This map shows a modern OS map with a 1960s map over laid.  I have used the lakes and Doddington Road and Skellingthorpe Road as place markers.  There appears to be a bit of discrepancy around the tree line at the top.  Essentially what is currently the Birchwood estate occupies most of the area where the runway was.  Remains of this can still be seen in the area eg behind the Birchwood Community Centre.  Other clues are in the woodland that borders the north of the estate.  What is currently the Wild Life Public House represent the original entrance to the base as indicated by  blue sign on the pub.  Bomber Command 50 squadron 1st arrived in November of 1941.  At its peak it housed 1803 men and 295 women.  In 1942 50 squadron relocated to Swinderby and flew the newer Lancaster bomber.  In 1943 61 squadron arrived at Skellingthorpe with 30-36 Lancaster bombers.  Over 208 bombers in total were lost from Skellingthorpe.


Related Posts

No related posts.