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Coordinates: 51°41′N 001°19′W / 51.683°N 1.317°W / 51.683; -1.317
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Added mention of a crash during Abingdon airshow 14 May 2017 to the 'Accidents/incidents' section.
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{{Short description|Former Royal Air Force station in Oxfordshire, England}}
{{EngvarB|date=September 2017}}
{{Use British English|date=August 2023}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2017}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2017}}
{{More citations needed|date=October 2012}}
{{More citations needed|date=October 2012}}
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| alt2 = Station badge
| alt2 = Station badge
| caption2 = ''Proudly''
| caption2 = ''Proudly''
| type = [[Royal Air Force station]]
| type = [[List of former Royal Air Force stations|Royal Air Force station]]
| coordinates = {{coord|51|41|N|001|19|W|type:airport_region:GB|display=inline,title}}
| coordinates = {{coord|51|41|N|001|19|W|type:airport_region:GB|display=inline,title}}
| pushpin_map = Oxfordshire
| pushpin_map = Oxfordshire
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| ownership = [[Ministry of Defence (United Kingdom)|Ministry of Defence]]
| ownership = [[Ministry of Defence (United Kingdom)|Ministry of Defence]]
| operator = [[Royal Air Force]]
| operator = [[Royal Air Force]]
| controlledby = [[RAF Bomber Command]]<BR>[[RAF Transport Command]]
| controlledby = [[RAF Bomber Command]]{{sfn|Falconer|2012|p=32}}<BR>* [[No. 6 Group RAF]]<BR>* [[No. 91 Group RAF|No. 91 (OTU) Group RAF]]<BR>[[RAF Transport Command]]
| open_to_public = <!-- for out of use sites/sites with museums etc -->
| open_to_public = <!-- for out of use sites/sites with museums etc -->
| site_other_label = <!-- for renaming "Other facilities" in infobox -->
| site_other_label = <!-- for renaming "Other facilities" in infobox -->
| site_other = <!-- for other sorts of facilities - radar types etc -->
| site_other = <!-- for other sorts of facilities - radar types etc -->
| site_area = 288 hectares
| site_area = 288 hectares
| code = AB
| code = AB{{sfn|Falconer|2012|p=32}}
| built = {{Start date|1931}}
| built = {{Start date|1931}}
| used = September 1932 – {{End date|1992}}
| used = September 1932 – 31 July {{End date|1992}}
| builder =
| builder =
| materials =
| materials =
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| IATA = ABB
| IATA = ABB
| ICAO = EGUD
| ICAO = EGUD
| FAA =
| TC =
| LID =
| GPS =
| GPS =
| WMO =
| WMO =
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| r1-number = 18/36
| r1-number = 18/36
| r1-length = {{Convert|1,802|m|0}}
| r1-length = {{Convert|1,802|m|0}}
| r1-surface = [[Asphalt]]
| r1-surface = [[Asphalt concrete|Asphalt]]
| r2-number = 08/26
| r2-number = 08/26
| r2-length = {{Convert|1,067|m|0}}
| r2-length = {{Convert|1,067|m|0}}
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}}
}}


'''Royal Air Force Abingdon''' or more simply '''RAF Abingdon''' was a [[Royal Air Force station]] near [[Abingdon, Oxfordshire|Abingdon]], Oxfordshire. It is now known as [[Dalton Barracks]] and is used by the [[Royal Logistic Corps]].
'''Royal Air Force Abingdon''', or more simply '''RAF Abingdon''', is a former [[Royal Air Force]] [[List of former Royal Air Force stations|station]] near [[Abingdon, Oxfordshire|Abingdon]], Oxfordshire. It is now known as [[Dalton Barracks]] and is used by the [[Royal Logistic Corps]].


==History==
==History==
Line 83: Line 81:


===1945–1960===
===1945–1960===
After the Second World War RAF Abingdon became part of [[RAF Transport Command]], and also became the home of [[No. 1 Parachute Training School RAF]] which is now stationed at [[RAF Brize Norton]]. The Parachute Training School, and RAF Abingdon generally, featured heavily in the 1953 Alan Ladd film ''[[The Red Beret]]'' (called ''Paratrooper'' in the USA), and the Parachute Training School was used as a location for some scenes for the films ''[[Carve Her Name With Pride]]'' (1958) and ''[[Operation Crossbow]]'' (1965) as well as the French comedy ''Babette s'en va-t-en guerre'' (1959) which starred [[Brigitte Bardot]]. On 14 June 1968 Queen [[Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom|Elizabeth II]] conducted a royal review at RAF Abingdon to mark the 50th anniversary of the [[Royal Air Force|RAF]].
After the Second World War RAF Abingdon became part of [[RAF Transport Command]], and also became the home of [[No. 1 Parachute Training School RAF]] which is now stationed at [[RAF Brize Norton]]. The Parachute Training School, and RAF Abingdon generally, featured heavily in the 1953 Alan Ladd film ''[[The Red Beret]]'' (called ''Paratrooper'' in the USA), and the Parachute Training School was used as a location for some scenes for the films ''[[Carve Her Name With Pride]]'' (1958) and ''[[Operation Crossbow (film)|Operation Crossbow]]'' (1965) as well as the French comedy ''Babette s'en va-t-en guerre'' (1959) which starred [[Brigitte Bardot]]. On 14 June 1968 Queen [[Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom|Elizabeth II]] conducted a royal review at RAF Abingdon to mark the 50th anniversary of the [[Royal Air Force|RAF]].


About 1948–49 Headquarters [[No. 47 Group RAF]], Transport Command, was at RAF Abingdon. The station, its personnel and aircraft (Yorks and Hastings) were involved in the [[Berlin Airlift]].<ref>personal service records</ref>
About 1948–49 Headquarters [[No. 47 Group RAF]], Transport Command, was at RAF Abingdon. The station, its personnel and aircraft (Yorks and Hastings) were involved in the [[Berlin Airlift]].<ref>personal service records</ref>
Line 93: Line 91:
Also 1953, RAF Abingdon received the freedom of [[Abingdon, Oxfordshire|Abingdon]].
Also 1953, RAF Abingdon received the freedom of [[Abingdon, Oxfordshire|Abingdon]].


On 22 April 1953 the spy [[George Blake]] arrived at RAF Abingdon, back from [[Korea]] via Moscow and [[Berlin]].<ref>{{cite book |url= https://books.google.com/books?id=jAG563wOhPgC&pg=PT109 |first=John Frayn |last=Turner |year=2012 |title=Traitor: British Double Agents 1930–80 |publisher=[[Osprey Publishing]] |isbn=978-1780967295 |page=109}}</ref>
On 22 April 1953 the spy [[George Blake]] arrived at RAF Abingdon, back from [[Korea]] via Moscow and [[Berlin]].<ref>{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=jAG563wOhPgC&pg=PT109 |first=John Frayn |last=Turner |year=2012 |title=Traitor: British Double Agents 1930–80 |publisher=[[Osprey Publishing]] |isbn=978-1780967295 |page=109 }}{{Dead link|date=April 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>


In 1955 47 Squadron changed its Hastings for the [[Blackburn Beverley]]. Later 24 Squadron moved to [[RAF Colerne]]. It was replaced by [[No. 53 Squadron RAF]] operating the Beverley.
In 1955 47 Squadron changed its Hastings for the [[Blackburn Beverley]]. Later 24 Squadron moved to [[RAF Colerne]]. It was replaced by [[No. 53 Squadron RAF]] operating the Beverley.

In 1956 in support of the R.A.F. relief efforts to Hungarian Freedom Fighters, 47 Squadron Beverley's flew medical, canteen and bedding supplies to Vienna, Austria Nov.7th 1956.


