A wonderful day out at RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire today. We visited the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight museum and saw the beautiful Lancaster. What a sight she is. It was quite emotional seeing her there and hearing the stories the guide (Syd Marshall...brilliant!) was telling us.
My Granfy was a navigator on the Lancasters and flew in the Pathfinder missions too. I can't comprehend what it must have been like, the sheer terror of being up there, at the mercy of everything they had to throw at you. Incredible. Everyone of them showed remarkable bravery. Thank you to them all.
"There is no parallel in warfare to such courage and determination in the face of danger over so prolonged a period... it was, furthermore, the courage of the small hours of men virtually alone, for at his battle-station the airman is virtually alone... Such devotion must never be forgotten." Marshall of The Royal Air Force Sir Arthur (Bomber) Harris CinC Bomber Command 1942 to 1945
After looking round the museum we headed off to one of the viewing areas towards the end of the runway and found a mound to climb up to give us a great view of the Typhoons coming in to land. They were incredible and the noise they made just gave me goosebumps. They have the best job in the world! It seemed to me to be a really busy day's flying with Typhoon after Typhoon either landing or taking off. Then we saw a Dutch F-16 take off which must have been visiting. I'll definitely be back as I just loved watching it all...getting the photos was a bonus.
Then before heading home to went over to Tattershall castle, not far away from Coningsby, for a visit. Its a beautiful place, very picturesque and fantastically maintained by The National Trust. Well worth a visit.
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