The Lincolnshire Aviation Heritage Centre is a privately owned and run Museum and was set up by two farming brothers, Fred and Harold Panton.
It has been built up as a memorial to Bomber Command and primarily as a tribute to their eldest brother Christopher Whitton Panton; who was shot down and killed on a bombing raid over Nuremberg on 30/31 March 1944.
For a short time after the war there was interest from the brothers to visit Christopher's grave in Germany, but their father denied them the chance as he wanted 'nothing more to do with the war'. Until, in the 1970's Mr Panton called Fred over and told him to 'get off to Germany and bring me a photograph of Chrisy's grave' which of course Fred did as soon as he could. This reignited Fred's interest in the War and when Avro Lancaster NX611 came up for sale it was eventually purchased by the brothers and brought to their land at East Kirkby. Even though they had planned to keep it only for their private collection it was suggested that they should make it into an exhibit for the public and this Museum was set up with the Lancaster and Control Tower as its centre pieces.
The Lincolnshire Aviation Heritage Centre was then opened in 1988 and has hosted visits from many veterans, their families as well as many famous people both from the aviation and show-biz worlds. We are all extremely proud of the accomplishments of the Centre, one of the biggest independent museums receiving no funding or Lottery grants. We can only hope that we will be able to continue to educate the following generations to the sacrifices and roles of Bomber Command.
Get ready for a great day out!
Step back in time to a WW2 Bomber Command airfield and experience some of the greatest planes in history. The Centre is a living and breathing history experience with the sights and sounds of a wartime airfield and a running Lancaster and Mosquito.
The Centre offers the opportunity for an immersive experience as well as a time for quiet contemplation.