===1961–1992===
===1961–1992===
Besides [[London University Air Squadron]], the [[Oxford University Air Squadron]] was based at RAF Abingdon. Abingdon was also the home of No. 6 AEF (Air Experience Flight) operating between 6 and 8 DHC Chipmunks for ATC/CCF Air Cadet flight experience training. 6 AEF was one of a very few locations that offered air cadets the "Air Cadet Navigator" training course, leading to the award of Cadet Navigation Wings.
Besides [[London University Air Squadron]], the [[Oxford University Air Squadron]] was based at RAF Abingdon. Abingdon was also the home of No. 6 AEF (Air Experience Flight) operating between 6 and 8 DHC Chipmunks for ATC/CCF Air Cadet flight experience training. 6 AEF was one of a very few locations that offered air cadets the "Air Cadet Navigator" training course, leading to the award of Cadet Navigation Wings.


In the late 1960s the Blackburn Beverleys' hangars had dormer extensions put in the roof to take the extra height of the tailplane of the Short [[Short Belfast|Belfasts]] of No. 47 Squadron. Once the nose of the Belfast was in the hangar the nose had to be lifted to get the tail fin under the lip of the roof. The nose was then lowered and the tail fin rose up into the dormer roof for that parking position. No. 46 Squadron was also at Abingdon at this time flying [[Hawker Siddeley Andover|Andover]]s, one of their roles being to support UK MAMS (United Kingdom Mobile Air Movements). A small Army Air Dispatch unit was also supported by the airfield at this time.
In the late 1960s the Blackburn Beverleys' hangars had dormer extensions put in the roof to take the extra height of the tailplane of the [[Short Belfast]]s of No. 47 Squadron. Once the nose of the Belfast was in the hangar the nose had to be lifted to get the tail fin under the lip of the roof. The nose was then lowered and the tail fin rose up into the dormer roof for that parking position. No. 46 Squadron was also at Abingdon at this time flying [[Hawker Siddeley Andover]]s, one of their roles being to support UK MAMS (United Kingdom Mobile Air Movements). A small Army Air Dispatch unit was also supported by the airfield at this time.

From 1975 through to the 1990s, Abingdon became a maintenance field, with the AMS (Aircraft Maintenance Squadron) servicing:
* [[SEPECAT Jaguar]]; the last Jaguar to undergo major maintenance here left during April 1992.{{sfn|March|1993|p=86}}
* Hawker Hunter
* [[Blackburn Buccaneer]] from September 1987, previously at St Athan.{{sfn|March|1988|p=75}}
* [[BAE Systems Hawk|BAE Hawk]] which were maintained by the Hawk Major Maintenance Flight, which had formed in January 1982.{{sfn|March|1992|p=76}}


From 1975 through to the 1990s, Abingdon became a maintenance field, with the AMS (Aircraft Maintenance Squadron) servicing [[BAE Hawk]], [[SEPECAT Jaguar]], Hawker Hunter and [[Blackburn Buccaneer]] aircraft. In the early 80s the [[Battle of Britain Memorial Flight]]'s Lancaster bomber spent a couple of winters at RAF Abingdon to undergo major refurbishment. During this period, RAF Abingdon was also home to the Field Repair Squadron (later Repair & Salvage Squadron) which included Aircraft Repair Flight, Aircraft Salvage and Transportation Flight (formerly 71 MU "Crash & Smash") and Battle Damage Repair Flight.
In the early 80s the [[Battle of Britain Memorial Flight]]'s Lancaster bomber spent a couple of winters at RAF Abingdon to undergo major refurbishment. During this period, RAF Abingdon was also home to the Field Repair Squadron (later Repair & Salvage Squadron) which included Aircraft Repair Flight, Aircraft Salvage and Transportation Flight (formerly 71 MU "Crash & Smash") and Battle Damage Repair Flight.


From 1986 to 1988 RAF Abingdon became home to the Thames Valley Police Air Support Unit, flying a [[helicopter]] on police operations. It was also the home of the London [[University Air Squadron]] in the seventies. An annual [[airshow]] took place at RAF Abingdon until the early nineties.
From 1986 to 1988 RAF Abingdon became home to the Thames Valley Police Air Support Unit, flying a [[helicopter]] on police operations. It was also the home of the [[University of London Air Squadron]] in the seventies. An annual [[airshow]] took place at RAF Abingdon until the early nineties.


From 1981 many ex-airline [[Vickers VC10]]s were stored at the station following their purchase by the [[Ministry of Defence (United Kingdom)|MoD]]. By the early 1990s, the aircraft were either converted to [[Tanker aircraft|tankers]] or scrapped. It was intended that the 3 Air Maintenance Support (3 AMS) unit would move from [[RAF Brize Norton]], only a few miles away, to undertake the major servicing of the VC10 military fleet. This would have involved the modification of a number of hangars to raise the roof to allow access for the VC10 high tail section at a cost of £5m.
From 1981 many ex-airline [[Vickers VC10]]s were stored at the station following their purchase by the [[Ministry of Defence (United Kingdom)|MoD]]. By the early 1990s, the aircraft were either converted to [[Tanker aircraft|tankers]] or scrapped. It was intended that the 3 Air Maintenance Support (3 AMS) unit would move from [[RAF Brize Norton]], only a few miles away, to undertake the major servicing of the VC10 military fleet. This would have involved the modification of a number of hangars to raise the roof to allow access for the VC10 high tail section at a cost of £5m, instead this work was moved to St. Athan.


=== Closure ===
=== Closure ===
In July 1992 a white paper to review defence requirements "[[Options for Change|Option for Change]]" recommended the closure of RAF Abingdon and that a new hangar, known as "Twin Peaks" be built at [[RAF St Athan]] with the reforming of 3 AMS, from [[RAF Brize Norton]] to 1 AMS at RAF St Athan in August 1992.
In July 1992 a white paper to review defence requirements "[[Options for Change|Option for Change]]" recommended the closure of RAF Abingdon and that a new hangar, known as "Twin Peaks" be built at [[RAF St Athan]] with the reforming of 3 AMS, from [[RAF Brize Norton]] to 1 AMS at RAF St Athan in August 1992.


RAF Abingdon closed on 31 July 1992, with the Oxford and London University Air Squadron and No. 6 Air Experience Flight moving to [[RAF Benson]].<ref>{{Cite book|title=Brace by Wire to Fly-By-Wire – 80 Years of the Royal Air Force 1918–1998|last=March|first=Peter R.|publisher=Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund Enterprises|year=1998|isbn=1-899808-06-X|location=RAF Fairford|pages=158}}</ref> The station was transferred to the [[British Army]] and it was renamed [[Dalton Barracks]]. RAF Benson continues to use Abingdon as a diversion airfield and for helicopter training.
RAF Abingdon closed on 31 July 1992, with the Oxford and London University Air Squadron and No. 6 Air Experience Flight moving to [[RAF Benson]].<ref>{{Cite book|title=Brace by Wire to Fly-By-Wire – 80 Years of the Royal Air Force 1918–1998|last=March|first=Peter R.|publisher=Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund Enterprises|year=1998|isbn=1-899808-06-X|location=RAF Fairford, UK|pages=158}}</ref> The station was transferred to the [[British Army]] and it was renamed [[Dalton Barracks]]. RAF Benson continues to use Abingdon as a diversion airfield and for helicopter training.


