
The Lancaster did do the flight this time, side winds didn’t stop it taking off from Humberside Airport and it did 3 fly bys - truly is a tremendous sight and I cannot even begin to imagine how those who actually flew in them felt seeing it fly overhead.
People like the gentleman below for example, I should very much like to know his name, he struck me as hugely impressive and I should have liked to speak to him but didn’t not wishing to intrude.
A Man of Substance ~ Sqn Ldr Jim Wright
Here’s the final shot, not quite what I’d hoped but you get the idea
A Piece of History Flies Over the Marrowbone and Cleaver Once Again
My congratulations and appreciation to all those involved in organizing this event, it was great to see those involved with the RAF today there as it was members of the public coming to pay their respects.
The day belongs not to the Mighty Lancaster Bomber but to those veterans of World War 2 who were there today as proud and impressive as they were over 65 years ago - I imagine they come back every year unlike so many of their friends and comrades who went out and never came back - we should never forget and importantly if you know try and pass it on to somebody who doesn’t.
Humbly yours,
Please Note: The 2012 Memorial Service will be held on Saturday 1st September 2012 at 1200hrs
Rod
Related Articles:
List of Lancaster Crashes in Lincolnshire ~ Kirmington RAF Memorial ~ Local Wartime Bunkers ~ POW Camp
[Edit 23.3.12]
The Lancaster & the Chopper !
ROGER said,
September 3, 2011 @ 5:52 pm
Hi Rod, It was good to meet you today,like the photo`s and see you went for the pub in shot after all, and as you say it`s important that we do remember what was done by young men over sixty years ago and still is being done by another generation to this day Roger
Rod said,
September 3, 2011 @ 5:59 pm
Roger,
likewise - great to meet you - the pub shot was the subject of much debate between Jez and I
In the end I felt I had to do it though annoyingly Jez fancied a spot which would take in the church tower but the risk was if it didn’t fly there there’d be no shot at all - needless to say from the pub we watched it turn round the tower
Cheers Roger
Rod
Annie Flinn said,
September 3, 2011 @ 8:29 pm
Hi Rod,
On this, Memorial Day weekend, it was so nice to see your post and photos honoring those who served.
Here in the Colonies, we call those who served and kept the home fires burning during WWII “The Greatest Generation.” Oh so true.
Thank you for helping us remember those who served so that we could have life.
Annie Flinn
JezB said,
September 4, 2011 @ 12:36 am
Great shots Rod! Not had chance to look at mine yet but I am sure I can’t have captured the day as well as you. It was good to meet up with you again today, and I look forward to the next Lancaster fly past!!
Jez
Rod said,
September 4, 2011 @ 7:42 am
Annie,
“The Greatest Generation.”
That’s a tremendous description and they are a generation apart. If you look at people today, how they carry on and what they complain about then it looks almost like another species !
We could do even better then remembering them . . . we could take a leaf out of their books and get some ‘Moral Fibre’ back.
Best wishes Annie
Rod
Rod said,
September 4, 2011 @ 7:46 am
Jez,
it was a great day and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Next year we’ll try the church and go for something different
Looking forward to seeing your shots Jez
Cheers
Rod
graham h said,
September 4, 2011 @ 9:21 am
Rod
Just looking at your photo’s makes one feel humble. The look on the faces of the men shows they are full of respect for their comrades who gave so much. The first shot shows just how much the memories live on with them and they still all these years later march in time together. I often wonder what our country would have been like without their brave efforts.
Graham
Rod said,
September 4, 2011 @ 10:22 am
Graham,
couldn’t agree more and beautifully put.
Just look at the way those men hold themselves then walk through a town centre and look at people a quarter of their age !
Look at what they sacrificed to give us what we’ve got today and look at what we’re doing with it.
I’ve already said it I know but those men I saw yesterday are not just to be revered for what they did in the past but held up as an example for the future.
