RAF Waltham ~ RAF Grimsby ~ The History
RAF Grimsby, or RAF Waltham as it was known, was home to Lancasters and Wellingtons during the war - many brave young men who took off from the airbase never returned - it’s more than history, it’s something we should all be aware of and never forget.
Here’s some of the history and some original photographs from a visit I made today
On entering the area that once housed RAF Waltham you’re almost immediately in the midst of numerous World War 2 buildings and hangers.
Although most are now being used for commercial purposes there was still an eerie feeling hanging over the former Royal Air Force base - it was cold and overcast but it was the commemorative board that took me to where I mentally needed to be and made me shiver
 Over 1000 brave young men came through this entrance - never to return.Many more were shot down and captured. We will remember them and salute all who served here. 
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The airfield at Waltham was in use as an airfield from 1933 but was taken over for military use in 1941 when it became an ‘extension’ of RAF Binbrook.
Stationed there were 142 Squadron - 100 Sqn and 550 Squadron flying Lancaster and Wellington Bombers.
I am indebted to Dave Johnson who sent me this piece of information on casualties :
From this one small base alone 835 aircrew lost their lives or are missing and 169 aircraft were lost
It was learning this that gave me pause for thought. I feel strongly that the casualties suffered by the RAF during WWII are not fully understood by most of us.
It will be only too apparent for those who served or their families as it will military historians but the general public I feel always associate large loss of life with the army.
This will be seen by a lot of people so hopefully it will increase awareness and remind us all of the sacrifices made to enable us to live as we do today.
I Guessing Perhaps Accommodation Block ?
The array of buildings still extant was something of a surprise, not only are there the 5 pictured here but several more on the sprawling site. Most are actually in use today with a variety of businesses operating from them including a haulage company and a plumbing supplies company
The Control Tower ?
The commercialisation made poignant photographs a little tricky so I apologise for not giving the buildings the dignity they deserve. I could be disappointed by the state of many of the buildings left but perhaps that would be churlish - I know I should be grateful that they still stand and are there as a reminder as well as a piece of living history - that said, I would have preferred to see the place treated a little better
Open to Suggestions for this One
If anybody could help with identifying the use of any of the particular buildings illustrated I’d be extremely grateful - I’ve had a stab at a couple but would greatly appreciate further clarity
A T2 Aircraft Hanger that Once Housed Lancaster and Wellington Bombers
As mentioned previously, the airfield was in use in 1933 when it was the base for the Lincolnshire Aero Club. In 1938 it went on to become part of the Civil Air Guard formally known as
No. 25 RAF Elementary & Reserve Flying Training School.
The purpose being to begin training pilots as the inevitability of war approached.
Finally it was officially requisitioned, expanded considerably, and became officially known as RAF Grimsby. As it was 7 miles outside Grimsby nearest Waltham it was known locally and by those based there as RAF Waltham.
The Remains of a Brick Building
I should very much like to learn more about this site, exactly what happened there and hopefully something about those who actually served there.
If you know anything at all or would like to share any thoughts raised by this article then please do leave a comment.
I should be especially proud and pleased to hear from anybody who served there or their family members - please do leave a comment - many thanks
All the best
Rod
See also our List of Lancaster Crashes in Lincolnshire and Waltham War Memorial
Femme Fatale said,
September 14, 2010 @ 9:23 am
Rod,
Lest We Forget.
FF
xx
Rod said,
September 14, 2010 @ 9:27 am
FF,
perfect - absolutely !
Many thanks
Rod
Rod said,
September 14, 2010 @ 10:17 am
Hi Gordon,
many thanks - I did in fact see that but I’m wary of simply using information unless I know it to be correct.
I don’t say it isn’t but I don’t want to replicate errors.
Ideally I’d love to hear from somebody who was actually there - here’s hoping !
Thanks and regards
Rod
Donald ( South Australia ) said,
September 14, 2010 @ 10:19 am
Rod,
How interesting to see your shots of RAF Waltham. I had not realised it was so closely associated with RAF Binbrook.
