RAF Scampton Living History
by Kelly Sallaway - LincsMag Writer.
Date: 20 October 2010
RAF Scampton is an operational base close to Lincoln that houses active military, elite flying teams and an aviation museum. The base provides guided tours around the grounds and through the museum.
Since this is an active base an advance reservation must be made with the Curator but requests are graciously accommodated in person at the main guard house or by phoning the base.
Admission is free and the tours are small. Dep Museum Curator, Roger Crisp leads several group and individual tours a week and provides visitors with a wealth of knowledge about the base and area history as well as his own personal accounts.
As an RAF and Scampton Veteran, Crisp has the unique experience to bring stories to life - you get the feeling he has indeed "been there and done that"!
The Dam Busters
The first impressions walking on the base are made by the pre-war buildings. The surrounding seem eerily familiar, unchanged from news reel films and world war II photos. The base and these historic buildings were all used in the 1955 film The Dam Busters.
The well-documented missions of the famed 617 Squadron from RAF Scampton come to life by just seeing the surroundings and buildings where the actual airmen were based and where the film cemented the images. The preservation of these original structures makes RAF Scampton a great stop for both aviation and movie buffs.
The Red Arrows
RAF Scampton houses Britain's most prestigious flying group, The Red Arrows the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team. A thrill for all aviation fans is the opportunity to see the planes and pilots of this elite corps. A tour to RAF Scampton takes Visitors inside The Red Arrows hanger and provides a close up look at the famed red jets. If you are lucky, you may meet one of the pilots or have the opportunity to see the team arrive or depart from this home base.
The Museum
Historic sites dot the Scampton base, original buildings, tributes to fallen airmen and the elaborate grave of Dam Busters Wing Commander Guy Gibson's black lab. The on-site museum houses a history of equipment and aircraft used through the years as well as World War I era photographs and artifacts. Models and mementos line the museum cases. There is also a small Chapel inside for those who wish to take a reflective moment.
The Station Badge
RAF Scampton has always been and continues to be a significant part of the Lincolnshire community. The views along the road to Lincoln Cathedral traditionally assisted pilots returning to base to locate the airfield.
The use of the historic route through the north of Lincolnshire for Pilot Training purposes in WWI is well documented and the location of the station is represented in the Station badge where the Longbow bowstring represents Ermine Street bent to accommodate the lengthened runway, and the arrow represents the actual runway.
Visiting RAF Scampton
Prior arrangements must be made to visit the base and museum. Call in advance and bring your Identification with you for entry onto the base.
RAF Scampton
LINCOLN
LN1 2ST
Tel: Roger Crisp on 01522500738
or
Flt Lt M T Overington (OC RAF Scampton Museum) on 01522733119
for bookings.
The base also hosts an annual open house that brings hundreds of visitors to see the artifacts, airplanes and buildings. Check with the base schedule to take part in these festive occasions.