===Squadrons===
===Squadrons===
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! Squadron !! Equipment !! From !! To !! To !! Notes
! Squadron !! Equipment !! From !! To !! To !! Notes
|-
|-
| [[No. 15 Squadron RAF]] || [[Hawker Hart]]<br>[[Hawker Hind]]<br>[[Fairey Battle]] || 1 June 1934 || 2 September 1939 || Betheniville || Reformed here.<ref name="Jefford1988p29">{{Harvnb|Jefford|1988|p=29.}}</ref>
| [[No. 15 Squadron RAF]] || [[Hawker Hart]]<br>[[Hawker Hind]]<br>[[Fairey Battle]] || 1 June 1934 || 2 September 1939 || Betheniville || Reformed here.{{sfn|Jefford|1988|p=29}}
|-
|-
| [[No. 24 Squadron RAF]] || [[Handley Page Hastings]] C.1/C.2/C.4 || 6 May 1953 || 1 January 1957 || [[RAF Colerne]] ||<ref name="Jefford1988p32">{{Harvnb|Jefford|1988|p=32.}}</ref>
| [[No. 24 Squadron RAF]] || [[Handley Page Hastings]] C.1/C.2/C.4 || 6 May 1953 || 1 January 1957 || [[RAF Colerne]] ||{{sfn|Jefford|1988|p=32}}
|-
|-
| [[No. 27 Squadron RAF]] || No equipment || 1 November 1947 ||24 November 1947 || [[RAF Oakington]] || Reformed here.<ref name="Jefford1988p33">{{Harvnb|Jefford|1988|p=33.}}</ref>
| [[No. 27 Squadron RAF]] || No equipment || 1 November 1947 ||24 November 1947 || [[RAF Oakington]] || Reformed here.{{sfn|Jefford|1988|p=33}}
|-
|-
| [[No. 30 Squadron RAF]] || No equipment || 1 November 1947 || 24 November 1947 || RAF Oakington || Reformed here.<ref name="Jefford1988p35">{{Harvnb|Jefford|1988|p=35.}}</ref>
| [[No. 30 Squadron RAF]] || No equipment || 1 November 1947 || 24 November 1947 || RAF Oakington || Reformed here.{{sfn|Jefford|1988|p=35}}
|-
|-
| No. 30 Squadron RAF || [[Douglas C-47 Skytrain|Dakota]] || 27 November 1950 || 2 May 1952 || ||<ref name="Jefford1988p35"/>
| No. 30 Squadron RAF || [[Douglas C-47 Skytrain|Dakota]] || 27 November 1950 || 2 May 1952 || ||{{sfn|Jefford|1988|p=35}}
|-
|-
| No. 30 Squadron RAF || [[Vickers Valetta]] C.1 || 27 November 1950 || 2 May 1952 || [[RAF Benson]] ||<ref name="Jefford1988p35"/>
| No. 30 Squadron RAF || [[Vickers Valetta]] C.1 || 27 November 1950 || 2 May 1952 || [[RAF Benson]] ||{{sfn|Jefford|1988|p=35}}
|-
|-
| [[No. 40 Squadron RAF]] || Gordon<br>Hart (Special)<br>Hind<br>Battle || 8 October 1932 || 2 September 1939 || Betheniville || Reformed here.<ref name="Jefford1988p38">{{Harvnb|Jefford|1988|p=38.}}</ref>
| [[No. 40 Squadron RAF]] || Gordon<br>Hart (Special)<br>Hind<br>Battle || 8 October 1932 || 2 September 1939 || Betheniville || Reformed here.{{sfn|Jefford|1988|p=38}}
|-
|-
| [[No. 46 Squadron RAF]] || Dakota<br>[[Hawker Siddeley Andover|Andover]] C.1 || 16 December 1946<br>1 September 1966 || 24 November 1947<br>9 September 1970 || RAF Oakington<br>[[RAF Thorney Island]] || <br>Reformed here.<ref name="Jefford1988p40">{{Harvnb|Jefford|1988|p=40.}}</ref>
| [[No. 46 Squadron RAF]] || Dakota<br>[[Hawker Siddeley Andover]] C.1 || 16 December 1946<br>1 September 1966 || 24 November 1947<br>9 September 1970 || RAF Oakington<br>[[RAF Thorney Island]] || <br>Reformed here.{{sfn|Jefford|1988|p=40}}
|-
|-
| [[No. 47 Squadron RAF]] || Hastings C.2<br>[[Blackburn Beverley]] C.1 || 13 May 1953 || 31 October 1967 || Disbanded ||<ref name="Jefford1988p40"/>
| [[No. 47 Squadron RAF]] || Hastings C.2<br>[[Blackburn Beverley]] C.1 || 13 May 1953 || 31 October 1967 || Disbanded ||{{sfn|Jefford|1988|p=40}}
|-
|-
| [[No. 51 Squadron RAF]] || [[Avro York]] C.1 || 1 December 1947 || 25 June 1949 || [[RAF Bassingbourn]] ||<ref name="Jefford1988p41">{{Harvnb|Jefford|1988|p=41.}}</ref>
| [[No. 51 Squadron RAF]] || [[Avro York]] C.1 || 1 December 1947 || 25 June 1949 || [[RAF Bassingbourn]] ||{{sfn|Jefford|1988|p=41}}
|-
|-
| [[No. 52 Squadron RAF]] || Hind || 18 January 1937 || 1 March 1937 || [[RAF Upwood]] || Reformed here.<ref name="Jefford1988p41"/>
| [[No. 52 Squadron RAF]] || Hind || 18 January 1937 || 1 March 1937 || [[RAF Upwood]] || Reformed here.{{sfn|Jefford|1988|p=41}}
|-
|-
| [[No. 53 Squadron RAF]] || Hastings C.1/C.2<br>Beverley C.1 || 1 January 1957 ||30 June 1963 || Disbanded ||<ref name="Jefford1988p42">{{Harvnb|Jefford|1988|p=42.}}</ref>
| [[No. 53 Squadron RAF]] || Hastings C.1/C.2<br>Beverley C.1 || 1 January 1957 ||30 June 1963 || Disbanded ||{{sfn|Jefford|1988|p=42}}
|-
|-
| [[No. 59 Squadron RAF]] || York C.1 || 1 December 1947 || 25 June 1949 || RAF Bassingbourn || Detachment at [[Wunstorf Air Base]] for the [[Berlin Blockade|Berlin Airlift]].<ref name="Jefford1988p44">{{Harvnb|Jefford|1988|p=44.}}</ref>