The feelings you describe from Waltham are much the same as those I felt visiting Binbrook several years ago. There is a melancholy and a strong something about getting there “too late” - perhaps it’s accentuated by the dilapidation of the buildings, and certainly by the knowledge of the missing boys who never came back and never returned home (as with my 21 year old uncle on Lanc. EE138, 460 Squadron RAAF, 1943).
Of course it’s impossible to preserve all the buildings, although “iconic” structures like the pictured watch or control tower would seem worthy of special consideration. Some 40 miles from here, Mt Gambier Airport, one of the large Empire Air Training Scheme airfields, still uses several of the old structures including the control tower. No doubt it contributed men to RAF Waltham too.
Yours, in memoriam,
Donald.
History Hunter said,
September 14, 2010 @ 10:19 am
I have been round RAF Waltham many a time, and have actually seen a map explaining what every single remaining building was used for.
There is an excellent book written about RAF Waltham called “To Fly Over Waltham”. It seems to be quite rare if wanting to buy it, and it looks like every copy of the book has been stolen from local libraries. (Thinking about it, I think that that is the book that i saw the map in)
There are plenty more photos of the base available on the internet, and large amounts of detailing including personal accounts of individuals stationed there.
It doesnt matter which RAF Base you research, that same sad stories, and the same outcomes appear time after time.
These were brave brave men. Lets face it, would you happily go to work not knowing whether you would live through another day?
History Hunter said,
September 14, 2010 @ 10:27 am
The first photo you have on this thread is far too large to be an accommodation block. There are other accommodation blocks in situ which are much smaller. You can see on the front end where the present door is that above it there is a large lintel which obviously supported a large sliding door. Im guessing that it was probably a workshop of some description.
Rod said,
September 14, 2010 @ 1:29 pm
Donald,
I could so easily imagine and see the scene as I walked down the same road as those young men would have.
All their wordly goods in a bag on their shoulder with all that awaited them hanging over their heads.
It’s so vivid and the bleak nature of the place accentuates it.
I would agree with the control tower, I know everything cannot be preserved but as you say . . .
Regards
Rod
Rod said,
September 14, 2010 @ 1:31 pm
HH,
I think you hit on avery telling point about their bravery - it not only fills you full of admiration but also makes you look around today and wonder what would happen if such courage and fortitude were required on mass today ?
Best
Rod
History Hunter said,
September 14, 2010 @ 2:10 pm
I have a cracker for everyone to play, listen and absorb.
I have emailed Mike Harding, yes THE Mike Harding, and asked him if i could use his song as part of a presentation should i ever be able to get one together regarding the history of RAF Kirmington.
The song was written by Mike in memory of his father, Flight Sergeant Louis Arthur ‘Curly’ Harding, a navigator in Lancaster Bombers, who died with his crew when his plane was shot down returning from a raid over Germany. It was also, later, dedicated to the memory his good friend Jurgen Boch of Cologne, who was a small child in a bomb shelter in Germany on the night Mike’s father died, and also to Mike’s mother who was a bride, a widow and a mother within the space of a year.
I have loved this song for years, so very poignant. I dare you listen to this without feeling very humbled and yet proud of those brave men.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mpUK7Dm-IPI&p=BC81396EB5EB83AD&playnext=1&index=66
Incidentally, should anybody like a copy of this song, i also have it as an mp3 that i have had permission from Mike to distribute.
Jill said,
September 14, 2010 @ 8:14 pm
HH - that is a powerful song - thank you for sharing it.
Reminded me of some research that I was asked to do about war-time Gibraltar Point.a few years ago. I learned that a Norman Jacobson died in Blenheim - he was 18 and is believed to be the youngest airman to die in the Battle of Britain. He had only joined the squadron that morning.
Jill
Dave said,
September 14, 2010 @ 8:40 pm
On the same night that Donald’s uncle made the ultimate sacrifice RAF Waltham lost two aircraft:
3/4 September 1943 Operation: Berlin
Lancaster JA930. Thought to have exploded over the city. All seven crew killed including the Canadian rear-gunner.