Best,
Rod
Mike Clark said,
September 4, 2011 @ 5:57 pm
Hi Rod , What a great day that was ! , I really pleased to have met you at last ! . This really was a day for 166 SQN to be remembered . Ive just got home to Hampshire , and already missing Lincolnshire !! . We met Guy Martins parents . The Lancaster made her presence know before the Fly-past ,as we were about to start the Memorial service “She ” flew over the church to land at ” Kirmington Airfield “,and in doing so filled the church with the sound of her merlin engines , I suppose to remind the congregation of why we all stood there , i had a small photo in my hand of my cousin Ross at that service ,and thought it very apt .
Rod said,
September 4, 2011 @ 6:00 pm
Mike,
it was a tremendous day and great to meeet you - really enjoyed it.
I think it’s fantastic what you’re doing and it’s a greta thing that Ross is not forgotten, very important
Kind regards
Rod
PS: photos emailed
Rod said,
September 4, 2011 @ 6:11 pm
A friend of my father’s was a Squadron Leader (D.F.M) flying Lancasters out of Lincolnshire and whenever he took a plane out for a test flight after engineering work or major overhaul etc he used to take the fitters and engineers up on the first test flight with him !
Rod
jamie bemrose said,
September 4, 2011 @ 6:29 pm
Great shots rod..and description along with it…would of liked to seen it…if u get any tip offs again let us know….you are right mate i dont think the current generation even know or give two monkeys about what fantastic and brave job these young men did…very proud men and you can see it on their shoulders…it made me think when you told me about the lancaster crash site in brocklesby woods and i stood there and looking at the names and ages of the young men who lost their lives there and reflected on how young these guys were….think the captain was 31 or 32….anyway younger than me….im glad the sun came out for these guys and their spouses….best shot mate was the flyover above the marrowbone and cleaver…(great pics inside their aswell guys)…..one of my fav pubs…great meal,desperate dan portions too…ha ha….keep up the good work
Rod said,
September 4, 2011 @ 6:45 pm
Jamie,
) people would care and be interested if somebody takes the time to talk to them and tell them things - I’ve done it myself a couple of times and found they were enthralled.
thanks for that, much appreciated.
I think that many young (er
The Brocklesby crash site is a place to be reckoned with Jamie, something about that spot, I’ve got pictures and even a video here for anybody who hasn’t seen it.
Tragically 30+ years is getting on for these guys, so many are around 19 to 21 . . . terrible.
I only found out myself on the very morning via a comment by History Hunter on this site Jamie - if I know of such things in advance then I’ll get a promo article up.
Best
Rod
Tony Lark said,
September 4, 2011 @ 7:38 pm
The gentleman whose name was requested is Sqn Ldr Jim Wright who flew with 166 Sqn 1944/45. He was the Chairman of the 166 Sqn Association before it disbanded some years ago. It was he who asked that 866 (Immingham) Sqn Air Cadets continued to remember those of 166 Sqn.
The Air cadets have since then taken on the responsibility of organising the Church service, wreath laying and the Lancaster Flypast. The cadets who attend are all volunteers and show that not all people of today do not care about the sacrifices made in the past for their future. The cadets who formed the Guard of Honour and carried the banner attend not only 166 Sqn bur also the RAF Elsham Wolds reunion which was held the previous week. There they assisted over three days. I have been involved with the cadets at the 166 sqn memorial service for thirty years and I can only say that the young boys and girls who wore the RAF blue uniform as cadets did everyone proud.
The reunion is held on the first Saturday of September each year and I already have plans are in place for next year.
The group of men that were shown marching are not 166 Sqn veterans but members of the National Service (RAF) Association Brigg Branch who support not only the 166 Sqn service but also RAF Elsham Wolds and many other parades and services.
In fact there were very few actual former 166 Sqn or RAF Kirmington personnel present as their number decreases every year.
One who did attend was Mrs Pat Pearson who was a WAAF at Kirmington and who was married to 166 Sqn navigator Flt Sgt Charles Miller. Sadly he lost his life with the crew of Lancaster PA179 on February 21st 1945. The Air Cadets Sqn asked Pat to present a diorama and model of her husbands aircraft, which they made, to the Marrowbone and Cleaver - “The Chopper”. It will now be on permanent diplay at the pub.
