The Royal Air Force - widely known as the RAF - is now 100 years old and has Brigg connections.
In addition to the many from our area who have served in the RAF and continue to do so, Brigg has played an important social role.
Second World War crews having a few hours' well-deserved rest between missions from bases like Elsham Wold, Hemswell, Kirmington, Hibaldstow and Kirton Lindsey used to visit watering holes in Brigg, including the Dying Gladiator, the Black Bull, the Woolpack and the Angel, where they would enjoy sing-songs and sink a few pints.
RAF personnel also used Barnetby's Station Hotel (now the Whistle & Flute) and the Railway Inn (very recently demolished); pubs in Wrawby, and the Marrow Bone & Cleaver at Kirmington.
This link with local pubs continued during National Service days and included visits to Brigg by England Test cricketer Fred Trueman during his time at RAF Hemswell.
The RAF Association - representing those who served with this branch of the services - has held meetings in Brigg for many years.
The town has also seen fly-pasts by fighters and bombers from the world famous Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, based at RAF Coningsby.
Due to the number of bases it had, Lincolnshire became known as Bomber County.
But we should not forget there were fighters here, too, using Hibaldstow and Kirton airfields.
Air ace Sir Douglas Bader had a spell at the latter.
Later today we'll be raising a glass to the RAF and its centenary of service.
Hopefully, others who follow Brigg Blog will do likewise.
Read more about the RAF Centenary here...
Many special events will be held during the year to mark the milestone.
4 comments:
'Sir, 739 Flying Officer Kite reporting for duty'....salute, about-turn(without arms spinning out like a windmill)..march out!!!
Not quite correct, Nige...the Brigg Branch of the Royal Air Forces Association ceased to function some decades ago. The RAFA is still a nationwide charitable organisation working alongside the British Legion.
It is an official organation, initially formed in the 1920's and is recognised by a Royal Charter.
I am a member of RAFA....and it annoys me intensely when the local branch of the RAF (National Service) Association is mistaken for a RAFA branch...the association was formed in about 2000 as a social group for ex RAF national service erks and extends membership to regulars who served in the RAF during the days of NS...indeed, I would qualify, under those criteria, as a limited number of deferred NS call-up were still serving Queen and country...my first cpl drill instructors was one of these guys in 1963.
However, RAF(NS)A is not a charity and is not officially connected to charities associated with, for example, the RBL.
For general interest:
1.the RAF was formed on April Fools Day in 1918..with the amalgamation of the Royal Flying Corps and the Royal Naval Air Force. North Lincs has connections with both these early flying services..RFC airfields at Elsham, Kirton and Scampton to defend against Zeppelin along the 'Zeppelin Corridor traversing North Lincs....and a NEAR base at Killingholme for seaplanes defending the Humber and scouting duties.
2.You mention the BofB MF and show a snap of their famous Lanc.
In recognition of the heavy losses and valuable war time service in which the squadron's aircrew was statistically replaced 8 times owing to losses, during the war, the Lanc has been repainted in No460 Squadron of the Royal Australian Air Force...based at Binbrook during the latter part off the war....thr very same squadron of Flt Sgt Roy Rogers who bales out over Brigg and lost his life on Island Carr.
The incident has featured in Brigg Matters - both Winter and Spring issues...
So next time anyone sees the Lanc flying, please remember the Brigg connection ...and to the rear gunner who was still on active service in 1945...destined to fight Japan as part of Churchill's Tiger Force
.
It's ironic that he lost his life only about 12 days before Japan surrender.. and his No 460 Squadron was never deployed to the Far East.
3. There are a number of war graves of airmen killed in action from Elsham in Brigg Cemetery...
NEAR should read RNAS
..
...and the Royal Naval Air Force should be the Royal Naval Air Service.
I'm certain this predictive text thing is out to entrap me at times.!!!
Thanks, Ken. I shall confine myself to barracks before being marched before the CO!
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