hawk37

I’ve just found out I’ll be in the Driffield, Yorkshire, England area for a day next week (I live in Canada), and since my grandfather took flying training at “27 Squadron Training, Royal Air Force", there in 1917-1918 (on I presume, Avros), I thought I’d dry to stop by, get a few pictures and get a feel for what it might have been like for him.

Just thought I’d try this forum first to see if anyone knows if there's any dedication or museum/history room for the old airfield.

His log book also says he landed at “North Weald” and “Doncaster”.

Anyone with any ideas where I should go, or exactly what to see?

My apologies if this isn't the forum for this post. I did a search on Driffield but found very little, and nothing from the WW1 era.

Thanks in advance,

Hawk

Kolibear

North Weald is a good 150miles away from Driffield, but is still an active airfield, with many resident aircraft (mine!) and warbirds. There is nothing left of the WW1 site though as it was extensively modified post WW2

NorthWeald Users Group


It will take the best part of 4 hours to drive there from Driffield though.

Farmer 1

Driffield was taken over by the Army many years ago as a driver training base. The old hangars are still there, but that's about all you'll see which has anything to do with aviation. Same story with Leconfield, just up the road. With security being what it is, I don't think you'd be allowed on either camp.

Sorry, Hawk.

ATR42300

Whilst security is an issue, there is still the possibility if you contact the base in advance. Might I suggest you contact the base and speak to the Community Relations Officer, given your reasons I would be very surprised if they are not helpful

LowNSlow

You could try the Yorkshire Aircraft Museum at www.yorkshireairmuseum.co.uk who have a wonderful museum at Elvington which is predominantly post 1939 but they do collect all things realated to aviation in Yorkshire!

ZH875

http://www.controltowers.co.uk/D/Driffield.htm has a brief history of Driffield.

and http://www.controltowers.co.uk/N/North_Weald.htm has a couple of pictures.

jumpseater

Robin Hood Airport ex RAF Finningley/Bancroft Farm was possibly the Doncaster referred to in the log books. The farm is on the south east side of the current airport. There was a memorial unveiling service this year

This is outside the terminal.

You can see a good deal of the airfield from the eastern side on the Old Bawtry Road. Before you go however, make sure your pants are on the right way round. The last bloke that had to 'turn his pants round as they were uncomfortable', in front of two ladies had to pay £150.00 for the priviledge!

Speechless Two

The site of Driffield airfield was first used as a military landing ground in 1916 by aircraft attempting to intercept German zeppelins. The facilities at Driffield (then known as Eastburn) were progressively developed in ensuing years but they were subsequently demolished after the airfield was abandoned in February 1920. A new airfield was opened on the site in July 1936 as a Royal Air Force (RAF) bomber station.

Doncaster airfield also opened in 1916. If it's any help the OS grid reference is SE 595020, 1.25 miles SE of Doncaster. The South Yorkshire Aircraft Museum is now based on the remains of the airfield. They have a website with directions here . Driffield to Doncaster is just over 50 miles by road.

hawk37

Thanks x 10 ^ 6 to all the posters who have provided such detailed information. I'll study this weekend and make the rounds next week. I don't have much from my grandfather except his log book, so I'd like to add a picture or two. Your time is appreciated.
Hawk

jabberwok

Doncaster used to be EGCI. It opened in 1916 and closed in 1995. From the shot below there doesn't seem to be much left of the site.
http://www.multimap.com

tonker

Dear sir

It is still possible to fly over the Driffield site. You could try a "trial lesson" from Beverly Aerodrome(4 miles ne of Beverly town.)

Try and get to Wombleton which about 20 miles nw of Driffield, again Canadian AF.

I have always wondered if there was a field in Doncaster and am familiar with the museum. I instructed around here for a year and often look for evidence found but nothing apart from the museum and it's hanger.

Regards