Thorpe Camp facts for kids
Thorpe Camp Visitor Centre Crest
|
|
 |
|
| Former name | RAF Woodhall Spa |
|---|---|
| Established | 1988 |
| Location | Tattershall Thorpe, Lincolnshire, LN4 United Kingdom |
| Type | Ex-Wartime Barracks |
| Owner | Thorpe Camp Preservation Group Limited |
| Nearest car park | On site (no charge) |
Thorpe Camp is a special place that used to be a military base called RAF Woodhall Spa. It's now a visitor centre where you can learn about history. This site is in Tattershall Thorpe, Lincolnshire, in the United Kingdom.
The camp was built in 1940 during the Second World War. It had buildings for officers, sergeants, and airmen to eat and sleep. There was also a shop (called a NAAFI), a food storage area, and washrooms. The camp closed down in the 1960s.
By 1987, the old buildings were falling apart and covered in plants. A group called the Thorpe Camp Preservation Group decided to save them. They wanted to turn the site into a place where people could visit and learn.
In 1994, the Thorpe Camp Visitor Centre opened its doors. At first, only a small part was open. Today, the whole site is a memorial. It helps us remember the Royal Air Force, the history of RAF Woodhall Spa, and what life was like in Lincolnshire in the 1940s.
Contents
Remembering RAF Woodhall Spa
The visitor centre has many displays that honor RAF Woodhall Spa. You can find out about the different squadrons that were based there. There's also a special section for the Air Training Corps. This group helped train young people during and after World War II.
The 97 Squadron's Story
97 Squadron was a training group during the First World War. Later, in World War II, it became one of the important Pathfinder squadrons. These squadrons helped guide other planes to their targets.
The Famous 617 Squadron (Dambusters)
No. 617 Squadron is famous for its brave mission called Operation Chastise in May 1943. They were known as the Dambusters. They attacked factories and power stations in Germany. Even though they were based at RAF Scampton, they often used RAF Woodhall Spa for training and missions.
A very well-known pilot, Wing Commander Guy Gibson, took off from RAF Woodhall Spa on his last flight. Sadly, he and Squadron Leader Jim Warwick did not return.
The Heavy Bombers of 619 Squadron
No. 619 Squadron was a Heavy bomber squadron. It started at RAF Woodhall Spa in April 1943. They flew the Avro Lancaster aircraft and took part in many bombing missions over Germany.
The Pathfinder 627 Squadron
Like 97 Squadron, No. 627 Squadron was also a Pathfinder squadron. They flew bomber planes and also did reconnaissance. This means they flew to find out information about enemy areas. They also marked targets for other planes.
Thorpe Camp's 1940s Weekend
Every year, Thorpe Camp hosts a special 1940s Weekend. It usually happens on the first full weekend in July. This event is very popular in Lincolnshire.
The weekend is full of fun activities. There is live music, singing, and dancing from the 1940s. People also dress up in old uniforms and clothes from that time. You can see vintage military and civilian vehicles too. It's like stepping back in time!
https://thorpecamp.wixsite.com/1940sweekend
