The visitor centre is dedicated to the men and women who served at RAF Metheringham from November 1943 until the end of the Second World War. As an Arts Council England accredited museum, we preserve and conserve the collection of artefacts, educate the public about the story of and act as a memorial to 106 Squadron, RAF Metheringham, 5 Group, Bomber Command and the Royal Air Force during World War Two ensuring all involved are remembered.
We also reflect the aeromedical aspect of the Dakota aircraft; we feel it is appropriate that KG651 wears a United States Army Air Forces (USAAF) identification on its left side. This is in honour of those injured United States Service Personnel who required `casevac` and repatriation back to the US via RAF Metheringham by the C-47s of the 52nd Troop Transport Carrier Wing (52nd TCW).
The site consists of a number of original wartime buildings as well as a newly constructed Hangar, a shop/reception building.
After arriving in our free car park, you will be welcomed by our friendly volunteers who will direct you to the Reception. Once you have paid your admission fee you can either browse the site for yourself or ask a volunteer steward to tell you more about what you can see on your visit.
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Start your visit in the former wartime Ration Store. This has been converted into the museum’s main display rooms. The theme is to "Put Yourself in Their Shoes". One side of the Ration Store is now the Zena Scoley Room. Here you will learn about the history of RAF Metheringham from its creation in 1942 through to its closure as an active RAF station and beyond. There is a large diorama that shows how the airfield was laid out in 1943. There are also many exhibits that show what it was like to live and work on a WW2 RAF base as well as displays of WW2 RAF equipment ranging from aircraft parts through to escape and evasion survival equipment as used by RAF personnel.
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In the adjacent Carey Powell Room, is the ‘Ditching Display’ where we show our rare dinghy and ‘Ditching in the Sea‘ artefacts. You can also visit the seven individual crew positions to learn about the equipment and training involved to operate the legendary Avro Lancaster Bomber during World War Two. Opposite the Carey Powell room, a more recent building houses the reception centre and shop. |
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The hangar has a static display KG651 C47 Dakota aircraft. The team of engineers have restored her to her present condition and a full repaint was completed in 2023. All sales of the Dakota Key rings goes to support that continuing great work. Access to the aircraft is via a set of steps. (Accessible video of the inside is available for those not able to enter the aircraft).
The hangar also houses a range of associated artefacts all relating to the story of RAF Metheringham and the C47 Dakotas that flew in Lincolnshire. New for 2024 is the opportunity not only to access the inside of the aircraft but also to walk around the entire hangar and enjoy the exhibits, some new for this season:
The hangar also houses a range of associated artefacts all relating to the story of RAF Metheringham and the C47 Dakotas that flew in Lincolnshire. New for 2024 is the opportunity not only to access the inside of the aircraft but also to walk around the entire hangar and enjoy the exhibits, some new for this season:
- a 1943 Willys Jeep, finished in US colour scheme (101st Airborne)
- a Welbike and replica Canister (these were dropped with Paratroops on D-Day) [Image Hangar Welbike and Canister]
- a replica ‘upkeep’ bomb on a restored D Type bomb trolley
- a large-scale model of a Horsa Glider
- a view of the 1944 RAF Metheringham airfield is also now a feature of any visit especially when experienced from the C47 Dakota cockpit. [Image Hangar Airfield view
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Our largest wartime building, the Peter Scoley Hall, is the former gymnasium at RAF Metheringham (which originally doubled as a C of E Church) and this is used for display of the larger artefacts and for gatherings such as our well attended lectures, Squadron reunions and other events.
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When you visit the Peter Scoley Hall you will see a quarter scale ex-flying model Lancaster Bomber (possibly the largest in the world at twenty-five and a half feet wingspan!) which forms the centre piece of the gymnasium displays and has been painted with the insignia of two famous 106 aircraft. On display is also a static but restored Link Trainer, the Food for Thought Exhibition and Wing Tip of a 106 Squadron Lancaster aircraft. A poignant display of model Lancaster Bombers marked with each of those aircraft lost by 106 Squadron whilst at RAF Metheringham. |
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The visitor centre’s café ‘CoffeeStall’ (the call sign for RAF Metheringham) is situated within the Peter Scoley Hall and is open depending on volunteer availability. Refreshments can also be obtained from the Reception/Shop. As the Peter Scoley Hall is so large it is also available for hire, and it makes a fantastic venue for weddings, parties, meetings and club rallies. See our Groups and Venue page. |
An annexe to the Peter Scoley Hall, once the Roman Catholic Church, is now The Memorial Room where we have our book of remembrance along with many paintings and photographs relating to RAF Metheringham and 106 Squadron. A range of displays of items from former 106 Squadron crews are shown here. A audio recording of the names of those aircraft that were lost plays as you enter the room. It is also a place for contemplation.
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You can also reflect on those thoughts in our Memorial Garden. Tended by volunteers it has a range of plaques dedicated by the families of those who served with 106 Squadron. A number of memorials are located in the garden, and this helps us to remember all who served.
The wartime Ration Store, Gymnasium, our separate Blast Shelter and Stanton Shelter will take you back to 1945. You really will get a feel of what it would be like to walk in their shoes! We look forward to welcoming you on your visit. |
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