Strength in Unity - 158 Squadron

We have been over towards the coast today. More of that a bit later on. Tonight's blip is of the memorial to the men and women of 158 Squadron, a bomber squadron based at Lissett airfield.

There are dozens of WWII airfields in the East of England, all with there own amazing stories to tell. As with many of these airfields Lissett has been returned to farmland and other uses. In Lissett's case this includes a windfarm of 12 turbines.

The company which developed the farm along with the local community decided that a memorial to 158 Squadron should be made and installed on the edge of the airfield. This is the result of a competition which was held to design a fitting memorial. Made of laser cut steel it includes all the names (over 850) of those from the squadron who died during WWII operations.

One of the Halifax Bombers which flew from Lissett - 'Friday the 13th' - completed an amazing 128 missions. 11 of the turbines are named after bombers which flew from the base, the 12th being named for 6 ground crew who died when a bomb exploded at the airfield.

As I said, we have been to the coast at Bempton and Flamborough today. No Puffins unfortunately but the Gannets are well ensconsed. Don't let these pictures fool you though. It looks sunny and warm but I seriously thought I was going to get frostbite at one point. Either that or be blown over the cliff!!!

This is NOT a coastal bird, even in East Yorkshire. LOL