During the Second World War, Yorkshire was home to around 40 airfields, many in the flat areas of the Vale of York. More than 18,000 airmen died flying from the Yorkshire airfields, with some lost on training flights, because of weather conditions or aircraft malfunction. In recent decades memorials have been placed at some of these crash sites. Memorials have also been placed near former airfields.
Taking the road north from the village of Nunnington, you might notice an old control tower in the flat lands on your left as you get close to Wombleton. Sections of old runway are also visible. Turn left again and head for Harome and you're on the other side of the airfield built here in the 1940s.
On the verge is a memorial dedicated to the Canadian air force (RCAF) who formed No.6 Group, and to 'the men and women of the RAF and WAAF who served at Wombleton'. The carving on the stone reflects the airfield's role as a base for Heavy Conversion Units (HCU) 1666 and 1679, which used the airfield to train crews to fly heavy bombers.
The memorial was dedicated in May 2001, and as the plaque states, 'the people of Ryedale express their sincere thanks' to those who served, 'giving their youth, and time, and in many instances, their lives'.
For background information on Yorkshire airfields:
Yorkshire Airfields in the Second World War