Swallow is a small village in the West Lindsey district of Lincolnshire, 4 miles north-east from Caistor.
Name | Occupation | Posted from | Until |
---|---|---|---|
Sergeant Henry Robinson | Farmer |
Unknown | 03 Dec 1944 |
Corporal Charles Robert Franklin | Farmer |
Unknown | 03 Dec 1944 |
Private James Edward Quibell Bingham | Assisting father on farm |
Unknown | 03 Dec 1944 |
Private J. Fawcett | Unknown | 03 Dec 1944 | |
Private H. Hunter | Unknown | 03 Dec 1944 | |
Private Bernard Wright | Unknown | 03 Dec 1944 | |
Private William E. Wright | Cowman |
Unknown | 03 Dec 1944 |
The OB is located in a wooded area that lies to the east of Swallow Wold Farm. The OB hatch lies directly adjacent to a woodland footpath. It is not known if this path existed during the 1940’s but the hatch would have had to be very well concealed to avoid detection. The natural wooded area has many mature trees and the tree line would have given the Unit much need cover entering and exiting the OB. The actual main chamber lies underneath the woodland path.
The condition of the OB is very good although damp. Main Chamber is 7ft wide by 13ft long. A 2ft wide passageway runs for approximately 15ft to the entry or exit shaft.
Other physical remains nearby include remains of bunk beds on the surface adjacent to the shaft. A large vent pipe was also found lying near to the shaft.
Video is by Mike Dearing.
Swallow Patrol
Just over 3 miles away was RAF Binbrook which was a Bomber Command Airfield where Wellington and Lancaster Squadrons flew missions from. There was another airfield due south of the OB at RAF Kelstern another bomber base for 635 Squadron. It was reopened in 1943 as an overspill for RAF Binbrook.
Dave Hunter
Stephen George 2012,
Stephen Lewins,
TNA WO199/3389,
Colin Hayes,
Hancock data held at B.R.A
1939 Register