Until recently there was an octagonal blockwork structure in Addlethorpe which was almost certainly the remains of a direction-finding (D/F) homer.

This World War 2 device housed a radio transmitter to help bombers track their return journeys from the continent to RAF bases in the UK.

The solid blockwork base (about 5m across and 2m high) supported a tall octagonal wooden tower.

SLHA would welcome more information about this particular structure.

Mike Osborne 

Lincoln Group Ramblers' Association outside RAF Barkson Heath.

Base was home to No.25 Squadron operating Bloodhound surface-to-air guided missiles. Left Barkston in July 1989. 

DB 1989 

Over 170,000 men of the Machine Gun Corps trained in the grounds of Belton House during the First World War, an area which had been used by local volunteer forces since the 1880s.

Accommodation for the troops was initially in bell tents but they were replaced in 1915 by prefabricated wooden huts (shown here).

Supplies to the camp were carried on a standard gauge branch line from the main line at Peascliffe north of Grantham.

Over 170,000 men of the Machine Gun Corps trained in the grounds of Belton House during the First World War, an area which had been used by local volunteer forces since the 1880s.

Accommodation for the troops was initially in bell tents but they were replaced in 1915 by prefabricated wooden huts (shown here).

Supplies to the camp were carried on a standard gauge branch line from the main line at Peascliffe north of Grantham.

Second World War Type 23 pillbox, on the banks of the River Witham, near the junction of South End with South Terrace.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_hardened_field_defences_of_World_War_II 

Note the mounting column in the open section for a Bren or Lewis gun. 

DB 5 June 2019 

The Belfast Truss roof was a novel form of construction that used laminated wooden lattice-braced roof trusses to provide a large clear span which was (27 m here) to accommodate aircraft.

This site was originally the aerodrome of Robey & Co Ltd but it became No 4 Aircraft Acceptance Park.

In WWII AV Roe repaired damaged Lancaster bombers here and latterly it was used as a road haulage depot.

The hangars, which dated to 1916, were demolished in 2001.
 

Chris Lester, 2000

The guardhouse at the entrance to the Mere Y Station site was built in the 1950s at the time of the Cold War.

The site ceased to operate in about 1954.

October 2009

One of the very first stations for listening to wireless traffic was set up in 1927 at the hamlet of Mere, about two miles south of Branston village centre.

The station continued in operation – playing an important and secretive role – until the 1950s.

The base of one of the 4 or 5 receiver masts from the 1930s can be seen in the small area of woodland alongside the site.

October 2009

The operations room or signal receiver building was built in the 1950s and is now used as an agricultural building.

It replaced WW2 wooden huts where Morse signals were received, often giving early warnings of Luftwaffe activity.

Transmissions were taken daily by RAF despatch rider to Cheadle and later to Bletchley for decoding.

October 2009

"BT Archives has a reference to the foundations being excavated in October 1965"

http://www.dgsys.co.uk/btmicrowave/sites/150.php 

"part of a cold war emergency microwave communications system, 'Backbone'"

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carlton_Scroop 

Tower is still in active use.

DB 16 April 2018

Viewed from A15 Sleaford Road. 

"Opened in 1939 and operated as a fighter and night fighter airfield during World War II, occupied at various times by UK, US, Canadian and Polish fighter squadrons, the station briefly switched to a training role post-war before being placed on a care and maintenance basis.

Reopened in 1959 as an RAF Bomber Command Intermediate Range Ballistic Missile (IRBM) launch facility and placed on a high DEFCON 2 launch alert during the Cuban Missile Crisis, the station was finally closed and decommissioned in 1963.

The site has been returned to agricultural use and now has little evidence of its former use, other than several lengths of perimeter track and the original air traffic control tower"

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RAF_Coleby_Grange 

DB 7 May 2019

Douglas C-47 Dakota.

"As there are now no other multi-engine tail wheel aircraft in RAF service outside the BBMF, the Dakota is an important training asset used for initial training of aircrew for the BBMF multi-engine aircraft and for renewing the currency of the Flight’s Lancaster pilots each year"

https://www.raf.mod.uk/aircraft/dakota/ 

DB 29 September 2017

Hurricane being serviced outside the BBMF Hanger.

"LF363 was built at the Hawker factory at Langley near Slough. It first flew in January 1944 and is believed to be the last Hurricane to enter service with the RAF"

https://www.raf.mod.uk/aircraft/hurricane/ 

DB 18 April 2018

Battle of Britain Memorial Flight.

