Lincolnshire is already a top destination for aviation enthusiasts, and now the county is home to a new attraction – the world’s first heritage centre dedicated to Polish wartime airmen.
During World War II Lincolnshire was known as ‘Bomber County’ due to the number of bases, and amongst the crews stationed under its big skies were members of the Polish Air Force Bomber Squadrons.
Now a new Heritage Centre at RAF Ingham, near Gainsborough, is set to open its doors after a 14-year project by a team of local volunteers to transform an old farm storage building, which was formerly the wartime Airmen’s Mess.
Revealing an almost forgotten story, the centre launched during an open weekend on 20-21 April 2024, before welcoming visitors every Thursday, Saturday and Sunday from 25th April.
Dedicated to remembering and celebrating the men and women – both ground and air crews – of the Polish squadrons who lived, worked and flew alongside the RAF, the new centre also tells the story of their struggles to integrate into ‘post-war’ Britain, whilst retaining their customs, culture and Polish heritage.
Featuring personal stories, along with an atmospheric Polish Families Nissen Hut, a mini-cinema, shop and toilets, the centre also offers an insight into RAF Ingham’s wartime history. Around the site there is also a memorial garden, volunteer workshop, Nissen Hut vegetable garden, and the Airmen’s Rest Cafe and picnic area.
RAF Ingham, which was later known as RAF Cammeringham, was used by RAF Bomber Command between 1942 and 1944 and by training units, along with the Polish Air Force, until 1946.
With free parking and same-level access in almost all areas, admission costs £8 for adults and £4 for children (11 – 17 years). Guided tours and group bookings (at £6 per person for groups of 20-plus) are available by arrangement.
Full details about the new heritage centre are available at www.rafingham.co.uk
More details about Lincolnshire’s aviation heritage and attractions, can be found at www.visitlincolnshire.com/things-to-do/aviation-heritage/
For more about visiting, and staying in, Lincolnshire, see www.visitlincolnshire.com
Photos: West Lindsey District Council
