Up in the air with admiration.

The morning dawned fair and we set off around 1000. We were hoping that there would be a berth near to Tattershall or Dog Dyke. The banks are still high but the River Witham meanders a bit more and this maintains interest. The first possible mooring was just under the Bridges at Tattershall Bridge and loo and behold there was space so we pulled in. The old brick bridge was superseded in 1992 and no longer used for anything.

Our mooring just down from the two bridges.

We later walked up to the village of Tattershall and on the way passed the National Trust property of Tattershall Castle. There was a busy trade and teas etc were being served at the church next door. We walked into the village to buy the paper and then followed footpaths over to Coningsby where the Battle of Britain memorial Flight is based.

Tattershall Castle

The airfield is not normally open at the weekend but being a Bank Holiday it was. They were very surprised to see so many there as previously they had only had a few turn up. We had a wait of about 40 mins for our guided tour of the flight but there was plenty to see and read in the small museum. It was very interesting and I had to return after the tour to finish everything. There were about a dozen on the tour. Some planes were out at airshows etc but there were plenty to see. The retired guide was very knowledgeable and interesting and the hour tour passed quickly.

Series 2 Spitfire taht was actualy used during the Battle of Britain with a Merlin engine.

The Hurricane was the type of plane that actually shot down 60% of the enemy planes during the Battle of  Britain. It was older than the Spitfire and was mainly covered in Irish Linen on wood with a metal main frame. The Spitfire was metal all through. The Hurricane was easier to fly and more rugged and easier to land. The green tank in front of the cockpit is the fuel tank, about 85 gallons, so not much flight time.

One of only two flying Lancaster bombers. The other is in Canada and is coming to the UK for August. It is going to Humberside Airport to carry out flights as it is fitted with seats. Apparently it will be around £3000 a trip. The engines are also Merlins and a crew of 7. 

The wing span is about twice the length of the fuselage and the fuel was in four tanks in the wings.

Rear cockpit of the Lancaster where the majority on gunners would punch the perspex out so that they could see better. They could have to suffer -30C temps and couldn't wear their parachutes in the enclosed space. All were brave men indeed.

So many of the fliers ended up in places like this around the world. The ages were from 18 to 22 in the majority. It doesn't seem possible to think of such a thing these days. We owe so much.

 We actually finished the jigsaw last night so here is a Bank Holiday test for you. Can you find the 15 difference between the two picture. Just to make it more interesting I can't seem to put the pictures the right way up!

We had a couple of pints in the pub close to the moorings, The Royal Oak. They only had Green King Abbots Ale on but after a walk from the village it was most welcome.