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John Arnott — 12 October 2005

Rufforth aerodrome was an RAF base for bomber aircraft, usually the ‘Halifax’ a Yorkshire named bomber, well named, without any doubt! Crew members on occasions spoke to the local people of their feelings about the significance of take off and landing…..

“Once in the air the battle had begun�

These thoughts endeavour to remember the sense of imminent danger… and fear… suffered by aircrew as soon as they were airborne.

THE RUFFORTH FRONT LINE

Rufforth aerodrome
’41…2…3...´Ç°ù…4…
Time doesn’t matter
‘Cos the front line… was there.

Yes, the front line… oh yes
The front line was there…dividing life off…
Those airmen knew it…
They’d crossed it you see

Yes the front line was there
At Rufforth aerodrome,
And that line was real, to see and to fear…!
For it was the runway itself that divided the night.

From lift off to landing
Time fused, stood still…
The nightmare was real
Between the ‘wheels up’ and ‘touch down’

Those Halifax bombers
…roaring their might!
Bellies swollen…heaving…heavy…
Climbing, head high into night.

But so proud, those crews were…
Of their Yorkshire craft.
Far better in this, than…
That Lancashire twin!

From the moment of flight
And the line, behind…
The crews were airborne…and
War was now.

Obeying commands, setting the course
Afraid of the end, thinking of home.
Flickering lights, it’s lonely around
The Huns below, get me home!

Cologne, Essex, Hamburg or Keil
Were these targets of Halifax men?
No, the real target was Rufforth, safe and sound…
Cologne… Essen were only half way round!

Yes that line was a symbol of bravery indeed
Because ice cold terror was there to be sure,
For we mustn’t forget the frailty of men
Hiding their tears and cowardice as well.

The front line was there
At Rufforth aerodrome
’41…2…o°ù…4
That line…remembers…them.

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