RAF Coleby Grange. | Education Video by World of Military

Coleby Grange opened in 1939 with a single grass runway as a relief landing ground for RAF Cranwell, with No.253 Squadron and No.264 Squadron starting to use it. In May 1941 the airfield was transferred to 12 Group, Fighter Command and became a satellite to RAF Digby. With No.402 Squadron then moving in. No.409 Squadron RCAF were present at Coleby from July 1941 to February 1943 and again from December 1943 to February 1944. No.410 Squadron RCAF filled the gap from February to October 1943 on night fighter defence duties. The station was also home to No.307 (Polish) Squadron, with them departing Coleby in May 1945.

A concrete perimeter track encircled the airfield, part of which used the B1202 road which formed the southern boundary of the station. The airfield was ultimately equipped with nine hangars, one T1, one blister and seven extended over-blisters and accommodation was provided for 1800 personal, RAF and WAAF's, all ranks.

Once German daylight raids had stopped in 1943, RAF Kirton in Lindsey became a training unit and RAF Hibaldstow was closed. RAF Digby took on a non-operational role involved in radar calibration and other duti