RAF Scampton, Home of the Dambusters

RAF Scampton

Home to the famous 'Dam Buster' Squadron, and now (for the moment) home to the Red Arrows

I didnt have long the day I took these pics - was being driven elsewhere by a friend - but managed to take a few snaps



german - possibly aircrew



F/Sgt J Hannah VC

 

Cpt Bill
Nice photo's remember doing an exercise at Scampton years ago, its a lovely place, at present I am led to believe that besides the Red Arrows there is part of the IWM collection stored in one of the hangers and they swop out with Duxford or Hendon or just remove parts for others.
The cemetery is a nice and quite corner with both Allied and Axis burials.

 

There is a museum in RAF Scampton, but you can only visit by prior arrangement - as all visitors to the base must be escorted.

 

Thanks CB. Drive thru Scampton now and again.

 

Evening everybody,

Last week I visited RAF Scampton in Lincolnshire and was shown around by a very nice chap called Tom, an ex RAF chap.

I was delighted to see that the base has not changed that much since the days of Guy Gibson and 617 Squadron.

It was a very interesting visit!

As I am still not that sure how to post photos to the forum, you can check it out on my WW2 Blog here:

My Visit to RAF Scampton, Home of the Dambusters

 

Seems that you enjoyed yourself at Scampton!

Roxy

 

Hi Roxy,

I did indeed, It was wonderful to visit somewhere that I had read so much about.

A must for those with an interest in the Dambusters

Ross

 

Hi Roxy,

I did indeed, It was wonderful to visit somewhere that I had read so much about.

A must for those with an interest in the Dambusters

Ross

Did Tom mention anything about the myths surrounding Nigger's death and burial place? Apparently there is a story that he was not actually buried (but simply 'disposed') and another story that the original burial place was or even is somewhere else (notably under some newer concrete or tarmac) and that the current 'burial' place is actually a fenced-off location for his memorial stone.

This is of interest to me because, as mentioned on another Dambusters thread, my mother (who was a Nurse during WWII) used to take Nigger for walks along with his Cocker Spaniel friend 'Brandy'. I'm hoping one day to take Mum (who is now in her 90's!) to see Niggers grave but never had an opportunity so far!

 

He didn't, but I did read somewhere else that somebody on a tour with Merv had been told that.

I wonder if there is somebody out there who knows the truth?

Did she walk him when he was at Scampton or on another base?

That would be wonderful for your Mum to revisit Nigger. She was probably walking one of the most famous dogs of WW2. I cannot think of any other 'well known' dogs.

 

.....Did she walk him when he was at Scampton or on another base?.....

It was before his time at Scampton and when he was based at or visiting RAF Sutton Bridge in Lincolnshire. Mum was based at a local hospital Maturnity unit but which hospital also took in War casualties and Gibson was a close friend of Mum's boss. Apparently the two guys (pun totally intended!) would go for a drink leaving Mum to walk the two dogs. Mum's favourite stories from that time were when she X-rayed Gibsons ankle for a suspected fracture after he had sprained it (tripped after a heavy drinking session? All was OK anyway) and, apparently, that Gibson's favourite supper was either Egg on Toast or Cheese on Toast.....!

 

Ross.

RAF stuff is not my thing but this thread was fascinating.

Well done indeed.

Regards

FdeP

 

Very nice Ross! Thanks for sharing!

Reminds me of my own Army days now twenty odd years ago. I was in Soest, quite close to the Möhne dam. I used to swim in that lake during the summer! I've only recently found out that these barracks were in fact old Nazi barracks! I never realised that when I was there...









Jan

 

I'm always in awe of the feats achieved that night in May.

 

Evening everybody,

Last week I visited RAF Scampton in Lincolnshire and was shown around by a very nice chap called Tom, an ex RAF chap.

I was delighted to see that the base has not changed that much since the days of Guy Gibson and 617 Squadron.

It was a very interesting visit!

As I am still not that sure how to post photos to the forum, you can check it out on my WW2 Blog here:

My Visit to RAF Scampton, Home of the Dambusters

Great blog thanks for posting !!

 

The Royal Air Force Museum has signed a ‘memorandum of understanding’ so that Lincolnshire County Council can share its archive material and expertise for the proposed RAF Scampton heritage attraction.

http://thelincolnite.co.uk/2014/02/new-heights-raf-scampton-heritage-centre/?fb_action_ids=10202054656505581&fb_action_types=og.likes&fb_source=other_multiline&action_object_map=%5B733005693405781%5D&action_type_map=%5B%22og.likes%22%5D&action_ref_map=%5B%5D

 

Gage
Good news
Scampton is the best place for a heritage center also it will preserve a famous RAF station for future generations,
Do they still have storage for Duxfords over spill in the hangers?

 

I don't know, mate to be honest.

 

Scampton is said to be safe until 2020.But a good indication of the importance of a RAF station is by the rank of the station commander. Any station having a C.O at a rank less than Group Captain is an indication of diminished station status.

One thing is certain there will be an abundance of scavengers ready to tear the place apart.Have a look at Binbrook to see what we British seem to excel in...."corporate vandalism" or perhaps it might be described as "entrepreneurial vandalism". They all seem to be quickly turned into doss heaps.

I would think that Hangar 4 is the only hangar in use, air conditioned for the Red Arrows,it seems that over the years, the MOD can't make up their mind where the unit should be ... when relocated on so called economy grounds they always seem to exercise around Scampton because of its adequate airspace.