Introduction
RAF Blyton, a relatively unsung yet significant airfield in Lincolnshire, stands as a testament to the vast infrastructure and human endeavor underpinning the Royal Air Force’s (RAF) strategic bombing campaign during the Second World War and the early Cold War. This website provides a relatively comprehensive historical account of RAF Blyton, tracing its inception, operational life, and post-war transformation. It situates Blyton within the broader evolution of the RAF, especially Bomber Command and No. 1 Group
The rapid expansion of Bomber Command in the early 1940s necessitated the construction of numerous new airfields across eastern England, particularly in Lincolnshire, which became known as "Bomber County" due to its dense concentration of bases. The selection of Blyton, situated 4.8 miles northeast of Gainsborough and 9.6 miles south of Scunthorpe, was influenced by its flat terrain, proximity to existing infrastructure, and relative remoteness from major urban centres, minimizing civilian risk during training and operational mishaps.
Construction of RAF Blyton commenced in early 1941, adhering to the Air Ministry’s standard Class ‘A’ bomber airfield pattern. This design featured three intersecting concrete runways, a perimeter track, and thirty-six hard standings to accommodate heavy bombers (also known as aircraft dispersal pans). The dispersed technical and accommodation sites were located on the western side, along the present A159 road, with two T2 hangars and one B1 hangar providing maintenance and storage capacity. At full operational strength, the station could house nearly 2,000 male and almost 400 female personnel, reflecting the scale of support required for heavy bomber operations.
Opening and Initial Role
RAF Blyton officially opened on 20 April 1942. Initially, it functioned as a satellite station under the control of RAF Lindholme and No. 1 Group, Bomber Command, before later transferring to RAF Hemswell. Its early role was primarily as a training and support base, a function that would define much of its wartime and post-war history.