World first Polish Squadrons Heritage site officially opens at former RAF base in Lincolnshire

A world first heritage centre to remember Polish Bomber squadrons has officially launched at the former RAF Ingham site near Gainsborough in Lincolnshire.

It aims to recognise those who flew in the second world war.

The centre will display never seen before photos in a special exhibition area.

The former wartime Airmen's Mess has been transformed too.

The Centre is dedicated to remembering and celebrating (through their own personal stories) the remarkable lives and memories of the men and women (both ground and air crews) of the Polish Air Force Bomber Squadrons, who lived, worked and flew alongside the RAF during the Second World War.

It's a different kind of place because it's a history of the Polish bombers

It will also tell the humanitarian story of their struggles to settle and integrate into ‘post-war’ Britain, whilst retaining their customs, culture and Polish heritage.

RAF Ingham (later known as RAF Cammeringham) was a Royal Air Force station used by RAF Bomber Command between 1942 and 1944 and by training units and the Polish Air Force until 1946.

The first squadron (Sqn) to be based at RAF Ingham was No.300 Polish Bomber Sqn who arrived in May 1942 from RAF Hemswell.

At the end of the war many of Polish airmen who'd served chose to stay in the UK.

We spoke to Angela who's a volunteer and was at today's launch.

She told us the new centre would be another key historical attraction in Lincolnshire.

"It will definitely add to it because you can come round and go round all the sites and make it a real special day - or even a week."

" It's a different kind of place because it's a history of the Polish bombers and I think we're the only one in the country."

It was quite emotional today - especially for the Polish people, it's quite amazing for them

Heather's father in law served with the squadrons.

She says: "What a fabulous place - what a great thing for Lincolnshire."

"All the young people in the service today - from the local school I would imagine they would have no idea."

"The bravery of those young Polish airmen and the people who supported them."

Terry was at the launch - his father served at Ingham during the war

He says: "He's actually got some photographs of when he was stationed here and they're up to their knees in snow."

"It was quite emotional today - especially for the Polish people, it's quite amazing for them."

"Especially when the Spitfire came over."

"There's a lot of hard work went into this."

The centre will be open to the public this weekend.

(Written with help from West Lindsey District Council.)

Hear the latest news on Downtown on FM, DAB, smart speaker or the Rayo app.