RAF NORTH KILLINGHOLME AIRFIELD and KILLINGHOLME FULL BORE CLUB HISTORY
RAF North Killingholme opened as a Bomber Station in November 1943. The site's only squadron (550 Sqn) was formed from C Flight of 100 Sqn at nearby RAF Grimsby (Waltham) only six weeks before being deployed to North Killingholme. The squadron flew the famous Avro Lancaster and was one of the most effective in Bomber Command.
550 Sqn performed an historic part of the D-Day landings at Normandy on 6th June 1944. One of the Lancaster’s was LL811 J-Jig, also known as “Bad Penny II” and flown by Flight Officer K. Bowen-Bravery and crew, dropped the first bomb of the campaign and was awarded a “Croix de Guerre” by the French authorities. Three of the 550 Sqn Lancaster’s managed to complete over 100 operations, a real testament to the skill and efficiency of both aircrew and ground crew. The best known of these, “Phantom of the Ruhr” EE139 BQ-B, clocked up 121 operations and was sadly scrapped after the war.
RAF North Killingholme Airfield closed in October 1945. This was only 23 months after it had been built to a Class A standard which included its own very important firing range. This range was used to train onsite personnel in the use of mainly .303 rifles. This was for the security of the airfield. It had been anticipated that part of Hitler’s strategy for the invasion of England would be to land paratroopers at important airfields. These would be secured for the German forces to land troops and munitions to then move forward. Therefore the practise firing ranges was a most important part of the Airfield. It is thought that the guns on the Lancaster bombers were regularly tested on the range but it has not been possible to corroborate this. After the war the airfield was handed back for farming and industrial use.
In 1978/79 a group of enthusiasts formed a club with a view to shooting on the old WW2 Range at former RAF North Killingholme Airfield. Drawings and specifications were prepared under guidance from the Technical Advisory Section, School of Infantry, Warminster. After completion the work was thoroughly inspected by an Army Inspection Board on the 4th October 1979. The range was passed with the following agreed specification:-
Maximum Calibre : .455”
Maximum Muzzle Velocity : 2000 ft/sec
Maximum Muzzle Energy : 1496 ft/lbs
On 15th July 1980 after construction of the plinth the range was also permitted to fire Centre Fire Rifle. On 16th January 1981 the fixed firing bench was fitted.
From 23rd September 1982 an extended range of firearms were permitted to include:-
Maximum Calibre : .577”
Maximum Muzzle Velocity : 3275 ft/sec
Maximum Muzzle Energy : 5160 ft/lbs
On 8th January 1987 two additional targets were installed bringing the total firing points to eleven.
On 30th January 2001 a new raised plinth was constructed and passed by Major Ryan. He also made some recommendations which included “Danger Areas”, De-Leading Procedures, Range Sand Maintenance, Risk Assessments etc. High Velocity Rifles are now permitted to be fired from this plinth at 25 yards on Nos. 2 and 3 targets.
2008/2009. It was proposed to carry out major changes to the range. The design work was carried out by Charles Quinn and was all done in accordance with the, National Governing Body, the NRA/NSRA’s agreement. They have taken on the role previously carried out by the Army and are now responsible for inspecting and certifying the range. This work included the design/construction of a baffle wall so as to allow all 11 firing points to be used at the same time. Upon completion everything was inspected and passed by the NRA. On 13th January Mr. D.D. Glaister, the NRA’s Official Range Inspector stated that it was an excellent NRA range, situated on a disused airfield and well maintained in all aspects.
In 2014 the Club Committee set out on an essential maintenance schedule to ensure continuation and improve the site. The buildings were all professionally painted along with fencing and wall buttress coverings. This programme is being carried on into 2015 and a new improved toilet facility has been provided for members. May/June this year will see the current entrance gate moved and provide a larger car parking area for the benefit of members. The very important back wall will have some seriously needed work carried out on it in September this year which will unfortunately require a range closure for a short period. Please check website nearer the time as the dates will be posted here once the builder has confirmed.