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Coordinates: 52°20′33″N 000°46′23″E / 52.34250°N 0.77306°E / 52.34250; 0.77306
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{{Short description|Royal Air Force Regiment operating depot in Suffolk, England}}{{More footnotes|date=April 2010}}
{{Short description|Royal Air Force air combat support station in Suffolk, England}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=November 2019}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=November 2019}}
{{Use British English|date=May 2013}}
{{Use British English|date=May 2013}}
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| image = File:Entrance to RAF Honington - geograph.org.uk - 204484.jpg
| image = File:Entrance to RAF Honington - geograph.org.uk - 204484.jpg
| caption = The main entrance to RAF Honington.
| caption = The main entrance to RAF Honington.
| image2 = RAF Honington crest.png
| image2 = RAF Honington badge.png
| image2_size = 100px
| image2_size = 150px
| caption2 = ''Pro anglia valens''<br>({{Language with name/for|2=Latin|3=''Valiant for England''}})<ref>{{cite book|last1=Pine|first1=L.G.|title=A dictionary of mottoes|date=1983|publisher=Routledge & Kegan Paul|location=London|isbn=0-7100-9339-X|page=[https://archive.org/details/dictionaryofmott00tion/page/181 181]|edition=1|url-access=registration|url=https://archive.org/details/dictionaryofmott00tion/page/181}}</ref>
| caption2 = {{Language with name/for|la|Pro anglia valens|Valiant for England|break=yes}}<ref>{{cite book|last1=Pine|first1=L.G.|title=A dictionary of mottoes|date=1983|publisher=Routledge & Kegan Paul|location=London|isbn=0-7100-9339-X|page=[https://archive.org/details/dictionaryofmott00tion/page/181 181]|edition=1|url-access=registration|url=https://archive.org/details/dictionaryofmott00tion/page/181}}</ref>
| pushpin_map = Suffolk
| pushpin_map = Suffolk
| pushpin_label = RAF Honington
| pushpin_label = RAF Honington
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''See [[#Based units|Based units]] section for full list.''
''See [[#Based units|Based units]] section for full list.''
| open_to_public =
| open_to_public =
| website = https://www.raf.mod.uk/rafhonington/
| website = {{Official website|https://www.raf.mod.uk/our-organisation/stations/raf-honington/ }}
| IATA = BEQ
| IATA = BEQ
| ICAO = EGXH
| ICAO = EGXH
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| r1-number = 09/27
| r1-number = 09/27
| r1-length = {{Convert|2747|m|0}}
| r1-length = {{Convert|2747|m|0}}
| r1-surface = [[Asphalt]]
| r1-surface = [[Asphalt concrete|Asphalt]]
}}
}}
'''Royal Air Force Honington''' or more simply '''RAF Honington''' {{Airport codes|BEQ|EGXH}} is a [[Royal Air Force station]] located {{Convert|6|mi|abbr=on}} south of [[Thetford]] near [[Ixworth]] in [[Suffolk]], [[England]]. Although used as a [[bomber]] station during the [[World War II|Second World War]], RAF Honington is now the [[RAF Regiment]] depot.
'''Royal Air Force Honington''' or more simply '''RAF Honington''' {{Airport codes|BEQ|EGXH}} is a [[Royal Air Force]] [[List of Royal Air Force stations|station]] located {{Convert|6|mi|abbr=on}} south of [[Thetford]] near [[Ixworth]] in [[Suffolk]], [[England]]. It was used as a [[bomber]] station during the [[World War II|Second World War]] and through the Cold War, hosting Handley Page Victors and Hawker Siddeley (Blackburn) Buccaneers. RAF Honington has been the [[RAF Regiment]] depot since 1994.


==History==
==History==


===Royal Air Force use===
===Royal Air Force use===
Construction of Honington airfield, which was undertaken by [[John Laing Group|John Laing & Son]], began in 1935, and the facility was opened on 3 May 1937.<ref>Ritchie, p. 91</ref> Squadrons of [[RAF Bomber Command]] using the airfield prior to the [[World War II|Second World War]] were:
Construction of Honington airfield, which was undertaken by [[John Laing Group|John Laing & Son]], began in 1935, and the station was opened on 3 May 1937.<ref>Ritchie, p. 91</ref> Squadrons of [[RAF Bomber Command]] using the airfield prior to the [[World War II|Second World War]] were:
* [[No. 77 Squadron RAF]] ([[Hawker Hart]]s and [[Vickers Wellesley]]s) (July 1937 – July 1938)<ref>Jefford 1988, p. 48</ref>
* [[No. 77 Squadron RAF]] ([[Hawker Hart]]s and [[Vickers Wellesley]]s) (July 1937 – July 1938)<ref name="Jefford 1988, p. 48">Jefford 1988, p. 48</ref>
* [[No. 102 Squadron RAF]] ([[Handley Page Heyford]]) (July 1937 – July 1938) – Moved to [[RAF Driffield]]<ref>Jefford 1988, p. 54</ref>
* [[No. 102 Squadron RAF]] ([[Handley Page Heyford]]) (July 1937 – July 1938) – Moved to [[RAF Driffield]]<ref>Jefford 1988, p. 54</ref>
* [[No. 75 Squadron RAF]] ([[Handley Page H.P.54 Harrow|Handley Page Harrow]] and [[Vickers Wellington]]) (July 1938 – July 1939) – Moved to [[RAF Stradishall]].<ref>Jefford 1988, p. 48</ref>
* [[No. 75 Squadron RAF]] ([[Handley Page H.P.54 Harrow|Handley Page Harrow]] and [[Vickers Wellington]]) (July 1938 – July 1939) – Moved to [[RAF Stradishall]].<ref name="Jefford 1988, p. 48"/>
* [[No. 215 Squadron RAF]] (Harrow and Wellington) (July 1938 – July 1938) – Moved to [[RAF Bassingbourn]].<ref>Jefford 1988, p. 71</ref>
* [[No. 215 Squadron RAF]] (Harrow and Wellington) (July 1938 – July 1938) – Moved to [[RAF Bassingbourn]].<ref>Jefford 1988, p. 71</ref>
* [[No. IX Squadron RAF|IX Squadron]] (Wellington Mk Is, later changing to Mk lAs.) (4 September 1939 – 1940).<ref>Jefford 1988, p. 27</ref>
* [[No. IX Squadron RAF|IX Squadron]] (Wellington Mk Is, later changing to Mk lAs.) (4 September 1939 – 1940).<ref>Jefford 1988, p. 27</ref>


IX Squadron flew the first RAF bombing raid of the Second World War on 4 September 1939 flying a mission against the [[Kriegsmarine]] in the [[Baltic Sea|Baltic]] resulting in the loss of two Wellingtons.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.raf.mod.uk/our-organisation/squadrons/ix-b-squadron/|title=IX Squadron|publisher=Ministry of Defence|access-date=24 November 2021}}</ref>
IX Squadron flew the first RAF bombing raid of the Second World War on 4 September 1939 flying a sortie against the [[Kriegsmarine]] in the [[Baltic Sea|Baltic]] resulting in the loss of two Wellingtons.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.raf.mod.uk/our-organisation/squadrons/ix-b-squadron/|title=IX Squadron|publisher=Ministry of Defence|access-date=24 November 2021}}</ref>


