This is the Three Horseshoes at Scottow, near RAF Coltishall. This was a regular drinking place for the Battle of Britain Pilots. It was attacked by the Luftwaffe on at least four occasions during that time. No-one was ever badly injured or killed, so we were told. During our visit there in 1988 the inside had loads of aircraft models hanging from the beams, which through the cigarette smoke looked quite authentic, sadly no photographs of these though. Note the propeller on the wall.
The Eagle pub in Cambridge City Centre. Signatures and graffitti by airmen from Bottisham, Bassingbourn, Steeple Morden and other air fields, in smoke on the ceiling. Also the pub where Crick and Watson sorted out DNA over a pint of warm English beer.
The Eagle pub in Cambridge City Centre. Signatures and graffitti by airmen from Bottisham, Bassingbourn, Steeple Morden and other air fields, in smoke on the ceiling. Also the pub where Crick and Watson sorted out DNA over a pint of warm English beer. The Eagle (pub) - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
A relative of mine ran this place located on the perimeter of Earls Colne airfield. It was so close to the runway that they replaced the pitched roof with a flat concrete slab. When it was made good after the war they left the slab there. In the winter it was bloody freezing inside. UPDATE: Just found this link on the BBC that tells the same story BBC - WW2 People's War - Pattiswick in 1943
I took these about 1997... This pub is at Halton Holegate. Close to Great Steeping airfield. Lincolnshire.
I took these two photographs in 1998. This pub was built on a dispersal site for a Lancaster Bomber of the same name. Waltham (Grimsby) airfield. Lincolnshire.
The White Hart (I think) at Brasted (near Westerham, Kent) was a well known haunt of the boys from Biggin Hill. Sorry, no pic as I have only passed that way once since the M25 opened, but it was still there and looking much the same then! My father's parents lived at Brasted Chart and my mother's parents at Keston (Nr Bromley) so both knew it well. Chris
Within the October 1994 Flypast magazine came a free 12 page booklet concerning aircraft named pubs. I contributed four of the used photographs. Anyone else have a copy of this? It lists 21 of these aviation pubs from various parts of the country, most with a photograph of the pub or sign. A very interesting read, and worth keeping in your car. I've still got mine, and it's in reasonable condition still.
I took these in 1998 outside Bassingbourn airfield along the A1198. This pub was used especially by members of the 91st BG from 1943-45.
This was the main pub used by the 20th Fighter Group of the 8th Air Force at Kingscliffe during 1943-5.
I took these poor photographs about 2004-5. Though whether it was a Public House during the war I have no idea.
This pub was definitely well used during the war. This is the Crown at Litlington, Cambs. It's right on the edge of the airfield known as Steeple Morden. Home first to the RAF, then the USAAF. From 1943-45 the 355th FG were based here. I have been in this pub dozens of times, it's full of the airfields history. Well worth a visit. The first photograph taken during the late eighties. Last two during a reunion there in 1992.
This is the Lion and Royal at Navenby, Lincs. Guy Gibson it's said was billeted here for about 6 months? Either-way he spent his wedding night here. I took these about 1998.
I also took this during the late 90s. Sadly no photograph of the mentioned pub. This was in Lincoln's high street.
These photographs were sent to me by someone during the mid 90s. Calling there later we discovered that the pub was now closed and being made into offices. One of the workmen gave me the newspaper cutting shown.
I remember the Saracen's Head well. Still open when I served,was regarded as a posh place.Later,it was closed and redeveloped as a Woolworths initially, then redeveloped again.I think Jones the Jeweller occupies some of the frontage now. During the Second World War, it was supposed to be one of the places when one could meet females of a "higher social order".However,its nickname was "The Snake Pit" Regarding the Lion and Royal at Navenby...not sure that Guy Gibson was officially messed here...most probably the Wellingore Officers Mess was at The Grange but he was living out with his wife Eve, at the pub.This was when he had been posted to No 29 Squadron(Fighter) based at Digby but with Wellingore as its satellite. He records the fact that he got hold of a slice of smoked salmon ...gave it to the landlady to cook and was disappointed that she had cooked the salmon in batter.
COUNTRY CLUB FOR US AIRMEN: REST AND RECUPERATION IN THE ENGLISH COUNTRYSIDE, STANBRIDGE EARLS, ROMSEY, HAMPSHIRE, 1943 | Imperial War Museums COUNTRY CLUB FOR US AIRMEN: REST AND RECUPERATION IN THE ENGLISH COUNTRYSIDE, STANBRIDGE EARLS, ROMSEY, HAMPSHIRE, 1943 A group of American airmen relax with a pint of beer in the sunshine outside the Sir John Barleycorn pub in Cadnam, following a picnic in the New Forest. The airmen are all staying at Stanbridge Earls, near Romsey. In the centre, in a white t-shirt, is Lieutenant Royal Firmin, Jr., the second in command at the home. Also seated outside the pub are two of the American Red Cross hostesses who work at the home, and have joined the men on their picnic. A greyhound dog can just be seen in the background. Catalogue number D 14561 Part of MINISTRY OF INFORMATION SECOND WORLD WAR OFFICIAL COLLECTION Subject period Second World WarAlternative Names object category: Black and white Creator Ministry of Information Photo Division Photographer Category photographs
Sir John Barleycorn - oh dear! Yet another place where my wont power failed - oh look a pub, we wont go in there. Only a few times mind! Not far from US/RAF Stoney Cross airfield which was where a lot of young folk got to drive their parents cars until they ripped up the runways for hard core. One C road today is part of the main runway:
