RAF Scamption is an airbase near Lincoln that was used by Wing Commander Gibson for the Dambusters raid in 1943. Hours before the raid Lincoln’s black lab, which was called Nigger, was killed. The dog was buried at midnight and while Gibson was on the famous raid.
A note about the strange name – because it certainly made this blogger worried. Nigger has his own Wikipedia entry and it is explained that at the time Nigger was not an uncommon name for a dog and it, thankfully, has since become culturally unacceptable. Some edits of the famous Dambusters film change the dog’s name to Trigger.
Nigger would go flying with Gibson. Bruce Barrymore Halpenny noted in “Ghost Stations” that a ghostly hound, believed to be Nigger, has been sighted on multiple occasions around RAF Scampton and even at the Dambusters Memorial at Woodhall Spa.
The Telegraph is reporting that a team of paranormal investigators, filmed by the BBC, have managed to make contact with a spirit they believe to be Commander Gibson’s dog.
You can see the BBC’s video at World War II hero Guy Gibson’s ghost hunted.
The team was led by Paul Drake (aka @spiritsearcher) of Paranormal Lincs International .
The BBC’s coverage report that RAF Scampton staff believe there may be as many as six spirits in the airfield. It was the dog, however, that captured Drake’s attention and it may be the dog that they managed to encounter. He told the Telegraph;
”I saw a picture that had the dog in it, which the photographer said was not there when it was taken, and that has stayed in the back of my mind for a few years.
“After I saw the picture I got in contact with RAF Scampton to see if we could do an investigation. I never dreamed they would say ‘yes’ as it is still an operational base and everything has to go through the base commander.
“But they have been absolutely brilliant and have welcomed us with open arms.”
The group believe the ghost of Nigger may have been present as readings on their electronic magnetic detectors would surge whenever the question; “are you there?” was asked.
In Pure Spirit
Have you been to Lincoln’s RAF Scampton and sensed any ghosts? After our RAF West Raynham post numerous residents and ex-staff stepped forward to say they felt something on the base and an equal number disagreed.