In July 1940, [[No. 311 (Czech) Squadron RAF]] formed at Honington with Wellingtons, later moving to [[RAF East Wretham]] in November 1940.<ref>Jefford 1988, p. 85</ref>
In July 1940, [[No. 311 (Czech) Squadron RAF]] formed at Honington with Wellingtons, later moving to [[RAF East Wretham]] in November 1940.<ref>Jefford 1988, p. 85</ref>


⚫
Then, in May 1941, a Wellington returning from a night trip attempted to land at Honington with its wheels retracted. It skidded to one side and crashed into the main bomb dump where it burst into flames. Group Captain J. A. Gray and Squadron Leader [[Aidan MacCarthy|J. A. McCarthy]], the station [[Physician|medical officer]], were the first on the scene of the crash. Both entered the burning aircraft in an attempt to rescue the crew who were trapped and, between them, they saved two crew-members. For their gallantry, both officers were awarded the [[George Medal]].<ref>[http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/35270/pages/5215 ''London Gazette'' Issue 35270] published on 9 September 1941. Page 1</ref>
The [[Luftwaffe]] made several attacks on the airfield one of which killed about twenty airmen who were crossing the old parade ground on their way to tea. Another bomb demolished part of Barrack Block 76, which was rebuilt between 1993 and 1996.

In 1941, a [[Junkers Ju 88]] was shot down by ground fire from Honington. The aircraft crashed at the east end of E Hangar.

⚫
Then, in May of that year, a Wellington returning from a night trip attempted to land at Honington with its wheels retracted. It skidded to one side and crashed into the main bomb dump where it burst into flames. Group Captain J. A. Gray and Squadron Leader [[Aidan MacCarthy|J. A. McCarthy]], the station [[Physician|medical officer]], were the first on the scene of the crash. Both entered the burning aircraft in an attempt to rescue the crew who were trapped and, between them, two crew-members were saved. For this gallantry, both officers were awarded the [[George Medal]].<ref>[http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/35270/pages/5215 ''London Gazette'' Issue 35270] published on 9 September 1941. Page 1</ref>


===United States Army Air Forces use===
===United States Army Air Forces use===
[[File:RAF Honington - 25 January 1944 Airphoto.jpg|thumb|Aerial photography of RAF Honington, 25 January 1944 oriented north. The pre-World War II Honington Airfield is on the right, the 1st Strategic Air Depot is to the left. Note the large number of B-17 Flying Fortress aircraft parked on numerous hardstands at both the airfield and depot|alt=|left]]
[[File:RAF Honington - 25 January 1944 Airphoto.jpg|thumb|Aerial photography of RAF Honington, 25 January 1944 oriented north. The pre-World War II Honington Airfield is on the right, the 1st Strategic Air Depot is to the left. Note the large number of B-17 Flying Fortress aircraft parked on numerous hardstands at both the airfield and depot|alt=|left]]
In June 1942, the airfield was transferred to the USAAF and was upgraded to a Class A Bomber base. Honington was assigned USAAF designation '''Station 375'''.
In June 1942, the airfield was transferred to the [[USAAF]] and was upgraded to a Class A Bomber base. Honington was assigned USAAF designation '''Station 375'''.<ref name="IWM">{{cite web|url=http://www.americanairmuseum.com/place/179 |title=Honington |publisher=American Air Museum in Britain|access-date=16 March 2015}}</ref>
⚫
* 314th Service Group<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.americanairmuseum.com/unit/263 |title=314th Service Group |publisher=American Air Museum in Britain|access-date=16 March 2015}}</ref>


USAAF Station Units assigned to RAF Honington were:<ref name="IWM">{{cite web|url=http://www.americanairmuseum.com/place/179 |title=Honington |publisher=American Air Museum in Britain|access-date=16 March 2015}}</ref>
USAAF Station Units assigned to RAF Honington were:<ref name="IWM"/>
⚫
* 314th Service Group<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.americanairmuseum.com/unit/263 |title=314th Service Group |publisher=American Air Museum in Britain|access-date=16 March 2015}}</ref>
: 467th Service Squadron; HHS 314th Service Group
: 467th Service Squadron; HHS 314th Service Group
* 18th Weather Squadron
* 18th Weather Squadron
Line 109: Line 105:


====1st Strategic Air Depot====
====1st Strategic Air Depot====
Under USAAF control, an additional facility, called Troston, was constructed to the west of the main airfield as a specialized air depot for the repair of badly-damaged B-17 Flying Fortress bombers and supporting the [[3d Air Division|3d Bomb Division]] located in the area. Badly damaged Fortresses were often instructed to crash land at Honington on return from operations, particularly if their landing gear could not be lowered, as this avoided the necessity to dismantle and transport the aircraft from its home base for repair.<ref name="IWM"/>
Under USAAF control, an additional facility, called Troston, was constructed to the west of the main airfield as a specialized air depot for the repair of badly-damaged [[B-17 Flying Fortress]] bombers and supporting the [[3d Air Division|3d Bomb Division]] located in the area. Badly damaged Fortresses were often instructed to crash land at Honington on return from operations, particularly if their landing gear could not be lowered, as this avoided the necessity to dismantle and transport the aircraft from its home base for repair.<ref name="IWM"/>


====364th Fighter Group====
====364th Fighter Group====
[[File:364fg-p51.jpg|thumb|North American P-51D-15-NA Mustangs of the 385th Fighter Squadron. 44-15493 "Jeannie II" in foreground, 44-14322 "Coffin Wit Wings" behind|alt=|left]]
[[File:364fg-p51.jpg|thumb|North American P-51D-15-NA Mustangs of the 385th Fighter Squadron. 44-15493 "Jeannie II" in foreground, 44-14322 "Coffin Wit Wings" behind|alt=|left]]
In addition to the air depot, Honington also housed an operational fighter unit when the [[364th Fighter Group]] took up residence at Honington in February 1944, arriving from [[Santa Maria AAF]], [[California]]. The group was under the command of the [[67th Fighter Wing]] of the [[VIII Fighter Command]]. Aircraft of the 364th were identified by a blue/white stripe pattern around their cowlings.
In addition to the air depot, Honington also housed an operational fighter unit when the [[364th Fighter Group]] took up residence at Honington in February 1944, arriving from [[Santa Maria AAF]], [[California]]. The group was under the command of the [[67th Fighter Wing]] of the [[VIII Fighter Command]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.americanairmuseum.com/unit/161|title=67th Fighter Wing|publisher=American Air Museum in Britain|access-date=24 November 2021}}</ref>


The group consisted of the following squadrons:
The group consisted of the following squadrons:<ref name=aam>{{cite web|url=https://www.americanairmuseum.com/unit/311|title= 364th Fighter Group|publisher=American Air Museum in Britain|access-date=24 November 2021}}</ref>
* [[383d Fighter Squadron]] (N2)
* [[383d Fighter Squadron]] (N2)
* [[384th Fighter Squadron]] (5Y)
* [[384th Fighter Squadron]] (5Y)
* [[385th Fighter Squadron]] (5E)
* [[385th Fighter Squadron]] (5E)


The 364th FG flew escort, dive-bombing, strafing, and patrol missions in [[France]], [[Belgium]], the [[Netherlands]], and [[Germany]]. At first, the group operated primarily as escort for B-17/[[Consolidated B-24 Liberator]] heavy bombers.
The 364th FG flew escort, dive-bombing, strafing, and patrol missions in [[France]], [[Belgium]], the [[Netherlands]], and [[Germany]].<ref name=aam/>


⚫
Converted from [[Lockheed P-38 Lightning]]s to [[North American P-51 Mustang]]s in the summer of 1944 and from then until the end of the war flew many long-range escort missions heavy bombers that attacked oil refineries, industries, and other strategic objectives at [[Berlin]], [[Regensburg]], [[Merseburg]], [[Stuttgart]], [[Brussels]], and elsewhere. The 364th received a [[Distinguished Unit Citation]] for an escort mission on 27 December 1944 when the group dispersed a large force of German fighters that attacked the bomber formation the group was escorting on a raid to [[Frankfurt]].<ref name=aam/>
⚫
The group patrolled the [[English Channel]] during the [[D-Day|Normandy invasion]] in June 1944, and, while continuing escort operations, supported ground forces in France after the invasion by strafing and bombing locomotives, marshalling yards, bridges, barges, and other targets.


