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Infrastructure - Defence
 
Addlethorpe, Homer Structure
Addlethorpe, Homer Structure
Addlethorpe, Homer Structure

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 

Addlethorpe, homer, direction-finder,
Aisthorpe, RAF Scampton
Aisthorpe, RAF Scampton
Aisthorpe, RAF Scampton

RAF Scampton also extends into the neighbouring parishes of Aisthorpe and Brattleby.

Bulk fuel installation at National Grid Reference SK 96178 79958 close to the site of the former Aisthorpe House.

"RAF Scampton currently has one BFI (Bulk Fuel Installation) for aviation fuel, which is a former NATO installation (BFI 7).

Until closure in 1996, RAF Scampton was connected to the Government Pipeline Storage System (GPSS), which supplied AVTUR (F34) to BFI 7 from an underground pipeline running from a depot at Mistarton.

The fuel was premixed with corrosion and ice inhibiting chemicals before being pumped into the system.

The pipeline entered the site from the west from a spur of the main pipeline and connected to the PRE from where fuel was pumped directly to BFI 7 via an underground pipeline.

The pipeline was fitted with cathodic protection and was tested on a regular basis.

The pipeline is now disconnected and the on site section of pipeline running between the PRE to BFI 7 was removed in 1996.

At present, 18 000 litre bowsers travel by road from RAFC Cranwell to fill BFI 7 on a daily basis, having to cross the main runway at the 05 threshold to access the BFI"

http://data.parliament.uk/DepositedPapers/Files/DEP2020-0094/Annex_M_RAF_Scampton_LQA.pdf 

DB 13 November 2020 


Aisthorpe, RAF Scampton, Bulk fuel installation
Beckingham, Training Camp
Beckingham, Training Camp
Beckingham, Training Camp

Managed by the Defence Infrastructure Organisation.

"Along with in camp training facilities such as a DCCT, obstacle course and a large drill square, to the North & West of the camp there is also an all-purpose training area suitable for all levels of cadets to use. Also on this training area are some of the best ranges in the region, making this very popular camp to run shooting courses on"

http://wikimapia.org/15908855/Beckingham-Training-Camp-Ranges#:~:text=Beckingham%20camp%20is%20located%20on,cadets%20and%20100%20adult%20instructors. 

Viewed from Woodgate Lane. 

DB 2020 

 

Beckingham Camp, Defence Infrastructure Organisation, training
Belton House, Army Camp
Belton House, Army Camp
Belton House, Army Camp

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.

Belton Kesteven, Belton House, army machine gun corps, railway
Belton House, Army Camp
Belton House, Army Camp
Belton House, Army Camp

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.

Belton Kesteven, Belton House, Machine Gun Corps, World War I, railway
Belton House, Park, First World War Water Tank
Belton House, Park, First World War Water Tank
Belton House, Park, First World War Water Tank

Concrete water tank on the hillside below Bellmount Tower. Used to supply water to the army camp in Belton Park during the first World War.     

DB 18 December 2017

Belton Kesteven, Belton House, Water Tank
Bishop Norton, ROC Monitoring Post
Bishop Norton, ROC Monitoring Post
Bishop Norton, ROC Monitoring Post
Remains of the underground Royal Observer Corps monitoring post at Bishop Norton.
 
It was in use during the Cold War period. 
 
Photo courtesy John T Turner, 2004
Bishop Norton, Royal Observer Corps
Boston, Pillbox, South End
Boston, Pillbox, South End
Boston, Pillbox, South End

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 

Boston, Pillbox, Type 23
Bracebridge Heath, Aircraft Hangars
Bracebridge Heath, Aircraft Hangars
Bracebridge Heath, Aircraft Hangars

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

 

Bracebridge Heath, Belfast, Robey, aircraft, hangar, Roe,
Branston, Mere, Y Station Guardhouse
Branston, Mere, Y Station Guardhouse
Branston, Mere, Y Station Guardhouse

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

Branston, Mere, Y Station guardhouse, Cold War
Branston, Mere, Y Station mast supports
Branston, Mere, Y Station mast supports
Branston, Mere, Y Station mast supports

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

Branston, Mere Y Station, mast supports
Branston, Mere, Y Station Operations Room
Branston, Mere, Y Station Operations Room
Branston, Mere, Y Station Operations Room

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

Branston, Y Station, Mere, Operations Room, Bletchley, Cheadle
Brigg, Pingley POW Camp
Brigg, Pingley POW Camp
Brigg, Pingley POW Camp
Timber-framed hut at Pingley Camp made by the Laing Company for housing prisoners of war during WW2.
 
