More information : Woodhall Spa was originally planned as a satellite airfield for Coningsby. The land for the airfield was requisitioned in 1940 and initial construction began, but because of the immediate threat of invasion further construction was postponed until 1942, and the prepared areas were rendered inoperable by deliberate ploughing to obstruct potential landings by the enemy. (1)
Woodhall Spa Airfield, Lincolnshire, TF 204 610. It opened in 1942. The airfield consisted of three concrete runways and was equipped with Type B1 and Type T2 aircraft hangars. There was temporary accommodation for over 1000 men. (2)
As Woodhall Spa's function was as a heavy bomber base for Royal Air Force Bomber Command, there were also large bomb stores, situated in a plantation to the north of the flying field. it was used for storage of "Grand Slam" bombs. (3)
The airfield was mainly used by 97 Squadron and then 617 Squadron (famous as the Dam Busters). In the latter part of the war 617 Squadron were involved in dropping powerful "Grand Slam" bombs, also known as "Tallboy" bombs: they were "Deep Penetration" weapons designed to smash into large installations with an earthquake-like effect. Their last mission with these weapons from Woodhall Spa was to attack Hitler's Eagle's Nest at Berchtesgaden. After the war flying ceased but the site was reactivated as a Bloodhound Missile site between 1960-1967. In 2000 part of the site remained in use by the RAF for testing aircraft. Other areas are woodland, gravel pits and a golf course. (4)
Please see this website for detailed information on Woodhall Spa airfield. (5) |