⚫
The group patrolled the [[English Channel]] during the [[D-Day|Normandy invasion]] in June 1944, and, while continuing escort operations, supported ground forces in France after the invasion by strafing and bombing locomotives, marshalling yards, bridges, barges, and other targets.<ref name=aacm>{{cite web|url=https://www.armyaircorpsmuseum.org/364th_Fighter_Group.cfm|title= 364th Fighter Group|publisher=Army Air Corps Museum| access-date=24 November 2021}}</ref>
⚫
Converted from [[Lockheed P-38 Lightning]]s to [[North American P-51 Mustang]]s in the summer of 1944 and from then until the end of the war flew many long-range escort missions heavy bombers that attacked oil refineries, industries, and other strategic objectives at [[Berlin]], [[Regensburg]], [[Merseburg]], [[Stuttgart]], [[Brussels]], and elsewhere. The 364th received a [[Distinguished Unit Citation]] for an escort mission on 27 December 1944 when the group dispersed a large force of German fighters that attacked the bomber formation the group was escorting on a raid to [[Frankfurt]].


The 364th also flew air-sea rescue missions, engaged in patrol activities, and continued to support ground forces as the battle line moved through France and into Germany. Took part in the [[Operation Market-Garden|effort to invade the Netherlands]] by air, September 1944; the [[Battle of the Bulge]], December 1944 – January 1945; and the [[Operation Varsity|assault across the Rhine]], March 1945.
The 364th also flew air-sea rescue missions, engaged in patrol activities, and continued to support ground forces as the battle line moved through France and into Germany. Took part in the [[Operation Market-Garden|effort to invade the Netherlands]] by air, September 1944; the [[Battle of the Bulge]], December 1944 – January 1945; and the [[Operation Varsity|assault across the Rhine]], March 1945.<ref name=aacm/>


Although the last mission by the 364th took place on 25 April 1945, the group did not depart until November, returning to [[Camp Kilmer]], [[New Jersey]], for inactivation. Even then, Honington remained the lone Eighth Air Force outpost in the UK becoming Fighter Command HQ on 5 October.[[File:RAF Honington transfer back to RAF 1946.jpg|thumb|The US flag comes down for the last time at RAF Honington in February 1946|alt=The US flag comes down for the last time at RAF Honington in February 1946|left]]Honington was the last USAAF station to be returned to the RAF. By the beginning of 1946, the airfield remained the only active station which had been used by the Eighth Air Force and a fitting ceremony was planned to mark its closure and official handing back to the Royal Air Force. On 26 February, Brigadier General Emil Kiel – the Eighth Fighter Command commander – was present to hand over the keys of the station to Air Marshal [[James Robb (RAF officer)|Sir James Robb]], [[Air Officer Commanding|AOC]] [[RAF Fighter Command]]. An RAF band played ''[[The Star-Spangled Banner]]'' as the [[Flag of the United States|Stars and Stripes]] were lowered for the [[RAF Ensign]] to be hoisted in its place. The airfield, which was the first transferred to the United States Army Air Forces for its use in 1942, was the last to be returned to the Air Ministry.
[[File:RAF Honington transfer back to RAF 1946.jpg|thumb|The US flag comes down for the last time at RAF Honington in February 1946|alt=The US flag comes down for the last time at RAF Honington in February 1946|left]]
Although the last mission by the 364th took place on 25 April 1945, the group did not depart until November, returning to [[Camp Kilmer]], [[New Jersey]], for inactivation. Even then, Honington remained the lone [[Eighth Air Force]] outpost in the UK becoming Fighter Command HQ on 5 October. Honington was the last USAAF station to be returned to the RAF. By the beginning of 1946, the airfield remained the only active station which had been used by the Eighth Air Force and a fitting ceremony was planned to mark its closure and official handing back to the Royal Air Force. On 26 February, Brigadier General Emil Kiel – the Eighth Fighter Command commander – was present to hand over the keys of the station to Air Marshal [[James Robb (RAF officer)|Sir James Robb]], [[Air Officer Commanding|AOC]] [[RAF Fighter Command]]. An RAF band played ''[[The Star-Spangled Banner]]'' as the [[Flag of the United States|Stars and Stripes]] were lowered for the [[RAF Ensign]] to be hoisted in its place. The airfield, which was the first transferred to the United States Army Air Forces for its use in 1942, was the last to be returned to the [[Air Ministry]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.americanairmuseum.com/media/5506|title=Honington handed back to the RAF - February 26, 1946|publisher=American Air Museum in Britain|access-date=24 November 2021}}</ref>


===Back to Royal Air Force control===
===Back to Royal Air Force control===


RAF Honington was then used by [[RAF Transport Command]]. The station provided support the [[Berlin Airlift]] and was transferred to [[RAF Bomber Command]] in 1949.<ref name=vulcan>{{cite web|url=https://vulcantothesky.org/airfields/raf-honington/|title=RAF Honington|publisher=Vulcan to the Sky|access-date=24 November 2021}}</ref> It accommodated storage facilities for No. 94 Armament Maintenance Unit in the 1950s and a 9,000&nbsp;ft concrete runway was completed in 1956.<ref name=vulcan/>
With the departure of the USAAF in February 1946, Honington airfield was returned to the RAF.


⚫
Bomber squadrons, 10, XV, 44, and 57 flying the [[English Electric Canberra]] were based at the station from 1955 to 1957 and 10 and XV Squadrons saw action in the [[Suez Crisis]].<ref name=vulcan/>
It became a major servicing centre for [[RAF Transport Command]] aircraft. During the [[Berlin Airlift]], RAF Honington played a major role in keeping the aircraft of Transport Command flying. In 1949, the station reverted to Bomber Command.


In 1956, RAF Honington also became a [[V bomber]] base: squadrons, Nos, 7, 90, and 199 flew [[Vickers Valiant]] while squadron Nos, 55 and 57 flew [[Handley Page Victor]]s.<ref name=vulcan/>
From 1950 to 1956, RAF Honington housed No. 94 Armament Maintenance Unit for bomb storage. The airfield was upgraded during this time to include a 9,000&nbsp;ft concrete runway.


In 1965 the station was put into reserve to accommodate the proposed [[General Dynamics F-111K|General Dynamics F-111]] fleet: the married quarters were used for evacuees from the [[Aden Emergency]] at that time.<ref>{{cite book|title=From Barren Rocks to Living Stones|last=Magee|first=Jon|year=2008|publisher=AuthorHouse |isbn=978-1434381491}}</ref>
⚫
[[English Electric Canberra]] bomber squadrons, 10, XV, 44, and 57 were based at RAF Honington from February 1955 to 1957. 10 and XV Squadrons took part in the [[Suez Crisis]] of 1956.


