The Lincolnshire attraction will celebrate a double anniversary with a special public event on Sunday, August 27
Metheringham Airfield Visitor Centre (MAVC) will host the event to mark two significant anniversaries.
Eighty years ago, RAF Metheringham, on part of the site of which MAVC is located, became operational for the first time. Between October 1943 and the end of the World War Two, 106 Squadron flew 200 missions from the base, losing 59 aircraft and 292 aircrew. Thirty years ago, in 1993, MAVC was founded to commemorate the efforts of all who worked at the base.
Both anniversaries will be saluted on August 27, when the museum site will be open from 12 noon until 5pm. Visitors can attend the grand opening of MAVC’s new hangar, home to its resident Douglas Dakota, KG651. There will also be a range of additional activities and attractions, including 1940s-themed entertainment, an afternoon tea, and an exhibition of memories of MAVC and RAF Metheringham over the years.
Trustee Andrew Scoley said: “When they set up MAVC all those years ago, Peter and Zena [Scoley] were driven by a desire to ensure that the stories of those who served at RAF Metheringham weren’t forgotten. We’re proud to be the custodians of their legacy and look forward to celebrating and remembering those who served during the Second World War as well as everyone who has contributed to MAVC’s work over the years.”
KG651 is currently looking resplendent in its new combined RAF and USAAF paint job and visitors are able to climb on board and sit in the pilots’ seats. The hangar which houses this distinctive aircraft also has a range of new exhibits. MAVC is run entirely by volunteers and is looking for more willing people to add to its team.