Lancaster JA969. Seven aircrew ‘lost without trace.’ All are commemorated on the Runnymede Memorial - remembering over 20,000 airmen from the Second World War who have no known grave.
Dave.
Jon S said,
September 15, 2010 @ 1:41 am
HH, very poignant - thanks. I bet the RAF Kirmington presentation will be interesting; apart from working at the airport, I gave a similar presentation but on the history of RAF Leconfield to a local RAFA group some time ago.
If you don’t mind a bit of a drive (not that far though, just a few miles south of Horncastle), then I strongly recommend visiting both the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight at RAF Coningsby and the Lincs Aviation Heritage Centre at East Kirkby.
The BBMF is well known and frequently seen conducting memorial flypasts across the country as well as at many airshows. Pride of place goes to the Lancaster, one of only 2 airworthy examples left in the world (the other being in Canada). For a fiver you can get a place on an expertly-guided hangar tour, and there is also a small heritage centre on site. Coningsby is also extremely busy with modern-day ‘heavy metal’ such as the Typhoon, Tornado and Harrier. I recommend a morning tour as there is a greater likelihood of all the aircraft being on view.
Following your BBMF tour, a short drive will bring you to the LAHS on the former bomber airfield of East Kirkby. Owned by the Panton brothers, this museum is kept as a memorial to their third brother who died while serving as aircrew on a wartime Halifax bomber squadron. As well as an extensive ‘aviation archaeology’ exhibition and a fully restored Flying Control building, there are many other interesting exhibits and an excellent ‘NAAFI’-style cafe. Pride of place, however, goes to the restored Lancaster ‘Just Jane’; if you are lucky you may even see (and hear) her taxying round the old airfield - priceless. If you can stump up the readies you can even ride in her…
I have no affiliation with either of these organisations, but each allows you to come into close contact with the hardware that once filled the airfields of Waltham, Elsham, Kirmington, North Killingholme and others.
Jon
History Hunter said,
September 15, 2010 @ 10:49 am
Been there, done them both! Hence the interest in the whole caboodle. Thanks for sharing, I’m sure someone will make the visits that should be part of the school curriculum.
CAROL said,
September 16, 2010 @ 7:50 pm
My grandfather was about 35 when he joined the RAF and I assume too old for active service so he was made the barman in the officer’s mess at Grimsby. He told me some stories of his time there but unfortunately he died in 1993 and there is so much more I could have asked him. He mentioned being given a gun to guard a Lancaster bomber one night. He also mentioned that a young pilot gave him his camera to look after and said if he didn’t return the camera was his. Unfortunately, the pilot did not return and my grandad kept the camera all his life passing it on to my dad shortly before his death. I have a Christmas card that he sent to my grandma from RAF Grimsby. If only I had found out more!
Rod said,
September 16, 2010 @ 7:58 pm
Carol,
thanks for leaving a comment and welcome to the site.
It’s great to hear those stories about your grandfather and also nice that they are now saved for posterity.
It’s accounts like that of the camera which are so important to me personally rather than technical facts about planes and guns - they’re laready historical fact but the information about the tragic airman who never came home will be lost forever unless preserved . . .
As you say Carol: If only I had found out more!
That’s why I want to preserve what is known before it’s too late
Thanks again Carol
Rod
minnie said,
September 18, 2010 @ 12:10 am
Fulstow is where a couple of the RAF Grimsby Lancasters met their end (see Lancaster Crash at the bottom of the page)
-sad enough in itself but note the date also
I was an extra in a BBC play in the 80’s called ‘Rainy Day Women’ filmed in the village about the Womens Land Army and I recall a crash scene in part of the play which upset a few people as it had been quite close to the original crash site (unknown to the BBC).
Through my father and his contacts I found out about so many of these sites - forgotten by most people but remembered by a few (and I also learnt to keep quiet about them - as some of them were being picked over by detectorists at the time) a few of them are now marked and protected and many more should be.