⚫
The station then became home to [[Blackburn Buccaneer|Hawker Siddeley (Blackburn) Buccaneer]] bombers from November 1969. Squadron Nos. [[No. 12 Squadron RAF|12]], [[No. XV Squadron RAF|15]] and [[No. 16 Squadron RAF|16]] were formed. 15 and 16 squadrons moved to [[RAF Laarbruch]] in [[West Germany]] in 1971. No. 237 OCU ([[Operational Conversion Unit]]) was formed at Honington when the RAF took over Buccaneer training from the [[Royal Navy]]. [[No. 208 Squadron RAF|208]] and [[No. 216 Squadron RAF|216]] squadrons were also based there.<ref name=vulcan/> The Buccaneer fleet (12, 208, and 237 OCU) moved to [[RAF Lossiemouth]] in Scotland.<ref name=vulcan/>
In 1956, RAF Honington also became one of the main [[V bomber]] bases maintaining three [[Vickers Valiant]] squadrons, Nos, 7, 90, and 199. Later [[Handley Page Victor]] Squadrons, 55 and 57 were added. New facilities were constructed including a large East-West runway. These squadrons left in 1965 and the airfield was placed in reserve for conversion to accommodate the new [[General Dynamics F-111K|General Dynamics F-111]] fleet. While in reserve, Honington Married Quarters were used to accommodate evacuees from the [[Aden Emergency]] in 1967, as recorded in the book "From Barren Rocks to Living Stones".


⚫
In the event, the F-111 never entered service with the RAF, and in 1968, the airfield became the UK base for the RAF's [[Blackburn Buccaneer|Hawker Siddeley (Blackburn) Buccaneer]] bomber. The first aircraft arrived in November 1969 and deliveries continued throughout the early 1970s. Nos. [[No. 12 Squadron RAF|12]], [[No. XV Squadron RAF|15]] and [[No. 16 Squadron RAF|16]] squadrons were formed. 15 and 16 squadrons moved to [[RAF Laarbruch]] in West Germany in 1971. These were followed by No. 237 OCU ([[Operational Conversion Unit]]) which was formed when the RAF took over Buccaneer training from the [[Royal Navy]], then finally [[No. 208 Squadron RAF|208]] and briefly [[No. 216 Squadron RAF|216]] squadrons.
[[File:Panavia Tornado GR1, UK - Air Force AN1766962.jpg|alt=A Panavia Tornado GR1 of No. 45 Squadron otherwise known as the Tornado Weapons Conversion Unit.|thumb|A [[Panavia Tornado|Panavia Tornado GR1]] of [[No. 45 Squadron RAF|No. 45 Squadron]] otherwise known as the Tornado Weapons Conversion Unit.]]
[[File:Panavia Tornado GR1, UK - Air Force AN1766962.jpg|alt=A Panavia Tornado GR1 of No. 45 Squadron otherwise known as the Tornado Weapons Conversion Unit.|thumb|A [[Panavia Tornado|Panavia Tornado GR1]] of [[No. 45 Squadron RAF|No. 45 Squadron]] otherwise known as the Tornado Weapons Conversion Unit.]]
The station was then selected to become a base for the RAF's [[Panavia Tornado]] fleet with the Tornado Weapons Conversion Unit (TWCU) established there in 1981. The UK-based Buccaneer fleet (12, 208, and 237 OCU) were relocated to [[RAF Lossiemouth]] in Scotland.
The station was then selected to become a base for the RAF's [[Panavia Tornado]] fleet in 1981. In August 1982 [[No. IX Squadron RAF|IX(B) Squadron]] was reformed at RAF Honington, becoming the world's first operational Tornado squadron. Equipment included the [[WE.177]] nuclear bomb. IX Squadron relocated to [[RAF Bruggen]] in Germany in 1986. [[No. 45 Squadron RAF|No. 45 Squadron]] was the sole occupant until [[No. XIII Squadron RAF|XIII Squadron]] formed there in January 1990.<ref name=vulcan/>

In August 1982 [[No. IX Squadron RAF|IX(B) Squadron]] reformed at RAF Honington, becoming the world's first operational Tornado squadron, with the squadron's equipment including the WE.177 nuclear laydown bomb. IX Squadron relocated to [[RAF Bruggen]] in Germany in 1986, leaving the TWCU (which had acquired the "shadow" designation of [[No. 45 Squadron RAF|No. 45 Squadron]] in 1983) was the sole occupant until [[No. XIII Squadron RAF|XIII Squadron]] formed there in January 1990.

At this time only one RAF Regiment Sqn was based at Honington, 20 Sqn. Their equipment was sent to the Gulf via Hercules aircraft from RAF Lyneham.


=== RAF Regiment Depot ===
=== RAF Regiment Depot ===
On 15 July 1992, it was announced that the Tornados would depart Honington and that the station would relinquish its primary flying role and become the [[RAF Regiment]] Depot.<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|page=158}}</ref> As a result, the TWCU moved to Lossiemouth (to replace the Buccaneers) in November 1993. Honington ceased to be a flying station on 1 February 1994 when [[No. 13 Squadron RAF|No. 13 Squadron]] relocated to RAF Marham.<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|page=162}}</ref> The Depot moved in June 1994, when [[RAF Catterick]] in [[North Yorkshire]], home of the previous depot, transferred to the [[British Army]].<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|page=162}}</ref>
On 15 July 1992, it was announced that the Tornados would depart Honington and that the station would relinquish its primary flying role and become the [[RAF Regiment]] Depot.<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|page=158}}</ref> As a result, the TWCU moved to Lossiemouth (to replace the Buccaneers) in November 1993. Honington ceased to be a flying station on 1 February 1994 when [[No. 13 Squadron RAF|No. 13 Squadron]] relocated to RAF Marham.<ref name="BBW">{{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|page=162}}</ref> The Depot moved in June 1994, when [[RAF Catterick]] in [[North Yorkshire]], home of the previous depot, transferred to the [[British Army]].<ref name="BBW"/>


RAF Honington became the home to 611 [[Volunteer Gliding Squadron]] due to the closure of [[RAF Watton]] in April 2012, requiring their conversion to the [[Grob 109B]] Vigilant motor glider until the closure of that unit in 2016.
RAF Honington became the home to 611 [[Volunteer Gliding Squadron]] due to the closure of [[RAF Watton]] in April 2012, requiring their conversion to the [[Grob 109B]] Vigilant motor glider until the closure of that unit in 2016.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.raf.mod.uk/aircadets/news/611-volunteer-gliding-squadron-operational-again/|title=611 Volunteer Gliding Squadron operational again|publisher=RAF Air Cadets|access-date=24 November 2021}}</ref>


