Air of Authority - A History of RAF Organisation

Bases and Landing Grounds

This section covers a range of airfields, bases, landing grounds and airfield support units not covered in other sections of the site.

RAF Base, Bombay

This was formed on an unknown date and disbanded on 31 October 1946.

RAF Base, Calcutta

This was formed on an unknown date and disbanded on 15 October 1946.

RAF Base, Karachi

This was formed on an unknown date and disbanded on 31 March 1946, the majority of its commitments being taken over by RAF Mauripur.

RAF Base, Pointe Noir

This was formed on an unknown date and closed down on 28 March 1945.

RAF Base, Robertsfield

This was formed on an unknown date under the control of AHQ West Africa and closed down on 11 August 1945.

RAF Base HQ, Rangoon

This was formed on a unknown date and was due to disband on 15 October 1945 but was re-established the following day, and was disbanded on 31 May 1946.

RAF Base HQ, 'Shackle'

This was formed in Ceylon on 1 July 1945, in preparation for the invasion of Malaya.  It moved to Singapore on 1 October 1945 and was redesignated RAF Base HQ, Singapore.

RAF Base HQ, Seletar

This was formed in Singapore on an unknown date and on 1 December 1947 assumed administrative responsibility for: -

• No 8 MTSU

• No 2 BRRD

• TRE (Asia)

• Air Booking Centre (Domestic accommodation only)

• HQ No 2 District, RAF Police

• Nos 64 and 65 Flights, RAF Police

On 1 January 1948 it took over control of the following from RAF Base HQ, Singapore: -

• No 68 Movement Unit

• No 7 MTBRD

• Air Booking Centre

Its fate is currently unknown.

RAF Base HQ, Singapore

This was formed in Singapore on 1 October 1945 by redesignating RAF Base HQ, 'Shackle' on its arrival from Ceylon.  It moved to Paya Lebar on 1 December 1947 and probably disbanded on 31 December 1947.

Base Operating Unit

This was formed at RAF Habbaniya on 1 March 1957 in RAF Levant, no further details at present.

RAF Detachment, Diyatalawa

This was formed on 1 April 1950 under the control of AHQ Ceylon, with the following policy: -

1. Command of Military Corrective Establishment.

2. Administrative control of Weapons Training School (functional control with AHQ Ceylon).

3. Provision of leave and change of air facilities for RAF in Ceylon.

4. Provision of administrative services, in conjunction with RN, for HMA Uva, as follows: -

   • Works Services

   • Transport

   • POL

   • Fuel and Light

   • Clothing for RAF/Army personnel

On 25 May 1950 the Military Corrective Establishment was set apart as an Air Force Corrective Establishment under Section 132 (1), Air Force Act, but was closed down on 31 December 1950.

No further details at present.

RAF Detachment, Hargeisha

This was formed on an unknown date and was withdrawn on 1 August 1950 when the airfield was transferred to the Civil Authorities in British Somaliland.

RAF Detachment, Mafraq

This was formed at Mafraq in Jordan under the control of AHQ Iraq on 1 April 1950 to the following policy: -

1. A Grade 3 airfield with limited servicing facilities only (i.e. Refuelling)

2. Accommodation and parenting facilities for a forward detachment of one squadron of No 324 Wing and one Flight of the RAF Regiment on a field service basis between March and October inclusive.

3. Air Weapons Range (day only)

4. Full parent facilities provided by RAF Amman.

Fleet Air Arm Floatplane Base

This was formed at Lee-on-Solent on an unknown date as the land base for the catapult float planes of the Home Fleet.  Between 12 May and 7 June 1935 it moved to RAF Mount Batten, no further details at present.

No 25 (Advanced) Flying Boat Base

This was formed as Advanced Flying Boat Base, Cochin on 28 March 1943 under the control of No 225 Group and was numbered No 25 on 17 April 1944.  It was transferred to No 222 Group in March 1945 and disbanded on 1 May 1945.

No 26 (Advanced) Flying Boat Base

This was formed as Advanced Flying Boat Base, Coconada on 3 August 1943 under the control of No 225 Group and was numbered No 26 on 17 April 1944.  It was transferred to No 222 Group in March 1945.  It relocated to Penang on 17 September, later returning to Coconada.   It disbanded on 30 November 1945 but immediately reformed as  a Marine Craft Section at Butterworth.

No 27 (Advanced) Flying Boat Base

This was formed as Advanced Flying Boat Base, Trombay on 28 March 1943 under the control of No 225 Group and was numbered No 27 on 17 April 1944.  It was transferred to No 222 Group in March 1945 on Care and Maintenance and disbanded on 30 September 1945.