I have an autograph book which has come down to me since my father’s death which originally belonged to a WAAF IO. We had this notion many years ago that we would like to see it returned to its original owner - our quest to reunite book and owner failed very early on the lady hadnt survived
Steve WelwynGC said,
September 23, 2010 @ 12:18 pm
Good discussion, Dave mentions two Lancs lost from Waltham 3/4 Sept 1943, my Uncle was rear gunner on JA969 and l have his medals, sent to the family at the end of the war. I will treasure them always and am so proud to know he played his part, albeit for only three missions. I visit Lincolnshire on a regular basis and its always so moving to see the lancasters at Coningsby and East Kirkby.
Never forget the Bomber Boys!!
chris keyworth said,
September 23, 2010 @ 2:19 pm
Steve/Rod
i was at coningsby on monday, it is so evocative when one of the old crew members go back there, i did the guided tour with friends and there was an old gent there talking about his experiences on the lancasters during the war, i would highly recomend visiting the BBMF at conningsby in lincolnshire as the guide stated on the day it is not a museum but a fully functioning squadron of the RAF and they let you in the hangar to see all the aircraft, well worth the time and the money to visit….
regards
chris
Rod said,
September 23, 2010 @ 2:23 pm
Steve,
thanks for the comment and welcome to the site - it’s great to hear about your Uncle and that you have and treasure his medals - you must be very proud.
Never forget the Bomber Boys!!
They, and all those like them, will not be forgotten here Steve.
All the best
Rod
Rod said,
September 23, 2010 @ 2:24 pm
Chris,
it sounds like an excellent suggestion and one that as many people as possible should follow.
Regards
Rod
History Hunter said,
September 23, 2010 @ 7:44 pm
I took my dad to both BBMF and East Kirkby a few years back. Even though he was too young to be involved, his memories of what he saw and heard are priceless. When he stood in front of the Lanc at EK with its engines on full whack, i swear i saw a tear in his eye. He now returns to EK at least 3 times a year.
All our generation can do is admire from afar, but for those who lived through it all, it must be ingrained in their memories.
Steve WelwynGC said,
September 24, 2010 @ 9:19 am
Hi Folks, l am off to Coningsby on Sunday morning for Lancaster association members day……fingers crossed for the weather. The BBMF tour mentioned by Chris is so rewarding, especially as the guides are usually Bomber Command veterans. And l too get very choked up when l see the Lanc flying, and l sort of imagine that my lost Uncle is up there in the rear turret. What hell it must have been for men that had barely finished being boys to willingly go off on our behalf, and a disgrace that they were treated so badly after the war ended. No matter, there are plenty of folks still around who will always keep their memory alive.
Incidentally, East Kirkby are spending the next couple of years trying to make “Just Jane” airworthy. Two of them flying together over Lincolnshire will be a sight to behold.
Steve WelwynGC said,
September 30, 2010 @ 12:52 pm
Unfortunately the weather was atrocious, law of averages l guess when we have had so many good days. The iconic aircraft were just taxied so we could hear those fantastic merlins.
History hunter mentions Mike Harding…..l have a friend who grew up in Bardney where 9 Squadron were stationed and he took Mike back to Bardney some years ago where his Father had been stationed and presented him with the painting that is on the cover of Mikes album, Bombers Moon.
Michael B George said,
November 13, 2010 @ 7:09 pm
Hi,
I have been researching my family’s history and found that I have a blood relative who was in 100 Squadron at Waltham. He was Sgt Joss Morgan and died when his Lancaster crashed near the village of Wattignies-la-Victoire, France, near the Belgian border (I think) returning from a raid on Munich on March 9/10, 1943. Joss is buried with all the other crew members in the Maubeuge cemetery. If anyone has any information I would love to hear from them. His aircraft was ‘V’ for Victor a Lancast Mk111 (ED587, HW-V) This was only their third operation, and Joss was to married on his next leave.
I am trying to locate a photograph on this aircraft.
Regards
Michael.
