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Building 19 – Aircraft Shed No.2 - Type A Hangar, Air Ministry Drg No: 19/244-1260/24 and 720-725/25
The 7 pitched-roof building is the first type of the permanent and opening hangars designed in 1924. It measures 107ft 3in wide and 249ft long. It is constructed of steel stanchions spaced 38ft apart supporting steel frame girders with cantilever gable trusses and steel doors. The wall infill is constructed of reinforced concrete. The hangar was home to 22 Squadron Flight where they tested and reported on bomber types and large civil passenger aircraft. Testing at Martlesham ended in 1939, when the Experimental Units were moved to Boscombe Down. By the late Spring of 1940 Martiesham was a fully operational airfield, when 264(F) Squadron operated Defiant fighters over the beaches of Dunkirk, as troops were being evacuated.
At the far end of the building are metal tracks where the steel doors would have opened and metal rods to which winding handles would have been fitted. At the rear of the building are bullet and shell holes in the wall. The original RAF Watch Office was nearby and was destroyed by a Luftwaffe attack on 15th August 1940. The Blind Landing Experimental Unit moved to Martlesham Heath in early 1946, tasked with the development of blind landing approach and landing systems for the RAF, Navy and Civilian Aircraft.
In front of the hangar-towards the road, is what was the Airfield Guard Room-built in 1929, with offices for the store, fire party, barrack room and guard room with detention cells. Small windows over the doorway show where the cells were. The Control Tower Museum is open Sunday afternoons from Easter-end October. School groups and private visits welcomed by prior arrangement, for a small fee. This information board is provided with support and help from Logicor and The Martlesham Heath Aviation Society.
Information sourced from the MHAS information board.
This is taken at an abandoned RAF base near Ramsey. It's worth a visit if you want to capture military things or old abandoned buidings - it's all open access, just mind all the broken glass!
Fairford, Gloucestershire, UK - July 14th, 2018: Swiss Air Force Mcdonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornet performing its Aerobatic Display at Fairford International Air Tattoo RIAT 2018
Fairford, Gloucestershire, UK - July 14th, 2018: Belgian Air Force Lockheed Martin General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon completes its Aerobatic Display at Fairford International Air Tattoo RIAT
Armstrong Whitworth Meteor. Photograph taken at East Fortune Airfield, East Lothian , Edinburgh November 2011
RAF Watton opened in 1937 it was used by both the RAF and USAAF during World War II. During the war it was used primarily as a bomber airfield, being the home of RAF Bomber Command squadrons until being used by the United States Army Air Forces Eighth Air Force as a major overhaul depot for Consolidated B-24 Liberator bombers and as a weather reconnaissance base. After the war, it was returned to RAF use until being turned over to the British Army in the early 1990's. It was closed then put up for sale. RAF Watton was a permanent RAF station built by John Laing & Son in 1937, and first used as a light bomber airfield housing for varying periods by RAF Bomber Command. The following squadrons and units were based at RAF Watton at some point during this time:
▪︎No. 18 Squadron RAF between 21st May 1940 and 26th May 1940. The squadron operated the Bristol Blenheim IV before moving to RAF Gatwick.
▪︎No. 21 Squadron RAF from 2nd March 1939 with the Blenheim I before upgrading to the Blenheim IV in September 1939. The squadron had detachments at RAF Bassingbourn, RAF Horsham St Faith and RAF Bodney before all of the squadron moved to RAF Lossiemouth on 24th June 1940 however this was not for long as on 30th October 1940 the squadron moved back to RAF Watton and had detachments at RAF Bodney, RAF Manston, RAF Lossiemouth and RAF Luqa. The squadron moved to Luqa on 25th December 1941.
▪︎No. 34 Squadron RAF was based at RAF Watton between 2nd March 1939 and 12th August 1939 with the Blenheim I before leaving for the Far east.
▪︎No. 82 Squadron RAF between 22nd August 1939 and 21st March 1942. The squadron operated the Blenheim I alongside the Mk IV until September 1939 when the Mk I was discontinued and the Mk IV started as the main type, 82 Squadron had detachments at RAF Odiham, RAF Lossiemouth, RAF Tangmere and RAF Luqa. The squadron then moved to the Far east.
▪︎No. 90 Squadron RAF reformed here on 3rd May 1941 with the Boeing Fortress I with an detachment at RAF Great Massingham before moving to RAF West Raynham on 15th May 1941.
▪︎No. 105 Squadron RAF between 10th July 1940 and 31st October 1940 operating the Blenheim IV before moving to RAF Swanton Morley.
▪︎No. 17 (Pilots) Advanced Flying Unit RAF until July 1943.
In 1943 RAF Watton was turned over to the United States Army Air Forces Eighth Air Force for use as an air depot. The airfield was originally grass surfaced but, during the American tenure, the airfield had a 2,000 yd long concrete runway constructed. A concrete perimeter track was built and a total of fifty-three hardstandings, of which forty-one were spectacle and twelve of the frying-pan type.