No 28 (Advanced) Flying Boat Base

This was formed as Advanced Flying Boat Base, Addu Attol in 1943 under the control of No 222 Group and was numbered No 28 on 17 April 1944.  It disbanded on 15 June 1945.

No 29 (Advanced) Flying Boat Base

This was formed as Advanced Flying Boat Base, Diego Garcia in 1943 under the control of No 222 Group and was numbered No 29 on 17 April 1944.  It disbanded on 19 June 1945.

No 30 (Advanced) Flying Boat Base

This was formed as Advanced Flying Boat Base, Kelai in the Maldives on 22 October 1943 under the control of No 222 Group and was numbered No 30 on 17 April 1944.  It disbanded on 25 May 1945.

No 31 (Advanced) Flying Boat Base

This was formed on 1 April 1945 under the control of No 222 Group at Bally, near Calcutta, being transferred to No 222 Group in March 1945.  It relocated to Madras on 6 September before moving to Kai Tak later that month and disbanded on 30 November 1945.

Flying Boat Base

This was formed on an unknown date at Banana but was handed over to the Belgian authorities on 27 September 1944.

Advanced Flying Boat Base

This was formed on 6 July 1942 under the control of No 226 Group at Karachi and disbanded on 23 April 1943 with its personnel being allocated to Nos 25 and 27 AFBB.

Advanced Flying Boat Base

This was formed on by January 1944 under the control of No 2 (Indian) Group at Redhill Lakes and disbanded on 1 August 1946.

Advanced Flying Boat Base

This was formed on 28 February 1943 under the control of No 225 Group at Korangi Creek and disbanded on in October 1943.

Advanced Flying Boat Base

This was formed on by 1 May 1948 as a detachment of RAF Changi at Labuan and disbanded on 1 July 1950.

Advanced Flying Boat Base

This was formed on 1 October 1950 as a detachment of RAF Negombo at China Bay/Trincomalee and transferred to the Royal Ceylon Air Force on 30 November 1957.

Advanced Flying Boat Base

This was formed on an unknown date at Fisherman's Lake under the control of AHQ West Africa and closed down on 1 August 1945.

RAF Flying Boat Base

This was formed at Libreville in West Africa on and unknown date and was closed down on 21 February 1945, although it remained available for emergency use.

Advanced General Reconnaissance Base

This was formed on 25 September 1941 under the control of No 201 Group at Fuka Satellite and disbanded on in January 1942.

No 915 Advanced Landing Ground HQ

This was formed on 21 October 1944 in ACSEA, and disbanded on 10 August 1945.

No 916 Advanced Landing Ground HQ

This was formed on 21 October 1944 in ACSEA, and disbanded on 10 August 1945.

No 917 Advanced Landing Ground HQ

This was formed on 21 October 1944 in ACSEA, and disbanded on 10 August 1945.

No 1 Aerodrome Party

This was formed in 1922 at Uxbridge, moving to Constantinople on 28 September and disbanded on 22 September 1923.

HQ RAF Base, Madras

This was formed on 20 September 1944 administered by No 225 Group, and disbanded on 1 June 1946, its commitments being transferred to RAF Tambaram.

1st Bombardment Wing/Division Substitution Unit/1st Air Division Substitution Unit

This was formed on 28 January 1943 at Brampton Grange, Huntingdon, administered by No 2 Group, to take over the responsibilities in No 8 Group, which disbanded the same day and was responsible for: -

1. the administration, discipline, pay and equipment accounting of all RAF and WAAF personnel at HQ, 1st Bombardment Wing, VIII Bomber Command at all stations allocated to 1st Bombardment Wing, VIII Bomber Command

2. the following airfields were allocated to 1st Bombardment Wing, VIII Bomber Command, until they were transferred to the USAAF: -

   • Alconbury

   • Bassingbourn

   • Chelveston

   • Grafton Underwood

   • Kimbolton

   • Little Staughton

   • Molesworth

   • Podington

   • Polebrook

   • Steeple Morden

On 16 May 1943 it was transferred to No 92 Group for disciplinary purposes.  It was renamed 1st Bombardment Division Substitution Unit on 20 November 1943, and the 1st Air Division Substitution Unit on  6 January 1945, finally being disbanded on 8 December 1945.

2nd Bombardment Wing Substitution Unit/2nd Air Division Substitution Unit

This was formed on 12 April 1943 at Old Catton, near Norwich, administered by No 2 Group, and was responsible for: -

1. the administration, discipline, pay and equipment accounting of all RAF and WAAF personnel at HQ, 2nd Bombardment Wing, VIII Bomber Command at all stations allocated to 2nd Bombardment Wing, VIII Bomber Command, other than Watton and Bodney until they were vacated by Flying Training Command.