| [[No. 59 Squadron RAF]] || York C.1 || 1 December 1947 || 25 June 1949 || RAF Bassingbourn || Detachment at [[Wunstorf Air Base]] for the [[Berlin Blockade|Berlin Airlift]].{{sfn|Jefford|1988|p=44}}
|-
|-
| [[No. 62 Squadron RAF]] || Hind || 3 May 1937 || 12 July 1937 || [[RAF Cranfield]] || Reformed here.<ref name="Jefford1988p44"/>
| [[No. 62 Squadron RAF]] || Hind || 3 May 1937 || 12 July 1937 || [[RAF Cranfield]] || Reformed here.{{sfn|Jefford|1988|p=44}}
|-
|-
| [[No. 63 Squadron RAF]] || Battle<br>[[Avro Anson]] I || 9 September 1939 || 17 September 1939 || RAF Benson ||<ref name="Jefford1988p44"/>
| [[No. 63 Squadron RAF]] || Battle<br>[[Avro Anson]] I || 9 September 1939 || 17 September 1939 || RAF Benson ||{{sfn|Jefford|1988|p=44}}
|-
|-
| [[No. 97 Squadron RAF]] || Anson I<br>[[Armstrong Whitworth Whitley]] II/III || 17 September 1939 || 8 April 1940 || Disbanded ||<ref name="Jefford1988p53">{{Harvnb|Jefford|1988|p=53.}}</ref>
| [[No. 97 Squadron RAF]] || Anson I<br>[[Armstrong Whitworth Whitley]] II/III || 17 September 1939 || 8 April 1940 || Disbanded ||{{sfn|Jefford|1988|p=53}}
|-
|-
| [[No. 98 Squadron RAF]] || Hind || 17 February 1936 || 21 August 1936 || [[RAF Hucknall]] || Reformed here.<ref name="Jefford1988p53"/>
| [[No. 98 Squadron RAF]] || Hind || 17 February 1936 || 21 August 1936 || [[RAF Hucknall]] || Reformed here.{{sfn|Jefford|1988|p=53}}
|-
|-
| [[No. 103 Squadron RAF]] || Battle || 15 June 1940 || 18 June 1940 || [[RAF Honington]] ||<ref name="Jefford1988p54">{{Harvnb|Jefford|1988|p=54.}}</ref>
| [[No. 103 Squadron RAF]] || Battle || 15 June 1940 || 18 June 1940 || [[RAF Honington]] ||{{sfn|Jefford|1988|p=54}}
|-
|-
| [[No. 104 Squadron RAF]] || Hind || 7 January 1936 || 21 August 1936 || RAF Hucknall ||<ref name="Jefford1988p54"/>
| [[No. 104 Squadron RAF]] || Hind || 7 January 1936 || 21 August 1936 || RAF Hucknall ||{{sfn|Jefford|1988|p=54}}
|-
|-
| [[No. 106 Squadron RAF]] || Hind<br>Battle || 1 June 1938 || 1 September 1938 || [[RAF Thornaby]] || Reformed here.<ref name="Jefford1988p55">{{Harvnb|Jefford|1988|p=55.}}</ref>
| [[No. 106 Squadron RAF]] || Hind<br>Battle || 1 June 1938 || 1 September 1938 || [[RAF Thornaby]] || Reformed here.{{sfn|Jefford|1988|p=55}}
|-
|-
| [[No. 147 Squadron RAF]] || No equipment || 1 February 1953 || 16 April 1953 || RAF Benson || Reformed here.<ref name="Jefford1988p62">{{Harvnb|Jefford|1988|p=62.}}</ref>
| [[No. 147 Squadron RAF]] || No equipment || 1 February 1953 || 16 April 1953 || RAF Benson || Reformed here.{{sfn|Jefford|1988|p=62}}
|-
|-
| [[No. 166 Squadron RAF]] || Whitley I/III || 17 September 1939 || 6 April 1940 || Disbanded || Detachment at [[RAF Jurby]].<ref name="Jefford1988p64">{{Harvnb|Jefford|1988|p=64.}}</ref>
| [[No. 166 Squadron RAF]] || Whitley I/III || 17 September 1939 || 6 April 1940 || Disbanded || Detachment at [[RAF Jurby]].{{sfn|Jefford|1988|p=64}}
|-
|-
| [[No. 167 Squadron RAF]] || No equipment || 1 February 1953 || 16 April 1953 || RAF Benson || Reformed here.<ref name="Jefford1988p64"/>
| [[No. 167 Squadron RAF]] || No equipment || 1 February 1953 || 16 April 1953 || RAF Benson || Reformed here.{{sfn|Jefford|1988|p=64}}
|-
|-
| [[No. 185 Squadron RAF]] || Hind<br>Battle || 1 March 1938 || 1 September 1938 || RAF Thornaby || Detachment at RAF Thornaby.<ref name="Jefford1988p66">{{Harvnb|Jefford|1988|p=66.}}</ref>
| [[No. 185 Squadron RAF]] || Hind<br>Battle || 1 March 1938 || 1 September 1938 || RAF Thornaby || Detachment at RAF Thornaby.{{sfn|Jefford|1988|p=66}}
|-
|-
| [[No. 238 Squadron RAF]] || Dakota || 1 December 1946 || 24 November 1947 || RAF Oakington || Detachment at [[Vienna International Airport#History|Schwechat]].<ref name="Jefford1988p76">{{Harvnb|Jefford|1988|p=76.}}</ref>
| [[No. 238 Squadron RAF]] || Dakota || 1 December 1946 || 24 November 1947 || RAF Oakington || Detachment at [[Vienna International Airport#History|Schwechat]].{{sfn|Jefford|1988|p=76}}
|-
|-
| [[No. 242 Squadron RAF]] || York C.1 || 1 December 1947 || 25 June 1949 || [[RAF Lyneham]] || Detachment at Wunstorf.<ref name="Jefford1988p77">{{Harvnb|Jefford|1988|p=77.}}</ref>
| [[No. 242 Squadron RAF]] || York C.1 || 1 December 1947 || 25 June 1949 || [[RAF Lyneham]] || Detachment at Wunstorf.{{sfn|Jefford|1988|p=77}}
|-
|-
| [[No. 525 Squadron RAF]] || Dakota || 31 October 1946 || 1 December 1946 || Disbanded || Detachment at Schwecat.<ref name="Jefford1988p96">{{Harvnb|Jefford|1988|p=96.}}</ref>
| [[No. 525 Squadron RAF]] || Dakota || 31 October 1946 || 1 December 1946 || Disbanded || Detachment at Schwecat.{{sfn|Jefford|1988|p=96}}
|}
|}