The four original C-type hangars, arranged in the usual crescent on the northern side of the airfield, were backed by the permanent buildings of the pre-war RAF camp. Additional hangars were added and three blister hangars at dispersals. The construction of the airfield necessitated the closure of two public roads. RAF Watton was given USAAF designation Station 376.
Under the American tenancy, RAF Watton was expanded to become the 3rd Strategic Air Depot, which was the major overhaul and repair of the Consolidated B-24 Liberator's of the 2nd Air Division. The air depot complex was adjacent to RAF Watton airfield and built in the village of Griston to the south, bordering the B1077 road. However, the depot was known officially as Neaton, given USAAF designation Station 505, a village located to the north of Watton town. The 3rd Strategic Air Depot remained operational until the American departure in July 1945.
RAF Watton was also the home of the 25th Bombardment Group (Reconnaissance) which was formed at RAF Watton as the 802nd Reconnaissance Group in February 1944. The unit was renamed the 25th on 9th August 1944. Its operational units were:
▪︎652d Bombardment Squadron (Heavy) B-17F/G, B-24J.
▪︎653d Bombardment Squadron (Light) de Havilland Mosquito Mk XVI.(WX)
▪︎654th Bombardment Squadron (Special) de Havilland Mosquito Mk XVI (BA), North American B-25 Mitchell, Martin B-26G Marauder, Douglas A-26 Invader.
The 652d Bomb Squadron originated as a provisional weather reconnaissance unit that was formed at RAF St Eval in Cornwall with Boeing B-17 Flying Fortresse's on 8th September 1943 for conducting meteorological fights over the Atlantic Ocean. In November 1943 the unit moved to RAF Bovingdon after flying 231 weather sorties. At RAF Bovington, the squadron was reorganized as the 8th Weather Reconnaissance Squadron on 28th March 1944, then transferred to RAF Watton on 12th April 1944.
The 653d and 654th Bomb Squadron's were established at RAF Watton on 12th April for special weather reconnaissance missions over enemy-occupied territory in advance of bomber formations and visual coverage of target strikes. Pilots for the Mosquito's came from former Lockheed P-38 Lightning of the 50th Fighter Squadron transferred from the 342d Composite Group based in Iceland.
From RAF Watton the 25th continued weather flights over the waters adjacent to the British Isles and occasionally to the Azores to obtain meteorological data along with night photographic missions to detect enemy activity; and daylight photographic and mapping missions over the Continent. Also, the group occasionally engaged in electronic-countermeasure missions in which chaff was spread to confuse enemy defences during Allied attacks. The 25th Bomb Group moved to Drew AAF, Florida during July–August 1945 and was inactivated on 8th September 1945. The group flew a total of 3,370 sorties for the loss of 15 aircraft.
After the war, RAF Watton reverted to RAF control on 27th September 1945. It was used by various flying units of RAF Signals Command, No. 199 Squadron RAF, for example being based at RAF Watton in the early 1950's with Mosquito NF36's operating with the Central Signals Establishment, and in 1953 116 Squadron operated with Avro Lincolns, a Hasting and a number of Mk. II Avro Anson's. The last three Lincoln's serving with No. 151 Squadron on signals duties were withdrawn in March 1963. The following squadrons and units were based at Watton at some point during this time:
▪︎No. 51 Squadron RAF reformed at RAF Watton on 21st August 1958 with the English Electric Canberra Mk. B.2 and B.6 and the de Havilland Comet C.2(R). The squadron also started the Handley Page Hastings C.1 from February 1963 however shortly after this on 31st March 1963 the squadron moved to RAF Wyton.
▪︎No. 97 Squadron RAF reformed here on 25th May 1963 with the Vickers Varsity T.1, Canberra Mk. B.2 and the Hastings C.2. On 2nd January 1967 the squadron was disbanded here.
▪︎No. 98 Squadron RAF between 1st October 1963 and 17th April 1969 with the Canberra B.2 before moving to RAF Cottesmore.
▪︎No. 115 Squadron RAF between 1st October 1963 and 9th April 1969 when the squadron moved to RAF Cottesmore. The squadron operated the Varsity T.1, Vickers Valetta C.1, Hastings C.2 and Armstrong Whitworth AW.660 Argosy E.1.
▪︎No. 116 Squadron RAF between 1st August 1952 and 21st August 1958. The squadron reformed here when 'N' Calibration Squadron was redesignated with the Avro Anson C.19, Avro Lincoln B.2, Hastings C.1 and the Varsity T.1. 116 Squadron was renumbered to 115 Squadron on 21st August 1958.