During 2018, [[No. II Squadron RAF Regiment|No. 2 Squadron RAF Regiment]] moved to [[RAF Brize Norton]] in [[Oxfordshire]], completing the move in September of that year.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.forces.net/news/raf-regiment-squadron-receives-new-standard|title=RAF Regiment Squadron Receives New Standard|last=Cooper|first=Tim|date=25 September 2018|work=Forces Network|access-date=18 October 2018|language=en}}</ref> No. 20 Wing RAF Regiment (Defence Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) Wing) disbanded on 1 April 2019 having been at Honington since 2011. The CBRN role was taken over by [[28 Engineer Regiment (United Kingdom)|28 Engineer Regiment]] of the [[Royal Engineers]], with [[No. 27 Squadron RAF Regiment]] coming under army command, before disbanding in October 2021.<ref>{{Cite journal|date=Summer 2019|title=27 Squadron RAF Regt – 20 Wg The End of the Beginning|url=https://www.raf.mod.uk/our-organisation/stations/raf-honington/documents/honington-herald-summer-19/|journal=Honington Herald|publisher=Lance Print|pages=9}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=7 October 2021|title=A Fond Farewell to 27 Sqn RAF Regiment|url=https://www.raf.mod.uk/our-organisation/force-protection/news/a-fond-farewell-to-27-sqn-raf-regiment/?fbclid=IwAR1_QC7UYPOIr7j8wJ3vlD6HuFCPqgGYcEpaDQPqsgX8562GhY5ESuJnxZA|url-status=live|access-date=7 October 2021|website=Royal Air Force|language=en-gb}}</ref>
During 2018, [[No. II Squadron RAF Regiment|No. 2 Squadron RAF Regiment]] moved to [[RAF Brize Norton]] in [[Oxfordshire]], completing the move in September of that year.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.forces.net/news/raf-regiment-squadron-receives-new-standard|title=RAF Regiment Squadron Receives New Standard|last=Cooper|first=Tim|date=25 September 2018|work=Forces Network|access-date=18 October 2018|language=en}}</ref> No. 20 Wing RAF Regiment (Defence Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) Wing) disbanded on 1 April 2019 having been at Honington since 2011. The CBRN role was taken over by [[28 Engineer Regiment (United Kingdom)|28 Engineer Regiment]] of the [[Royal Engineers]], with [[No. 27 Squadron RAF Regiment]] coming under army command, before disbanding in October 2021.<ref>{{Cite journal|date=Summer 2019|title=27 Squadron RAF Regt – 20 Wg The End of the Beginning|url=https://www.raf.mod.uk/our-organisation/stations/raf-honington/documents/honington-herald-summer-19/|journal=Honington Herald|publisher=Lance Print|pages=9}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=7 October 2021|title=A Fond Farewell to 27 Sqn RAF Regiment|url=https://www.raf.mod.uk/our-organisation/force-protection/news/a-fond-farewell-to-27-sqn-raf-regiment/|access-date=7 October 2021|website=Royal Air Force|language=en-gb}}</ref>


== Role and operations ==
== Role and operations ==
Line 161: Line 153:


==Based units==
==Based units==
The following units are based at RAF Honington.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.raf.mod.uk/our-organisation/stations/raf-honington/|title=RAF Honington – Who's Based Here|website=Royal Air Force|language=en|access-date=15 November 2019}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.raf.mod.uk/our-organisation/force-protection/raf-police/|title=Force Protection – RAF Police|website=Royal Air Force|language=en-gb|access-date=16 July 2018}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.raf.mod.uk/rafflyingclubs/teamsanddisciplines/honingtonfc.cfm|title=RAF Honington Flying Club|website=RAF Flying Clubs' Association|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080202032316/http://www.raf.mod.uk/rafflyingclubs/teamsanddisciplines/honingtonfc.cfm|archive-date=2 February 2008|url-status=dead|access-date=23 July 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.army.mod.uk/umbraco/Surface/Download/Get/10550|title=Force Troops Command Handbook|access-date=31 March 2019}}</ref>
The following units are based at RAF Honington.<ref>{{Cite web |title=RAF Honington – Who's Based Here |url=https://www.raf.mod.uk/our-organisation/stations/raf-honington/ |access-date=7 July 2024 |website=Royal Air Force |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.raf.mod.uk/rafflyingclubs/teamsanddisciplines/honingtonfc.cfm|title=RAF Honington Flying Club|website=RAF Flying Clubs' Association|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080202032316/http://www.raf.mod.uk/rafflyingclubs/teamsanddisciplines/honingtonfc.cfm|archive-date=2 February 2008|url-status=dead|access-date=23 July 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.army.mod.uk/umbraco/Surface/Download/Get/10550|title=Force Troops Command Handbook|access-date=31 March 2019}}</ref>

=== Royal Air Force ===
[[No. 2 Group RAF|'''No. 2 Group (Air Combat Support)''']]

* Air Security Force
⚫
** Headquarters Air Security Force
** No. 1 RAF Police & Security Wing
*** Headquarters No. 1 RAF Police & Security Wing
⚫
*** [[No. 3 (Royal Auxiliary Air Force) Police Squadron|No. 3 (Tactical) Police Squadron (Royal Auxiliary Air Force)]]
*** Counter Intelligence and Security Squadron
⚫
** [[Royal Air Force Police|RAF Police Headquarters]]

* Combat and Readiness Force
** Headquarters Combat and Readiness Force
⚫
** [[No. 7 Force Protection Wing RAF|No. 7 Force Protection Wing]]
⚫
*** [[No. 1 Squadron RAF Regiment]]
⚫
*** [[No. 2623 Squadron RAuxAF Regiment|No. 2623 (East Anglian) Squadron (Royal Auxiliary Air Force) Regiment]]
⚫
** RAF Regiment Training Wing
⚫
** RAF Force Protection Centre

[[No. 22 Group RAF|'''No. 22 Group (Training)''']]

* [[No. 2 Flying Training School]]
** [[No. 611 Volunteer Gliding Squadron RAF|No. 611 Volunteer Gliding Squadron]] – [[Grob G103a Twin II|Grob Viking T1]]


=== British Army ===
=== British Army ===
'''[[Royal Engineers]]'''


* [[28 Engineer Regiment (United Kingdom)|28 Engineer Regiment]], [[Royal Engineers]]
* [[8th Engineer Brigade (United Kingdom)|8th Engineer Brigade]]
** [[29 (Explosive Ordnance Disposal and Search) Group|29th (Explosive Ordnance Disposal and Search) Group]]
⚫
**Headquarters
*** [[28 Engineer Regiment (United Kingdom)|28 Engineer Regiment]]
**** 64 Headquarters & Support Squadron (C-CBRN)


=== Royal Air Force ===
=== Strategic Command ===
'''[[Defence Medical Services]]'''


⚫
* Honington Regional Rehabilitation Unit
* RAF Force Protection
**[[RAF Force Protection Force Headquarters|RAF Force Protection Headquarters]]
⚫
** RAF Force Protection Centre
⚫
** RAF Regiment Training Wing
⚫
** [[RAF Force Protection Force Headquarters|No. 2 RAF Force Protection Wing]]
*** No. 1 (Tactical) Police Squadron
**[[RAF Force Protection Force Headquarters|No. 7 RAF Force Protection Wing]]
⚫
*** [[No. 2623 Squadron RAuxAF Regiment|No. 2623 (East Anglian) Squadron (Royal Auxiliary Air Force Regiment)]]
**[[RAF Force Protection Force Headquarters|No. 8 RAF Force Protection Wing]]
⚫
*** [[No. 1 Squadron RAF Regiment]]
⚫
**[[Royal Air Force Police|RAF Police Headquarters]]
⚫
**[[No. 3 (Royal Auxiliary Air Force) Police Squadron|No. 3 (Tactical) Police Squadron (Royal Auxiliary Air Force)]]
**Specialist and Security Police Wing
⚫
*Regional Rehabilitation Unit


