Metheringham Airfield Visitor Centre

Metheringham Airfield Visitor Centre sits on the former RAF Metheringham bomber station in Lincolnshire, preserving the story of 106 Squadron from 1943–45. Housed in restored wartime buildings, the museum brings Bomber Command history to life through immersive exhibits and hands-on displays.

Wing Commander Guy Penrose Gibson, VC, DSO & Bar, DFC & Bar, took command of No 106 Squadron RAF in late 1942, leading its Lancaster bombers from Metheringham as well as RAF Coningsby and Syerston. Under his energetic leadership, 106 Squadron executed a series of challenging night raids over occupied Europe, forging a reputation for precision and daring, and later lead No 617 Squadron for the famous “Dam Busters” raid.

Metheringham was also associated with a courageous act by one of its airman. On the night of 26–27 April 1944, as 106 Squadron Lancasters set out from RAF Metheringham to bomb Schweinfurt, Flight Engineer Sergeant Norman Jackson volunteered for a perilous task. After a German fighter’s attack ignited one of the bomber’s engines, Jackson climbed out onto the wing in mid-flight and managed to smother the flames. Severely burned and hurled off balance by the slipstream, he fell into the darkness, deploying his parachute only moments before hitting the ground. Though he survived and evaded capture briefly, he was soon taken prisoner and remained in captivity until the war’s end. For his extraordinary courage and his attempt to save his comrades, Sergeant Jackson received the Victoria Cross.

Facilities & Special Exhibits

• Peter Scoley Hall (former gymnasium) converted into the Memorial Room, honoring crew lost in operations
• Restored wartime pilot-training simulator and classic Link Trainer for hands-on flight drills
• “Food for Thought” exhibition detailing aircrew rations and life on station
• Ration Store permanent galleries sharing personal stories of men and women who served at Metheringham
• Interactive Lancaster bomber crew-position stations, complete with authentic equipment and training films
• Ditching Display featuring a fully restored WW2 aircraft dinghy and artefacts from emergency sea-landings
• Dedicated Dakota KG651 hangar, where visitors can board the veteran transport aircraft and take a pilot’s-eye view
• On-site “Coffeestall” café and vintage-style tea room serving homemade cakes and light lunches
• Gift shop with books, scale models and squadron memorabilia
• Free parking, accessible toilets, baby-change facilities and step-free access throughout ground-floor galleries
• Volunteer-led guided tours and regular special-interest talks

Photo credit: Ivor the driver