Although the hamlet of Pingley is about a mile east of the centre of Brigg, it lies in Bigby parish.
 
The outside walls were clad in bituminised corrugated iron and the roofing material was corrugated asbestos-cement sheeting.
 
John T Turner, c. 2004
Brigg, Pingley Camp, Prisoners of War
Burgh on Bain, ROC Monitoring Post
Burgh on Bain, ROC Monitoring Post
Burgh on Bain, ROC Monitoring Post
The Royal Observer Corps had an underground monitoring post at Burgh on Bain during the Cold War period.

Photo by John T Turner, 2004

Burgh on Bain, ROC underground monitoring post
Burton by Lincoln
Burton by Lincoln
Burton by Lincoln
The prototype of the early tank, "Mother", in Burton Park, 1916
 
Photo courtesy Annabel Carle
Burton By Lincoln, World War 1, tank trial, Mother
Caistor, Home Guard Cottage
Caistor, Home Guard Cottage
Caistor, Home Guard Cottage

Home Guard Cottage with a blue plaque placed by the "Caistor Society".

DB 11 May 2024 

Caistor, Home Guard Cottage
Carlton Scroop, Repeater Station
Carlton Scroop, Repeater Station
Carlton Scroop, Repeater Station

"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

Carlton Scroop, Repeater Station, microwave, Backbone, Cold War, BT, Tower
Coleby, RAF Coleby Grange, Air Traffic Control Tower
Coleby, RAF Coleby Grange, Air Traffic Control Tower
Coleby, RAF Coleby Grange, Air Traffic Control Tower

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

Coleby, RAF Coleby Grange, Air Traffic Control Tower
Coningsby, RAF Coningsby, BBMF, Dakota ZA947
Coningsby, RAF Coningsby, BBMF, Dakota ZA947
Coningsby, RAF Coningsby, BBMF, Dakota ZA947

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

RAF, Coningsby, Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, Visitor Centre, BBMF, Dakota, ZA947, Douglas C-47
Coningsby, RAF Coningsby, BBMF, Hurricane LF363 (MK&nbspIIC)
Coningsby, RAF Coningsby, BBMF, Hurricane LF363 (MK IIC)
Coningsby, RAF Coningsby, BBMF, Hurricane LF363 (MK IIC)

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

RAF, Coningsby, Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, Visitor Centre, BBMF, Hurricane, LF363, Fighter
Coningsby, RAF Coningsby, BBMF, Lancaster PA474
Coningsby, RAF Coningsby, BBMF, Lancaster PA474
Coningsby, RAF Coningsby, BBMF, Lancaster PA474

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

Coningsby, Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Visitor Centre, BBMF, Lancaster, PA474, RAF, Bomber
Coningsby, RAF Coningsby, BBMF, Spitfire
Coningsby, RAF Coningsby, BBMF, Spitfire
Coningsby, RAF Coningsby, BBMF, Spitfire

"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

RAF, Coningsby, Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, Visitor Centre, BBMF, Spitfire, Fighter
Coningsby, RAF Coningsby, BBMF, Visitor Centre
Coningsby, RAF Coningsby, BBMF, Visitor Centre
Coningsby, RAF Coningsby, BBMF, Visitor Centre

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 

Coningsby, Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, Visitor Centre, BBMF, RAF, grandslam, tallboy, bomb
Cranwell, RAF Cranwell
Cranwell, RAF Cranwell
Cranwell, RAF Cranwell

RAF Cranwell viewed from the south across Ermine Street Solar Farm and the A17.

"Home to the Royal Air Force College (RAFC), which trains the RAF's new officers and Aircrew"

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

Tower of College Hall visible right of center. 

DB 2020

RAF Cranwell, Royal Air Force College
Cranwell, RAF East Camp
Cranwell, RAF East Camp
Cranwell, RAF East Camp

In the foreground is the railway line which ran from Sleaford to RAF Cranwell between 1917 & 1956 though passenger services ceased in 1926.