▪︎No. 151 Squadron RAF reformed here on 1st January 1962 being designated from the Signals Development Squadron. 151 Squadron operated the Lincoln B.2, Hastings C.1 & C.2, Varsity T.1 and the Canberra B.2 before being disbanded on 25th May 1963 still at RAF Watton.
▪︎No. 192 Squadron RAF reformed at Watton on 15th July 1951. The squadron operated the Mosquito PR 34, Lincoln B.2, Boeing Washington B.1, Canberra B.2 & B.6, Varsity T.1 and the Comet C.2(R). 192 Squadron were disbanded on 21st August 1958 still at RAF Watton.
▪︎No. 199 Squadron RAF reformed here on 15th July 1951 operating the Lincoln B.2 and the Mosquito NF 36 before moving to RAF Hemswell on 17th April 1952.
▪︎No. 245 Squadron RAF reformed at RAF Watton on 21st August 1958 with the Canberra B.2 before moving to RAF Tangmere on 25th August 1958.
▪︎No. 263 Squadron RAF operated Bristol Bloodhound Mk. I anti-aircraft missiles from 1st June 1959 to 30th June 1963.
▪︎No. 360 Squadron RAF formed here on 23rd September 1966 with the Canberra B.2, B.6 and T.17 before moving to RAF Cottesmore on 21st April 1969.
▪︎No. 527 Squadron RAF reformed here on 1st August 1952 as a redesignation of 'R' Calibration Squadron. The squadron operated the Mosquito B.35, Anson C.19, Lincoln B.2, Gloster Meteor NF 11 & NF 14, Varsity T.1, Canberra B.2 & PR 7 and the Meteor NF 11 before being disbanded here on 21st August 1958.
▪︎No. 24 (Air Defence Missile) Wing RAF.
▪︎No. 2724 Squadron RAF Regiment.
▪︎No. 4038 Anti-Aircraft Flight RAF Regiment.
▪︎No. 4179 Anti-Aircraft Flight RAF Regiment.
▪︎No. 4183 Anti-Aircraft Flight RAF Regiment.
▪︎No. 4219 Anti-Aircraft Flight RAF Regiment.
▪︎No. 4220 Anti-Aircraft Flight RAF Regiment.
▪︎Air Defence Missile Operations Training School (January 1960 – January 1961) became the Surface-to-Air Missile Operational Training School (June 1961 – January 1964)
▪︎Electronic Warfare Engineering and Training Unit (January 1971)
▪︎Electronic Warfare Support Wing (July 1965 – April 1969) became Electronic Warfare Support Unit (April 1969 – January 1971)
▪︎Ground Controlled Approach Operators School (September 1946 – March 1952)
▪︎Radio Warfare Establishment (April 1945 – September 1946) became CSE
▪︎RAF Watton Flying Club.
▪︎Signals Command Air Radio Laboratories (July 1965 – January 1969) became Signals Air Radio Laboratories (January 1969 – January 1971)
By the 1970's, the aircraft at RAF Watton had been replaced by technology and, at the beginning of 1973, the Matelo system of HF communication was supplied to Strike Command by Marconi Communications Systems. In 1969, 1970, 1989 and 1990 RAF Watton was the location of the annual Royal Observer Corps summer training camps when up to 400 observers per week attended specialist training. For the latter two years RAF Watton had already closed for active RAF use and was on a care and maintenance basis, temporary support catering and security staff being drafted in from nearby stations to support the ROC presence.
With the installation of secondary surveillance radar (SSR) at RAF Watton, the station became one of the five units in the joint military/civil National Air Traffic Services Organisation with Eastern Radar until the 1980's. Then in the 1990's, the airfield came into use by the Army in connection with the nearby Stanford Training Area (STANTA). In December 1990 Hockley Estate Agents on behalf of Defence Estates put up for sale the entire 157 post war NCO Married Quarter site located on the south side of the Norwich Road. The successful tenderer was Roger Byron-Collins' Welbeck Estate Group who, since 1980, has acquired 36 former MoD sites from HM Government including near to Watton the MoD sites at RAF West Raynham and RAF Sculthorpe. This entire married quarter estate were subsequently developed by Wallsend Properties.
The site was home to 611 VGS (Volunteer Gliding Squadron) flying Viking Gliders for the Air Cadet Organisation. 611 VGS ceased operations in April 2012, following the sale of most of the airfield to private landowners. A large part of the site has been developed into the Blenheim Grange housing estate, which is actually officially part of Carbrooke.
Information sourced from – en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RAF_Watton
Fairford, Gloucestershire, UK - July 14th, 2018: Swiss Air Force Mcdonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornet performing its Aerobatic Display at Fairford International Air Tattoo RIAT 2018
Building 37 – Main Stores, Air Ministry Drg No: C.C.192.