The cadets of 866 (Immingham) Sqn and myself have always been proud to support and remember 166 Sqn and will continue to do so in the future.
All are welcome to the service next year. If you know of any former 166 Sqn members please let me know so that I can contact them for next year.
I am Wg Cdr Tony Lark (retd) and can be contacted via my email address : tony.lark@ntlworld.co
Rod said,
September 4, 2011 @ 7:58 pm
Tony, or in this case I prefer Wing Commander,
thank you so much for leaving the comment and the information on Squadron Leader Jim Wright, really appreciated - I simply knew he was a special man !
I would absolutely echo your thoughts on everybody who made the day special Tony a fantastic effort all round and especially to you for organizing and ensuring the ‘flag is kept flying’
If you would like to give an exact and confirmed date Tony then I’ll add it to the original article and make sure as many people as possible know about it for next year.
Thanks again Wg Cdr Lark it was a tremendous day, a huge credit to all concerned and I shall now open a bottle of claret and toast all those there and most importantly all those who could not be there.
In appreciation,
Rod
Tony Lark said,
September 4, 2011 @ 9:09 pm
Rod
Many thanks for your comments - they are very much appreciated.
The date of the Service etc will be Saturday 1st Septenber 2012 at 1200hrs.
The Lancaster flypast cannot of course be confirmed or indeed guaranteed at this stage.
Do you by any chance have photographs with our cadets featured.
We have taken photos ourselves but I have to say yours are of excellent quality.
If you have we would be very appreciative if we could use any for publicity of our Squadron.
regards
Tony
Tony
JezB said,
September 5, 2011 @ 2:38 am
The Royal Air Force Battle of Britain Memorial Flight list all their flypasts and displays here http://www.raf.mod.uk/bbmf/displayinfo/ for anyone who wants to catch the magnificent sight of the Lancaster, Spitfire or Hurricane in flight. Ludborough and North Thoresby are on the list for next Saturday (10th September) and East Kirkby the following Saturday (17th September), presumably the Lancaster again both weekends.
Jez
Rod said,
September 5, 2011 @ 7:37 am
Tony,
many thanks for the 2012 date - I’ve edited the original article as people will be looking at this page throughout the year, and indeed years to come.
I’ll have a wade through the photos I took and see if there are any decent ones with the cadets, if there are any others you want then please do let me know.
Thanks and regards
Rod
[Edit] I may have something Tony which I can email, let me know what sort of size you would like them, and if you’re after any other pics
Rod said,
September 5, 2011 @ 7:39 am
Jez,
that’s excellent stuff - many thanks indeed.
Best
Rod
graham h said,
September 5, 2011 @ 9:44 am
Rod,
Many thanks to you and Tony Lark for the info about next year I will all things being well attend next years service. My father served for some time at Kirmington he was an engineer on the Lancasters. Also I would like to say that what Tony does with the cadets is to be commended, my nephew was in the Immingham cadets and went on to serve in the RAF police serving in Bosnia and Afganistan. He is now in the derbyshire police force and he still talks of Tony.
Regards.
Graham
Tony Lark said,
September 5, 2011 @ 12:25 pm
Graham
I am in the process of scanning and cataloguing all the past photos of cadet activities etc.
If you don’t mind letting me know your nephews name I will search to see if I have any of him.
As I started the Squadron at Immingham I have kept records since day one. There just might be some with him on.
My email address is : tony.lark@ntlworld.com
Tony
graham h said,
September 5, 2011 @ 1:34 pm
Tony,
Thanks for that I have sent you an email.
Regards.
Graham
mike Clark said,
September 6, 2011 @ 5:36 pm
Hi Rod , Im still stunned by the fanastic photographs you toke of the Memorial Service . You really did capture the Lancaster in all her glory 1 Especially over the ” Chopper ” ,That Photo deserves to be Framed .
To see Sqn Ldr Jim Wright again after all this time , reminded me of the Association get together.
