RAF Witchford Memorabillia Collection and Ely Cathedral

[Vulcanlover]

Forgive me if you've seen these elsewhere...

I've just treated myself to a new Camera.

I wanted to go somewhere to try it out, so I went back to the RAF Witchford Memorabillia Collection.

Firstly, the Memorial



The only remaining Hangar



The entrance to the collection



Some of the exhibits















A view of how RAF Witchford once looked



The Whistle Nicholas Alkemade used to summon help after falling from his Lancaster without a Parachute



The Bristol Hercules Engine from a Lancaster that crashed on it's way back to RAF Witchford









And there's a place nearby that restores Classic Rovers...



And the AFL "Shuttle" Trailer







On the way home we stopped off in Ely Town Centre so I thought I'd get some photos of the Cathedral

[Mayfly]

Thanks VL we like pics here.

New camera has taken some getting used to & I still don't understand all the setttings but it keeps me out of mischief

[Thumper]

Nice pics VL, looks like an interesting place to visit. I love the Lanc painting

[Vulcanlover]

It really is a fascinating place to visit.

I went last year shortly after moving here, as soon as I got my new Camera I was itching to go back.

It's in the reception of the Grovemere Holdings Ltd. Building on the Lancaster Way Business Park. To get there take the A142 towards Ely and turn off at the Lancaster Way Roundabout.

It's free admission as well.

[Aceyone]

Interesting pics,looks a good place for a visit .

[Vulcanlover]

Interesting pics,looks a good place for a visit .

It's certainly worth visiting!!!

If anyone's planning to visit Duxford it's worth taking a detour!!!

[Vulcanlover]

For those unfamiliar with the story of Nicholas Alkemade.

Flight Sergeant Nicholas Stephen Alkemade (1923 – 1987) was a tail gunner for a Royal Air Force Avro Lancaster bomber during World War II who survived a fall of 18,000 feet (5500 m) without a parachute after his plane was shot down over Germany.

On March 24, 1944, 21 year old Alkemade was a member of No. 115 Squadron RAF and his Lancaster II "S for Sugar" was flying to the east of Schmallenberg, Germany on its return from a 300 bomber raid on Berlin, when it was attacked by a Luftwaffe Junkers Ju 88 night-fighter, caught fire and began to spiral out of control. Because his parachute was destroyed by the fire, Alkemade opted to jump from the aircraft without one, preferring his death to be quick, rather than being burnt to death. He fell 18,000 feet (5500 m) to the ground below. His fall was broken by pine trees and a soft snow cover on the ground. He was able to move his arms and legs and suffered only a sprained leg. The Lancaster crashed in flames and the pilot Jack Newman and three other members of the seven man crew did not survive and are buried in Hanover War Cemetery.

He was subsequently captured and interviewed by the Gestapo who were initially suspicious of his claim to have fallen without a parachute until the wreckage of the aircraft was examined. He was then a celebrated POW before being repatriated in May 1945. (Reportedly the orderly Germans were so impressed that Alkemade had bailed out without a parachute and lived that they gave him a certificate testifying to the fact.) He worked in the chemical industry after the war and died on June 22, 1987.

[Delhud]

Like the museum etc

What does the AFL do ?

We have a somewhat different AFL downunder

Delhud

posting.php?mode=reply&f=10&t=2342#

[Vulcanlover]

Like the museum etc

What does the AFL do ?

We have a somewhat different AFL downunder

Delhud

posting.php?mode=reply&f=10&t=2342#

AFL have gone out of business now, but I believe they gave advice on Adult Learning/Courses/Work Trials etc.