Undated postcard by Raphael Tuck 

Cranwell,
Cranwell, RAF East Camp
Cranwell, RAF East Camp
Cranwell, RAF East Camp
The main entrance to the East Camp at RAF Cranwell.
Cranwell, RAF Station, East Camp
Dyke, Village Hall (Army Hut / Mission Church)
Dyke, Village Hall (Army Hut / Mission Church)
Dyke, Village Hall (Army Hut / Mission Church)

An original army hut from the Machine Gun Corps encampment at Belton Park.

Bought to Dyke in 1920 to serve as St Georges Mission Church.

The Mission Hall became the village hall in 1976.

http://dykehistory.org.uk/dyke-village-hall 

DB 20 August 2020

Dyke, Village Hall, Machine Gun Corps, St Georges Mission Church
East Kirkby, Aviation Heritage Centre, Control Tower
East Kirkby, Aviation Heritage Centre, Control Tower
East Kirkby, Aviation Heritage Centre, Control Tower

RAF East Kirkby's former control-tower.

DB 19 April 2019

RAF East Kirkby, Aviation Heritage Centre, Bomber Command, 57 Squadron, 630 Squadron, control tower
Fishtoft, Haven Bank, Defence Structure
Fishtoft, Haven Bank, Defence Structure
Fishtoft, Haven Bank, Defence Structure

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

DB 6 March 2020

Fishtoft, Haven Bank, Defence Structure
Fishtoft, Haven Bank, Pillbox & Light Beacon
Fishtoft, Haven Bank, Pillbox & Light Beacon
Fishtoft, Haven Bank, Pillbox & Light Beacon

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

Fishtoft, Pillbox, Haven Bank, Jolly Sailor, Light Beacon
Fishtoft, Hobhole Sluice, Pillbox
Fishtoft, Hobhole Sluice, Pillbox
Fishtoft, Hobhole Sluice, Pillbox

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

Fishtoft, Pillbox, Hobhole Sluice
Fosdyke Bridge, Pill Box
Fosdyke Bridge, Pill Box
Fosdyke Bridge, Pill Box

"Square pillbox of the Second World War Coastal Crust. It is a type 26 pillbox, with three loopholes and rear entry"

https://heritage-explorer.lincolnshire.gov.uk/Monument/MLI13391 

Situated to the west side of the bridge at OS Grid Ref: TF 3177 3230.

DB 17 October 2024

Fosdyke Bridge, Pill Box
Freiston Shore, Emergency Coast Defence Battery, Gun Emplacement
Freiston Shore, Emergency Coast Defence Battery, Gun Emplacement
Freiston Shore, Emergency Coast Defence Battery, Gun Emplacement

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

Freiston Shore, Emergency Coast Defence Battery, Gun Emplacement, blast wall
Freiston Shore, Emergency Coast Defence Battery, Gun Emplacement
Freiston Shore, Emergency Coast Defence Battery, Gun Emplacement
Freiston Shore, Emergency Coast Defence Battery, Gun Emplacement

"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

Freiston Shore, Emergency Coast Defence Battery, Gun Emplacement
Freiston Shore, Emergency Coast Defence Battery, Gun Emplacement
Freiston Shore, Emergency Coast Defence Battery, Gun Emplacement
Freiston Shore, Emergency Coast Defence Battery, Gun Emplacement

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

Freiston Shore, Emergency Coast Defence Battery, Gun Emplacement
Freiston Shore, Emergency Coast Defence Battery, Pillbox
Freiston Shore, Emergency Coast Defence Battery, Pillbox
Freiston Shore, Emergency Coast Defence Battery, Pillbox

"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

Freiston Shore, Emergency Coast Defence Battery, pillbox
Freiston Shore, Emergency Coast Defence Battery, Searchlight House
Freiston Shore, Emergency Coast Defence Battery, Searchlight House
Freiston Shore, Emergency Coast Defence Battery, Searchlight House

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

Freiston Shore, Emergency Coast Defence Battery, Searchlight House
Freiston Shore, Emergency Coast Defence Battery, Searchlight House
Freiston Shore, Emergency Coast Defence Battery, Searchlight House
Freiston Shore, Emergency Coast Defence Battery, Searchlight House

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

Freiston Shore, Emergency Coast Defence Battery, Searchlight House
Freiston Shore, Emergency Coast Defence Battery, Viewed From Inland
Freiston Shore, Emergency Coast Defence Battery, Viewed From Inland
Freiston Shore, Emergency Coast Defence Battery, Viewed From Inland

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

Freiston Shore, Emergency Coast Defence Battery
Freiston, Pillbox at Clamp Gate Bridge
Freiston, Pillbox at Clamp Gate Bridge
Freiston, Pillbox at Clamp Gate Bridge

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 

Freiston, Pillbox, Clamp Gate Bridge, Hobhole Drain
Grantham, Barracks
Grantham, Barracks
Grantham, Barracks

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

Grantham, barracks, Sandon Road, Lincolnshire Regiment
Grantham, Barracks
Grantham, Barracks
Grantham, Barracks

"Circa 1858-72. Possibly by Goddard.