Trevor Tupholme said,
November 17, 2010 @ 7:47 pm
Hello Everybody. I am reasearching my family tree and have finally got around to my father who was a navigator with142 Sqd based in Waltham.I thought that he flew from Scampton but I was mistaken. He was missing presumed dead in August 1942 after joining RAF Volunteer Reserve in 1938. I would love to hear from anyone who has a similar story.
Michael B George said,
November 18, 2010 @ 8:10 pm
Hi Trevor,
While I was researching my cousin, Joshua Morgan, I stumbled upon a site for Bomber Command and was in touch with a Chris who was a researcher with the RAF museum at Lichfield. He was very helpful and pointed me in the right direction to find out more. I Haven’t got his e-mail address to hand at the moment; but if you can’t find it I could look it up for you.
Regards
Michael.
R. STEPHENSON said,
December 14, 2010 @ 9:01 pm
HI THERE roger by name i run a small museum dedicated to 100sqn R.A.F. Grimsby based at the Waltham windmill centre we open from april- oct sat -sun 2-0-till 4-0 much to see and read. picture’s available if you wish.
Rod said,
December 15, 2010 @ 9:16 am
Hi Roger,
thanks for the comment and welcome to the site - I look forward to visitingwhen you re-open.
Kind regards
Rod
Keith Mills said,
December 21, 2010 @ 1:27 pm
Hi Rod.
Not sure if you can help but am trying to locate pictures of squadron 550, north killingholme from 1943/44 as my dad served as a warrant officer during this time (Hubbard R H) Any help would be much appreciated as have search lots of sites with no luck.
Thanks.
Rod said,
December 21, 2010 @ 2:04 pm
Hi Keith,
welcome to the site.
I have no pictures I’m afraid — sorry about that
All the best
Rod
Michael B George said,
December 21, 2010 @ 4:23 pm
Hi Roger,
Do you have any photographs of 100 sqd. I have one of my cousin but I would like to have some of the Lancasters etc.
Regards
Michael.
Paul Rowe said,
December 25, 2010 @ 8:57 am
I only exist because of Bomber Command.My father was a W.O.P./A.G. on Lancasters at Binbrook (Wireless operator/Air gunner).He met my mother at a dance hall in Grimsby .He was from North Yorkshire..I was brought up at R.A.F. bases after the war.I can remember driving around RAF Swinderby stopping at a traffic light waiting for jets to pass.I can truly say that without Adolf Hitler I would n’t exist.My father passed on in 1980 whilst working at British Titan Products,Pyewipe.
option911 said,
December 31, 2010 @ 2:55 am
Hi Rod,
I actually live opposite the Airfield technical side, having spent the best part of the last 32 years on Fighter Command, my true thoughts and sympathies go out to the poor guys of Bomber Command. They took the brunt of all casualties in WW2, loosing more men than any other single unit, Regt etc. They also remained the faceless and praise less in comparison with their Fighter command buddies. I served at Binbrook, North Coates, Scampton, Coningsby and Cranwell amongst others outside RAF Lincolnshire, but Waltham always has a feeling of loss about it. This could be due to the fact that 100 Sqn lost more aircraft than other Bomber Sqns.
Rod said,
December 31, 2010 @ 9:02 am
Option,
I have to say it felt like a ’strange place’ to me when I visited, it doesn’t happen with many places I visit but here it did so I would very much echo your feelings and most certainly agree with the sentiments.
Kind regards
Rod
Mike said,
March 11, 2011 @ 5:41 pm
Hi,
I live near this old RAF station and been round many times, I’ve been told that one of the tall brick structures use to be where they hung up parachutes to dry?
Can any one tell me where I can find a list of the individual aircraft names that where lost from this station?
Thanks.
Rod said,
March 11, 2011 @ 6:55 pm
Hi Mike,
thanks for the comment and welcome to the site, hopefully someone can help with your question.
Regards
Rod
option911 said,
March 12, 2011 @ 11:13 pm
Hi Rod, Mike’s request for aircraft details can be easily achieved. There is a very good book called “To fly over Waltham” It has full accounts of every raid and Aircraft. I’m not sure if it is still in print, but I may be able to help out if it isn’t. This book also has full map of the entire site and photographs from the war taken by the Luftwaffe. This is a superb book, a bit heavy reading but really opens the eyes and mind to life (or Death) on a bomber Sqn.