▪︎MARTLESHAM HEATH AIRFIELD – “The Cradle of British Aviation”▪︎
Martlesham Heath has enjoyed a long and varied aviation history, over many different periods of peace and war. They have attempted to summarise this into a number of key highlights.
For more information, facts, figures and insights please visit the MHAS Museum – They look forward to your visit !
▪︎World War I – Early beginnings –
The Royal Flying Corps came into being on 13th March 1912 and the Central Flying School was established at Upavon in Wiltshire at around the same time. Upavon soon began to expand its activities and in 1915 the Armament Experimental Flight of the Experimental Flying section of the Central Flying School was moved to Orfordness in Suffolk. Soon it became apparent that the Aircraft Testing Flight, which was still at Upavon, should be sited nearer to the Armament Flight.
Under the leadership of Henry Tizard, a technical officer, a survey was carried out to locate a suitable site, close to Orfordness and a railway station to London, capable of containing both the Armament Experimental Flight and the Aircraft Testing Flight. Martlesham Heath was chosen and thus began the aviation history of this area. The new airfield was dedicated on the 16th January 1917 but prior to its dedication, in late 1916, the Aeroplane Experimental Flight moved in and the new airfield was named as the Aeroplane Experimental Station.
▪︎Between the Wars –
On 1st April 1918, the RFC merged with the Royal Naval Air Service to become the Royal Air Force, with Martlesham’s importance continuing to grow, eventually being renamed the Aeroplane and Armament Experimental Establishment (A&AEE) in 1924. The A&AEE carried out the evaluation and testing of over 400 different aircraft types, both military and civilian, during the inter-war years and much of the armament and other equipment that would later be used during the Second World War tested over Orfordness.
▪︎World War II – The Battle of Britain 1940 –
The A&AEE moved to RAF Boscombe Down on 9th September 1939 at the outbreak of the Second World War and RAF Martlesham then undertook a key role in the “Battle of Britain”, becoming the most northerly station of No. 11 Group RAF Fighter Command. During the course of the battle several squadrons rotated through RAF Martlesham operating Bristol Blenheim's, Boulton Paul Defiants and Hawker Hurricane's.
During the latter stages of the ''Battle of Britain'', the German Luftwaffe targeted many RAF Fighter Command airfields and RAF Martlesham came under attack on the 15th August 1940, with the resulting extensive damage taking a full day to repair. On 11th November 1940 shortly after the end of the ''Battle Of Britain'', one of RAF Martlesham’s resident Hurricane squadrons (257) were involved in air to air combat with elements of the Italian Air Force’s Regia Aeronautica over the coast near Harwich claiming a number of Fiat BR.20 bombers and CR.42 biplane fighters destroyed.
▪︎World War II – On to the Offensive 1941–1942 –
During 1941-42 RAF Fighter Command operated a policy whereby their squadrons were regularly rotated to ensure that they did not become ‘battle weary’. This meant that often a squadron might only be based at an airfield for a few weeks and during this time RAF Martlesham saw around 30 different units stationed there. The RAF had an international flavour to it and squadrons of Canadians, Australians, New Zealanders, Poles, Czechs, Belgians and Norwegians were all based there.
As the Hawker Hurricane became obsolete these squadrons were primarily equipped with newer marks of the Supermarine Spitfire such as the Vb and at least four squadrons of the RAF’s new fighter bomber, the Hawker Typhoon. In early 1941 the RAF were mainly engaged in Home Defence duties, patrolling the coast line against German raiders or protecting convoys. By early 1942 however RAF Fighter Command’s primary objective was to take the war to the enemy over occupied Europe. This new offensive saw the RAF’s fighter squadrons embarking on a variety of routine operations, each type given a specific codename.
''The Eagle Squadrons'' – The Eagle Squadrons were three fighter squadrons of the Royal Air Force (71, 121 and 133), formed with volunteer pilots from the United States prior to America's entry into the war in December 1941. Under American law, it was illegal for United States citizens to join the armed forces of foreign nations. In doing so, they lost their citizenship. Even so many American citizens volunteered to fly with the Royal Air Force before America officially entered the war in December 1941. Although all three squadrons flew from RAF Martlesham only 71 Squadron were based at there on a permanent basis.
''AirSea Rescue'' – Sharing the airfield with the fighter squadrons between 1942 and the end of 1944 was an Air Sea Rescue unit - 'A' Flight, of 277 Squadron. The unit flew a variety of aircraft including Supermarine Walrus flying boats, Boulton Paul Defiants, Westland Lysander's and a number of ‘war weary’ Spitfire Mk. II’s & VB’s.
''Famous Faces'' – A number of ‘high profile’ pilots served at RAF Martlesham Heath with the most notably were Douglas Bader, Robert Stanford Tuck, Peter Townsend and John ‘Paddy’ Hemingway the last known surviving ''Battle Of Britain'' pilot.