"Lancaster PA474 is one of only two Lancaster aircraft remaining in airworthy condition out of the 7,377 that were built"

"The Avro Lancaster is the most famous and successful RAF heavy bomber of World War Two"

"The prototype Lancaster took to the air for its first flight from Ringway, Manchester, on 9th January 1941; the first production Lancaster flew later that year on 31stOctober"

https://www.raf.mod.uk/aircraft/lancaster/  

DB 23 September 2016

"Produced in greater numbers than any other British combat aircraft before or since the War, 20,341 Spitfires were built in 22 different variants (excluding the navalised Seafire) and the aircraft remained in production for 12 years"

DB 29 September 2017

Grandslam and Tallboy Bombs displayed outside the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Visitor Centre.

"The visitor centre and the RAF hangar are located within the boundaries of RAF Coningsby"

https://www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/heritage-and-tourism/battle-of-britain-memorial-flight/ 

DB 18 April 2018 

World War 2 Defence Stucture, on north bank of The Haven, just west of The Jolly Sailor Inn.

DB 6 March 2020

Type 22 Pillbox on north bank of The Haven near the Jolly Sailor Light Beacon.

"British hardened field defences of World War II were small fortified structures constructed as a part of British anti-invasion preparations. They were popularly known as pillboxes, a reference to their shape"

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_hardened_field_defences_of_World_War_II 

Light beacon used as a navigational aid by shipping. 

DB 6 March 2020

Type 22 Pillbox at Hobhole Sluice

"British hardened field defences of World War II were small fortified structures constructed as a part of British anti-invasion preparations. They were popularly known as pillboxes, a reference to their shape"

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_hardened_field_defences_of_World_War_II 

DB 6 March 2020

Rear defensive wall behind the gun emplacement to protect from blast.

Loopholes were provided in case of attack from inland by paratroopers. 

Steps lead down to munition stores etc. 

DB 9 June 2018

"The battery was operational by mid-June 1940, the two 6in. Mk.VII guns being manned by the 321st Coast Battery RA.

The gun emplacements were disguised as bungalows, and air photographs taken in 1953 show that the camouflage pitched roofs were still in place at that date"

http://archaeologydataservice.ac.uk/catalogue//adsdata/arch-455-1/dissemination/pdf/Text_Reports/DA35_TEXT_-_FREISTON_SHORE.pdf 

DB 9 June 2018

View out from southernmost of the two gun emplacements.

Gun was sited directly on the coast in 1940 but land reclamation means that it is now about half a mile inland.

Mounting ring for 6 inch Mk.VII ex naval gun clearly visible. 

DB 9 June 2018

"Between the gun emplacements of the coastal battery is a rectangular three-bayed 'Lincolnshire-type' pillbox ... with the antiaircraft gun mount still present in its central open chamber"

http://archaeologydataservice.ac.uk/catalogue//adsdata/arch-455-1/dissemination/pdf/Text_Reports/DA35_TEXT_-_FREISTON_SHORE.pdf  

DB 9 June 2018

Two searchlight houses were provided one at either and of the battery.

If the naval target could be illuminated simultaneously by both searchlights then its range could be determined very accurately by triangulation. 

This is the northern searchlight house which has been converted for domestic purposes.

DB 9 June 2018

Two searchlight houses were provided one at either and of the battery.

If the naval target could be illuminated simultaneously by both searchlights then its range could be determined very accurately by triangulation. 

This is the southernmost searchlight house. 

DB 9 June 2018

The two gun emplacements are visible with their associated rear blast walls.

Other buildings include munition stores, generator house and accommodation for the on duty gun crews. 

Searchlight houses off to either side. 

DB 9 June 2018

Type 22 Pillbox guarding the Clamp Gate Bridge and Hobhole Drain.

"British hardened field defences of World War II were small fortified structures constructed as a part of British anti-invasion preparations.

They were popularly known as pillboxes, a reference to their shape"

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_hardened_field_defences_of_World_War_II 

DB 6 March 2020 

The Barracks in Sandon Road were built in 1858 and 1872. Pevsner described it as ‘castellated and very forbidding’. There is an impressive courtyard inside.

It was built for the 4th Special Battalion, Lincolnshire Regiment.

undated postcard

"Circa 1858-72. Possibly by Goddard.

Castellated gothic style"

https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1062467 

DB 9 March 2019

Emblem for the Royal South Lincs Militia "RSLM".

Above main entrance to the keep and facing Sandon Road.

