Forum for residents of St Georges Park and Long Leys Road Lincoln

[john shipton]

Like father, like son, the Chatterton family has an interest in the famous Lancaster bomber of World War Two. This aeroplane flew from many airfields throughtout the British Isles and is especially associated with Lincolnshire known throughout the world as Bomber County.

Mike Chatterton is a Flight Lieutenant in the Royal Air Force and is curently based at RAF Waddington flying the Nimrod R1 with 51 Squadron.

He graduated from RAF Cranwell in 1976 and after flying training went on to the turbo prop AEW Shackleton, known as the Grey Lady, at RAF Lossiemouth in Scotland. Here a number of Shackletons operated and were the backbone of maritime reconnaissance before retiring and replaced by modern jet aircraft. He then was posted to nearby RAF Kinloss and completed flying and ground tours with the maritime Nimrod.

Later his duties took him in 1989 to RAF Coningsby with a posting to Station Operations. His ambition was to fly with the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight which flew from there.

Mike became the Lancaster pilot of the BBMF and when the "Just Jane" Lancaster was restored to taxing condition in 1995, he was asked by the Lincolnshire Aviation Heritage Centre, based at former RAF East Kirkby, to operate it. This he gladly accepted and has been doing so ever since.

After his last posting to RAF Waddington, he had to leave the BBMF to concentrate on flying the Nimrod RI.

The late John Chatterton is his father who name still remains famous on the aviation circuit. John was a well known Lancaster pilot from World War Two and he and his son often provided a unique double act at Coningsby and East Kirkby.

Mike has been invited to speak at the next aviation lecture to be held at the Metheringham Airfield Visitor Centre on Wednesday, 23rd July. His theme will be "A Tale of Two Lancasters" and will begin at 7.30pm.

Admission for visitors will be £3.00 which includes refreshments.

It is free for members of the Friends of Metheringham Airfield and 106 Squadron, the Lancaster bomber squadron which flew from RAF Metheringham during the war years.

For further information please contact 01526 378604

John Shipton,

Press Officer,

Metheringham Airfield Visitor Centre, Lincoln.