I really cant get over how you captured the day so well . Thank-You Rod . “Tenacity “
Rod said,
September 6, 2011 @ 6:12 pm
Mike,
thanks for the kind words, did the pictures I emailed you arrive OK ?
Best
Rod
pikey pete said,
September 7, 2011 @ 7:18 am
rod those photos are stuning and this site is excellent . back to the photographs now they are superb the lanc came over the midlands once what a sight to behold passing over rutland water on its way to a base somewhere
Rod said,
September 7, 2011 @ 7:29 am
PP,
pleased you like the pics - it’s nice to hear some feedback.
Glad you’re enjoying the site and finding a few bits of interest, we just have to be careful what we say sometimes, if you know what I mean Pete
Kind regards
Rod
Rod said,
September 7, 2011 @ 7:06 pm
Mike Clark,
I’ve emailed 4 pictures, if you don’t get them try your junk mail folder.
Best
Rod
Rod said,
September 7, 2011 @ 7:07 pm
Wg Cdr Tony Lark,
I emailed two pictures to you - did they arrive Tony ?
Best
Rod
Al said,
September 7, 2011 @ 8:33 pm
Stunning pictures Rod, captures the atmosphere of the event very well indeed - the Lanc over the pub is very evocative.
Lest We Forget.
Kevshore said,
September 8, 2011 @ 6:15 am
Hi Rod,
A lovely set of shots. It was nice to meet you at my place of work yesterday. I must try and make next years memorial day!
Maybe see you at Coningsby one Friday.
Kev.
Rod said,
September 8, 2011 @ 8:12 am
Al,
thank you very much, I always try to bring what I saw and felt in the photos I bring to the site, so those reading it can hopefully get a better idea of why I went somewhere and what it was like.
Especially important with something like this Al
Regards,
Rod
Rod said,
September 8, 2011 @ 8:20 am
Kev,
thanks for that, much appreciated, - Conningsby is actually written down in front of me already, I’ll be there as soon as a Friday lands with decent light.
Loved your shots on the wall at work, I’ll be back for another look next week I’m afraid
A awful lot of people look at this site Kev and enjoy all the places I visit etc, it’s thanks to you and your guys I get there as you’ve kept me and my chariot on the road for more years than I care to remember now.
All the best
Rod
History Hunter said,
September 8, 2011 @ 11:50 am
Well knock me down with a feather. I didnt realise that one scabby piece of paper informing me about the memorial service would have so much interest to others having let your good self know about it.
I think i will enjoy my 20 man points i received. Where can i spend them?
I will keep my ear to the ground regarding anything else of the like going on.
Signing out
History Hunter - Ace Reporter!
pikey pete said,
September 8, 2011 @ 2:56 pm
ok rod i understand what your saying … ….. the lanc flying over the pub is out of this world ! your photos are award winning well done …….in the late 80,s i would go to the cenotaph near the college rememberence sunday and take a camera all the veterans were standing around. etc. after the service they all went to the barracks in westward ho for a cup of tea. i once was invited there lots of vets from grimsby sat at tables etc having a yarn etc . i recall gus platts of the normandy veterans assoc and russian convoy. he gave me a normandy vets assoc badge in top town even though i wasnt in that assoc it was because i showed an interest. in ww2 etc . i dont know were gus platts is\ now ?? if any one knows i would be glad to hear. …….im leicester bound and miss the times in gy. ps ………….. rod excellent site
Rod said,
September 8, 2011 @ 4:16 pm
HH,
a good day’s work on your part - welll played sir !
You can’t spend Man Points only bask in the glory of the accumulated sum
Cheers
Rod
Rod said,
September 8, 2011 @ 4:18 pm
PP,
thanks for that, much appreciated. The Cenotaph is a fine thing, I need to photograph it really.
