51 Squadron RAF Memorial Garden, Pollington (RAF Snaith)

RAF Snaith opened as a bomber station in 1941. 150 Squadron flew Wellingtons from the station before 51 Squadron arrived in October 1942 to convert to the Halifax. Over the following two and a half years 51 Squadron lost 687 aircrew — the highest casualty figure for any of the 19 stations at which the squadron was based across its history. 578 Squadron was formed from 51 Squadron's 'C' Flight at Snaith in January 1944 before moving to RAF Burn the following month.

Australian and New Zealand airmen are among those named on the individual plaques, reflecting the multinational composition of 4 Group's squadrons. The garden is managed as a living memorial with biannual reunion services attended by veterans' descendants and representatives of the modern RAF.

The RAF Snaith Museum, opened in 2023 on the adjacent former WAAF site, holds artefacts, records, and displays relating to 51 Squadron, 150 Squadron, 4 Group Bomber Command, and the Women's Land Army. The modern 51 Squadron — now a reconnaissance unit — maintains its connection to the Snaith memorial and has marked its anniversary there.

Every memorial has a story — why it was built, who campaigned for it, and what it means to the local community. If you know the story behind this memorial, we would love to hear it.

Do you know of any commemorative events or annual services held at this memorial? We would love to hear from local communities who remember.