Blenheims and hangars

Blenheims and hangars

Distant view of hangars with twin engine aircraft parked outside. Text provides information on RAF Wittering as being a fighter command station in 12 group with Blenheims and Hurricanes. Describes role of aircraft and that airfield suffered bombing from mid-June 1940. Text below mentions 23 Squadron and Blenheim night fighters and features in the photograph.

One b/w photograph and printed text

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R.A.F. Wittering is located near Stamford, where Geoff and the ‘lads and lasses’ used to go for a night out. The airfield originates from World War 1 and was part of 12 Group in WW 2, first with bi-planes then Blenheim’s and Hurricane’s. In 1939, the Blenheim fighters used to fly night patrols, but without much success and were later replaced in the role by Spitfires and Boston’s. From mid-June 1940, the airfield was increasingly subject to bombing raids by the Luftwaffe, as it was very active in the Battle of Britain.

[black and white photograph of aircraft hangars with aircraft on the tarmac in front]

No 23 Squadron Bristol Blenheim night-fighters, coded ‘YP’, photographed in 1939, outside the ‘GS’ General Servicing Hangar, which is still in use today. The Watch Office is on the left and new runway concrete is being laid in the foreground. Photograph by Geoff Beckett.