Paving the way to a heritage centre

Ten Army engineers from 39 Engineer Regiment have been building a road at former RAF Ingham.

The road will lead from the B1398 to a heritage centre which is due to open to the public in spring 2014.

The Heritage Group was created in 2010 with the aim to tell the story of those who were stationed and flew from the base during the war years and to preserve their memory and deeds.

Work began in February last year with the clearing of 70 years of mother nature’s attempts to reclaim the site.

“We started work on the road during all the rain, so the weather has been against us, but all the guys are digging in and getting on with the job,” said Warrant Officer Class One Warren Iveson.

“It’s a great training opportunity for the guys to exercise the roles they could be using when deployed.”

39 Engineer Regiment comprises five air support squadrons and one headquarter squadron together with a Royal electrical and mechanical engineer workshop.

The regiment provides support to both the RAF and to UK land forces. It is the only regular air support regiment in the British Army and has considerable construction capability.

Chairman of the RAF Ingham Heritage Group, Geoff Burton said: “We really appreciate the support the soldiers have given us. They really have just cracked on, thanks to their hard work we are a lot further on in the planning process.”

“They have also helped clear areas of rough ground around the building to help with future development including pathways. They really have done a sterling job in the best traditions of the Royal Engineers in what were awful weather conditions.”

RAF Ingham was used by RAF Bomber Command between 1940 and 1945. 1942 saw the arrival of two Polish Bomber Squadrons that flew Vickers Wellingtons. A third Polish Squadron also operated from the base a year later.

Large bombing raids flew from the base during the Second World War which saw the loss of many air crews.

After March 1944 the airfield became non-operational and was home to various training units.

In early 1945 it closed and became a Polish resettlement unit for the Polish service men and women from around Lincolnshire.

For more information about RAF Ingham, the new heritage centre or the heritage group, contact Geoff Burton on 07787805978 or email [email protected]