RAF Wainfleet facts for kids
Quick facts for kids RAF Wainfleet |
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| Near Wainfleet, Lincolnshire in UK | |
Tower and Targets, RAF Wainfleet
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| Type | NATO Air Weapons Range |
| Site information | |
| Operator | Defence Training Estates (East) |
| Status | Closed |
| Site history | |
| In use | August 1938 - June 2010 |
| Airfield information | |
| Identifiers | ICAO: |
RAF Wainfleet was a special area used by the Royal Air Force (RAF) to practice using weapons. It was located on The Wash, a large bay on the east coast of England. This area was near the town of Wainfleet in Lincolnshire.
The range was also known as The Wash (North side) Bombing Range. Other similar training areas nearby included RAF Holbeach and RAF Donna Nook. It was only a few miles south-west of Gibraltar Point.
Contents
History of the Range
Early Military Use
The area around Wainfleet has been used for military practice for a very long time. Records show it was used as far back as the Napoleonic Wars (early 1800s). At that time, the River Steeping was easy to travel on, and Wainfleet was an important port.
The 1st Lincolnshire Artillery used the site as a range starting in 1890. The Royal Air Force and Royal Artillery also used it in the 1920s and 1930s.
World War II and Beyond
RAF Wainfleet officially opened for air operations in August 1938. During World War II, a famous RAF group called No. 617 Squadron RAF used the range. This squadron, known as the "Dambusters," tested a special bomb sight here.
After the war, the range continued to be used by aircraft from NATO countries. Both planes and helicopters practiced their skills there.
Changes and Closure
For many years, RAF Coningsby managed the range. However, on April 1, 2006, control moved to Defence Estates. It was then managed by Defence Training Estates (East).
Due to budget cuts, RAF Wainfleet stopped operations on December 2, 2009. It officially closed in July 2010.
Interestingly, the old control tower and some nearby buildings were turned into holiday homes in 2017.
How the Range Operated
Controlling the Site
The entire site was controlled from a main building called the Control Tower. Pilots would aim at various targets, which sometimes included old ships. There were also two smaller wooden observation towers closer to the shore. These towers were taken down in 2009.
Access to the range was by a narrow road called Sea Lane. This road connected to the A52 at a place called the Barley Mow in Friskney Eaudyke.
Clearing Unexploded Items
After each day of training, a special team would clear the site. This team, called the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team, came from RAF Coningsby. Their job was to find and safely remove any unexploded bombs or weapons. Even though the range is closed, some unexploded items might still be found there for many years.
A Special Natural Area
The area around RAF Wainfleet is very important for nature. It is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). This means it is protected because of its unique wildlife.
Many different birds live there or stop during their long journeys. For example, large groups of brent geese visit the area. They are on their way from the Arctic coast. You might also see the red-legged partridge there. The weather in Skegness is even recorded using equipment at Wainfleet.