=== Civilian ===
=== Civilian ===
Line 197: Line 204:
=== Built heritage ===
=== Built heritage ===
[[File:Royal Air Force Fighter Command, 1939-1945. CH17890.jpg|alt=The turret of a Pickett-Hamilton fort, fully raised and manned during the Second World War.|thumb|157x157px|The turret of a [[Pickett-Hamilton fort]], fully raised and manned during the [[World War II|Second World War]].]]
[[File:Royal Air Force Fighter Command, 1939-1945. CH17890.jpg|alt=The turret of a Pickett-Hamilton fort, fully raised and manned during the Second World War.|thumb|157x157px|The turret of a [[Pickett-Hamilton fort]], fully raised and manned during the [[World War II|Second World War]].]]
Two Second World War era hardened field fortification survive within the airfield boundary. The [[Pickett-Hamilton fort]]s were designated as [[scheduled monument]]s by [[English Heritage]] (now [[Historic England]]) in September 2002. The forts were constructed in late 1940 in order to provide ground defence for the airfield. A third example is thought to have been destroyed during redevelopment of the station after the war.<ref name=":2">{{NHLE|num=1020779|desc=Two Pickett-Hamilton forts at Honington airfield, 750m and 1.25&nbsp;km south west of Broomhill Cottages|access-date=20 April 2019}}</ref>
Two Second World War era hardened field fortifications survive within the airfield boundary. The [[Pickett-Hamilton fort]]s were designated as [[scheduled monument]]s by [[English Heritage]] (now [[Historic England]]) in September 2002. The forts were constructed in late 1940 in order to provide ground defence for the airfield. A third example is thought to have been destroyed during redevelopment of the station after the war.<ref name=":2">{{NHLE|num=1020779|desc=Two Pickett-Hamilton forts at Honington airfield, 750m and 1.25&nbsp;km south west of Broomhill Cottages|access-date=20 April 2019}}</ref>


The forts were designed to be lowered into the ground while not in use, as such they would be inconspicuous and would not interfere with the passage of taxiing aircraft or other vehicles. The forts could be raised to about {{convert|2|ft|6|in|m}} above ground level where it would be a physical impediment to aircraft and vehicles and from where a small crew could fire with rifles or light machine guns.{{sfn|Pickett|Hamilton|1940}}
The forts were designed to be lowered into the ground while not in use; as such they would be inconspicuous and would not interfere with the passage of taxiing aircraft or vehicles. The forts could be raised to about {{convert|2|ft|6|in|m}} above ground level where each would pose a physical impediment to aircraft and vehicles and from where a small crew could fire rifles or light machine guns.{{sfn|Pickett|Hamilton|1940}}


The examples at Honington are described by Historic England as having "importance as comparatively rare surviving examples of an unusual and innovative type of airfield defence installation. The outer structure and lifting heads of both remain in good condition, and the example which is in working order, with its principal internal fittings intact, is of particular interest."<ref name=":2" />
The examples at Honington are described by Historic England as having "importance as comparatively rare surviving examples of an unusual and innovative type of airfield defence installation. The outer structure and lifting heads of both remain in good condition, and the example which is in working order, with its principal internal fittings intact, is of particular interest."<ref name=":2" />
Line 238: Line 245:


===Bibliography===
===Bibliography===
* Baugher, J [http://home.att.net/~jbaugher/usafserials.html USAAS-USAAC-USAAF-USAF Aircraft Serial Numbers—1908 to present]
* Baugher, J [http://home.att.net/~jbaugher/usafserials.html USAAS-USAAC-USAAF-USAF Aircraft Serial Numbers—1908 to present] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090130025918/http://home.att.net/~jbaugher/usafserials.html |date=30 January 2009 }}
* Freeman, Roger A., ''Airfields of the Eighth, Then And Now'', 1978
* Freeman, Roger A., ''Airfields of the Eighth, Then And Now'', 1978
* {{cite book|last=Jefford|first=C. G. |year=1988 |title=RAF Squadrons|publisher=Air Life Publishing |isbn=1-85310-053-6}}
* {{cite book|last=Jefford|first=C. G. |year=1988 |title=RAF Squadrons|publisher=Air Life Publishing |isbn=1-85310-053-6}}
Line 248: Line 255:
{{Commons category|RAF Honington}}
{{Commons category|RAF Honington}}


* {{Official website|https://www.raf.mod.uk/our-organisation/stations/raf-honington/}}
* {{Official website}}
* [https://www.raf.mod.uk/our-organisation/stations/raf-honington/news/honington-herald/ Honington Herald] – RAF Honington station magazine
* [https://www.raf.mod.uk/our-organisation/stations/raf-honington/news/honington-herald/ Honington Herald] – RAF Honington station magazine
* [https://rafregimentheritagecentre.org.uk/ RAF Regiment Heritage Centre]
* [https://rafregimentheritagecentre.org.uk/ RAF Regiment Heritage Centre]

Latest revision as of 15:34, 8 December 2024

RAF Honington
Near Thetford, Norfolk in England
The main entrance to RAF Honington.
Pro anglia valens
(Latin for 'Valiant for England')[1]
RAF Honington is located in Suffolk
RAF Honington
RAF Honington
Shown within Suffolk
Coordinates52°20′33″N 000°46′23″E / 52.34250°N 0.77306°E / 52.34250; 0.77306
TypeAir combat support station
Area779 hectares (1,920 acres)[2]
Site information
OwnerMinistry of Defence
OperatorRoyal Air Force
Controlled byNo. 2 Group (Air Combat Support)[3]
ConditionOperational
WebsiteOfficial website
Site history
Built1935 (1935)–1936
In use
  • 1937–1942 (Royal Air Force)
  • 1942–1946 (US Army Air Forces)
  • 1946 – present (Royal Air Force)
Garrison information
Current
commander		Group Captain Holland
Occupants See Based units section for full list.
Airfield information
IdentifiersIATA: BEQ, ICAO: EGXH, WMO: 03586
Elevation53 metres (174 ft) AMSL
Runways
Direction Length and surface
09/27 2,747 metres (9,012 ft) Asphalt

Royal Air Force Honington or more simply RAF Honington (IATA: BEQ, ICAO: EGXH) is a Royal Air Force station located 6 mi (9.7 km) south of Thetford near Ixworth in Suffolk, England. It was used as a bomber station during the Second World War and through the Cold War, hosting Handley Page Victors and Hawker Siddeley (Blackburn) Buccaneers. RAF Honington has been the RAF Regiment depot since 1994.

