HUNDREDS of visitors ventured to Throckmorton last Saturday to see an exhibition about Pershore Airfield’s role in World War Two.
The airfield built in Throckmorton in 1940 had a major impact on the village and also on Pershore.
Many people from the town were employed there both during and after the war. Several families in the town trace their history back to meetings at the airfield which led to weddings and new generations after the war.
The event in the Throckmorton Parish Room welcomed more than 200 people and was organised by Throckmorton Village Charity and Bishampton and Throckmorton Parish Council. Much of the material was contributed by local historian Charles Rigg.
The airfield’s origin was a private flying club established in 1934. This was taken over by the Air Ministry on the outbreak of war. It became a training base for Canadian pilots in 1941 – many of whom took part in the ‘thousand bomber’ raids on Germany in 1942.
There were of course many casualties associated with the airfield – 49 pilots and other crew are recorded. They are buried in the Commonwealth War Graves in Pershore cemetery.
Charles Tucker, one of the organisers and long term resident in Throckmorton said: “We were thrilled to see so many people taking an interest in their local history.
“So much was owed to the aircrews who served at Pershore airfield in the War – we now owe it to them to keep their memory alive and the history of the airfield.”
As well as the exhibition, the day included talks by Charles Rigg and wartime songs from local group The Spitfires.
