Lincoln’s aviation heritage dates back to before the First World War. Visit today and you will still find plenty of connections to aviation across both the city and the surrounding county. There are over 80 points of interest you can visit in Lincolnshire, from pioneering aerodromes to former aircraft factories.
Most famously, Lincoln is home to the Red Arrows aerobatic display team, the International Bomber Command Centre and the RAF's largest air show, which is held at RAF Waddington.
In World War I, Lincoln became a hub for engineering and aviation activity. At its peak, it was one of the largest aircraft production areas in the world; producing over 3,500 aircraft and 3,000 aero engines.
During this period, one in fourteen of all British aircraft were built in Lincoln. Local plants included the 100- acre Clayton & Shuttleworth site; Robey & Co who tested aircraft in Bracebridge Heath; and Ruston, Proctor & Co who were the country's largest producer of aircraft during The Great War.
Around 6,000 people were engaged in aircraft production in Lincoln between 1915 and 1916, and more than 3,500 aircraft were produced here during the War. The residents and workers in Lincoln were so proud of this achievement that aircraft was often put on display outside the train station, for visitors to admire.
RAF bases in Lincolnshire
During World War II, Lincolnshire became known as Bomber County, due to the amount of RAF bases that were built here. As the county had so much flat land, it was ideal for runways and airstrips. The RAF created many bases on the outskirts of Lincoln, including:
• RAF Waddington
• RAF Scampton
• RAF College Cranwell
• RAF Dunholme Lodge (now a farm)
• RAF Skellingthorpe (now the Birchwood Estate)
• RAF Swinderby (now the village of Witham St Hugh's)
• RAF Hemswell (now Hemswell Antique Centres)
Most famously, Guy Gibson and the Dambusters Squadron operated out of RAF Scampton.
Bomber Command
25,611 RAF personnel who were part of Bomber Command in Lincolnshire never returned from their missions. All of these people are still remembered across the county today.
The names of those who were lost are remembered in the Airmen’s Chapel at Lincoln Cathedral. Stained glass windows in the Chapel are a constant tribute, as are the Squadron Standards, the furnishings and the commemorative plaques and memorials.
The largest memorial to Bomber Command can be found at the International Bomber Command Centre in Lincoln. Famed for its huge Memorial Spire, the IBCC tells the story of Bomber Command, and pays tribute to all those who served.
Aviation in Lincolnshire today
Two major RAF bases near to Lincoln are still active today; RAF Waddington and RAFC Cranwell.
Situated on the outskirts of Lincoln, RAF Waddington is a working RAF base, with aircraft flying across the world. Located just across the road, you will find the Waddington Airfield Viewing Enclosure, which is a designated viewing enclosure. Park up here and you can watch various aircraft operations throughout the year, and capture some great photographs of the planes as they land.
Located close to Sleaford, RAF Cranwell is one of the most famous landmarks in RAF history. In 1918, the Royal Naval Air Service and the Royal Flying Corps sought to create a unified training unit for officers to learn how to fly. Cranwell was chosen as the location for the world's first military air academy, where flying training was conducted around the clock, every day of the week. Still active today, the academy trains pilots from the RAF, RN and Army, as well as RAF Weapon Systems Operators.
If you’re keen to learn more about Lincolnshire’s aviation heritage, there are several museums that you can visit. The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Centre, RAF Wickenby and the Cranwell Aviation Heritage Museum all offer a fascinating insight into the RAF, with interactive activities and exhibitions for all ages.
In Lincoln, the International Bomber Command Centre honours the service and sacrifice of World War II aircrew, ground crew and support staff who lost their lives whilst serving with Bomber Command. With a memorial spire, peace gardens and an emotive exhibition, the IBCC is a great place to learn more about this incredible organisation and pay your respects to the lives lost.