Castellated gothic style"

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

DB 9 March 2019

Grantham, barracks, Sandon Road, Lincolnshire Regiment
Grantham, Barracks
Grantham, Barracks
Grantham, Barracks

Emblem for the Royal South Lincs Militia "RSLM".

Above main entrance to the keep and facing Sandon Road.

DB 9 March 2019

Grantham, barracks, Sandon Road, Royal South Lincs Militia, RSLM
Grantham, Barracks Square, Beacon Lane
Grantham, Barracks Square, Beacon Lane
Grantham, Barracks Square, Beacon Lane

"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

Grantham, barracks square, Beacon Lane, Henry Goddard, Royal South Lincs Militia Regiment
Grantham, Prince William of Gloucester Barracks
Grantham, Prince William of Gloucester Barracks
Grantham, Prince William of Gloucester Barracks
The barracks were established, on the site of the former RAF Spitalgate airbase, in October 1976, as the new Central Volunteer Headquarters for the Royal Corps of Transport.
 
The barracks were formally named after Prince William of Gloucester at a ceremony held in March 1977 led by Princess Alice, Duchess of Gloucester ...
 
The barracks remain the home of Headquarters Royal Logistic Corps Army Reserve and of the Army Training Regiment (Grantham) which provides phase one training to Army Reserve Recruits"
 
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prince_William_of_Gloucester_Barracks 
 
DB 2 March 2020 
Grantham, Prince William of Gloucester Barracks
Great Ponton, Pillbox
Great Ponton, Pillbox
Great Ponton, Pillbox

A type 22 pillbox on Stroxton Lane at OS Grid Ref: SK 91098 30442.

https://www.tracesofwar.com/sights/21895/Pillbox-FW3-22-Great-Ponton.htm 

DB 6 December 2023

Great Ponton, pillbox
Grimsby, Castle Press, Victoria Street
Grimsby, Castle Press, Victoria Street
Grimsby, Castle Press, Victoria Street

"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 

Grimsby, Castle Press, Artillery barracks,
Holbeach, RAF Holbeach, Observation Tower
Holbeach, RAF Holbeach, Observation Tower
Holbeach, RAF Holbeach, Observation Tower

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

Holbeach, RAF Holbeach, Observation Tower, bombing range,
Holbeach, Royal Observer Corps Bunker
Holbeach, Royal Observer Corps Bunker
Holbeach, Royal Observer Corps Bunker

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

Holbeach, Royal Observer Corps bunker, cold war, Fiskerton,
Honington, POW Camp
Honington, POW Camp
Honington, POW Camp
These buildings, in use for housing farm animals in 2005, are considered to be surviving elements of the former Prisoner of War Camp known to be in the village.
 
John Turner, c.2005
Honington, Prisoner of War, POW camp
Horncastle, Drill Hall / Town Hall, Stanhope Hall, Boston Road
Horncastle, Drill Hall / Town Hall, Stanhope Hall, Boston Road
Horncastle, Drill Hall / Town Hall, Stanhope Hall, Boston Road

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 

Horncastle, Drill Hall / Town Hall, Stanhope Hall, Boston Road
Kirkby on Bain, RAF Woodhall Spa (Ostler's Plantation)
Kirkby on Bain, RAF Woodhall Spa (Ostler's Plantation)
Kirkby on Bain, RAF Woodhall Spa (Ostler's Plantation)

The Forestry Commission's information board explains that "Part of Woodhall Spa's wartime airfield lies within the woodland.

During World War 2 the famous 617 "Dambuster" squadron flew Lancaster bombers from here.

