578 Squadron

The Wheatsheaf was popular with the RAF bomber crews of 578 Squadron, (Just over the fence of Burn Airfield). The off-duty airmen would pop in for some refreshment after long flights over Europe. Airmen from all over the World were based at Burn flying Halifax and Lancaster bombers.

Click on crest for further details

A Halifax of 578 Squadron, piloted by Pilot Officer Barton, was badly damaged by one night-fighter and three crewmen baled out. however, Barton pressed on to the target, then attempted to find his way home, without a navigator. The strong winds blew the aircraft up the East Coast, but they eventually made land at Sunderland. Barton crash-landed the aircraft, his three remaining crew members all survived uninjured, but he was killed. He was awarded a posthumous Victoria Cross 

Directly opposite The Wheatsheaf is a monument to the 219 Airmen who gave their lives whilst serving at RAF Burn. 

"Oh yes we have a ghost" said to be an airman in a great coat, several of our regulars have seen the unlikely customer mostly on Mothers Day.