2. the following airfields were allocated to 2nd Bombardment Wing, VIII Bomber Command, until they were transferred to the USAAF: -

   • Shipdham

   • Horsham St Faith

   • Hethal

   • Hardwick

   • Wendling

   • Attlebridge

   • Tibenham

   • Bungay

On 25 May 1943 it was transferred to No 3 Group for disciplinary purposes. It was renamed 2nd Bombardment Division Substitution Unit on 20 November 1943, and the 2nd Air Division Substitution Unit on  6 January 1945.  It disbanded on 1 September 1945.

3rd Bombardment Wing/Division Substitution Unit/Division Substitution Unit

This was formed on 22 March 1943 at Elvedon Hall, Thetford, Norfolk and was responsible for: -

1. the administration, discipline, pay and equipment accounting of all RAF and WAAF personnel at HQ, 3rd Bombardment Wing, VIII Bomber Command at all stations allocated to 2nd Bombardment Wing, VIII Bomber Command.

2. the following airfields were allocated to 3rd Bombardment Wing, VIII Bomber Command, until they were transferred to the USAAF: -

   • Bury St Edmunds

   • Rattlesden

   • Snetterton Heath

   • East Wretham

   • Horham

   • Thorpe Abbots

   • Honington

   • Knettishall

It was renumbered 4th Bombardment Wing Substitution Unit on 18 August 1943, effectively moving to Marks Hall, Earls Colne, Essex, but was reformed from 4th Bombardment Division Substitution Unit at Elvedon Hall, Thetford, Norfolk on 20 November 1943, and the 3rd Air Division Substitution Unit on  6 January 1945.  It was disbanded on 16 September 1946.

4th Bombardment Wing Substitution Unit

This was formed on 5 April 1943 at Marks Hall, Earls Colne, Essex and was responsible for: -

1. the administration, discipline, pay and equipment accounting of all RAF and WAAF personnel at HQ, 4th Bombardment Wing, VIII Bomber Command at all stations allocated to 4thBombardment Wing, VIII Bomber Command.

2. the following airfields were allocated to 4th Bombardment Wing, VIII Bomber Command, until they were transferred to the USAAF: -

   • Earls Colne

   • Wattisham

It was renumbered 3rd Bombardment Wing Substitution Unit on 18 August 1943, effectively moving to Elvedon Hall, Thetford, Norfolk.  It was renamed IX Bomber Command Substitution Unit on 20 November 1943.

Air Support Division Substitution Unit

This was formed on 15 September 1943 at RAF Cottesmore and was responsible for: -

• Opening up and subsequent administration of the following stations: -

  • North Witham

  • Wakerley

  • Fokingham

• The administrative control of the following airfields from when they were transferred from No 5 Group: -

  • Cottesmore

  • Fulbeck

• The administrative control of the following airfield from when they were brought a C  & M basis prior to temporary occupation by units of the USAAF or British Airborne Forces : -

  • Bottesford

  • Saltby

  • Woolfox Lodge

  • North Luffenham

  • Langer

  • Balderton

  • Barkston Heath

4. The administrative discipline, pay and equipment accounting of RAF and WAAF personnel attached to the US Air Support Division HQ at RAF Cottesmore and of Care and Maintenance Parties, Glider Maintenance Sections, Airfield Construction Flights and RAF Regiment Flights locates or to be located at the airfields listed in i, ii or iii above.

It was attached to HQ No 5 Group for disciplinary purpose but under HQ Bomber Command for all other administrative matters.  It was was redesignated IX Troop Carrier Command Command Substitution Unit on 15 November 1943.

IX Troop Carrier Command Substitution Unit

This was formed on 15 November 1943 at by redesignating Air Support Division Substitution Unit.  Its responsibilities remained the same as those shown above, except RAF Leicester East was added to the list shown iii).  On 13 October 1944 it moved from St Vincent's, Grantham to RAF Cottesmore and it was disbanded on 1 July 1945.

IX Bomber Command Substitution Unit

This was formed on 20 November 1943 at by redesignating 3rd Bombardment Wing Substitution Unit.  Its responsibilities remained the same as those shown above.  It disbanded on 31 July 1944.

IX Fighter Command Substitution Unit

This was formed on 1 February 1944 at Red Rice House, Middle Wallop, attached to HQ No 10 Group for disciplinary purposes but under the control of HQ ADGB, its functions being: -

• The administrative control of airfields occupied by or awaiting transfer to IX Fighter Command: -

  • Chalgrove

• The opening of new airfields, and preparation of airfields, for occupation by IX Fighter Command

  • Merryfield

  • Upottrey

• Works liaison in respect of airfields still under construction which are to be occupied by IX Fighter Command, and the provision , when required, of assistance and advice to HQ IX Fighter Command in respect of Works Services.