▪︎World War II – Enter the USAAF 1943–1945 –
In 1943, RAF Martlesham Heath became one of a group of grass-surfaced airfields earmarked for use by fighters of the United States Army Air Forces (USAAF) Eighth Air Force. The airfield was assigned the USAAF designation Station 369 and subsequently ‘hardened’ through the laying of asphalt runways, on top of a base of compressed sand.
The Control Tower (now the museum), a USAAF requirement, was built to centralize aircraft and vehicle movements. During this period, the RAF jointly occupied the airfield, with 56 Squadron flying Hawker Typhoon's attacking targets in Europe and shipping in the North Sea as well as 277 Squadron continuing to provide their Air Sea Rescue Role. The airfield was first used by the P-47 Thunderbolt’s of the 356th Fighter Group, 8th USAAF in October 1943, arriving from RAF Goxhill after a period of training. The 356th Fighter Group consisted of three squadrons:
▪︎359th Fighter Squadron (OC)
▪︎360th Fighter Squadron (PI)
▪︎361st Fighter Squadron (QI)
The 356th flew combat from October 1943, initially operating as escorts for the B-17 Flying Fortresses and B-24 Liberator's of the 8th Air Force’s Bomb Groups. From early 1944 they began undertaking bombing and strafing missions against a range of targets in occupied Europe and these intensified in the run up to the D-Day landings on 6th June 1944. The 356th also played a critical role in support of ''Operation Market Garden'' (the Arnhem operation) in September 1944 to neutralize enemy gun emplacements, suffering heavy losses in the process. For this action they were awarded a Distinguished Unit Citation.
The 356th relinquished their Thunderbolt’s in November 1944 to be replaced by the P-51 Mustang. Unlike the P-47’s which carried no unit markings other than squadron codes, the 356th‘s Mustang's were among the most strikingly marked in the 8th AF and carried a red/blue diamond pattern on their engine cowlings as well as spinners, canopy rails and rudders in the individual squadron colours of Yellow for the 359FS, Red for the 360FS and Blue for the 361FS.
Between the first mission on 15th October 1943, and their final mission on 7th May 1945, the 356th was credited with destroying 277 enemy planes, probably destroying 23 more, and damaging a further 192. In addition, although exact numbers are unknown they were credited with the destruction of hundreds of vehicles, trains, rail cars, tanks, bridges, buildings, flak emplacements, munitions and fuel dumps, barges and a host of other ground targets. The 356th lost 122 aircraft in action and 71 pilots made the ultimate sacrifice either in combat or due to accidents. By October 1945 the 356th had left RAF Martlesham for home and the unit was formally deactivated on 10th November 1945.
▪︎Postwar - A return to aircraft research & development role –
With the departure of the USAAF, the airfield reverted to the RAF in a research and development role, although significantly scaled down from the pre-war days. In the immediate postwar years, Fighter Command squadrons were in residence at RAF Martlesham but the proximity to Ipswich and the physical limitations on lengthening the runways restricted jet operation. In an effort to improve the station and allow jet aircraft to operate the main runway was extended in 1955, by the addition of concrete aprons at the ends of the main runway.
The Blind Landing Experimental Unit and the Bomb Ballistics Unit both became operational in September 1945 at RAF Martlesham. The two units eventually merged and were finally moved from RAF Martlesham airfield to the Royal Aircraft Establishment at Farnborough and Bedford.
The Battle of Britain Flight moved to the airfield in 1958 and left in 1961. It consisted of Hurricane's and Spitfire's but without a Lancaster. Much later It was renamed “The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight.” once the Lancaster joined the unit. Following this, the airfield reverted to care and maintenance status, and passed the time as a Gliding and air experience unit for Air Training Corps (A.T.C), flying mainly at weekends. the Air Ministry closed the facility on 25th April 1963.
▪︎Today - A new role and focus –
RAF Martlesham Heath has now become a flourishing residential and industrial area, but much evidence of the airfield still remains. Nearby, on the old RAF parade ground, stands a memorial erected to the memory of 73 members of the 356th Fighter Group who lost their lives in World War II. Alongside is a memorial to those of the RAF (British and Commonwealth and Dominion Air Forces (French, Czech, Polish, Norwegian etc.) who flew with or worked alongside the RAF. In between the two memorials is a special one remembering the Scientists and Engineers from the British Aircraft industry, who mostly died in flying accidents whilst testing and helping develop aircraft at RAF Martlesham Heath. The Control Tower, built in the Second World War, has now been repurposed to become the location of the MHAS Museum since 2000 – keeping the story of the airfield alive.