Rod said,
March 13, 2011 @ 10:55 am
Option,
great stuff, many thanks - greta to help another visitor out
Regards
Rod
History Hunter said,
March 13, 2011 @ 6:18 pm
I mentioned that book back on 14th Sept 2010. Just before Mithrasmas, they had numerous copies of ‘To Fly Over Waltham’ in Waterstones/Ottakers, as I was tempted to buy my Dad a copy but never did. Could be worth asking in there again.
Mike said,
March 14, 2011 @ 11:34 am
Hi,
Thanks option, I will look out for the book! Initial attempts to find a copy is proving to be difficult.
The reason I am asking is although I have a passion for second world war history and a great respect for all those people who fought, I have a friend who lives in Holten le Clay and his back garden is where a hard standing used to be for Lancaster/Wellington bombers! He (and indeed I!) would love to know which aircraft where there and possibly photos of the aircraft on the hard standing. He landscaped his garden in the past and came across lots of old machine parts and metal as well as concrete. He did not know at the time what he was looking at so reburied it!
Thanks again
Ian said,
March 14, 2011 @ 9:53 pm
Rod
The wording on the plaque by the gate was devised by myself and the late Fred Bury.
Building photo shown are: (top to bottom)
Gas clothing / Respirator store
Watch Office
Post-war addition (nothing to do with RAF station).
Firsdt T2 hangar constructed on site
Remains of the 25yd range.
Hope this helps.
Ian
Author: ‘To Fly Over Waltham’
‘Lancaster Operations’
Rod said,
March 15, 2011 @ 8:29 am
Ian,
thanks for the information and welcome to the site - I much appreciate the work you’ve done as well as the comment.
Best of luck with the book Ian
Thanks and regards
Rod
option911 said,
March 15, 2011 @ 1:08 pm
Rod, can I pass on my words of thanks to Ian Reid for his excellent book. I was bought a signed copy as I started building my house some years ago. This book has served like a bible to me on my research and knowledge of the airfield. I have spent many long hours walking around the site, book in hand; usually open at the site map. For example, I live opposite Dispersal 28 and the Flight Office. I even had a visit one day from a person looking for the memorial. He had been shot down over Leipzig, having served on the Ton (100 Sqn). We managed to find his aircraft and his name in the book, Flt Lt George Sidebotham in Lancaster JB 557. It just happened I was in my driveway, still in uniform as he was passing, trying to find his way. What an honour and privilege to meet this man!
Mike Sadler said,
May 9, 2011 @ 5:49 pm
My father was based at RAF Waltham in 1943, he took off on July 12th 1943 on a bombing raid for Turin, in EE183, on returning from Turin he was shot down over Brest, where he made a “successful” landing all the crew were wounded and taken prisoner. Bob Parker, upper gunner, was the only crew member not wounded and is still alive today!
Mike Sadler said,
May 9, 2011 @ 5:51 pm
Hi re my previous message my father was Anthony Graham Sadler (Tony).
Rod said,
May 10, 2011 @ 8:09 am
Mike,
that’s tremendous stuff - really appreciate you sharing that information and a warm welcome to the site
Regards
Rod
Mark Stillman said,
May 23, 2011 @ 3:04 pm
Hi, my mums uncle was a Air Gunner (Rear) on LL952 100 SQN , he and the crew were killed when the aircraft ditched 5 miles of shore during a gunnery practise on 21st May 1945, Near Donna Nook.
List of Crew For LL952
F/0 Cpt. M.P.Jones (Pilot)
Sgt I.J.Calverley (Flight Eng.)
F/Sgt M.A.Chalmer (RAAF) (Nav)
F/Sgt J.W.Montague (Air Bomber)
f/Sgt W.P.Gibson (Wireless Air Gunner)
Sgt P.Gapper (Mid Upper Gnr)
Sgt F.A.Padmore (Rear Gunner)
As i find out more info i can post on here.