It resonates with me as well as my Uncle used to live in Eastwod Ave so I saw it many times through my childhood
Regards
Rod
pikey pete said,
September 8, 2011 @ 6:34 pm
hi rod this forthcoming rememberence sunday 2011 it would be fantastic if you went with your camera and took a few of your stunning photos of the service with all the vets there with there medals etc … westward ho barracks later to capture more service men who go there after the service for a tea and cake etc… …… i think at the cenotaph near nuns corner they fire a 18 pounder gun the sea cadets i could be wrong? also the march from st james square down bargate to the cenotaph by soldiers cadets etc etc best regards pp
Soupdragon said,
September 13, 2011 @ 12:17 pm
Hi Rod,
I was chatting with my Mother just the other day, and she told me an interesting and i think quite touching anecdote concerning RAF Kirmington during WW11
My Grandfather was born (at Bardney Dairies) just before the turn of the century and served in the Sherwood Foresters in WW1 and by the time of the Second World War was too old for National Service and was kept in a ‘Reserved Occupation’. He was an ‘Essential Supplier’ and worked for a shop in Louth. My Mother was born in 1934 and would accompany him in his van when possible on his journeys around North Lincolnshire delivering whatever to wherever.
Close to one of the dispersals at RAF Kirmington was a farmhouse which was owned by a family called (she thinks) Stoddard. Maybe someone could confirm this?
She told me that the farmers wife would go out every night as the aircrew arrived at the dispersal and give each of them an apple or pear from the farmhouse trees.
Just a little gift that probably meant a great deal.
She also said that there was always a good supply of rabbit back home in Louth!!!
Best regards,
Soupie
Rod said,
September 13, 2011 @ 7:06 pm
Soupie,
that’s absolutely superb - just the sort of history I love to hear about, and get on record.
What a fabulous thing for her to do and as you say it must have meant a great deal
All the best
Rod
JezB said,
September 14, 2011 @ 11:05 am
Anyone know about a Lancaster that crashed to the north of Kirmington in private woods to the West of Wootton. Details I have are as follows
Lancaster from Elsham Wold out on a bombing mission returned to find it couldn’t land at Elsham due to fog, but Kirmington had some sort of flarepath markers that enabled it to divert there. Next morning the crew transited back the short distance to Elsham Wold but crashed into woodland soon after take off. A local farmer tells says he and his brother spent many days picking over the site 30 or 40 years ago, and i have a 303 bullet casing that i think came from that crash, incediary shell dated 1942 but thats the best marker for the crash date I have.
Also any info on site of Lancaster JB436 that crashed on a training flight from Elsham Wold at Turnpike Farm, Worlaby Top, 3rd Oct 1943
Rod said,
September 14, 2011 @ 7:10 pm
Jez,
I don’t know anything about it I’m afraid, don’t know whether CK knows anything about finds in the area ?
Best
Rod
Chris Keyworth said,
September 14, 2011 @ 9:46 pm
I heard about one at Worlaby top when i was looking into LM131 Miss Venus but i have no grids for it the one near wooton ive not looked into..
regards
chris
JezB said,
September 15, 2011 @ 2:26 am
The Wootton crash was actualy in Dunkirk Wood, I’ll try and get some accurate grids for it, but don’t think access is particularly easy for this one. It would be good to know the crew involved, though, I feel all these crash sites dotted around Lincolnshire should be remembered in some way.
Jez
Rod said,
September 15, 2011 @ 7:13 am
JezB - Chris,
I feel all these crash sites dotted around Lincolnshire should be remembered in some way.
Couldn’t agree more.
Is it an idea to put together a list, trying to make it complete, with as much information as possible.
Then perhaps site visits - set the thing up site wise as I’ve done with the churches ?
Best
Rod
JezB said,
September 15, 2011 @ 4:27 pm
Rod
My thoughts too, you yourself know how evocative the memorial in Brocklesby Woods is and I visited a similar memorial at North Thoresby last weekend, dedicated to the crew of Lancaster ED583 that broke up in mid air above the village on a test flight killing all the crew. This happened on 4th October 1943, the day after the crash at Worlaby Top.
Jez
Rod said,
September 15, 2011 @ 6:52 pm
Jez,
right, I’ll look into compiling a list, I can then visit and photograph all possible sites, link off the list page to individual articles.
