JFK’s personal visit to Lincolnshire explained
One of the most prominent figures of the 20th century, US President John F Kennedy, left a lasting impact on American and global history. One of the most remarkable events leading up to his tragic assassination in 1963 was his final overseas trip, filled with diplomatic meetings and historic speeches. Amidst the media frenzy surrounding his journeys, a lesser-known visit occurred during his UK stopover in June 1963.
John F Kennedy’s international itinerary in June 1963 was nothing short of grueling. His tour included significant speeches like the “Ich bin ein Berliner” address in Berlin, visits to Ireland and Italy, and a meeting with Pope Paul VI at the Vatican. However, what many are unaware of is a poignant detour he made in Britain on a sunny day in late June. Landing at RAF Waddington in Lincolnshire, President Kennedy embarked on a deeply personal pilgrimage far from the diplomatic spotlight.
Instead of engaging in high-profile diplomatic discussions, Kennedy was on a personal mission that day. Upon his arrival, he was greeted by a welcoming party consisting of senior military officials, the chief constable of Lincolnshire, and station personnel. From there, Kennedy was whisked away in a US Sikorsky military helicopter to Derbyshire to pay homage to his younger sister, Kathleen, buried on the Chatsworth estate in Edensor church. Kathleen, who had married William Cavendish, Marquess of Hartington, heir to the dukedom of Devonshire, tragically perished in a plane crash in 1948.
Christopher Dean from the RAF Waddington Heritage Centre explained that the air station was strategically chosen due to its proximity to Chatsworth House, making it an ideal launching point for Kennedy’s poignant visit. Although the visit was not heavily publicized, locals from Lincoln and Waddington continue to remember the day Air Force One graced the Lincolnshire landscape.
Terry Wells, who was 12 years old at the time, recalled the heightened security that prohibited locals from freely wandering about the base as they normally would. The arrival of the Boeing aircraft, the departure of the helicopter carrying the President, and the elaborate security measures left a lasting impression on Wells and others present that day. Amidst meticulous planning and tight security, Peter Cake’s grandfather, an employee of the telephone company, played a crucial role in ensuring secure communication channels during Kennedy’s visit.
The brief but profound visit by President Kennedy was kept out of the public eye but etched deeply in the memories of those who were present. The president’s party, which included his sister Jean and Defense Secretary Robert McNamara, continued on their journey after a few hours. The return to Waddington marked the end of the heartfelt detour, as the entourage boarded Air Force One once again to head to Sussex to meet Prime Minister Harold Macmillan.
Fast forward 25 years later, from JFK’s visit, the significance of his unexpected stopover in Lincolnshire became even more poignant as it turned out to be his final overseas trip before his tragic assassination. This intimate moment amidst his diplomatic and leadership duties left a profound impact on those who witnessed it—a slice of Lincolnshire history embedded in the hearts and minds of those who were there to experience it firsthand.