DB 9 March 2019

"Militia officers' quarters, now houses.

1858, by Henry Goddard, architect, the county surveyor, for the Royal South Lincs Militia Regiment"

"following the Militia Act of 1852, counties were required to construct secure barracks for storing arms and training for the local militia, including accommodation for NCOs" 

https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1375585 

DB 9 March 2019

"Artillery barracks and headquarters, now printing works. Built for the 1st Lincolnshire Volunteer Position Artillery"

"Built to replace an earlier drill hall/barracks on Market Street" in 1891.

https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1379891 

"GRIMSBY's Castle Press closed in April 2015, after 155 years of continuous work, with 34 jobs lost"

https://www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk/news/local-news/19-grimsbys-oldest-grandest-buildings-121706 

DB 2 March 2019 

The RAF Holbeach bombing range opened in 1926. It includes this observation tower for recording performance.

RAF and NATO aircraft use the range for dropping bombs and firing cannon.

Targets include old trawlers beached on the mudflats of the Wash.

Ken Redmore, 2010

During the Cold War period a network of Royal Observer Corps bunkers was created covering the country.

Most, like this one near Holbeach, were in isolated locations with telephone links to regional bases. (The HQ for Lincolnshire was at Fiskerton).

They were manned at all times by ROC volunteers and were equipped to detect attacks by nuclear weapons.

Ken Redmore, 2010

Listed in Kelly's Directory of Lincolnshire 1913

"TERRITORIAL FORCE.

4th Battalion Lincolnshire Regiment (G Co. ), Drill hall, Boston road; Capt. Herbert Arthur Howes; William Harrick, color-sergeant-instructor"

The Hall's Facebook Page states that :-

"Built in 1901 to replace an earlier Drill Hall with money raised from public donations.

It was used for army training and also as a venue for entertainments for the town.

During WW1 and WW2 it was used as a hospital and treatment centre.

In 1967 it was renamed at The Town Hall.

In 1974 East Liindsey District Council created their local office there along with the Town Council Offices.

In 2009 the hall was boarded up ready for demolition as ELDC decided it was surplus to requirements.

The town's people rallied round and the lease was finally signed on July 30th 2010 and the utilities and services were re-commissioned along with the removal of the boards.

It was re-named The Stanhope Hall after Edward Stanhope who was MP in 1901.

A team of volunteers cleaned all the building and bookings began rolling in"

DB 18 July 2019 

The Norman Castle at Lincoln was built by William the Conqueror in the late-eleventh century on the site of a Roman structure.

It is owned by Lincolnshire County Council and is used for outdoor concerts and the annual Christmas Market.

Undated postcard

Lincoln Castle viewed from the west front of the Cathedral.

"The castle was the focus of attention during the First Battle of Lincoln on 2 February 1141, during the struggle between King Stephen and Empress Matilda over who should be monarch in England. It was held but damaged, and a new tower, called the Lucy Tower, was built.

Lincoln Castle was again besieged before the Second Battle of Lincoln, on 20 May 1217, during the reign of Henry III of England during the course of the First Barons' War. This was the period of political struggle that followed the sealing of Magna Carta on 15 June 1215"

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lincoln_Castle 

DB 13 May 2019

The view is from the former hospital, later Chad Varah House, in Wordsworth Street looking down on Drury Lane, which sweeps from side to side.

Lincoln Castle's Observatory Tower is in the centre background; the East Gate to the extreme right; Lucy Tower to the left.

For centuries both houses and businesses were situated close to the Castle walls.  The building with the tall chimney houses the Drury Lane Brewery.

1930s photograph

Former Drill Hall.

Kelly's Directory of Lincolnshire 1919 states :-

"5th Battalion Lincolnshire Regiment (D Co.), Drill hall, Northgate ; butts, Hallington

Volunteer Force Battalion 4th Lincolnshire Regiment (E Co.); Capt. J. W. Richardson, commanding, Drill hall, Northgate"

DB 7 March 2018

Local signage at the Metheringham Airfield Visitor Centre states :-

"The original Gymnasium which was also used as a Church (C of E) and a Social Building. 

The annexe to the left of the building is the smaller Roman Catholic Church. 

The building was renovated in 2006 and the RC Church is now used as a 1940s Schoolroom" 

RAF Metheringham (1943-1946) was largely located in the adjoining parish of Martin.

DB 22 April 2019 

RAF Metheringham (1943-1946) was largely located in the adjoining parish of Martin.

