Page 16 - Linton Link

On the border of the former RAF Holme-on- Spalding-Moor are two notable memorials. One stone commemorates personnel of 76 Sqn who died in action. Behind this, there’s a memorial tree for members of No 458 (RAAF) Squadron who were killed in action. In addition, there is a memorial and tree to commemorate Gp Capt Leonard Cheshire VC OM DSO** DFC who was the Officer Commanding 76 Sqn 1942-1943. No 76 Sqn was rebadged as 76(R) Sqn on 1 May 07 and has operated Tucano T1 aircraft at both RAF Topcliffe and RAF Linton on Ouse.
Shortly after this Visit, and in the vicinity of IP-Targets East IP1! (South Dalton to most), the group suffered the only “mechanical” of the week – a puncture quickly rectified by the RN contingent – Creasey. In sympathetic fashion, and mindful of his straight-line speed, the remainder pushed on hoping to gain some time – but were distracted by the local pub whereupon they were caught.
Nearing the end of the route was RAF Leconfield. On 3 Sep 1939, the first night of the war, ten Whitley bombers from Leconfield became the first British aircraft to penetrate German airspace, dropping propaganda leaflets over Germany. In Oct 1939 it was taken over by Fighter Command and Mk I Spitfires of 72 Sqn (hurrah!) from RAF Church Fenton (double hurrah!).
By the end of the day, the rolling Wolds and a significant South-Westerly had taken their toll on all but the strongest cyclists (* who still had yet to take their turn on the front....) and the Team was looking forward to spending a relaxing time in the “majesty” of The Grand Hotel Scarborough.
DAY FOUR
This was to be a longish (120 km) downhill leg (because North-South is always downhill,
right?) from the vicinity of RAF Staxton Wold to Withernsea with those wishing to add the last 15 km to Spurn Point being able to do so at the end of the ride. Happily, the band was joined by Sqn Ldr John ‘Harry’ Pilling – OC A Flt 72 Sqn detachment (TIF) at RAF Valley responsible for the introduction into service of the Texan T1. Immediately after arrival at the start point, our illustrious leader, Kinno, “invited” Harry to lead out from the front. On the way, one of the most striking memorials was visited – that being to 158 Bomber Sqn personnel stationed at the former
RAF Lisset. In a perverse irony, the number of those lost was 851.
The designated end point was Withernsea where, after gratefully consuming ice cream kindly bought for the group by Harry, five of the group pressed on to Spurn Point Nature Reserve. Here it became clear of the hidden agenda and cycling history (“friendly” rivalry!) between Harry and Kinno came to the fore. The whole day had been pushed on apace (to some of us) and the ulterior motive was to punish Harry for being fresh – not that he could do anything about that!
After a brief stop, it was a long van journey (2 hrs) through rush-hour traffic back to The Grand where, unfortunately, Archie announced that the Achilles’ issue that had plagued him since Day One meant that he would not be able to complete the final day (or, indeed, stand in the 40 min queue for breakfast...).
DAY FIVE
The last day was beautifully picturesque – 65 km from Pickering to RAF Linton on Ouse through the Howardian Hills – part of our local training area. Being in such close proximity to many major wartime airfields inevitably means that there were, sadly, a
Thor IRBM
number of crash sites scattered around – the majority of them being Halifaxes in this part of the world with Lincolnshire hosting the mighty Lancaster. Surrounding airfields include Kirkbymoorside, RAF Wombleton and former RAF East Moor.
On 24 Jul 1941, Whitley T4285 took off from RAF Linton-on-Ouse to undertake an operational flight to bomb Emden - but quickly developed engine trouble. The crew jettisoned their bombs and turned for Linton. Fifteen minutes after taking off the aircraft deliberately ditched in the River Ouse near to the Red House, Moor Monkton which was a preparatory school at the time, and the crew paddled to the river bank in the dinghy.
Whitley T4285 after ditching in the River Ouse near Beningbrough
With some reasonable climbs towards the end of the ride, the performance of the better cyclists became clear but, yet again, the weather was superb with just a light autumn chill in evidence. We were met at RAF Linton on Ouse by a contingent at the front of the Mess with some well-earned refreshment (bottles just visible in the background!).
As a post-script, Creasey and Marshy went on to complete some 100 additional kilometres over the weekend just to make a nice round 500 km for the week!
Significant thanks must go to Kinno for organising the whole event and for Matt and Giz for their excellent support and great company throughout the week.
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LINTONLINK
Memorial to Gp Capt Leonard Cheshire VC OM DSO** DFC – OC 76 Sqn 1942-1943