New website for airborne forces’ forgotten chapter and the vital role played by the Dakota in WW2
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A new website – www.soldiersfromthesky.co.uk – documents the remarkable back-stories of how South Lincolnshire hosted Airborne Forces from three nations ahead of two major World War II operations.
Soldiers From The Sky presents largely untold accounts of how Allied Airborne soldiers from Britain, America and Poland prepared for D-Day and Operation Market Garden (Arnhem) – two of the most audacious military actions of 1944. D-Day, 6 June 1944: Elite American Pathfinder paratroopers were the first into the air from RAF North Witham, now Twyford Wood near Colsterworth. They spearheaded the US Airborne assault and set up beacons for the main US Airborne force. US aircraft from local airfields then dropped more than 6,300 paratroopers of the US 82nd Airborne Division in Normandy. Operation Market Garden (Arnhem): the largest Airborne assault of WW2, memorialised in the film ‘A Bridge Too Far’. US aircraft flying from local airfields dropped more than 8,600 British, US and Polish paratroopers, and towed more than 3,000 US glider troops to their landing zones in the Netherlands. Ferrying them into battle were the unsung heroes of America’s IX Troop Carrier Command, launching waves of C-47 (Dakota) transport aircraft from airfields around Grantham at Fulbeck, Folkingham, North Witham, Saltby and Barkston Heath. The website is a living legacy to those who briefly called this District home, those men of three nations who trained here and left for battle, many never to return. Our own Dakota, KG651, has one side painted to represent a European Theatre of Operations 1944-45 USAAF C-47. |
Metheringham Airfield Visitor Centre used as a location for BBC feature on VJ Day & Tiger Force!
BBC Look North filming in the Zena Scoley Room and PSH with local aviation historian Phil Bonner.
In the run up to the 80th Anniversary of the end of WW2, there is considerable media interest in VJ Day and the roles that British and Commonwealth service men and women played in the Far East campaign. We were delighted therefore, when the BBC Look North news team approached us to enquire if they could use Metheringham Airfield Visitor Centre as a location for a feature on VJ Day and in particular the role that the RAF Tiger Force was formed to undertake in June 1945. In June 1945 RAF Metheringham was home to two “Tiger Force” squadrons, 106 and 467, so it is entirely appropriate that it should provide the back drop for an interview with local aviation historian, Phil Bonner, who explained the role that Lincolnshire Squadrons played in the formation of the “Tiger Force”. The interview was filmed in the Zena Scoley Room where there is a dedicated display featuring “Tiger Force” as well as in the Peter Scoley Hall. The interview is due to air on Friday 15th August and should feature in both the lunch time and early evening bulletins so be sure to tune in.
Remembering Richard Bailey, author of “In the Middle of Nowhere” – A History of RAF Metheringham.
If you are looking for a definitive history of RAF Metheringham, there is one book you need to buy. “In the Middle of Nowhere” by local author Richard Bailey, is the reference book for anyone with an interest in the airfield and 106 Squadron who served there as the sole operational bomber squadron from 1943 through to the end of the war. In addition to writing “In the Middle of Nowhere”, Richard was also the first chairman of the Friends of Metheringham Airfield (FOMA) and he helped Zena and Peter Scoley set up the Visitor Centre whilst still working full time for the County Council. Throughout his time at FOMA, he was a respected and well-liked volunteer.
Sadly, after a long illness, Richard passed away in November 2024. He is survived by his wife Carolynn and three children. On Monday 28th July 2025, Carolynn unveiled a plaque dedicated to Richard that has been placed in the Memorial Garden at the Visitor Centre. Family and friends attended a short memorial service with Maureen Watson representing MAVC and Carolynn reading a eulogy that reflected on Richard’s life. In addition to the memorial plaque, Richard’s memory lives on in his book which continues to be a top selling item in our visitor centre shop. RIP Richard Bailey and thank you for all that you did for the Visitor Centre over your many years of service.
Sadly, after a long illness, Richard passed away in November 2024. He is survived by his wife Carolynn and three children. On Monday 28th July 2025, Carolynn unveiled a plaque dedicated to Richard that has been placed in the Memorial Garden at the Visitor Centre. Family and friends attended a short memorial service with Maureen Watson representing MAVC and Carolynn reading a eulogy that reflected on Richard’s life. In addition to the memorial plaque, Richard’s memory lives on in his book which continues to be a top selling item in our visitor centre shop. RIP Richard Bailey and thank you for all that you did for the Visitor Centre over your many years of service.
