The Wartime Memories Project - RAF Hemswell

If you enjoy this site please consider making a donation. Search this site:     Home     Index of Memories.     Index of Photographs  Features     Airfields     Allied Forces     Axis Forces     Home Front     Prisoner of War     Secret Places of WW2     Ships of WWII     Women at War     World War One  Submissions     How to add Memories     Add Your Memories     Can you Answer?     Message Board     View the Guestbook     Sign the Guestbook     Printable Memories Form  Schools     School`s Study Center     Children's Bookshop  Information     Your Family History     Contact us     News     Bookshop     About     Links    Newsletter. World War 2 Two II WW2 WWII

Information. RAF Hemswell Opened in 1937 as a Bomber Command Station, situated located between Lincoln and Scunthorpe in Lincolnshire. From 1937 the station was home to 61 and 144 Squadrons. In July 1941 the airfield was handed over to 1 Group Bomber Command, became home to 300 and 301Polish Squadrons, flying Vickers Wellingtons. During 1943 the runways were upgraded to facilitate the heavy bombers of the No.1 Lancaster Finishing School. The school disbanded in November 1944 and the site was used by 150 and 170 Squadrons for operational flying. In April 1945 they were joined by 1687 Bomber Defence Training Flight, which continued unitl October of that year. The station closed in 1967. Today the site boasts the largest Antiques and Collectables centre in Europe, and one of the largest Sunday market and car boots in the UK as well as being home to the Bomber County Aviation Museum. Most of the buildings remain, including the hangers which are used as grain stores. My Uncle David served at Hemswell during the war; however he was killed in a road accident during the black-out, just outside Kirton Lindsey. He was one day short of his 19th. birthday. I have his ID card and a photo of him in the cockpit of a fighter. His full name was David East Douglas. He was killed 23rd. August 1940. The story goes that he was going back to Hemswell (it wouldn't be Kirton would it, although based at Hemswell?) on a motorcycle. As I say, it was during the black-out and an R.A.F. Sergeant was parked up with a W.A.A.F. Uncle David went into the back of the car and apparently ended up a bit of a mess. The family story goes that my grandmother sat by the coffin all night talking to him. At the inquest my grandfather said to the sergeant: "Every dog has it's day and you'll get yours!" All very sad, however, I feel proud to be in possession of the items mentioned. He was just a kid but a fine example to the family. It is gratifying to see his name listed on the big plaque outside Scunthorpe Museum. Does anyone remember him after all this time? Robin Witting Photographs Hemswell 1940. David East Douglas 5th. Right, Second Row, Hands on Shoulders. If you have any Photographs you would like to share please get in touch. List of those who served here. Sgt Alan Algar. W Opp / Air Gunner 61 Sqd. RAFVRRead his story W.C. Avis George Aylmore. W/op 550 Squadron Read his story William Bates. rear gunner. No1 Lancaster Finishing School Read his story Fred Dartnell rear gunner Read his story Pat Dwyer. wireless operator RAAFRead his story Sgt William A Cannon. 61 Sqd.RAFVR Read his story Jack Crone. Pilot. 550 Squadron Read his story Jim Donoghue. mid-upper gunner 550 Squadron Read his story David East Douglas. Syd. Faggetter. flight engineer. 550 Squadron Read his story P/0 V.J.Fernquist, RCAF (d. 1945) George Gregory. mid upper gunner Read his story John "Lofty" Groves. pilot RNZAF Pilot. 550 Squadron Read his story Alan Johns. rear gunner. 550 Squadron Read his story Les Landells. pilot Read his story Eric "Marty" Martindale. flt eng.Read his story Sgt Walter B Rayment. 61 Sqd. RAFVRRead his story Albert "Bud" Storey. nav Read his story Boris Threadgold. bomb aimer Read his story P/O Gerald D'arcy Wright. Pilot 61 Sqd. Read his story If you have any names to add to this list, or any recollections or photos of those listed, please get in touch. List of Aircraft which flew from this Airfield. Lancaster NG202 Read her story If you have any details or photos to add to this list. please get in touch. If you have a story which you would like to share, or a website dedicated to an airfield or aircrew, please get in touch. Send an E-mail to The Wartime Memories Project Links Hemswell Airfield RAF Hemswell Association RAF Hemswell Photo tour The Bomber County Aviation Museum Airfields Index The Wartime Memories Project is a non profit organisation. This website is run out of our own pockets and from donations made by visitors. The popularity of the site means that it is far exceeding available resources. If you are enjoying the site, please consider making a donation, however small to help with the costs of keeping the site running. Or by cheque to: PO Box 325, Stockton on Tees, TS20 1XL. Website and ALL Material © Copyright MM - All Rights Reserved