===Units===
===Units===
The following units were also here at some point:<ref name="ABCT">{{cite web|url=http://www.abct.org.uk/airfields/airfield-finder/abingdon/ |title=Abingdon |publisher=[[Airfields of Britain Conservation Trust]]|access-date=9 February 2016}}</ref>
The following units were also here at some point:<ref name="ABCT">{{cite web|url=http://www.abct.org.uk/airfields/airfield-finder/abingdon/ |title=Abingdon |publisher=[[Airfields of Britain Conservation Trust]]|access-date=9 February 2016}}</ref>
{{columns-list|colwidth=30em|
{{columns-list|colwidth=40em|
* [[No. 1 Blind Approach Training Flight RAF]] (January - October 1941){{sfn|Sturtivant|Hamlin|Halley|1997|p=137}} became [[No. 1501 (Beam Approach Training) Flight RAF]] (October 1941 - April 1943){{sfn|Sturtivant|Hamlin|Halley|1997|p=137}}
* [[No. 1 Blind Approach Training Flight RAF]]
* [[No. 1 Group Pool RAF]]
* [[No. 1 Group Pool RAF]] (December 1939 - April 1940){{sfn|Sturtivant|Hamlin|Halley|1997|p=186}}
* [[No. 1 Parachute School RAF]] (June 1950 - November 1953){{sfn|Sturtivant|Hamlin|Halley|1997|p=248}} became [[No. 1 Parachute Training School RAF]] (November 1953 - December 1975){{sfn|Sturtivant|Hamlin|Halley|1997|p=248}}
* [[No. 1 Parachute School RAF]]
* [[No. 1 Parachute Training School RAF]]
* [[No. 2 Group RAF|No. 2 (Bomber) Group RAF]]
* [[No. 2 Group RAF|No. 2 (Bomber) Group RAF]]
* [[No. 3 (Long-Range) Ferry Unit RAF]]
* [[No. 3 (Long-Range) Ferry Unit RAF]] (1952 - February 1953){{sfn|Sturtivant|Hamlin|Halley|1997|p=202}}
* [[No. 4 Group RAF|No. 4 Group Communication Flight RAF]]
* [[No. 4 Group RAF|No. 4 Group Communication Flight RAF]] (April 1947 - ?){{sfn|Sturtivant|Hamlin|Halley|1997|p=180}}
* [[No. 4 Group RAF|No. 4 Group Pool RAF]]
* [[No. 4 Group RAF|No. 4 Group Pool RAF]] (September 1939 - April 1940){{sfn|Sturtivant|Hamlin|Halley|1997|p=187}}
* [[No. 4 Group RAF|No. 4 (Transport) Group RAF]]
* [[No. 4 Group RAF|No. 4 (Transport) Group RAF]] (May 1947 - February 1948){{sfn|Sturtivant|Hamlin|Halley|1997|p=170}}
* [[No. 6 Air Experience Flight RAF]]
* [[No. 6 Air Experience Flight RAF]] (August 1973 - July 1992){{sfn|Sturtivant|Hamlin|Halley|1997|p=53}}
* [[No. 6 Group RAF|No. 6 Group Communication Flight RAF]]
* [[No. 6 Group RAF|No. 6 Group Communication Flight RAF]] (April 1940 - May 1942){{sfn|Sturtivant|Hamlin|Halley|1997|p=180}}
* [[No. 7 Anti-Aircraft Co-operation Unit RAF]]
* A detachment of [[No. 7 Anti-Aircraft Co-operation Unit RAF]] (June 1940 - June 1942){{sfn|Sturtivant|Hamlin|Halley|1997|p=71}}
* [[No. 10 Operational Training Unit RAF]]
* [[No. 10 Operational Training Unit RAF]] (April 1940 - September 1946){{sfn|Sturtivant|Hamlin|Halley|1997|p=235}}
* [[No. 43 Group RAF|No. 43 Group Communication Flight RAF]]
* [[No. 43 Group RAF|No. 43 Group Communication Flight RAF]] (1941 - January 1946){{sfn|Sturtivant|Hamlin|Halley|1997|p=183}}
* [[No. 46 Group RAF]]
* [[No. 46 Group RAF]] (November 1949 - March 1950){{sfn|Sturtivant|Hamlin|Halley|1997|p=175}}
* [[No. 46 Group RAF|No. 46 Group Air Transport Examining Unit RAF]]
* [[No. 46 Group RAF|No. 46 Group Air Transport Examining Unit RAF]] (September 1972 - October 1973){{sfn|Sturtivant|Hamlin|Halley|1997|p=179}}
* [[No. 46 Group RAF|No. 46 Group Communication Flight RAF]]
* [[No. 46 Group RAF|No. 46 Group Communication Flight RAF]] (November 1949 - March 1950){{sfn|Sturtivant|Hamlin|Halley|1997|p=183}}
* [[No. 47 Group RAF|No. 47 Group Communication Flight RAF]]
* [[No. 47 Group RAF|No. 47 Group Communication Flight RAF]] (April 1948 - November 1949){{sfn|Sturtivant|Hamlin|Halley|1997|p=183}}
* [[No. 91 Group RAF|No. 91 Group Communication Flight RAF]]
* [[No. 91 Group RAF|No. 91 Group Communication Flight RAF]] (May 1942 - April 1947){{sfn|Sturtivant|Hamlin|Halley|1997|p=184}}
* [[No. 130 Gliding School RAF]]
* [[No. 130 Gliding School RAF]] (November 1946 - April 1951){{sfn|Sturtivant|Hamlin|Halley|1997|p=166}}
* [[No. 612 Volunteer Gliding School RAF]]
* [[No. 612 Volunteer Gliding School RAF]] (June 1995-){{sfn|Sturtivant|Hamlin|Halley|1997|p=168}}
* [[No. 1312 (Transport Support) Flight RAF]]
* [[No. 1341 (Special Duties) Flight RAF]] (June 1944){{sfn|Sturtivant|Hamlin|Halley|1997|p=128}}
* [[No. 1341 (Special Duties) Flight RAF]]
* [[No. 1682 Bomber (Defence) Training Flight RAF]] (July 1943){{sfn|Sturtivant|Hamlin|Halley|1997|p=145}}
* [[Advanced Air Striking Force]] (August 1939 - May 1940){{sfn|Sturtivant|Hamlin|Halley|1997|p=39}}
* [[No. 1501 (Beam Approach Training) Flight RAF]]
* [[No. 1682 Bomber (Defence) Training Flight RAF]]
* [[Advanced Air Striking Force]]
* [[Advanced Air Striking Force|Advanced Air Striking Force Communication Flight]]
* [[Advanced Air Striking Force|Advanced Air Striking Force Communication Flight]]
* [[Joint Air Delivery Test and Evaluation Unit|Air Movements Development Unit]]
* [[Joint Air Delivery Test and Evaluation Unit|Air Movements Development Unit]] (November 1959 - May 1965){{sfn|Sturtivant|Hamlin|Halley|1997|p=58}}
* [[RAF Air Support Command|Air Support Command Examining Unit]]
* [[RAF Air Support Command|Air Support Command Examining Unit]] (November 1970 - September 1972){{sfn|Sturtivant|Hamlin|Halley|1997|p=66}}
* [[RAF Transport Command|Air Transport Development Flight]] (March 1950 - June 1965){{sfn|Sturtivant|Hamlin|Halley|1997|p=67}} became [[Joint Air Delivery Test and Evaluation Unit|Air Transport Development Unit]] (June 1965 - January 1968){{sfn|Sturtivant|Hamlin|Halley|1997|p=67}}
* [[Air Training Squadron]]
* [[Andover Training Flight RAF]] (July 1966 - September 1970){{sfn|Sturtivant|Hamlin|Halley|1997|p=68}}
⚫
* [[RAF Transport Command|Air Transport Development Flight]]
* [[Ferry Training Unit RAF]] (August 1952 - April 1953){{sfn|Sturtivant|Hamlin|Halley|1997|p=116}}
* [[Joint Air Delivery Test and Evaluation Unit|Air Transport Development Unit]]
* [[Joint Air Transport Establishment]] (April 1971 - July 1976){{sfn|Sturtivant|Hamlin|Halley|1997|p=195}}
* [[Andover Training Flight RAF]]
* [[Overseas Ferry Unit RAF]] (March 1951 - February 1953){{sfn|Sturtivant|Hamlin|Halley|1997|p=247}}
* [[Ferry Training Unit RAF]]
* [[Oxford University Air Squadron]] (November 1932 - September 1939), (September 1975 - July 1992){{sfn|Sturtivant|Hamlin|Halley|1997|p=308}}
* [[Joint Air Transport Establishment]]
* [[Southampton University Air Squadron]] (April - November 1942){{sfn|Sturtivant|Hamlin|Halley|1997|p=308}}
* [[Overseas Ferry Unit RAF]]
* [[No. 1312 Flight RAF|Transport Command Air Support Flight]] (January 1953 - September 1954) became [[No. 1312 (Transport Support) Flight RAF]] (September 1954 - April 1957){{sfn|Sturtivant|Hamlin|Halley|1997|p=127}}
* [[Oxford University Air Squadron]]
⚫
* [[RAF Transport Command|Transport Command Development Flight]]
* [[Southampton University Air Squadron]]
⚫
* [[RAF Transport Command|Transport Command Development Unit]] (July 1949 - February 1950){{sfn|Sturtivant|Hamlin|Halley|1997|p=305}}
* [[No. 1312 Flight RAF|Transport Command Air Support Flight]]
* [[RAF Transport Command|Transport Command Development Flight]]
* [[RAF Transport Command|Transport Command Training and Development Flight]] (October 1951 - January 1956){{sfn|Sturtivant|Hamlin|Halley|1997|p=305}}
* [[University of London Air Squadron]] (July 1992 - November 1995){{sfn|Sturtivant|Hamlin|Halley|1997|p=307}}
⚫
* [[RAF Transport Command|Transport Command Development Unit]]
* [[RAF Transport Command|Transport Command Training and Development Flight]]
* [[University of London Air Squadron]]
}}
}}


