There were 46 active airfields in Lincolnshire during World War Two, as the flat open landscape was ideal for constructing runways.
Metherinham was one of the last to be built in 1943 and was operational until 1946. It was built to standard Air Ministry specification with three runways and the infrastructure to support approximately 40 aircraft. It was the home of 106 Squadron who flew over 200 missions from there. At its peak about 2500 people worked at the airfield. 59 Lancasters were lost and 288 aircrew were killed in action and 50 were posted missing.
The airfield was one of only four in Lincolnshire that was fitted with FIDO (Fog Intensive Dispersal Operation). Seven large fuel tanks pumped petrol into two pipes running along the sides of the runway. Once ignited, the flame burners threw out an intense rising heat that would lift and disperse the fog leaving a visually clear and illuminated runway. Aircraft from fog bound airfields could be diverted to RAF Metheringham for a safe landing, returning to their home stations when the foggy weather cleared. Remains of the burner rail can still be seen in places.
All that remains now is one of the shorter runways and some of the buildings. Part of the site has been restored and is now run by volunteers as a memorial to 106 Squadron.
The airfield is between Metheringham and the smaller settlement of Martin and the village hall in Martin was a popular venue for dances. Entrance is off the B1189.
Just inside the entrance is the old picket post which would have controlled entry to the site. Straight ahead is reception and shop in a modern building. Near this is the small memorial garden.
Immediately on the left is the large gymnasium building which was one of the first buildings to be erected on the site. As well as sporting and social activities this was used for church services, with Roman Catholics using the small room off. The building has been carefully restored and the original Crittall metal frame windows have been replaced.
Now known as the Peter Scholey Hall, this is used for social events and is let out for functions. It has a quarter scale model of a Lancaster bomber as well as a display of 59 smaller models suspended from the roof, representing the 59 aircraft from the station that were lost in action.
There is also a Link Trainer which was used to train new pilots.
The Carey Powell and Zena Scholey Rooms are housed in the former ration store.
The Carey Powell room has displays explaining the roles of the seven different crew members of a Lancaster Bomber along with artefacts. There is also a ditching dingy.
The Zena Scholey room has a large diorama map of the airfield, as well as display panels covering the history of the airfield and more crew artefacts.
The highlight of the visit is the purpose built Dakota hanger with beautifully restored Douglas C-47 Dakota.
This was built in 1944 and served as a VIP carrier and was also able to carry one jeep. It was sold in 1947 for commercial work and was flying until 2001. It has been restored to its 1944 appearance with the original metal seats used by paratroopers. The aircraft were also able to carry up to 24 casualties along with 2 or 3 Nightingale nurses. It couldn’t have been much fun if there was a lot of turbulence...
There are display panels around the walls covering the history and restoration of the aircraft.
There is also one of the bouncing bombs used to destroy the Ruhr Dams in 1943.
There is a one third size replica of a Horsa Glider, a single use aircraft which was used to carry troops, jeeps and other equipment. Full size it would have been 67’ long with a wing span of 88’. Over 3000 were built mainly of wood and used towards the end of the war They were piloted by sergeants from the Glider Pilot Regiment and were towed by either Halifax bombers or Dakotas. They landed as close to the target as possible and were able to carry 25-30 troops or light equipment.
Also on display is a Jeep.
One of the original blast shelters still survives. There were several dotted around the airfield. Made of brick with earth piled up against the walls these had two entrances. They gave protection against blast if the airfield was attacked by enemy bombers.
There is also a surviving Stanton Air Raid Shelter.
Made of reinforced concrete, these were low cost and quickly built. They were partially buried underground with an escape hatch at the far end and could hold up to 50 people. They were were reached down a short flight of steps and had a brick, blast proof wall to protect the door.
Beyond the air raid shelter and not part of the site is the brick built generator building. Power cuts were frequent and this held the emergency generator.
The perimeter access road is now a public road and the memorial to 106 Squadron. A memorial service is held here every year.
This makes a fascinating visit. There is a lot to see and take in. It is entirely staffed by volunteers who are knowledgeable, enthusiastic and keen to talk.