Taxiways and bunkers are still visible throughout the woodland"

DB 21 November 2020 

Kirkby on Bain, RAF Woodhall Spa, Ostler's Plantation
Kirkby on Bain, RAF Woodhall Spa (Ostler's Plantation)
Kirkby on Bain, RAF Woodhall Spa (Ostler's Plantation)
Kirkby on Bain, RAF Woodhall Spa (Ostler's Plantation)

Remains from RAF Woodhall Spa in Ostler's Plantation, Kirkby on Bain.

"The station opened in February 1942 as a satellite station to RAF Coningsby.

In August 1943 it became No. 54 Base Substation.

After victory in Europe (May 1945) the airfield was used as an assembly and kitting out point for Tiger Force (a proposed heavy bomber force for the far east).

After the end of the Second World War and with the move of No. 617 Squadron RAF to RAF Waddington the airfield was closed"

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

DB 21 November 2020 

Kirkby on Bain, RAF Woodhall Spa, Ostler's Plantation
Lincoln, Castle
Lincoln, Castle
Lincoln, Castle

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, Norman, William the Conqueror,
Lincoln, Castle
Lincoln, Castle
Lincoln, Castle

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

Lincoln Castle
Lincoln, Drury Lane
Lincoln, Drury Lane
Lincoln, Drury Lane

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

Lincoln Streets, Drury Lane, Castle, Drury Lane Brewery, Observatory Tower
Louth, Louth & District Royal British Legion Headquarters, Northgate
Louth, Louth & District Royal British Legion Headquarters, Northgate
Louth, Louth & District Royal British Legion Headquarters, Northgate

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

Louth & District Royal British Legion Headquarters, Northgate, Lincolnshire Regiment
Martin by Timberland, RAF Metheringham, Gymnasium / Churches
Martin by Timberland, RAF Metheringham, Gymnasium / Churches
Martin by Timberland, RAF Metheringham, Gymnasium / Churches

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 

Martin by Timberland, RAF Metheringham, Airfield Visitor Centre
Martin by Timberland, RAF Metheringham, Standby Generator Set House
Martin by Timberland, RAF Metheringham, Standby Generator Set House
Martin by Timberland, RAF Metheringham, Standby Generator Set House

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

DB 28 May 2018

Martin by Timberland, RAF Metheringham, Standby Generator Set House
Martin by Timberland, RAF Metheringham, Stanton Air Raid Shelter
Martin by Timberland, RAF Metheringham, Stanton Air Raid Shelter
Martin by Timberland, RAF Metheringham, Stanton Air Raid Shelter

"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

Martin by Timberland, RAF Metheringham, Airfield Visitor Centre, Stanton Air Raid Shelter
Metheringham, RAF Metheringham, Water Tower
Metheringham, RAF Metheringham, Water Tower
Metheringham, RAF Metheringham, Water Tower

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

Metheringham, RAF, water tower,
Moorby, Prisoner of War Camp
Moorby, Prisoner of War Camp
Moorby, Prisoner of War Camp
Huts of reinforced concrete were among the accommodation in the Moorby Prisoner of War Camp.
 
It was constructed by Italian POWs and later occupied by German prisoners.
 
Later it was used to house displaced persons and finally international students doing seasonal work on local farms. Now demolished.
 
Photo: John T Turner, 2004
Moorby, Prisoner of War camp
Nocton, RAF Hospital Nocton Hall, Water Tower
Nocton, RAF Hospital Nocton Hall, Water Tower
Nocton, RAF Hospital Nocton Hall, Water Tower

Reported by The Lincolnite that :- 

"The tower was constructed between 1944-45 as part of the American war effort's US 7th General Hospital.

It is one of four remaining examples in the UK and was in continuous use until 1995 when it was sold as part of the general sale of the hospital site"

https://thelincolnite.co.uk/2019/10/former-nocton-hospital-water-tower-could-become-quirky-home/ 

DB 2020 

Nocton, RAF Hospital Nocton hall, Water Tower, US 7th General Hospital, RAF
North Cotes, RAF North Cotes, Radar Building
North Cotes, RAF North Cotes, Radar Building
North Cotes, RAF North Cotes, Radar Building

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

North Coates, RAF North Coates, radar, bloodhound,
North Cotes, RAF North Cotes, Radar Building
North Cotes, RAF North Cotes, Radar Building
North Cotes, RAF North Cotes, Radar Building

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

North Coates, RAF North Coates, Radar,
Old Bolingbroke, Castle
Old Bolingbroke, Castle
Old Bolingbroke, Castle

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

Old Bolingbroke, Castle
Owston Ferry, Castle
Owston Ferry, Castle
Owston Ferry, Castle

"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.