Line 232: Line 233:
* On 14 September 1989 a [[Panavia Tornado]] crashed near the airfield.
* On 14 September 1989 a [[Panavia Tornado]] crashed near the airfield.
* On 14 June 2009 an RAF [[Grob Tutor]] and a civilian [[Glider (sailplane)|glider]] crashed near the airfield, killing an [[Air Training Corps]] [[cadet]] and an instructor. The glider pilot parachuted from his aircraft in time and was unharmed.
* On 14 June 2009 an RAF [[Grob Tutor]] and a civilian [[Glider (sailplane)|glider]] crashed near the airfield, killing an [[Air Training Corps]] [[cadet]] and an instructor. The glider pilot parachuted from his aircraft in time and was unharmed.
* On 14 May 2017 a Silence Twister aerobatics plane crashed whilst performing a display at an airshow. The pilot was injured but made a full recovery. <ref>{{cite news |newspaper=Oxford Mail|title=Abingdon Airshow pilot stable and expected to make a full recovery after Abingdon crash |date=16 May 2017 |url=https://www.oxfordmail.co.uk/news/15288036.abingdon-airshow-pilot-stable-expected-make-full-recovery-abingdon-crash/}}</ref>


==References==
==References==

===Citations===
===Citations===
{{reflist|2}}
{{reflist|2}}


===Bibliography===
===Bibliography===
*{{cite book |last1=Falconer|first1=J|title=RAF Airfields of World War 2 |year=2012 |publisher= Ian Allan Publishing|location= UK|isbn=978-1-85780-349-5}}
*{{cite book |last1=Falconer|first1=Jonathan|title=RAF Airfields of World War 2 |year=2012 |publisher= Ian Allan Publishing|location= UK|isbn=978-1-85780-349-5}}
* {{cite book |last=Halley |first=James J |title=Royal Air Force Aircraft, XA100 to XZ999 |publisher=[[Air-Britain]] |year=2001 |isbn=0-85130-311-0 }}
*{{cite book |last=Halley |first=James&nbsp;J. |title=Royal Air Force Aircraft, XA100 to XZ999 |publisher=[[Air-Britain]] |year=2001 |isbn=0-85130-311-0 }}
* {{wikicite |ref={{harvid|Jefford|1988}} |reference=Jefford, C.G, 1988, ''RAF Squadrons, a Comprehensive Record of the Movement and Equipment of all RAF Squadrons and their Antecedents since 1912''. Shrewsbury, Airlife Publishing, {{ISBN|1-84037-141-2}}}}
*{{cite book |last1=Jefford |first1=C.&nbsp;G. |title= RAF Squadrons. A comprehensive record of the movement and equipment of all RAF squadrons and their antecedents since 1912 |year=1988 |publisher= Airlife |location= [[Shrewsbury]], UK |isbn= 1-85310-053-6 }}
*{{cite book |last1=March|first1=Peter&nbsp;R.|title=Royal Air Force Yearbook 1988|year=1988|publisher= Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund|location=[[Fairford]], UK}}
*{{cite book |last1=March|first1=Peter&nbsp;R.|title=Royal Air Force Yearbook 1992|year=1992|publisher= Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund|location=[[Fairford]], UK}}
*{{cite book |last1=March|first1=Peter&nbsp;R.|title=Royal Air Force Yearbook 1993|year=1993|publisher= Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund|location=[[Fairford]], UK}}
*{{cite book |last1=Sturtivant|first1=Ray|last2=Hamlin|first2=John|last3=Halley|first3=James&nbsp;J.|title=Royal Air Force flying training and support units |year=1997 |publisher= Air-Britain (Historians)|location= UK|isbn=0-85130-252-1}}


==External links==
==External links==
Line 248: Line 253:


[[Category:Abingdon-on-Thames]]
[[Category:Abingdon-on-Thames]]
[[Category:Defunct airports in England]]
[[Category:Royal Air Force stations in Oxfordshire|Abingdon]]
[[Category:Royal Air Force stations in Oxfordshire|Abingdon]]
[[Category:Military installations closed in 1992]]
[[Category:Military installations closed in 1992]]
[[Category:Airports established in 1932]]
[[Category:Airports disestablished in 1992]]

Revision as of 09:35, 26 April 2024

RAF Abingdon
Abingdon, Oxfordshire in England
An aerial view of RAF Abingdon circa 1972.
An aerial view of RAF Abingdon circa 1972.
Station badge
Proudly
RAF Abingdon is located in Oxfordshire
RAF Abingdon
RAF Abingdon
Location in Oxfordshire
Coordinates51°41′N 001°19′W / 51.683°N 1.317°W / 51.683; -1.317
TypeRoyal Air Force station
CodeAB[1]
Area288 hectares
Site information
OwnerMinistry of Defence
OperatorRoyal Air Force
Controlled byRAF Bomber Command[1]
* No. 6 Group RAF
* No. 91 (OTU) Group RAF
RAF Transport Command
ConditionClosed
Site history
Built1931 (1931)
In useSeptember 1932 – 31 July 1992 (1992)
FateTransferred to the British Army and became Dalton Barracks. Airfield continued to be used as a satellite station for RAF helicopter training.
Battles/warsEuropean theatre of World War II
Cold War
Airfield information
IdentifiersIATA: ABB, ICAO: EGUD
Elevation75 metres (246 ft)[1] AMSL
Runways
Direction Length and surface
18/36 1,802 metres (5,912 ft) Asphalt
08/26 1,067 metres (3,501 ft) Asphalt

Royal Air Force Abingdon, or more simply RAF Abingdon, is a former Royal Air Force station near Abingdon, Oxfordshire. It is now known as Dalton Barracks and is used by the Royal Logistic Corps.

History

The airfield was opened in 1932, initially as a training station for RAF Bomber Command.

On 16 November 1933 HQ Central Area moved to RAF Abingdon.[2] It was disbanded by being renamed No. 1 (Bomber) Group RAF on 1 May 1936.

Second World War

Orders arrived on 24-25 August 1939 to mobilise the squadrons at Abingdon prior to proceeding to France as part of the Advanced Air Striking Force (AASF). On receipt of orders to move to France, Headquarters No. 1 Group became Headquarters AASF and the station headquarters and the two Fairey Battle squadrons (one of which was No. 15 Squadron) at Abingdon became No. 71 (Bomber) Wing RAF.[3] As noted in the table below, two Battle squadrons departed for France on 2 September.

No. 10 Operational Training Unit RAF was based at the airfield from April 1940 until 1946. From 1940 to 1942, Abingdon's station commander was Herbert Massey.[4]

1945–1960

After the Second World War RAF Abingdon became part of RAF Transport Command, and also became the home of No. 1 Parachute Training School RAF which is now stationed at RAF Brize Norton. The Parachute Training School, and RAF Abingdon generally, featured heavily in the 1953 Alan Ladd film The Red Beret (called Paratrooper in the USA), and the Parachute Training School was used as a location for some scenes for the films Carve Her Name With Pride (1958) and Operation Crossbow (1965) as well as the French comedy Babette s'en va-t-en guerre (1959) which starred Brigitte Bardot. On 14 June 1968 Queen Elizabeth II conducted a royal review at RAF Abingdon to mark the 50th anniversary of the RAF.

About 1948–49 Headquarters No. 47 Group RAF, Transport Command, was at RAF Abingdon. The station, its personnel and aircraft (Yorks and Hastings) were involved in the Berlin Airlift.[5]

In 1952 a ferry unit was based at RAF Abingdon. It moved Mosquito, Hornet, Meteor, Vampire and Spitfire aircraft. 15 Sabres were ferried from Canada but only 12 arrived. After checks and servicing the Sabres went to RAF Germany.

In 1953 all flying units dispersed to other units to make way for Nos. 24 and 47 Squadrons operating Handley Page Hastings Mks 1, 2 and 4. The three Mk 4 Hastings ("shiny fleet") belonged to 24 Squadron, serialled WD324, 326 and 500.

Also 1953, RAF Abingdon received the freedom of Abingdon.

On 22 April 1953 the spy George Blake arrived at RAF Abingdon, back from Korea via Moscow and Berlin.[6]

In 1955 47 Squadron changed its Hastings for the Blackburn Beverley. Later 24 Squadron moved to RAF Colerne. It was replaced by No. 53 Squadron RAF operating the Beverley.

In 1956 in support of the R.A.F. relief efforts to Hungarian Freedom Fighters, 47 Squadron Beverley's flew medical, canteen and bedding supplies to Vienna, Austria Nov.7th 1956.

1961–1992

Besides London University Air Squadron, the Oxford University Air Squadron was based at RAF Abingdon. Abingdon was also the home of No. 6 AEF (Air Experience Flight) operating between 6 and 8 DHC Chipmunks for ATC/CCF Air Cadet flight experience training. 6 AEF was one of a very few locations that offered air cadets the "Air Cadet Navigator" training course, leading to the award of Cadet Navigation Wings.