Best
Rod
minnie said,
September 16, 2011 @ 12:52 am
I started making a list of crash sites local to me with the help of my dad over 20 yrs ago. (he has since passed) There was one that I heard about from more than one source and I am told it was marked with a stone but I never did find it in Beesby woods. I have never been back to look since because of lack of transport but if any of the trees are still there if you look along the tops of them you used to be able to see a definite divot in the tree line.
There also used to be a stone just behind a gatepost/field entrance near Ludford Magna (very small and inconspicuous and I know this one is on private land) Sorry dont have a map ref - its been a long time since I went there
Rod said,
September 16, 2011 @ 8:46 am
Minnie,
I’ve started a list, it will be fairly comprehensive but still provisional so it can be added to and refined - coming soon - as they say !
Best
Rod
panda said,
September 16, 2011 @ 6:36 pm
Rod,
Really looking forward to reading more on the crashed Lanc list! I might even get to visit some!
Regards
Rod said,
September 16, 2011 @ 6:47 pm
Panda,
thanks for that and welcome to the site - hopefully you’ll like it when done, I’ve ben working on it, quite literally, all day - I’m just stopping now as my eyes can’t take any more.
It’s already looking better thn I thought it would plus it will evolve over time into something a bit special I hope.
Kind regards
Rod
JezB said,
September 16, 2011 @ 9:04 pm
Rod
Think I might save you a bit of time and point you towards the following site
from this I think I have tied the crash in Dunkirk Wood north of Kirmington to the following:-
31st May 1942 Wellington R1234 of 103 Squadron (Elsham Wold) - The aircraft was airborne from Kirmington on a transit flight. Shortly after takeoff, the port engine reduction gear failed, causing the propeller to come off. The aircraft stalled and spun into the ground near the airfield. Sgt L.W. Flowers KIA, Sgt G.C. Roberts KIA, Sgt A.A. Conisbee KIA, Sgt B.C. Slowly KIA, F/S N. Ryder inj, Sgt E. Robinson injured
JezB
Rod said,
September 17, 2011 @ 8:30 am
Jez,
thanks for that, much appreciated. I’m working from several sources, most offline, and cross referencing all the time, which is adding to the time. I’m not using anything that I only have one source for just in case it’s wrong - real worry on the internet as very often one site makes a mistake and others just copy it.
I’m hoping to have it done this weekend, it will be added to and expanded upon with extra information but I hope to have a very comprehensive list up.
Thanks and regards
Rod
Karen Banks said,
December 9, 2011 @ 12:08 pm
If only myself or my Dad & his brother had known about this ! I’m sure we would have all loved to have been a part of the day. My Grandad, Ted(Edward) Peters was a flight engineer with 166 SQN but sadly passed away almost 17 years ago now, but not before being reunited with his old flight crew a few years beforehand. I will pass on these details for my Dad to look at too ! We have bits and pieces of memorabilia between us all. I’d really love to witness a Lancaster fly-by tho !
I went to Eden Camp in Malton many years ago and found a plaque in the chapel dedicated to 166 SQDN , I wrote to them to ask for a copy, along with a huge pic of a lot of aircrew based at Kirmington to which they gladly obliged .. and if you would like a copy i’m sure I can email them to you.
Thanks
Karen
Rod said,
December 9, 2011 @ 1:48 pm
Hi Karen,
thanks for the comment and welcome to the site - it should be on again next year - the date is above so there’s another chance.
Regards,
Rod
Ron Goldstein said,
February 1, 2012 @ 8:48 am
Rod
Many thanks for posting these pics of the ceremony at Kirmington.
My dear late brother Jacob (Jack) Goldstein was stationed at Kirmington in early 1945 and was to perish in the skies over Nuremburg on March 16th the same year. As I was serving in the Forces in Italy at the time I was unable to research his death until many years later.
I managed to attend a Squadron re-union in 1996 and had the honour & pleasure of meeting up with both Alf White and Ted Hull and was to remain in contact with both until their untimely deaths.
Fraternal regards to all those who served at Kirmington
Ron
Steve Caunt said,
February 8, 2012 @ 11:54 am
Hi Rod,
Congratulations on this wonderful web site.