The site of the motte remains as a broad grassy mound.
 
The surrounding area is now a Local Nature Reserve"
 
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Owston_Ferry_Castle 
 
Otherwise known as Kinaird motte and bailey castle.
 
DB 2 September 2018
Owston Ferry, Castle, Roger de Mowbray, motte
Owston Ferry, Castle
Owston Ferry, Castle
Owston Ferry, Castle

View from the castle's motte with St Martin's Church built in what had been the castle's bailey. 

DB 2 September 2018

Owston Ferry, Castle, St Martin Church, bailey
Pinchbeck, St Mary, Tower, Cannon
Pinchbeck, St Mary, Tower, Cannon
Pinchbeck, St Mary, Tower, Cannon

Cannon displayed under the tower. An explanatory text stated :- 

"The Pinchbeck Cannon was found on Frieston Shore along with two cannon balls. It is thought to have been in use during the Crimean War (1854-56).

It Is mounted on a cast iron ship's carriage and was made by George Jackson of Fishtoft, who worked for Howden & Son of Boston. The year 1848 is stamped on the carriage.

It was bought by Thomas Plowright who died in Kimberley in South Africa (see monument in south aisle) and eventually given to L F M Wayet, son of the Vicar of Pinchbeck.

Its length is 41", and Its caliber is 2 & 5/8"; its condition is such that It could still probably fire a 3Ib cannon ball approximately 1200 yards"

DB 28 April 2019

Pinchbeck, Saint Mary, Church, cannon, Crimean War, George Jackson, Howden & Son
Scampton, RAF Scampton
Scampton, RAF Scampton
Scampton, RAF Scampton

"RAF Scampton stands on the site of a First World War Royal Flying Corps landing field, which had been called Brattleby.

The station was closed and returned to agriculture following the First World War, and reactivated in the 1930s.

It has provided an airfield for fighters in the First World War, bombers during the Second World War and V-force Avro Vulcans during the Cold War.

Since the temporary closure of RAF Scampton in 1996, and subsequent reactivation, the base has provided a home for the RAF Aerobatic Team (RAFAT) the Red Arrows, and to private companies, temporarily, such as Hawker Hunter Aviation, for the maintenance and storage of aircraft"

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

DB 13 November 2020

Scampton, Royal Air Force, RAF
Scampton, RAF Scampton, Red Arrows
Scampton, RAF Scampton, Red Arrows
Scampton, RAF Scampton, Red Arrows

One of the Hawk aircraft of the Red Arrows just after landing at RAF Scampton

"The BAE Systems Hawk is a British single-engine, jet-powered advanced trainer aircraft. It was first flown at Dunsfold, Surrey, in 1974 as the Hawker Siddeley Hawk, and subsequently produced by its successor companies, British Aerospace and BAE Systems"

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

DB 13 November 2020

Scampton, Royal Air Force, RAF
Scampton, RAF Scampton, Red Arrows
Scampton, RAF Scampton, Red Arrows
Scampton, RAF Scampton, Red Arrows

The Red Arrows practising over Scampton. 

"The Red Arrows, officially known as the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, is the aerobatics display team of the Royal Air Force based at RAF Scampton. The team was formed in late 1964 as an all-RAF team, replacing a number of unofficial teams that had been sponsored by RAF commands"

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

DB 13 November 2020

Scampton, Royal Air Force, RAF, Red Arrows, Aerobatic Team
Skegness, Gibraltar Point, Dragon's Teeth
Skegness, Gibraltar Point, Dragon's Teeth
Skegness, Gibraltar Point, Dragon's Teeth

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

Skegness, Gibraltar Point, Dragon's Teeth, Anti-tank
Skegness, Gibraltar Point, Pillbox
Skegness, Gibraltar Point, Pillbox
Skegness, Gibraltar Point, Pillbox

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

Skegness, Gibraltar Point, Type 22 Pillbox
Skegness, Gibraltar Point, Pillbox
Skegness, Gibraltar Point, Pillbox
Skegness, Gibraltar Point, Pillbox

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

Skegness, Gibraltar Point, Pillbox
Skendleby, Nuclear Bunker
Skendleby, Nuclear Bunker
Skendleby, Nuclear Bunker

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

Skendleby, nuclear bunker, cold war,
Skendleby, Nuclear Bunker
Skendleby, Nuclear Bunker
Skendleby, Nuclear Bunker
Ventilation vents at the underground Regional Government Headquarters at Skendleby.
 