In the late 1960s the Blackburn Beverleys' hangars had dormer extensions put in the roof to take the extra height of the tailplane of the Short Belfasts of No. 47 Squadron. Once the nose of the Belfast was in the hangar the nose had to be lifted to get the tail fin under the lip of the roof. The nose was then lowered and the tail fin rose up into the dormer roof for that parking position. No. 46 Squadron was also at Abingdon at this time flying Hawker Siddeley Andovers, one of their roles being to support UK MAMS (United Kingdom Mobile Air Movements). A small Army Air Dispatch unit was also supported by the airfield at this time.

From 1975 through to the 1990s, Abingdon became a maintenance field, with the AMS (Aircraft Maintenance Squadron) servicing:

  • SEPECAT Jaguar; the last Jaguar to undergo major maintenance here left during April 1992.[7]
  • Hawker Hunter
  • Blackburn Buccaneer from September 1987, previously at St Athan.[8]
  • BAE Hawk which were maintained by the Hawk Major Maintenance Flight, which had formed in January 1982.[9]

In the early 80s the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight's Lancaster bomber spent a couple of winters at RAF Abingdon to undergo major refurbishment. During this period, RAF Abingdon was also home to the Field Repair Squadron (later Repair & Salvage Squadron) which included Aircraft Repair Flight, Aircraft Salvage and Transportation Flight (formerly 71 MU "Crash & Smash") and Battle Damage Repair Flight.

From 1986 to 1988 RAF Abingdon became home to the Thames Valley Police Air Support Unit, flying a helicopter on police operations. It was also the home of the University of London Air Squadron in the seventies. An annual airshow took place at RAF Abingdon until the early nineties.

From 1981 many ex-airline Vickers VC10s were stored at the station following their purchase by the MoD. By the early 1990s, the aircraft were either converted to tankers or scrapped. It was intended that the 3 Air Maintenance Support (3 AMS) unit would move from RAF Brize Norton, only a few miles away, to undertake the major servicing of the VC10 military fleet. This would have involved the modification of a number of hangars to raise the roof to allow access for the VC10 high tail section at a cost of £5m, instead this work was moved to St. Athan.

Closure

In July 1992 a white paper to review defence requirements "Option for Change" recommended the closure of RAF Abingdon and that a new hangar, known as "Twin Peaks" be built at RAF St Athan with the reforming of 3 AMS, from RAF Brize Norton to 1 AMS at RAF St Athan in August 1992.

RAF Abingdon closed on 31 July 1992, with the Oxford and London University Air Squadron and No. 6 Air Experience Flight moving to RAF Benson.[10] The station was transferred to the British Army and it was renamed Dalton Barracks. RAF Benson continues to use Abingdon as a diversion airfield and for helicopter training.

Squadrons

Squadron Equipment From To To Notes
No. 15 Squadron RAF Hawker Hart
Hawker Hind
Fairey Battle		 1 June 1934 2 September 1939 Betheniville Reformed here.[11]
No. 24 Squadron RAF Handley Page Hastings C.1/C.2/C.4 6 May 1953 1 January 1957 RAF Colerne [12]
No. 27 Squadron RAF No equipment 1 November 1947 24 November 1947 RAF Oakington Reformed here.[13]
No. 30 Squadron RAF No equipment 1 November 1947 24 November 1947 RAF Oakington Reformed here.[14]
No. 30 Squadron RAF Dakota 27 November 1950 2 May 1952 [14]
No. 30 Squadron RAF Vickers Valetta C.1 27 November 1950 2 May 1952 RAF Benson [14]
No. 40 Squadron RAF Gordon
Hart (Special)
Hind
Battle		 8 October 1932 2 September 1939 Betheniville Reformed here.[15]
No. 46 Squadron RAF Dakota
Hawker Siddeley Andover C.1		 16 December 1946
1 September 1966		 24 November 1947
9 September 1970		 RAF Oakington
RAF Thorney Island
Reformed here.[16]
No. 47 Squadron RAF Hastings C.2
Blackburn Beverley C.1		 13 May 1953 31 October 1967 Disbanded [16]
No. 51 Squadron RAF Avro York C.1 1 December 1947 25 June 1949 RAF Bassingbourn [17]
No. 52 Squadron RAF Hind 18 January 1937 1 March 1937 RAF Upwood Reformed here.[17]
No. 53 Squadron RAF Hastings C.1/C.2
Beverley C.1		 1 January 1957 30 June 1963 Disbanded [18]
No. 59 Squadron RAF York C.1 1 December 1947 25 June 1949 RAF Bassingbourn Detachment at Wunstorf Air Base for the Berlin Airlift.[19]
No. 62 Squadron RAF Hind 3 May 1937 12 July 1937 RAF Cranfield Reformed here.[19]
No. 63 Squadron RAF Battle
Avro Anson I		 9 September 1939 17 September 1939 RAF Benson [19]
No. 97 Squadron RAF Anson I
Armstrong Whitworth Whitley II/III		 17 September 1939 8 April 1940 Disbanded [20]
No. 98 Squadron RAF Hind 17 February 1936 21 August 1936 RAF Hucknall Reformed here.[20]
No. 103 Squadron RAF Battle 15 June 1940 18 June 1940 RAF Honington [21]
No. 104 Squadron RAF Hind 7 January 1936 21 August 1936 RAF Hucknall [21]
No. 106 Squadron RAF Hind
Battle		 1 June 1938 1 September 1938 RAF Thornaby Reformed here.[22]
No. 147 Squadron RAF No equipment 1 February 1953 16 April 1953 RAF Benson Reformed here.[23]
No. 166 Squadron RAF Whitley I/III 17 September 1939 6 April 1940 Disbanded Detachment at RAF Jurby.[24]
No. 167 Squadron RAF No equipment 1 February 1953 16 April 1953 RAF Benson Reformed here.[24]
No. 185 Squadron RAF Hind
Battle		 1 March 1938 1 September 1938 RAF Thornaby Detachment at RAF Thornaby.[25]
No. 238 Squadron RAF Dakota 1 December 1946 24 November 1947 RAF Oakington Detachment at Schwechat.[26]
No. 242 Squadron RAF York C.1 1 December 1947 25 June 1949 RAF Lyneham Detachment at Wunstorf.[27]
No. 525 Squadron RAF Dakota 31 October 1946 1 December 1946 Disbanded Detachment at Schwecat.[28]

Units

The following units were also here at some point:[29]

Accidents and incidents

The operational training unit at RAF Abingdon suffered numerous air crashes from 1939 to 1946.[60][61] Many of the crashes were close to the airfield.[62]

  • On 17 January 1941 Armstrong Whitworth Whitley V N1494 was taking off from Abingdon for a night training flight despite there being a snowstorm. The aircraft crashed in Wootton Road, killing the pilot and three other members of the crew. Two other crewmen parachuted to safety. The survivors reported that ice had caused one engine to fail.[63]
  • On 5 July 1941 Armstrong Whitworth Whitley V Z6667 was on a night training flight from Abingdon when it crashed at Chiselhampton. The cause was variously attributed to either a Luftwaffe night fighter or friendly fire by a local anti-aircraft unit. All six crew were killed.[64]
  • On 22 June 1953 Handley Page Hastings WJ335 stalled and crashed on takeoff at RAF Abingdon. The elevator control locks had been left engaged. All six crew were killed.
  • On 5 March 1957 a 53 Squadron Blackburn Beverley took off from the airfield but suffered fuel starvation, tried to turn back and crashed at Sutton Wick 2 miles (3 km) from the airfield.[65] Three crew, 15 passengers (including RAF Police and six of their dogs) and two civilians on the ground were killed.[66][67]
  • On 6 July 1965 another RAF Handley Page Hastings took off for a parachute drop but crashed at Little Baldon, killing all 41 people aboard.[68][69]
  • On 23 September 1988 a Lockheed S-3 Viking failed to stop on the runway, skidded across the grass and came to a stop on Barrow road to the south of the airfield, while ferrying from USS Theodore Roosevelt. No crew members were injured.
  • On 23 September 1988 a McDonnell Douglas Phantom FGR2 crashed at the airfield while practising for the annual airshow, killing both crew (Flt Lt Chris Lackman & Flt Lt Jack Thompson).
  • On 14 September 1989 a Panavia Tornado crashed near the airfield.
  • On 14 June 2009 an RAF Grob Tutor and a civilian glider crashed near the airfield, killing an Air Training Corps cadet and an instructor. The glider pilot parachuted from his aircraft in time and was unharmed.
  • On 14 May 2017 a Silence Twister aerobatics plane crashed whilst performing a display at an airshow. The pilot was injured but made a full recovery. [70]

