During World War Two, Lympne Airfield was home to several Spitfire squadrons, including 610 Squadron, known as 'The Chesters'. In his book 'Spitfire Pilots - Legends of the Air', author Nick Oram features an interview with Canadian Pilot Officer Ben Scaman, a member of the squadron.
Escorting Bombers and an Unexpected Detour
On October 25, 1944, Scaman, along with 610, 41, and 350 Squadrons, escorted 600 Lancasters and Halifaxes on a bombing raid to Essen. On the return journey, the commanding officer decided to land at Antwerp, claiming low fuel. In reality, he felt his pilots needed a break. The Belgian Resistance quickly learned of their arrival and arranged for a truck to take the airmen to the Century Hotel, where locals insisted on showing their gratitude, refusing any payment.
The Germans, positioned across the river, attempted to shell the truck but narrowly missed. The pilots enjoyed a night of revelry, moving from bar to bar, resulting in a few sore heads. They returned to Lympne the next morning. Scaman noted in his flying log: 'Landed at Antwerp – no money, so came back.'
Involvement in a Luftwaffe Defection
The previous year, Scaman played a key role in the defection of a Luftwaffe Junkers 88. In 1943, he kept his thumb on the machine gun button of his Spitfire as the defector landed at RAF Dyce, Aberdeen. This event provided British intelligence with a state-of-the-art German aircraft, now housed at the RAF Museum in Hendon.
Top Secret Mission: Escorting Churchill
On November 13, 1944, Scaman flew from Lympne in a Spitfire XIV, leading a formation of 12 aircraft on a top-secret mission codenamed Operation Minoru. They flew to Juvincourt Airfield, an advanced landing ground 20 km northwest of Reims in the Champagne region of France. After an overnight stay in Laon, enjoying local wine, the mission commenced the following morning: escorting Prime Minister Winston Churchill back to RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire. Churchill had been meeting with Free French leader Charles de Gaulle and attending a Remembrance service in Paris. As the Spitfires zigzagged to match the slower Dakota's speed, Churchill likely watched with a cigar in hand.
Upcoming Talks and Events
Lympne Airfield History Society will host its next presentation on July 7, featuring Dean Appleton discussing Churchill at Lympne and his numerous connections to the airfield. In September, John Simpson will explore the local Home Guard. Meetings are held at Lympne Church, with doors opening at 6:30 pm and entry costing £3. Refreshments are available. For more information, call 07508 708725 or email johnsimpson43@btinternet.com.