Website
Facebook
Metherinham was one of the last to be built in 1943 and was operational until 1946. It was built to standard Air Ministry specification with three runways and the infrastructure to support approximately 40 aircraft. It was the home of 106 Squadron who flew over 200 missions from there. At its peak about 2500 people worked at the airfield. 59 Lancasters were lost and 288 aircrew were killed in action and 50 were posted missing.
The airfield was one of only four in Lincolnshire that was fitted with FIDO (Fog Intensive Dispersal Operation). Seven large fuel tanks pumped petrol into two pipes running along the sides of the runway. Once ignited, the flame burners threw out an intense rising heat that would lift and disperse the fog leaving a visually clear and illuminated runway. Aircraft from fog bound airfields could be diverted to RAF Metheringham for a safe landing, returning to their home stations when the foggy weather cleared. Remains of the burner rail can still be seen in places.
All that remains now is one of the shorter runways and some of the buildings. Part of the site has been restored and is now run by volunteers as a memorial to 106 Squadron.
The airfield is between Metheringham and the smaller settlement of Martin and the village hall in Martin was a popular venue for dances. Entrance is off the B1189.
Just inside the entrance is the old picket post which would have controlled entry to the site. Straight ahead is reception and shop in a modern building. Near this is the small memorial garden.
Immediately on the left is the large gymnasium building which was one of the first buildings to be erected on the site. As well as sporting and social activities this was used for church services, with Roman Catholics using the small room off. The building has been carefully restored and the original Crittall metal frame windows have been replaced.
Now known as the Peter Scholey Hall, this is used for social events and is let out for functions. It has a quarter scale model of a Lancaster bomber as well as a display of 59 smaller models suspended from the roof, representing the 59 aircraft from the station that were lost in action.
There is also a Link Trainer which was used to train new pilots.
The Carey Powell and Zena Scholey Rooms are housed in the former ration store.
The Carey Powell room has displays explaining the roles of the seven different crew members of a Lancaster Bomber along with artefacts. There is also a ditching dingy.
The Zena Scholey room has a large diorama map of the airfield, as well as display panels covering the history of the airfield and more crew artefacts.
The highlight of the visit is the purpose built Dakota hanger with beautifully restored Douglas C-47 Dakota.
This was built in 1944 and served as a VIP carrier and was also able to carry one jeep. It was sold in 1947 for commercial work and was flying until 2001. It has been restored to its 1944 appearance with the original metal seats used by paratroopers. The aircraft were also able to carry up to 24 casualties along with 2 or 3 Nightingale nurses. It couldn’t have been much fun if there was a lot of turbulence...
There are display panels around the walls covering the history and restoration of the aircraft.
There is also one of the bouncing bombs used to destroy the Ruhr Dams in 1943.
There is a one third size replica of a Horsa Glider, a single use aircraft which was used to carry troops, jeeps and other equipment. Full size it would have been 67’ long with a wing span of 88’. Over 3000 were built mainly of wood and used towards the end of the war They were piloted by sergeants from the Glider Pilot Regiment and were towed by either Halifax bombers or Dakotas. They landed as close to the target as possible and were able to carry 25-30 troops or light equipment.
Also on display is a Jeep.
One of the original blast shelters still survives. There were several dotted around the airfield. Made of brick with earth piled up against the walls these had two entrances. They gave protection against blast if the airfield was attacked by enemy bombers.
There is also a surviving Stanton Air Raid Shelter.
Made of reinforced concrete, these were low cost and quickly built. They were partially buried underground with an escape hatch at the far end and could hold up to 50 people. They were were reached down a short flight of steps and had a brick, blast proof wall to protect the door.
Beyond the air raid shelter and not part of the site is the brick built generator building. Power cuts were frequent and this held the emergency generator.
The perimeter access road is now a public road and the memorial to 106 Squadron. A memorial service is held here every year.
This makes a fascinating visit. There is a lot to see and take in. It is entirely staffed by volunteers who are knowledgeable, enthusiastic and keen to talk.
Website