References

Citations

  1. ^ a b c Falconer 2012, p. 32.
  2. ^ "Home Commands 1920-1936_P".
  3. ^ https://web.archive.org/web/20081007040316/http://www.raf.mod.uk/bombercommand/h1gp.html, accessed June 2020.
  4. ^ RAF Web
  5. ^ personal service records
  6. ^ Turner, John Frayn (2012). Traitor: British Double Agents 1930–80. Osprey Publishing. p. 109. ISBN 978-1780967295.[permanent dead link]
  7. ^ March 1993, p. 86.
  8. ^ March 1988, p. 75.
  9. ^ March 1992, p. 76.
  10. ^ March, Peter R. (1998). Brace by Wire to Fly-By-Wire – 80 Years of the Royal Air Force 1918–1998. RAF Fairford, UK: Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund Enterprises. p. 158. ISBN 1-899808-06-X.
  11. ^ Jefford 1988, p. 29.
  12. ^ Jefford 1988, p. 32.
  13. ^ Jefford 1988, p. 33.
  14. ^ a b c Jefford 1988, p. 35.
  15. ^ Jefford 1988, p. 38.
  16. ^ a b Jefford 1988, p. 40.
  17. ^ a b Jefford 1988, p. 41.
  18. ^ Jefford 1988, p. 42.
  19. ^ a b c Jefford 1988, p. 44.
  20. ^ a b Jefford 1988, p. 53.
  21. ^ a b Jefford 1988, p. 54.
  22. ^ Jefford 1988, p. 55.
  23. ^ Jefford 1988, p. 62.
  24. ^ a b Jefford 1988, p. 64.
  25. ^ Jefford 1988, p. 66.
  26. ^ Jefford 1988, p. 76.
  27. ^ Jefford 1988, p. 77.
  28. ^ Jefford 1988, p. 96.
  29. ^ "Abingdon". Airfields of Britain Conservation Trust. Retrieved 9 February 2016.
  30. ^ a b Sturtivant, Hamlin & Halley 1997, p. 137.
  31. ^ Sturtivant, Hamlin & Halley 1997, p. 186.
  32. ^ a b Sturtivant, Hamlin & Halley 1997, p. 248.
  33. ^ Sturtivant, Hamlin & Halley 1997, p. 202.
  34. ^ a b Sturtivant, Hamlin & Halley 1997, p. 180.
  35. ^ Sturtivant, Hamlin & Halley 1997, p. 187.
  36. ^ Sturtivant, Hamlin & Halley 1997, p. 170.
  37. ^ Sturtivant, Hamlin & Halley 1997, p. 53.
  38. ^ Sturtivant, Hamlin & Halley 1997, p. 71.
  39. ^ Sturtivant, Hamlin & Halley 1997, p. 235.
  40. ^ a b c Sturtivant, Hamlin & Halley 1997, p. 183.
  41. ^ Sturtivant, Hamlin & Halley 1997, p. 175.
  42. ^ Sturtivant, Hamlin & Halley 1997, p. 179.
  43. ^ Sturtivant, Hamlin & Halley 1997, p. 184.
  44. ^ Sturtivant, Hamlin & Halley 1997, p. 166.
  45. ^ Sturtivant, Hamlin & Halley 1997, p. 168.
  46. ^ Sturtivant, Hamlin & Halley 1997, p. 128.
  47. ^ Sturtivant, Hamlin & Halley 1997, p. 145.
  48. ^ Sturtivant, Hamlin & Halley 1997, p. 39.
  49. ^ Sturtivant, Hamlin & Halley 1997, p. 58.
  50. ^ Sturtivant, Hamlin & Halley 1997, p. 66.
  51. ^ a b Sturtivant, Hamlin & Halley 1997, p. 67.
  52. ^ Sturtivant, Hamlin & Halley 1997, p. 68.
  53. ^ Sturtivant, Hamlin & Halley 1997, p. 116.
  54. ^ Sturtivant, Hamlin & Halley 1997, p. 195.
  55. ^ Sturtivant, Hamlin & Halley 1997, p. 247.
  56. ^ a b Sturtivant, Hamlin & Halley 1997, p. 308.
  57. ^ Sturtivant, Hamlin & Halley 1997, p. 127.
  58. ^ a b Sturtivant, Hamlin & Halley 1997, p. 305.
  59. ^ Sturtivant, Hamlin & Halley 1997, p. 307.
  60. ^ Minns, Pat. "Aircraft Losses 1939–42". RAF Abingdon 10 OTU. Retrieved 14 November 2015.
  61. ^ Minns, Pat. "Aircraft Losses 1939–46". RAF Abingdon 10 OTU. Retrieved 14 November 2015.
  62. ^ Minns, Pat. "Local crashes". RAF Abingdon 10 OTU. Retrieved 14 November 2015.
  63. ^ "17.04.1941 No. 10 O.T.U. Whitley V N1494 F/O Doggett". Archive Report: Allied Forces. Aircrew Remembered. Retrieved 14 November 2015.
  64. ^ "04/05.07.1941 No. 10 O.T.U. Whitley V Z6667 Fl/Sgt. Lynch". Archive Report: Allied Forces. Aircrew Remembered. Retrieved 14 November 2015.
  65. ^ "Giant Abingdon Plane Hits Houses: 20 Feared Dead". Oxford Mail. 5 March 1957.
  66. ^ Halley 2001, p. 39.
  67. ^ Accident description for Blackburn Beverley crash at Sutton Wick, 5 March 1957 at the Aviation Safety Network
  68. ^ "41 killed in Oxon crash". Oxford Mail. 7 July 1965. pp. 8–9.
  69. ^ Accident description for Handley Page Hastings crash at Little Baldon, 6 July 1965 at the Aviation Safety Network
  70. ^ "Abingdon Airshow pilot stable and expected to make a full recovery after Abingdon crash". Oxford Mail. 16 May 2017.

Bibliography

  • Falconer, Jonathan (2012). RAF Airfields of World War 2. UK: Ian Allan Publishing. ISBN 978-1-85780-349-5.
  • Halley, James J. (2001). Royal Air Force Aircraft, XA100 to XZ999. Air-Britain. ISBN 0-85130-311-0.
  • Jefford, C. G. (1988). RAF Squadrons. A comprehensive record of the movement and equipment of all RAF squadrons and their antecedents since 1912. Shrewsbury, UK: Airlife. ISBN 1-85310-053-6.
  • March, Peter R. (1988). Royal Air Force Yearbook 1988. Fairford, UK: Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund.
  • March, Peter R. (1992). Royal Air Force Yearbook 1992. Fairford, UK: Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund.
  • March, Peter R. (1993). Royal Air Force Yearbook 1993. Fairford, UK: Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund.
  • Sturtivant, Ray; Hamlin, John; Halley, James J. (1997). Royal Air Force flying training and support units. UK: Air-Britain (Historians). ISBN 0-85130-252-1.
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