The bunker was constructed in 1985 and would have been brought into use in the event of a total thermo-nuclear war.
 
The bunker was decommissioned in 1993.
Skendleby, Underground, Regional Government headquarters
Sleaford, Castle
Sleaford, Castle
Sleaford, Castle

"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 

Sleaford, Castle, Bishop Alexander
Sleaford, Castle
Sleaford, Castle
Sleaford, Castle

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 

Sleaford, Castle
Spalding, Drill Hall
Spalding, Drill Hall
Spalding, Drill Hall

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. 

DB 2 October 2019

Spalding, Drill Hall, Haverfield Road
Spalding, Drill Hall
Spalding, Drill Hall
Spalding, Drill Hall

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

Spalding, Drill Hall, Haverfield Road, Francis McLaren
Spalding, Drill Hall
Spalding, Drill Hall
Spalding, Drill Hall

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

Spalding, Drill Hall, Haverfield Road, Lieutenant Colonel John William Jessop
Stamford, Castle
Stamford, Castle
Stamford, Castle

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

Stamford, Castle
Stenigot, RAF Stenigot, Chain Home Radar Station
Stenigot, RAF Stenigot, Chain Home Radar Station
Stenigot, RAF Stenigot, Chain Home Radar Station

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

Stenigot, Chain Holme Radar, RAF Stenigot, lattice tower,
Stenigot, RAF Stenigot, Radar Station
Stenigot, RAF Stenigot, Radar Station
Stenigot, RAF Stenigot, Radar Station

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

Stenigot, RAF Stenigot, Home Chain Radar Station, tropospheric scatter,
Stenigot, RAF Stenigot, Receiver Building
Stenigot, RAF Stenigot, Receiver Building
Stenigot, RAF Stenigot, Receiver Building

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

Stenigot, RAF Stenigot, radar, receiver building,
Stenigot, RAF Stenigot, Site View
Stenigot, RAF Stenigot, Site View
Stenigot, RAF Stenigot, Site View

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

Stenigot, RAF Stenigot, radar,
Stenigot, RAF Stenigot, Standby Set House
Stenigot, RAF Stenigot, Standby Set House
Stenigot, RAF Stenigot, Standby Set House

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

Stenigot, RAF Stenigot, radar, standby set house,
Stenigot, RAF Stenigot, Transmitter Building
Stenigot, RAF Stenigot, Transmitter Building
Stenigot, RAF Stenigot, Transmitter Building

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

Stenigot, RAF Stenigot, Radar, transmitter building,
Stenigot, RAF Stenigot, Water Tower
Stenigot, RAF Stenigot, Water Tower
Stenigot, RAF Stenigot, Water Tower

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

Stenigot, RAF Stenigot, radar, water tower,
Tattershall Carr, RAF Woodhall
Tattershall Carr, RAF Woodhall
Tattershall Carr, RAF Woodhall

Hidden in the woodland of Tattershall Carr are many reminders of RAF Woodhall

"The woods were used as part of RAF Woodhall Spa, and housed the famous 617 (Dambusters) squadron for most of the war along with several other RAF regiments.

Many remnants from this period are clearly visible in the wood, including Air-raid shelters, sewerage ejector houses, fire ponds, tracks and transformer bases"

https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/media/46879/4292-tattershall-carrs.pdf 

Similar structures also visible in the neighbouring woodland of Tattershall Thorpe Carr. "Tattershall Carrs is one of the last remaining remnants of ancient wet alder-dominated woodland that once ringed the margins of the Fens"

DB 23 August 2020

Tattershall Carr, RAF Woodhall
Tattershall Thorpe Carr, RAF Woodhall
Tattershall Thorpe Carr, RAF Woodhall
Tattershall Thorpe Carr, RAF Woodhall

Hidden in the woodland of Tattershall Thorpe Carr are many reminders of RAF Woodhall

"The woods were used as part of RAF Woodhall Spa, and housed the famous 617 (Dambusters) squadron for most of the war along with several other RAF regiments.