Rod said,
May 23, 2011 @ 7:17 pm
Hi Mark,
thnaks ffor sharing that information and welcome to the site - any more info you uncover connected to RAF Waltham would be very welcome
Many thanks
Rod
Ian said,
June 6, 2011 @ 4:18 pm
One step further on from the books, my next project: a diorama that covers the RAF GrimsbyTechnical site of the numerous buildings that made up a typical RAF bomber station.
Currently there are THREE 8′ x4′ boards, these need landscaping and numeours vehicles to set the stage so to speak.
I hope it will be of some interest to you and serve as a kinda tribute to the men/women who served at ‘Waltham’ particularly those that failed to return from operations.
Rod said,
August 28, 2011 @ 7:09 pm
Lancaster,
many thanks and welcome to the site - best of luck with the project
All the best
Rod
option911 said,
August 28, 2011 @ 7:53 pm
In response to Ian. If you need any help with your project, I have retired and live opposite the old airfield on Cheapside. I have 32 years RAF experience to draw upon and I am a fairly adept model maker. Contact me via Rod.
Martin Shiplee said,
December 13, 2011 @ 5:40 am
What an excellent web site !
I am a local resident [ Cleethorpes ] and an avid student of Bomber Command history in particular RAF 100 And RAAF 460 Squadron [ Binbrook ]
Anyone wishing to get further information on 100 should certainly read ‘To Fly Over Waltham’ & ‘Lancaster Operations’ by Ian Reid …….. These most certainly are the definitive works ……
‘Bread and Butter Bomber Boys’ and ‘The Hornets Nest’ By Arthur White an ex 100 Squadron WW2 navigator are also certainly well worth reading ……
Is there anyone out there who would be able and prepared to give me an expert guided tour of the airfield and its general area ? As per previous comments, the place certainly has a ‘presence’ if only the buildings and hedgerows could talk !
Rod said,
December 13, 2011 @ 8:20 am
Martin,
thanks for the comment and a warm welcome to the site.
Hope you can get something together on the guided tour front
Regards,
Rod
LYNN HOWLES said,
January 1, 2012 @ 10:11 am
Hi,
My dad was a rear gunner from crew 100 of the 100th squadron. I do not know the serial number of this aircraft, only that on its second last mission over Germany my dad and the co-pilot (a Canadian) were injured. The next night the lancaster went out on a night bombing mission with two replacements for my dad and the co-pilot. The plane never retured. Some years later around the 1980’s the plane was discovered underwater off the English channel.
Kind regards,
Lynn
History Hunter said,
January 1, 2012 @ 1:02 pm
Ive never known a man to be lucky by getting injured, but your dad has proven a point i suppose. What was your dad’s name? Do you have any other details about him? You may be amazed what other detail;s may turn up once the bunch of freaks, weirdos and nutcases get onto a job on here.
terri hilton said,
January 19, 2012 @ 5:17 pm
Hello there,
My name is Terri Hilton. I am a team member of a scientific study group called the Lincs Ghost Finders.
Here is a little about ourselves;
We have been investigating Paranormal Phenomena for ten years and have a fantastic track record in the past for our professionalism and conduct during investigations. We are purely scientific and use the well known paranormal investigating gadgets and equipment. We do not suggestive methods like Ouija Boards, writing planchettes and glass divinations.
We search for proof using equipment like video cameras, Voice Recorders, Digital Cameras, EMF Meters and Atmospheric Detectors.
During the investigation we shall attempt to capture and record any paranormal activity that may happen. After the investigation we spend a good amount of time researching what we have found, analysing our footage, photos and any EVP recordings we may have found. Any findings shall then be presented to yourselves along with a full investigation report and written experiences from our team. There will be no more than six people in our group on the night and we hold £5 Million Public Liability Insurance with the Blackfriars Group. If there is anything else you would like to know or would like to set up a meeting to discuss this subject further please don’t hesitate in contacting me.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Kind Regards
Terri Hilton
Rod said,
January 19, 2012 @ 5:19 pm
Hi Terri,
thanks for the comment, much appreciated, you’d need to contact the woners of the site as I just wrote about it.