DB 28 May 2018

"A segment shelter manufactured by the Stanton Ironworks, Ilkeston, Derbyshire"

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Air_raid_shelter#Stanton_shelters 

This in situ example preserved at the Metheringham Airfield Visitor Centre, Westmoor Farm, Martin Moor.

https://metheringhamairfieldmuseum.co.uk  

RAF Metheringham (1943-1946) was largely located in the adjoining parish of Martin.

DB 22 April 2019

The water tower at RAF Metheringham (TF 102598).

The airfield was the home to 106 Bomber Squadron from 1943 to the end of the war.

Over 200 operations flew from here and 57 Lancaster bombers were lost.

There is a small visitor centre on the site.

Peter Stevenson

Twelve-sided structure housing the radar head of the Type 82 "Orange Yeoman” tactical control radar for use in conjunction with the Bloodhound guided-missile system.

RAF North Coates opened in 1918 and, after an illustrious career as a flying station, became a Bloodhound base in 1958.

This photograph was taken during a visit by SLHA members to record its demolition in 2002.

Chris Lester, 2002

This interior shot of a Type 82 Building shows the mounting plates for the radar turning gear.

This radar was the operational prototype and it was the RAF's first 3-D radar to go into service.

It could track 18 targets simultaneously at a range of up to 140 miles.


Chris Lester, 2002

View of Bolingbroke Castle, birthplace of Henry IV, with part of the village visible in the background. 

Kelly's Directory of Lincolnshire 1919 states :-

"The castle stood at the southern extremity of the town, and some vestiges of it still remain, although constructed only of local sandstone:

it was, however, a formidable fortress until its capture during the Civil War; on Monday, October 9, 1643, it was attacked by the Parliamentary forces under the Earl of Manchester, and being surrendered after a few days resistance was then dismantled and left to decay :

the gatehouse, the last crumbling remnant, is said  to have fallen down in May, 1815.

The Royal army, when advancing to its relief, suffered a severe reverse at Winceby, near here, October 11, 1643"

DB 13 October 2017

"It is thought that the original castle on this site was erected soon after the Norman Conquest but that it was dismantled in 1095.

It was rebuilt in 1173 by Roger de Mowbray to support Prince Henry in the conflict with his father Henry II who subsequently had the castle destroyed.

Anti-tank defences from World War 2.

The concrete cubes were supposed to stop tanks and amphibious vehicles driving inland. 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dragon%27s_teeth_(fortification) 

DB 27 October 2019

Type 22 Pillbox from the Second World War. 

Many were removed when the army left the site however some still remain.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_hardened_field_defences_of_World_War_II 

DB 16 June 2016

Type 22 Pillbox from the Second World War. 

Many were removed when the army left the site however some still remain.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_hardened_field_defences_of_World_War_II 

DB 11 May 2018

This nuclear bunker (TF 442708), set in the beauty of the Lincolnshire Wolds, is a grim reminder of Cold War days.

Above ground here are four ventilation shafts, and this 'bungalow' (whose 'windows' are actually painted on concrete).

Below ground the nuclear bunker, last developed in the 1980s, could house a regional seat of government, and accommodate over 100 people.

Frank Robinson, 2010

"Built by Bishop Alexander circa 1130.

Site only remains, and 1 block of fallen masonry"

https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1061302 

DB 20 June 2018 

Panoramic view of site.

"Built by the Bishop of Lincoln in the early 1120s, it was habitable as late as 1555 but fell into disrepair during the latter half of the 16th century.

Two English monarchs are known to have stayed at the castle, King John and Henry VIII"

"The visible remains are now only a moat, a scrap of masonry (one small, toppled portion of a wall in the north-east corner of the inner bailey) and associated earthworks"

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sleaford_Castle 

DB 20 June 2018 

Kelly's Directory of Lincolnshire 1937 states :-

"TERRITORIAL ARMY. 4th Battalion Lincolnshire Regiment (Spalding detachment), Drill hall, Haverfield road; Lt. T. L. Mawby, officer-in-charge; Arthur Holmes, sergeant-instructor"

Now the Lighthouse Pentecostal Church. 

Foundation stone laid by the Honourable Francis McLaren M.P. on 20th February 1913.

"He volunteered at the outbreak of war and was commissioned with the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve ...

McLaren was a second lieutenant and trainee pilot in Number 18 Training Squadron (RNVR) when he died on 30 August 1917, following a flying accident during training at RAF Montrose ...