Information sourced from – Airfield History share.google/cU9HNPi0fsN4QAm0u
Fairford, Gloucestershire, UK - July 14th, 2018: Belgian Air Force Lockheed Martin General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon completes its Aerobatic Display at Fairford International Air Tattoo RIAT
Fairford, Gloucestershire, UK - July 14th, 2018: Swiss Air Force Mcdonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornet performing its Aerobatic Display at Fairford International Air Tattoo RIAT 2018
Fairford, Gloucestershire, UK - July 14th, 2018: Swiss Air Force Mcdonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornet performing its Aerobatic Display at Fairford International Air Tattoo RIAT 2018
Fairford, Gloucestershire, UK - July 14th, 2018: Swiss Air Force Mcdonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornet performing its Aerobatic Display at Fairford International Air Tattoo RIAT 2018
The Post War Yarnold Sanger Guard Post is reminiscent of the World War II Norcon Pillbox it's made of cast concrete sections rather than sections of pipe. Named after it's inventor and manufactured by the Arc Co. The standard design consists of five sections, a floor, two blank sections, a loopholed section and a roof. Extra sections can be added for extra height or added loophole sizes. Halved wall sections can be added to provide a protective screen around the entrance. Banked up earth to loophole level with an access trench gave further protection. Normally a free standing sentry/guard post sited near gateways, they were often painted white, green or camouflage colours. They were used by all three forces, those who regularly stood on guard never complained of their vulnerability, but how cold they were inside !
The Remote Radar Head Neatishead (RRH Neatishead), is an air defence radar site operated by the Royal Air Force (RAF). Originally known as Royal Air Force Station Neatishead, or commonly RAF Neatishead, it was established during the World War II, and consists of the main technical site located at Neatishead, together with a number of remote, and sometimes unmanned sites.
The station motto is Caelum Tuemur, meaning ''We Watch over the Sky''. The station badge depicts the lowered head of a horned bull; and relates to the origins of the word 'Neatishead', meaning 'the vassal's household'. RAF Neatishead was previously 'parented' (for administrative and support functions) by the nearby RAF Coltishall (a fighter station latterly operating four squadrons of the ground-attack SEPECAT Jaguar). Following the closure of RAF Coltishall in 2006, RRH Neatishead became parented by RAF Marham in West Norfolk.
When RAF Neatishead was first established, its primary function was as a 'Control and Reporting Centre' (CRC) for the south of the United Kingdom. Equipment previously located in the base included: Type 7 GCI, AN/FPS-6 height finding radar, Type 80 'Green Garlic' radar, Type 84 radar, Type 85 'Blue Yeoman' radar, 3 Decca (later Plessey) HF200 height finding radars, and a R15 radar.
On 16th February 1966, a fire broke out in the bunker, RAF station fire teams were unsuccessful in putting the fire out and so local civilian fire crews were called. Three civilian firefighters died and the fire burned for nine days before it was fully extinguished. Later that year, LAC Cheeseman was sentenced to seven years for starting the fire and causing the deaths. The station was closed for eight years, re-opening in 1974 after a major rebuild of the bunker complex.
The operational nature of the work undertaken at Neatishead was transferred to the previously mothballed site at RAF Bawdsey in 1966, with Bawdsey reverting to a care and maintenance programme when Neatishead came back on line in 1974. In November 1982, Group Captain Joan Hopkins took command of the station, becoming the first female RAF officer to take command of an operational station. During July 1990 the Type 85 radar was decommissioned after 23 years of use, it was replaced by the Type 93.
In April 2004, the decision was taken to substantially reduce activities at RAF Neatishead, and by 2006, the base had been downgraded from an RAF station to Remote Radar Head (RRH) status, but its adjacent museum remains open. Its former gate guardian, a F-4 Phantom previously based at RAF Wattisham, was cut up for scrap in 2005 despite interest from the Radar Museum. In October 2006, local news media reported that a buyer had been found for the now disused section of the base. The 25½ acres site was advertised again in January 2010, with an asking price of £4,000,000. The site was subsequently purchased for an undisclosed amount by Zimbabwean-born British entrepreneur William Sachiti.
RRH Neatishead controls the remote site of RRH Trimingham with its Lockheed TPS 77 radar. It forms part of the UK's air defences – namely the UK 'Air Surveillance And Control System' (ASACS), and is part of the larger NATO air defence. RRH Neatishead is adjacent to the RAF Air Defence Radar Museum. In July 2022, it was announced that the radar equipment at RAF Trimingham would be moved 8 miles to the RRH Neatishead site due to the threat of coastal erosion, and the increased interference experienced by radar operators from the off-shore wind turbines; the move was completed by the end of 2023.
Information sourced from – en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/RAF_Neatishead
Fairford, Gloucestershire, UK - July 14th, 2018: Canadian Air Force Mcdonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornet performing its Aerobatic Display at Fairford International Air Tattoo RIAT 2018
Fairford, Gloucestershire, UK - July 14th, 2018: Canadian Air Force Mcdonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornet performing its Aerobatic Display at Fairford International Air Tattoo RIAT 2018
Building 37 – Main Stores, Air Ministry Drg No: C.C.192.
