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RAF Hibaldstow
Airfield Code: ? Google Earth Co-ordinates: 53°29'47.54"N 0°31'18.62"W Runways: ? RAF Hibaldstow was one of the first wartime airfields to be built in the North of Lincolnshire. Originally intended for Bomber Commands use it had the usual three intersecting runways. It would however be used by fighter command, its hard runways making it unique amongst fighter airfields. The airfield was commissioned on 12th May 1941 when No.255 Squadron took up residence with their Defiant night fighters. These planes had been drawn from RAF Kirton-in-Lindsey and made one kill, an He.111 which was shot down near Louth on 5th June 1941. In June 1941 the Defiant's were replaced by Beaufighter II's and on 23rd September 1941 No.253 (Hyderabad) Squadron from Skeabrea, Orkney, arrived. In addition Havocs from Hunsdon Airfield in Hunsdon, Hertfordshire also came to the base. No.255 Squadron was joined by No.253 Squadron from Orkney in September 1941. By the start of 1943, the low risk of night attacks by the Luftwaffe led to the closure of the airbase on the 23rd January 1943. The airbase re-opened on 9th May 1943 for No.53 OTU and once again closed on 15th May 1945. During 1943 it became a satellite of RAF Kirton-in-Lindsey when that station changed role and became a training station not a fighter base. Shortly before closure WAAF Margaret Horton had an unexpected ride on the tail of a Spitfire while acting as a tail weight. She was sat on the tail of the plane, as was common practice, in order to stop it overturning while it taxied to the end of the runway, a hazard stemming from design drawbacks, strong wind and bouncy grass field. The pilot, anxious to be airborne, forgot about her and failed to stop to allow the WAAF to jump off the tail. As soon as the plane was in the air, the pilot realised that there was something very wrong with the handling of his aircraft. He radioed the control tower to report the problem. The emergency services were called out and the pilot talked back in without being told what had happened. The aircraft landed safely with Margaret Horton still in one piece. On 6th August 1947 the station finally closed and during 1960-61 it was sold off for use as agricultural land. It was also used for Sunday markets, as a skid-pan by Lincolnshire Police and by a local parachute club. The control tower was converted to a two-storey house in 1976. Today flying continues in the form of model aircraft and full scale ones of the parachute school. Most of the runways exist in some form, driving instruction utilising one section. The control tower has been converted into a house. Remains of the dispersed living accommodation can be found to the South of the airfield in woodland, the sewage treatment works also remains, disused however. Aircraft & Squadrons
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