Making my slow way through the vast body of WW2 RAF literature I find certain pubs feature a lot as the favourite haunts of pilots - the 'Trip to Jerusalem' in Nottingham, Shepherds in Mayfair and the 'White Hart' at Brasted spring immediately to mind. I also know of the 'Ferry Inn' at Horning where Bob Stanford Tuck narrowly avoided being killed by a bomb from a Dornier - several other occupants not being so lucky.

I've also recently read of the 'Star' in Maidstone, which was specific to pilots operating from Detling. And it's these 'station-specific' pubs I'm interested in. If ever I'm in a particular area - say, near a disused RAF airfield! - I would like to make a bit of a pilgrimage and raise a glass or two to their memory.

Anyone know of any?

Cheers! (hic)

Kev :ok:

I was in Shepherds after John Farley's lecture on Thursday - nice place, shame about some of the clientelle that particular evening (very noisy!). Sadly the White Hart is no longer what I think the pilots would recognise.

Be good to hear of some more...

The "Three Compasses" just to the south of Dunsfold used quite extensively by 98 squadron in 1943/44 (And by the Hawker/ British Aerospace test pilots 'till Dunsfold closed down)

the Cat & Custard Pot at Paddlesworth was a haunt for Hawkinge

Try The Eagle in Cambridge (Bene't Street, close to King's College)
http://www.cambridge2000.com/cambridge2000/html/0009/P9042329.html

My father was on 111 Sqn and 72 Sqn, Spitfires, 1941-42 at North Weald, Hornchurch and Biggin Hill. The pub he and his chums used to use was "The Jail", just behind one of the dispersals at Biggin. Seem to remember nipping in there in the mid-70s with him and my mother and he recognised a few of the bits and pieces that were still there.

No idea what it is like these days.

jf

This the one?

http://www.beerintheevening.com/pubs/s/14/14595/Old_Jail/Cudham

Sorry, I don't know how to re-word links!

The John Barleycorn, Duxford (and another pub up the road in Sawston and another in Wilbraham); hell, there must have been hundreds in East Anglia!
The Chequers in Fowlmere, too.

The Jail Inn near Biggin is a great pub...

The Swan at Lavenham - signatures preserved on the wall and as far as he knows my dad is still barred.

Err, a little friction between 149 and the advance elements of the future 8th arriving at RAF Mildenhall.

Rob

PS Lavenham - a simply stunning 600 year old wool town always worth a visit.

Rob. I'm persuaded... soon I promise...!

Whilst flying out of Norwich in the mid 70's I used to visit "The Spread Eagle" located in Erpingham, it used to have some WW2 aircraft photos on the wall and was a great pub. Must have had a lot of RAF clientele with all the airfields around that area during the war. This is not meant to be an advert but you can find it here:
http://www.pub-explorer.com/olpg/thespreadeagle/erpingham/index.htm

I just did a search and it is still there, funnily enough there is also another pub by the same name in Norwich.

http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o182/GOLF_BRAVO_ZULU_photos/DOWNHAMMARKET1943-2.jpg

Well, many of the 6 Group boys would have been familiar with Downham Market. The Crown was a regular Haunt.

http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o182/GOLF_BRAVO_ZULU_photos/DOWNHAMMARKET1943-1.jpg

So was the Castle.

I've been in both and well worth the visit.

Have you got a copy of
"Aeronautical Pubs & Inns of Britain"? ISBN 1 85780 048 6
Dave Smith & Ken Ellis
It a small book, under a tenner, but full of info.
Cheers!
lsh

What about the 'Marrowbone and Cleaver' in Kirmington Village close to the now Humberside Airport? Frequented by 144 squadron, Lancasters.
H49

When stationed at Northolt I lived close by The Orchard in West Ruislip & Mrs B worked there in the evenings. Joe Kmiecik, who was flying Devons with 207 Sqn at the time, told me it was the Polish pilots' favourite hang out during the war years. Although it still looks much the same from the outside it is now unfortunately, a Bernie Inn and has lost most of its charm.