15th September 2022
On 5th September 2022, we had the privilege of welcoming Mr Les Smith and his friend to stay overnight with us here at Hemswell Court. Les’s father had been stationed at RAF Hemswell with 170 squadron, from 1943 – 1946 as a wireless operator and gunner and he very kindly presented a framed photo of his father’s squadron badge and Hemswell badge. This has now taken pride of place on our wall as seen below. This was a lovely, kind and generous thought with such a personal gift. We love to hear people’s memories and even though Les was emotional telling us about his father it made it all the more special he shared his story with us. Les’s father would have been 100 this year, born on 12th August 1922 his birthday was the same day as Guy Gibson who was born 12th August 1918.
Les and his neighbour Bob had been visiting Waddington air show 19 years ago and on their way home passed Scampton and then Hemswell. It was then that Les realised his father had been stationed at RAF Hemswell during the war and he was keen to visit. During his stay with us Les visited Faun Café to see the mural of the Lancaster, the war monument and the parade square. Les would like to revisit with his children which we look forward to welcoming them all.