He is commemorated on Panel 8 of the Parliamentary War Memorial in Westminster Hall, one of 22 MPs that died during World War I to be named on that memorial.

McLaren is one of 19 MPs who fell in the war who are commemorated by heraldic shields in the Commons Chamber"

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Francis_McLaren 

DB 2 October 2019

Foundation stone laid by Lieutenant Colonel John William Jessop 1860-1915.

Killed during the First World War "On the 4th of June 1915 he was called to a meeting of officers at Kemmel village. The Germans started to shell the area he was in and Colonel Jessop was killed"

https://www.lincstothepast.com/JESSOP---John-William/1553658.record?pt=S  

DB 2 October 2019

A nearby plaque states :-

"Site of William the Conqueror's castle erected 1068. Ruinous by 1340, demolished by mid 16th century. The only visible standing remains incorporate part of the castle's 13th century great hall. Stamford Civic Society 2016"

DB 3 July 2019

This 360ft (110m) high steel lattice tower at Stenigot (TF 257825) is the only survivor of four transmitting towers forming part of RAF Stenigot Chain Home Radar Station.

The Chain Home system, developed during the Second World War, was the world's first air defence radar system.

Although the site is known as RAF Stenigot it is actually in the parish of Donington.


Chris Lester, 1997

A view of RAF Stenigot from the top of the surviving transmitter tower, looking north, taken in 1995.

The building in the left foreground housed a 1950s GEE-H Master Station used for aircraft navigation.

To its right can be seen the bases of another of the four Chain Home transmitter masts.

The building in the right foreground is the Slave Receiver hut of the original wartime GEE installation. Beyond that is the water tower and beyond that is the Standby Set House which housed a diesel generator to provide emergency power.

The 1960s NATO ACE HIGH tropospheric scatter station is located in the fenced compound beyond it.

It is obstructing sight of the Chain Home Receiver building although the four concrete bases of one of the receiver masts can be seen beyond the fence and to the right of the dishes.

Approximately 120 RAF personnel manned the Chain Home site, including police and anti-aircraft gunners to protect it.

Chris Lester, 1995

This building housed the radar receivers, a calculator room which converted the raw radar data into grid references and altitudes, and a plotting area which was manned largely by WAAFs.

It was situated between four 73 m (240 ft) high wooden receiver masts arranged in a rhomboid pattern.

This Grade II listed building was recently demolished.

Chris Lester, 1995

An extended view of the former RAF Stenigot site which includes, to the left, the huge dismantled dishes - each 60ft (18m) across - of the ACE-HIGH microwave NATO communication system, in use from about 1960 to the 1980s.

Frank Robinson, 2010

This fully-protected installation comprised a Mirlees Blackstone diesel engine driving a 60 KVA electrical generator to provide emergency power in the event of a failure of the mains supply.

It was demolished in 1996.

Chris Lester, 1995

Two radar transmitters operating in what today would be called the Short Wave Bands were housed in this building.

The building, which is Listed Grade II is protected by blast walls and a layer of gravel on the roof contained within the brick walls, which are visible above the blast walls.

Chris Lester, 1995

The radar site is located on top of a hill at 151 m above Ordnance Datum and a good supply of water would have been required for fire-fighting.

It was demolished in 1996. The "domestic” site located half a mile away to the NE had its own water tower which survives today.


Chris Lester, 1995

"The Thorpe Camp Preservation Group established the Visitor Centre in 1988 to commemorate those Airmen who flew from the airfield in World War II"

http://thorpecamp.wixsite.com/visitorscentre 

"The centre was formerly part of No.1 Communal Site, RAF Woodhall Spa"

Buildings have been restored and a large collection of artifacts are displayed. 

DB 11 July 2015

This standard type 23 pillbox is close to the coast at Theddlethorpe St Helen (TF 483 892).

It was one of many defended observation posts along the Lincolnshire coast and elsewhere in the county.

Construction in concrete between wooden shuttering was quick and economical.

Ken Redmore, 2006

Royal Air Force Waddington - Air Show pictured in 1981. 

"In the Cold War, RAF Waddington became an Avro Vulcan V-bomber base, with 83 Sqn being the first in the RAF to receive the Vulcan in May 1957. It continued in this role until 1984 when the last Vulcan squadron, No. 50, disbanded"

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RAF_Waddington 

DB May 1981

This World War 2 defensive structure, though common throughout the county, is not usually located as close to the centre of a village as this one.

It is adjacent to the Bonthorpe Road, about 200 metres north of St Helen’s church at TF 473721.

August 2013