Many remnants from this period are clearly visible in the wood, including Air-raid shelters, sewerage ejector houses, fire ponds, tracks and transformer bases"

https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/media/46879/4292-tattershall-carrs.pdf 

Similar structures also visible in the neighbouring woodland of Tattershall Carr. "Tattershall Carrs is one of the last remaining remnants of ancient wet alder-dominated woodland that once ringed the margins of the Fens"

DB 23 August 2020

Tattershall Thorpe Carr, RAF Woodhall
Tattershall Thorpe Carr, RAF Woodhall
Tattershall Thorpe Carr, RAF Woodhall
Tattershall Thorpe Carr, RAF Woodhall

Interior of one of the air raid shelters in Tattershall Thorpe Carr.

DB 23 August 2020

Tattershall Carr, RAF Woodhall, air raid shelter
Tattershall Thorpe Carr, RAF Woodhall
Tattershall Thorpe Carr, RAF Woodhall
Tattershall Thorpe Carr, RAF Woodhall

Another reminder of RAF Woodhall hidden in Tattershall Thorpe Carr.

DB 23 August 2020

Tattershall Thorpe Carr, RAF Woodhall
Tattershall Thorpe, RAF Woodhall
Tattershall Thorpe, RAF Woodhall
Tattershall Thorpe, RAF Woodhall

Woodhall Spa Airfield memorial located at National Grid Reference TF 213 614 in what is now a nature reserve.

https://www.abct.org.uk/airfields/airfield-finder/woodhall-spa/

DB 30 September 2022

Tattershall Thorpe, RAF Woodhall Spa Airfield
Tattershall Thorpe, Thorpe Camp Visitor Centre
Tattershall Thorpe, Thorpe Camp Visitor Centre
Tattershall Thorpe, Thorpe Camp Visitor Centre

"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

Tattershall Thorpe, Thorpe Camp Preservation Group, RAF Woodhall Spa
Theddlethorpe St Helen, Pillbox
Theddlethorpe St Helen, Pillbox
Theddlethorpe St Helen, Pillbox

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

Theddlethorpe St Helen, pillbox, observation post,
Waddington, RAF Waddington, Air Show, Avro Vulcan
Waddington, RAF Waddington, Air Show, Avro Vulcan
Waddington, RAF Waddington, Air Show, Avro Vulcan

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

Waddington, Royal Air Force Waddington, Air Show, RAF, Avro Vulcan, V-bomber
Waltham, Volunteer Training Corps
Waltham, Volunteer Training Corps
Waltham, Volunteer Training Corps

Postcard dated 1915.

"The Volunteer Training Corps was a voluntary home defence militia in the United Kingdom during World War I"

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

Waltham, Volunteer Training Corps, VTC
Welbourn, RAF Wellingore Pill Box
Welbourn, RAF Wellingore Pill Box
Welbourn, RAF Wellingore Pill Box

Pill Box located on Ermine Street (High Dike) at National Grid Reference SK 99323 54085 in the parish of Welbourn.

Associated with former RAF Wellingore which extended into the neighbouring parishes of Welbourn and Temple Bruer.

"The airfield was originally opened in 1917 as a Royal Naval Air Service station called Wellingore Heath.

The airfield reopened in 1935. By the winter of 1939/40, the airfield was fully operational and consisted of two grass runways, a concrete perimeter track and several hangars.

It initially operated as a Relief Landing Ground (RLG) for RAF Cranwell before later operating as a satellite station for RAF Digby.

Various squadrons equipped with Spitfires, Hurricanes, Blenheims and Beaufighters flew from the station.

The airfield was closed in 1947"

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

DB 2020

Welbourn, RAF Wellingore Pill Box
Willoughby, Pillbox
Willoughby, Pillbox
Willoughby, Pillbox

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

Willoughby, pillbox, world war 2
Woodhall Spa, Petwood Hotel, Prototype Bouncing Bomb
Woodhall Spa, Petwood Hotel, Prototype Bouncing Bomb
Woodhall Spa, Petwood Hotel, Prototype Bouncing Bomb

Displayed in the hotel gardens :- 

"One of the only remaining prototypes of the Barnes Wallis famous bouncing bomb"

Petwood was home to the legendary 617 "Dambusters" Squadron during the latter part of the Second World War.

https://www.petwood.co.uk/house-and-gardens/history 

DB 26 January 2019

Woodhall Spa, Petwood Hotel, Prototype Bouncing Bomb, Barnes Wallis