My father was based at 166 flying Lancs during the first half of 1944.
In 1972 there was a large reunion at the Chopper ( approx.35 servicemen/women plus guests ) and I have a couple of photos taken outside the pub of them all in good cheer! ( Ref : Grimsby Evening Telegraph Photo Archive Nos.1492B and C ). Have you seen these? On this day my father Sqn.Ld. A.S. ( “Joe” ) Caunt ( pilot) was reunited purely by chance with much of his old crew, David Baverstock ( FEng), Ted Ridout (WOp) and Geoff Rodwell (Nav).
Such was the unique chance of a near-complete crew turning up that they were interviewed ( along with others ) for the local BBC radio. I have managed to transfer my father’s copy (on old reel-to-reel tape) onto a CD. I also have an original Order of Service for the dedication of the Memorial Plaque in the church ( Sat 7.04.1956 ) and a photo ( again G.E.T. No.1492K ) of a gentleman laying a wreath next to it but I don’t know yet who he is or when this happened ( I suspect from the GET photo number that it was at the reunion 1972).
My father passed away 1981 but I wonder if any of you out there know if any of his crew are still about - I would love to say hello.
Also, has anybody thought of having a guest book at the Cleaver with photos and articles about 166 and the village ? When I visited the area in 2011and had a pint in the pub I met an Aussie who had been based at 166 and he wanted to leave a message and contact details at the pub but there was nothing in place for him to do so. Other pubs adjacent to old RAF bases do it with great success.
Anyway, thanks again for all your hard work
Cheers, Steve Caunt ( Leeds, UK )
Rod said,
February 8, 2012 @ 2:44 pm
Steve,
thanks for the comment, really appreciated and welcome to the site - hopefully the right people will get to see it and leave a comment
Thanks and regards,
Rod
Kees Stoutjesdijk said,
February 12, 2012 @ 2:00 pm
Hello Rod, great work in respect of all the crew! I’m working on an article about Lancaster R5552 and its crew. They crashed on December 29th 1943 near the village where I live. All seven have there final resting place just a few hundred yards from where I live. I am secretary of a Durch heritage foundation called WO2GO who’s aim is to keep the memory od there brave men alive. We do so by placing an information annex memorial board at the crashsite.
If anyone is interested of has any data on R5552 and its crew, they can contact me on my email
Kees Stoutjesdijk
The Netherlands
Rod said,
February 12, 2012 @ 5:09 pm
Kees,
thanks for the comment and welcome to the site - pleased to hear of your work in this area and best of luck with it
Regards,
Rod
History Hunter said,
February 12, 2012 @ 7:24 pm
Its great to know there are individuals/groups of people who dont forget all the brave fliers who died on foreign soil.
I have seen some of your photos on the Air Crew Remembrance Society website. Excellent stuff.
Im not sure if it is just a typo on your part, but the aircraft in question crashed on the night of the 20th December, not the 29th.
Bill Lawrence said,
March 21, 2012 @ 4:04 pm
Will there be another memorial in September 2012, I would like to visit and attend, and see Kirmington? Is so the date?
My brother, Glyn Lawrence, RCAF, navigated 166 Wellington HE810 Mk X coded AS.Y, from Kirmington, on July 30, 1943. They were a lost for seven years, then discovered south of Hamburg in 1950. The RAF crew, Bransgrove, Birbeck, Brind, Furniss, were reburied at Ohlsdorf. Any information about this hidden history would be appreciated.
I plan to visit there and Hamburg and possibly Lunenburg. I am grateful for this site. My brother was central to my life.
History Hunter said,
March 21, 2012 @ 8:32 pm
Bill, the date of the Memorial Service this year is the 1st September, which is a Saturday.
Not sure of the start time, but I believe the service started at noon last year.
I’m led to believe that Humberside Airport/RAF Kirmington is to be included in a new Aviation Trail in Lincolnshire. I shall try to find out more regarding this.
Rod said,
March 23, 2012 @ 9:07 pm
New picture added to original article