History

[edit]

Royal Air Force use

[edit]

Construction of Honington airfield, which was undertaken by John Laing & Son, began in 1935, and the station was opened on 3 May 1937.[4] Squadrons of RAF Bomber Command using the airfield prior to the Second World War were:

IX Squadron flew the first RAF bombing raid of the Second World War on 4 September 1939 flying a sortie against the Kriegsmarine in the Baltic resulting in the loss of two Wellingtons.[9]

In July 1940, No. 311 (Czech) Squadron RAF formed at Honington with Wellingtons, later moving to RAF East Wretham in November 1940.[10]

Then, in May 1941, a Wellington returning from a night trip attempted to land at Honington with its wheels retracted. It skidded to one side and crashed into the main bomb dump where it burst into flames. Group Captain J. A. Gray and Squadron Leader J. A. McCarthy, the station medical officer, were the first on the scene of the crash. Both entered the burning aircraft in an attempt to rescue the crew who were trapped and, between them, they saved two crew-members. For their gallantry, both officers were awarded the George Medal.[11]

United States Army Air Forces use

[edit]
Aerial photography of RAF Honington, 25 January 1944 oriented north. The pre-World War II Honington Airfield is on the right, the 1st Strategic Air Depot is to the left. Note the large number of B-17 Flying Fortress aircraft parked on numerous hardstands at both the airfield and depot

In June 1942, the airfield was transferred to the USAAF and was upgraded to a Class A Bomber base. Honington was assigned USAAF designation Station 375.[12]

  • 314th Service Group[13]

USAAF Station Units assigned to RAF Honington were:[12]

467th Service Squadron; HHS 314th Service Group
  • 18th Weather Squadron
  • 68th Station Complement Squadron
  • 9th Depot Repair Squadron
  • Headquarters (Western Base Section)

Regular Army Station Units included:

  • Headquarters & Headquarters Battery (386th Anti-Aircraft Artillery Battalion)
  • 386th Anti-Aircraft Artillery AW Battalion
  • 386th Anti-Aircraft Artillery Battalion
  • 1097th Signal Company
  • 1178th Quartermaster Company
  • 1221st Military Police Company
  • 1599th Ordnance Supply & Maintenance Company
  • 2017th Engineer Fire Fighting Platoon

1st Strategic Air Depot

[edit]

Under USAAF control, an additional facility, called Troston, was constructed to the west of the main airfield as a specialized air depot for the repair of badly-damaged B-17 Flying Fortress bombers and supporting the 3d Bomb Division located in the area. Badly damaged Fortresses were often instructed to crash land at Honington on return from operations, particularly if their landing gear could not be lowered, as this avoided the necessity to dismantle and transport the aircraft from its home base for repair.[12]

364th Fighter Group

[edit]
North American P-51D-15-NA Mustangs of the 385th Fighter Squadron. 44-15493 "Jeannie II" in foreground, 44-14322 "Coffin Wit Wings" behind

In addition to the air depot, Honington also housed an operational fighter unit when the 364th Fighter Group took up residence at Honington in February 1944, arriving from Santa Maria AAF, California. The group was under the command of the 67th Fighter Wing of the VIII Fighter Command.[14]

The group consisted of the following squadrons:[15]

The 364th FG flew escort, dive-bombing, strafing, and patrol missions in France, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Germany.[15]

Converted from Lockheed P-38 Lightnings to North American P-51 Mustangs in the summer of 1944 and from then until the end of the war flew many long-range escort missions heavy bombers that attacked oil refineries, industries, and other strategic objectives at Berlin, Regensburg, Merseburg, Stuttgart, Brussels, and elsewhere. The 364th received a Distinguished Unit Citation for an escort mission on 27 December 1944 when the group dispersed a large force of German fighters that attacked the bomber formation the group was escorting on a raid to Frankfurt.[15]

The group patrolled the English Channel during the Normandy invasion in June 1944, and, while continuing escort operations, supported ground forces in France after the invasion by strafing and bombing locomotives, marshalling yards, bridges, barges, and other targets.[16]

The 364th also flew air-sea rescue missions, engaged in patrol activities, and continued to support ground forces as the battle line moved through France and into Germany. Took part in the effort to invade the Netherlands by air, September 1944; the Battle of the Bulge, December 1944 – January 1945; and the assault across the Rhine, March 1945.[16]

The US flag comes down for the last time at RAF Honington in February 1946
The US flag comes down for the last time at RAF Honington in February 1946

Although the last mission by the 364th took place on 25 April 1945, the group did not depart until November, returning to Camp Kilmer, New Jersey, for inactivation. Even then, Honington remained the lone Eighth Air Force outpost in the UK becoming Fighter Command HQ on 5 October. Honington was the last USAAF station to be returned to the RAF. By the beginning of 1946, the airfield remained the only active station which had been used by the Eighth Air Force and a fitting ceremony was planned to mark its closure and official handing back to the Royal Air Force. On 26 February, Brigadier General Emil Kiel – the Eighth Fighter Command commander – was present to hand over the keys of the station to Air Marshal Sir James Robb, AOC RAF Fighter Command. An RAF band played The Star-Spangled Banner as the Stars and Stripes were lowered for the RAF Ensign to be hoisted in its place. The airfield, which was the first transferred to the United States Army Air Forces for its use in 1942, was the last to be returned to the Air Ministry.[17]

Back to Royal Air Force control

[edit]

RAF Honington was then used by RAF Transport Command. The station provided support the Berlin Airlift and was transferred to RAF Bomber Command in 1949.[18] It accommodated storage facilities for No. 94 Armament Maintenance Unit in the 1950s and a 9,000 ft concrete runway was completed in 1956.[18]

Bomber squadrons, 10, XV, 44, and 57 flying the English Electric Canberra were based at the station from 1955 to 1957 and 10 and XV Squadrons saw action in the Suez Crisis.[18]

In 1956, RAF Honington also became a V bomber base: squadrons, Nos, 7, 90, and 199 flew Vickers Valiant while squadron Nos, 55 and 57 flew Handley Page Victors.[18]

In 1965 the station was put into reserve to accommodate the proposed General Dynamics F-111 fleet: the married quarters were used for evacuees from the Aden Emergency at that time.[19]

The station then became home to Hawker Siddeley (Blackburn) Buccaneer bombers from November 1969. Squadron Nos. 12, 15 and 16 were formed. 15 and 16 squadrons moved to RAF Laarbruch in West Germany in 1971. No. 237 OCU (Operational Conversion Unit) was formed at Honington when the RAF took over Buccaneer training from the Royal Navy. 208 and 216 squadrons were also based there.[18] The Buccaneer fleet (12, 208, and 237 OCU) moved to RAF Lossiemouth in Scotland.[18]

A Panavia Tornado GR1 of No. 45 Squadron otherwise known as the Tornado Weapons Conversion Unit.
A Panavia Tornado GR1 of No. 45 Squadron otherwise known as the Tornado Weapons Conversion Unit.

The station was then selected to become a base for the RAF's Panavia Tornado fleet in 1981. In August 1982 IX(B) Squadron was reformed at RAF Honington, becoming the world's first operational Tornado squadron. Equipment included the WE.177 nuclear bomb. IX Squadron relocated to RAF Bruggen in Germany in 1986. No. 45 Squadron was the sole occupant until XIII Squadron formed there in January 1990.[18]

RAF Regiment Depot

[edit]

On 15 July 1992, it was announced that the Tornados would depart Honington and that the station would relinquish its primary flying role and become the RAF Regiment Depot.[20] As a result, the TWCU moved to Lossiemouth (to replace the Buccaneers) in November 1993. Honington ceased to be a flying station on 1 February 1994 when No. 13 Squadron relocated to RAF Marham.[21] The Depot moved in June 1994, when RAF Catterick in North Yorkshire, home of the previous depot, transferred to the British Army.[21]

RAF Honington became the home to 611 Volunteer Gliding Squadron due to the closure of RAF Watton in April 2012, requiring their conversion to the Grob 109B Vigilant motor glider until the closure of that unit in 2016.[22]