You may find a few ghostly things in this category of this site Terri, any comments, given your knowledge in this field would always be appreciated
http://www.rodcollins.com/wordpress/category/lincolnshire-myths-and-folklore/
Regards,
Rod
John in Canada said,
February 11, 2012 @ 6:48 am
Hi
I was born in 1939 at a farm a couple of miles from Waltham Aerodrome. I still remember the drone of those Lancs, leaving on night raids. I also remember the Dam Busters practicing low level flying over the beach at Cleethorpes.
Fast forward about 70 years, and I now live in Canada, not far the airport that houses the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum, and one of the two flying Lancs left in the world. It sometimes flies over our house and I immediately recognize the sound of those four Merlin engines.
Sorry I can’t tell you anything about the remaining buildings though.
Nice to know people still care though.
John.
Mike Sadler said,
February 26, 2012 @ 8:28 pm
Read Carols remarks 16 Sept 2010 @7.50 regarding her relative guarding a Lanc at RAF Waltham and looking after a camera from a pilot. My father flew EE183 on July 12/13 to Turin and was shot down on the return trip near Brest, landing on a German fighter airfield all survived but were taken POW. One guy is still alive from the crew Bob Parker (upper gunner) and he asked me if I had photos taken the day before they flew, no trace of them, could Carols relative have had the camera..intresting Rgds Mike ps have visited RAF Waltham and it is very moving looking down the outline of the runway imagining dad taking off with a fully laden lanc late that night!!
Barrie said,
March 25, 2012 @ 7:35 pm
I have a book called ghost stations.One story dealt with a ghostly airman entering a bungalow on cheapside Waltham and dissapearing into the wardrobe!
I have two or three books called Lancaster At War.I am sure there are pictures of Waltham and other stations in lincolnshire.I also have a few books on Bomber operations including Bombers over Berlin which deals with that period Nov43-March 44,it includes a comprehensive list of all casualties for this period by aircraft no.and where they are burried. I live in Grimsby (Wybers Wood) not far from Option 911.I would like to meet up if anyone is interested,contact me on my e-mail address. Finally has anyone heard anything about whats happened to the re-make of the Dambusters! I was called up for National Service and finished up doing 22 yrs.
Barrie said,
April 3, 2012 @ 8:53 pm
In 1968 I visited a friend of mine(we had been together at Akrotiri Cyprus),I cant remember the RAF station but behind his married quarter was a Lancaster bomber.Later on we went round to have a look,at the time Rolls Royce were doing engine tests for an airworthiness certificate we were told,we were invited onboard and I finished up sat in the pilots seat with the engines running,what a thrill,the aircraft was fully operational.We heard later that it had flown to Blackpool airport.That Lancaster is now at East Kirby.I have some picture slidesw taken back in1968.
roger stephenson said,
May 2, 2012 @ 8:48 pm
just a short would you like pictures of memorials i built and dedicated to 100sqn waltham, they relate to black thursday 16-17 dec 1943
Rod said,
May 3, 2012 @ 6:58 am
Roger,
thanks for the comment and welcome to the site, could I ask where the memorials are situated as I’m not sure why I haven’t photographed them or if I have perhaps they’re in their own article.
Best
Rod
roger stephenson said,
May 3, 2012 @ 8:19 pm
Hello Rod.
how can i forward pictures to you, thee offore mentioned memorials
Rod said,
May 4, 2012 @ 7:46 am
Hi Roger,
sorry to be reptitious but . . .
could I ask where the memorial are situated as I’m not sure why I haven’t photographed them or if I have
Regards
Rod
roger stephenson said,
May 4, 2012 @ 9:46 pm
HI Rod
JB 596 CRASHED 16th dec 1943 Hatcliffe top not easy to get to. memorial on site of crash.
2nd memorial on Grainsby estate again not easy to get to it give’s all 4 aircraft’s coverage in the form of 4 plaques
listing aircraft and crews. all on 16th-17th dec 1943 (black Thursday).