▪︎MARTLESHAM HEATH AIRFIELD – “The Cradle of British Aviation”▪︎
Martlesham Heath has enjoyed a long and varied aviation history, over many different periods of peace and war. They have attempted to summarise this into a number of key highlights.
For more information, facts, figures and insights please visit the MHAS Museum – They look forward to your visit !
▪︎World War I – Early beginnings –
The Royal Flying Corps came into being on 13th March 1912 and the Central Flying School was established at Upavon in Wiltshire at around the same time. Upavon soon began to expand its activities and in 1915 the Armament Experimental Flight of the Experimental Flying section of the Central Flying School was moved to Orfordness in Suffolk. Soon it became apparent that the Aircraft Testing Flight, which was still at Upavon, should be sited nearer to the Armament Flight.
Under the leadership of Henry Tizard, a technical officer, a survey was carried out to locate a suitable site, close to Orfordness and a railway station to London, capable of containing both the Armament Experimental Flight and the Aircraft Testing Flight. Martlesham Heath was chosen and thus began the aviation history of this area. The new airfield was dedicated on the 16th January 1917 but prior to its dedication, in late 1916, the Aeroplane Experimental Flight moved in and the new airfield was named as the Aeroplane Experimental Station.
▪︎Between the Wars –
On 1st April 1918, the RFC merged with the Royal Naval Air Service to become the Royal Air Force, with Martlesham’s importance continuing to grow, eventually being renamed the Aeroplane and Armament Experimental Establishment (A&AEE) in 1924. The A&AEE carried out the evaluation and testing of over 400 different aircraft types, both military and civilian, during the inter-war years and much of the armament and other equipment that would later be used during the Second World War tested over Orfordness.
▪︎World War II – The Battle of Britain 1940 –
The A&AEE moved to RAF Boscombe Down on 9th September 1939 at the outbreak of the Second World War and RAF Martlesham then undertook a key role in the “Battle of Britain”, becoming the most northerly station of No. 11 Group RAF Fighter Command. During the course of the battle several squadrons rotated through RAF Martlesham operating Bristol Blenheim's, Boulton Paul Defiants and Hawker Hurricane's.
During the latter stages of the ''Battle of Britain'', the German Luftwaffe targeted many RAF Fighter Command airfields and RAF Martlesham came under attack on the 15th August 1940, with the resulting extensive damage taking a full day to repair. On 11th November 1940 shortly after the end of the ''Battle Of Britain'', one of RAF Martlesham’s resident Hurricane squadrons (257) were involved in air to air combat with elements of the Italian Air Force’s Regia Aeronautica over the coast near Harwich claiming a number of Fiat BR.20 bombers and CR.42 biplane fighters destroyed.
▪︎World War II – On to the Offensive 1941–1942 –
During 1941-42 RAF Fighter Command operated a policy whereby their squadrons were regularly rotated to ensure that they did not become ‘battle weary’. This meant that often a squadron might only be based at an airfield for a few weeks and during this time RAF Martlesham saw around 30 different units stationed there. The RAF had an international flavour to it and squadrons of Canadians, Australians, New Zealanders, Poles, Czechs, Belgians and Norwegians were all based there.
As the Hawker Hurricane became obsolete these squadrons were primarily equipped with newer marks of the Supermarine Spitfire such as the Vb and at least four squadrons of the RAF’s new fighter bomber, the Hawker Typhoon. In early 1941 the RAF were mainly engaged in Home Defence duties, patrolling the coast line against German raiders or protecting convoys. By early 1942 however RAF Fighter Command’s primary objective was to take the war to the enemy over occupied Europe. This new offensive saw the RAF’s fighter squadrons embarking on a variety of routine operations, each type given a specific codename.
''The Eagle Squadrons'' – The Eagle Squadrons were three fighter squadrons of the Royal Air Force (71, 121 and 133), formed with volunteer pilots from the United States prior to America's entry into the war in December 1941. Under American law, it was illegal for United States citizens to join the armed forces of foreign nations. In doing so, they lost their citizenship. Even so many American citizens volunteered to fly with the Royal Air Force before America officially entered the war in December 1941. Although all three squadrons flew from RAF Martlesham only 71 Squadron were based at there on a permanent basis.
''AirSea Rescue'' – Sharing the airfield with the fighter squadrons between 1942 and the end of 1944 was an Air Sea Rescue unit - 'A' Flight, of 277 Squadron. The unit flew a variety of aircraft including Supermarine Walrus flying boats, Boulton Paul Defiants, Westland Lysander's and a number of ‘war weary’ Spitfire Mk. II’s & VB’s.