During 2018, No. 2 Squadron RAF Regiment moved to RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire, completing the move in September of that year.[23] No. 20 Wing RAF Regiment (Defence Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) Wing) disbanded on 1 April 2019 having been at Honington since 2011. The CBRN role was taken over by 28 Engineer Regiment of the Royal Engineers, with No. 27 Squadron RAF Regiment coming under army command, before disbanding in October 2021.[24][25]

Role and operations

[edit]

RAF Honington's mission statement is "Delivering Air Force Protection Capability for the RAF and Defence".[26] The station is the single hub for RAF Force Protection, incorporating the RAF Regiment Headquarters and the RAF Police Headquarters. Together they are responsible for protecting the RAF at home and abroad. The station is home to over 1,500 military personnel, civil servants and contractors.[27] RAF Honington is home to three RAF Regiment field squadrons. Through the RAF Force Protection Centre and RAF Regiment Training Wing, the station also provides initial and advanced training for members of the RAF Regiment and specialist training for the RAF's entire Force Protection capability.[27] The RAF Police is the service police branch of the Royal Air Force and Honington is home to the RAF Police Headquarters. It also accommodates No. 1 (Tactical) Police Squadron which provides field policing, and reserve unit No. 3 (Tactical) Police Squadron (Royal Auxiliary Air Force) which provides a general policing and aviation security capability.[27]

Based units

[edit]

The following units are based at RAF Honington.[28][29][30]

Royal Air Force

[edit]

No. 2 Group (Air Combat Support)

No. 22 Group (Training)

British Army

[edit]

Royal Engineers

Strategic Command

[edit]

Defence Medical Services

  • Honington Regional Rehabilitation Unit

Civilian

[edit]
  • RAF Regiment Heritage Centre
  • RAF Honington Flying Club – Piper PA-28

Heritage

[edit]

Station badge and motto

[edit]

RAF Honington's badge, awarded in June 1956, features the head of St. Edmund in front of two crossed arrows pointing downwards. The head of St. Edmund represents the nearby town of Bury St Edmunds which is approximately 9 km (5.59 mi) to the south east of the station, in whose coat of arms the representation is featured. The arrows in saltire, represent St. Edmund's martyrdom.[31]

The station's motto (Pro anglia valens) is in Latin and translates into English as Valiant for England.[31]

Built heritage

[edit]
The turret of a Pickett-Hamilton fort, fully raised and manned during the Second World War.
The turret of a Pickett-Hamilton fort, fully raised and manned during the Second World War.

Two Second World War era hardened field fortifications survive within the airfield boundary. The Pickett-Hamilton forts were designated as scheduled monuments by English Heritage (now Historic England) in September 2002. The forts were constructed in late 1940 in order to provide ground defence for the airfield. A third example is thought to have been destroyed during redevelopment of the station after the war.[32]

The forts were designed to be lowered into the ground while not in use; as such they would be inconspicuous and would not interfere with the passage of taxiing aircraft or vehicles. The forts could be raised to about 2 feet 6 inches (0.76 m) above ground level where each would pose a physical impediment to aircraft and vehicles and from where a small crew could fire rifles or light machine guns.[33]

The examples at Honington are described by Historic England as having "importance as comparatively rare surviving examples of an unusual and innovative type of airfield defence installation. The outer structure and lifting heads of both remain in good condition, and the example which is in working order, with its principal internal fittings intact, is of particular interest."[32]

Former units

[edit]

The following units were here at some point:[34]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]

Public Domain This article incorporates public domain material from the Air Force Historical Research Agency

Citations

[edit]
  1. ^ Pine, L.G. (1983). A dictionary of mottoes (1 ed.). London: Routledge & Kegan Paul. p. 181. ISBN 0-7100-9339-X.
  2. ^ "Defence Estates Development Plan 2009 – Annex A". GOV.UK. Ministry of Defence. 3 July 2009. p. 15. Retrieved 26 March 2019.
  3. ^ "No 2 Group". Royal Air Force. Retrieved 19 April 2019.
  4. ^ Ritchie, p. 91
  5. ^ a b Jefford 1988, p. 48
  6. ^ Jefford 1988, p. 54
  7. ^ Jefford 1988, p. 71
  8. ^ Jefford 1988, p. 27
  9. ^ "IX Squadron". Ministry of Defence. Retrieved 24 November 2021.
  10. ^ Jefford 1988, p. 85
  11. ^ London Gazette Issue 35270 published on 9 September 1941. Page 1
  12. ^ a b c "Honington". American Air Museum in Britain. Retrieved 16 March 2015.
  13. ^ "314th Service Group". American Air Museum in Britain. Retrieved 16 March 2015.
  14. ^ "67th Fighter Wing". American Air Museum in Britain. Retrieved 24 November 2021.
  15. ^ a b c "364th Fighter Group". American Air Museum in Britain. Retrieved 24 November 2021.
  16. ^ a b "364th Fighter Group". Army Air Corps Museum. Retrieved 24 November 2021.
  17. ^ "Honington handed back to the RAF - February 26, 1946". American Air Museum in Britain. Retrieved 24 November 2021.
  18. ^ a b c d e f g "RAF Honington". Vulcan to the Sky. Retrieved 24 November 2021.
  19. ^ Magee, Jon (2008). From Barren Rocks to Living Stones. AuthorHouse. ISBN 978-1434381491.
  20. ^ March, Peter R. (1998). Brace by Wire to Fly-By-Wire – 80 Years of the Royal Air Force 1918–1998. RAF Fairford: Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund Enterprises. p. 158. ISBN 1-899808-06-X.
  21. ^ a b March, Peter R. (1998). Brace by Wire to Fly-By-Wire – 80 Years of the Royal Air Force 1918–1998. RAF Fairford: Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund Enterprises. p. 162. ISBN 1-899808-06-X.
  22. ^ "611 Volunteer Gliding Squadron operational again". RAF Air Cadets. Retrieved 24 November 2021.
  23. ^ Cooper, Tim (25 September 2018). "RAF Regiment Squadron Receives New Standard". Forces Network. Retrieved 18 October 2018.
  24. ^ "27 Squadron RAF Regt – 20 Wg The End of the Beginning". Honington Herald. Lance Print: 9. Summer 2019.
  25. ^ "A Fond Farewell to 27 Sqn RAF Regiment". Royal Air Force. 7 October 2021. Retrieved 7 October 2021.
  26. ^ "Jeffrey's 100 Mile Walk". Honington Herald. Forces and Corporate Publishing Ltd.: 22 Winter 2018.
  27. ^ a b c "RAF Honington". Royal Air Force. Retrieved 19 April 2019.
  28. ^ "RAF Honington – Who's Based Here". Royal Air Force. Retrieved 7 July 2024.
  29. ^ "RAF Honington Flying Club". RAF Flying Clubs' Association. Archived from the original on 2 February 2008. Retrieved 23 July 2017.
  30. ^ "Force Troops Command Handbook". Retrieved 31 March 2019.
  31. ^ a b "Honington". RAF Heraldry Trust. Retrieved 19 April 2019.
  32. ^ a b Historic England. "Two Pickett-Hamilton forts at Honington airfield, 750m and 1.25 km south west of Broomhill Cottages (1020779)". National Heritage List for England. Retrieved 20 April 2019.
  33. ^ Pickett & Hamilton 1940.
  34. ^ "Honington". Airfields of Britain Conservation Trust. Retrieved 10 February 2016.

Bibliography

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