|
RAF Faldingworth
Airfield Code: Google Earth Co-ordinates: 53°21'15.98"N 0°26'56.00"W Wartime Runways: 01/19 & 13/31 = 4200ft x 150ft 07/25 = 6000ft x 150ft RAF Faldingworth entered service life as Toft Grange decoy airfield, later becoming a satellite airfield of RAF Lindholme. Faldingworth was constructed on an isolated area of farmland covering three parishes southeast of the River Ancholme, 4.5 miles from Market Raisen. The contractors involved were Tarmac Ltd and J.Cryer & Sons Ltd. Site clearance of woodland and hedges began in July 1942 and runway laying was completed by the following summer, and was built to Class A standard. Thirty-six hardstandings, all loops, and two T2 and a single B1 hangar were provided. The dispersed camp sites were towards Newton by Toft in the north-east, giving accommodation for up to 1,957 males and 281 females. No.1667 Heavy Conversion Unit arrived in August 1943 flying Halifax's and Lancaster's, losing several in crashes before being moved to RAF Sandtoft in February 1944. This was to allow No.300 Squadron a more suitable airfield from which to operate Lancaster's. There conversion from Wellingtons took place when the Squadron arrived at Faldingworth from RAF Ingham's grass surface. No.300 was the veteran Polish-manned bomber unit and it remained at Faldingworth until disbanded in October 1945. During its operations a total of 37 Lancaster's were lost flying from RAF Faldingworth, 32 of which were classified as failing to return. After the war the station became a holding camp for Polish forces with No.305 Squadron flying its Mosquito's in from the Continent prior to dispersal and eventual disbandment. Although no further use was made of the airfield as an RAF flying station, it was kept in a state of care and maintenance for a number of years. In the early l950s its comparatively isolated position in the Lincolnshire countryside saw the airfield selected for development as one of the major stores for nuclear weapons. Underground bunkers were built in the western part of the former flying field and surrounded by high fences, with guard towers to afford tight security. For much of the next two decades the main controlling agency was No.97 Maintenance Unit. In the early 1970s this central store was no longer required by the RAF and the site was eventually taken over by an armaments manufacturer associated with Royal Ordnance. This organisation used Faldingworth for secure armament storage and experimentation until 1996 when this facility was put up for sale. Royal Ordnance still retains part of Faldingworth, security being maintained. In 1999 the main runway remains intact and a single B1 hangar also survives. The major area of the airfield, some 470 acres, was sold for agricultural use in 1998. Aircraft & Squadrons
|