''Famous Faces'' – A number of ‘high profile’ pilots served at RAF Martlesham Heath with the most notably were Douglas Bader, Robert Stanford Tuck, Peter Townsend and John ‘Paddy’ Hemingway the last known surviving ''Battle Of Britain'' pilot.
▪︎World War II – Enter the USAAF 1943–1945 –
In 1943, RAF Martlesham Heath became one of a group of grass-surfaced airfields earmarked for use by fighters of the United States Army Air Forces (USAAF) Eighth Air Force. The airfield was assigned the USAAF designation Station 369 and subsequently ‘hardened’ through the laying of asphalt runways, on top of a base of compressed sand.
The Control Tower (now the museum), a USAAF requirement, was built to centralize aircraft and vehicle movements. During this period, the RAF jointly occupied the airfield, with 56 Squadron flying Hawker Typhoon's attacking targets in Europe and shipping in the North Sea as well as 277 Squadron continuing to provide their Air Sea Rescue Role. The airfield was first used by the P-47 Thunderbolt’s of the 356th Fighter Group, 8th USAAF in October 1943, arriving from RAF Goxhill after a period of training. The 356th Fighter Group consisted of three squadrons:
▪︎359th Fighter Squadron (OC)
▪︎360th Fighter Squadron (PI)
▪︎361st Fighter Squadron (QI)
The 356th flew combat from October 1943, initially operating as escorts for the B-17 Flying Fortresses and B-24 Liberator's of the 8th Air Force’s Bomb Groups. From early 1944 they began undertaking bombing and strafing missions against a range of targets in occupied Europe and these intensified in the run up to the D-Day landings on 6th June 1944. The 356th also played a critical role in support of ''Operation Market Garden'' (the Arnhem operation) in September 1944 to neutralize enemy gun emplacements, suffering heavy losses in the process. For this action they were awarded a Distinguished Unit Citation.
The 356th relinquished their Thunderbolt’s in November 1944 to be replaced by the P-51 Mustang. Unlike the P-47’s which carried no unit markings other than squadron codes, the 356th‘s Mustang's were among the most strikingly marked in the 8th AF and carried a red/blue diamond pattern on their engine cowlings as well as spinners, canopy rails and rudders in the individual squadron colours of Yellow for the 359FS, Red for the 360FS and Blue for the 361FS.
Between the first mission on 15th October 1943, and their final mission on 7th May 1945, the 356th was credited with destroying 277 enemy planes, probably destroying 23 more, and damaging a further 192. In addition, although exact numbers are unknown they were credited with the destruction of hundreds of vehicles, trains, rail cars, tanks, bridges, buildings, flak emplacements, munitions and fuel dumps, barges and a host of other ground targets. The 356th lost 122 aircraft in action and 71 pilots made the ultimate sacrifice either in combat or due to accidents. By October 1945 the 356th had left RAF Martlesham for home and the unit was formally deactivated on 10th November 1945.
▪︎Postwar - A return to aircraft research & development role –
With the departure of the USAAF, the airfield reverted to the RAF in a research and development role, although significantly scaled down from the pre-war days. In the immediate postwar years, Fighter Command squadrons were in residence at RAF Martlesham but the proximity to Ipswich and the physical limitations on lengthening the runways restricted jet operation. In an effort to improve the station and allow jet aircraft to operate the main runway was extended in 1955, by the addition of concrete aprons at the ends of the main runway.
The Blind Landing Experimental Unit and the Bomb Ballistics Unit both became operational in September 1945 at RAF Martlesham. The two units eventually merged and were finally moved from RAF Martlesham airfield to the Royal Aircraft Establishment at Farnborough and Bedford.
The Battle of Britain Flight moved to the airfield in 1958 and left in 1961. It consisted of Hurricane's and Spitfire's but without a Lancaster. Much later It was renamed “The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight.” once the Lancaster joined the unit. Following this, the airfield reverted to care and maintenance status, and passed the time as a Gliding and air experience unit for Air Training Corps (A.T.C), flying mainly at weekends. the Air Ministry closed the facility on 25th April 1963.
▪︎Today - A new role and focus –
RAF Martlesham Heath has now become a flourishing residential and industrial area, but much evidence of the airfield still remains. Nearby, on the old RAF parade ground, stands a memorial erected to the memory of 73 members of the 356th Fighter Group who lost their lives in World War II. Alongside is a memorial to those of the RAF (British and Commonwealth and Dominion Air Forces (French, Czech, Polish, Norwegian etc.) who flew with or worked alongside the RAF. In between the two memorials is a special one remembering the Scientists and Engineers from the British Aircraft industry, who mostly died in flying accidents whilst testing and helping develop aircraft at RAF Martlesham Heath. The Control Tower, built in the Second World War, has now been repurposed to become the location of the MHAS Museum since 2000 – keeping the story of the airfield alive.
Information sourced from – Airfield History share.google/cU9HNPi0fsN4QAm0u