• The administration, discipline, pay and equipment accounting of all RAF Liaison and Substitution Personnel on the airfields listed below: -

  • Welford

  • Aldermaston

  • Membury

  • Grove

  • Greenham Common

  • Keevil

  • Middle Wallop

  • Charmy Down

As more stations were opened and were transferred to the USAAF, these lists altered accordingly.

It was disbanded on 1 October 1944.

Bomber Command Advanced Emergency Airfield Unit

This was formed on the Continent on 15 January 1945, and on 1 July 1945 was renamed Bomber Command Unit - France.

Bomber Command Unit - France

This was formed on 1 July 1945 by renaming the Bomber Command Advanced Emergency Airfield Unit, and disbanded on 8 October 1945.

Camouflage Flight

This was formed on behalf of the Home Office on 9 October 1939 at Baginton  to advise on aerial camouflage measures to both military and industrial units and establishments, but administered by RAF Cosford and was redesignated No 1 Camouflage Unit on 3 November 1939.

No 1 Camouflage Unit

This was formed from the Camouflage Flight on 3 November 1939 at Baginton, to work mainly on behalf of the Home office, but could also carry out work for the Admiralty and War Office. Its duties being: -

1. Reconnaissance - the primary object of which is to ascertain the vital points and landmarks requiring camouflage and to prepare the design for each individual case.

2. The photography of these points and of particular industrial sites and buildings for assistance in the preparation of the camouflage design.

3. The inspection of camouflage work in progress and completed.

It moved to Cosford on 22 September 1940 under the control of No 20 Group, then to Hendon on 8 November, where it was transferred to No 11 Group.  At the same time it took over from No 24 Squadron, responsibility for black-out observation and observation for smoke and other special tasks as required by the Air Ministry (although each could call upon the other for  assistance if the tasking demands exceeded the capacity of each unit), its tasks being amended to: -

1. Reconnaissance as required by the Air Ministry and Ministry of Home Security to ascertain certain points and landmarks requiring camouflage.  Photography of these points and inspection of camouflage work in progress and completed.

2. Black-out observation as required by the Air Ministry.

3. Observation for smoke and other special tasks and experiments as ordered by the Air Ministry

On 1 June 1942 it moved to Stapleford Tawney, being detached to Baginton from 4 October to February 1943 and disbanded on 1 October 1944.

No 2 Camouflage Unit

See section on Photographic units

Care and Maintenance Party, Abadan Area

This was formed on 1 November 1943 in the Abadan Area of Iran but based on RAF Basrah to take over the care and maintenance of No 19 Sector Operations Rooms and Nos 277, 503 and 525 AMES on the disbandment of SHQ RAF Abadan.

Care and Maintenance Party, Middle East

This was formed on 10 October 1943 at Geraif West, Sudan under the control of No 283 Wing and disbanded on 1 August 1944.

Care and Maintenance Party, Misurata

This was formed on 20 March 1944 at Misurata from the C & M Party, previously supplied by RAF Castel Benito and disbanded on 1 May 1944.

Care and Maintenance Party, Tel Litwinsky

This was formed on 7 January 1944 under the control of AHQ Levant to look after the site pending the arrival of other units to occupy it. It disbanded on 1 June 1944.

It reformed on 17 November 1947, with the following functions: -

1. Categorisation, servicing and disposal of serviceable and repairable vehicles.

2. Categorisation and disposal of barrack and technical equipment.

3. Administration of Tel Litwinsky Camp excluding No 3 RAF Hospital, and liaison with Army units situated there.
4. Medical, accounting and signals facilities were provided by No 3 RAF Hospital

It was disbanded on 12 February 1948.

Fighter Command Care and Maintenance Party, Lindholme

This was formed on 1 September 1963 at Lindholme to assume C & M responsibility for the Tactical Control Centre Site at RAF Lindholme and Radar Link at RAF Elsham Wold, no further details at present.

Fighter Command Care and Maintenance Party, Watton

This was formed on 1 July 1963 at Watton to assume C & M responsibility for No 24 (SAM) Servicing Wing HQ Site at RAF Watton, including the Tactical Control Centre and Radar Link, no further details at present.

No 1 Care and Maintenance Party

This was formed on 7 May 1943 at Agartala and disbanded on 30 November 1945.

No 2 Care and Maintenance Party

This was formed on 7 May 1943 at Alipore, moving to Charra in May 1943 and disbanded in November 1943.

It reformed on in May 1944 at Dalbumgargh and disbanded on 30 November 1945.

No 3 Care and Maintenance Party

This was formed on 7 May 1943 at Asansol and disbanded at Bihta on 5 September 1944.

No 4 Care and Maintenance Party

This was formed on 7 May 1943 at Cuttack and disbanded on 1 March 1945.

No 5 Care and Maintenance Party

This was formed in September 1944 at Dambulla and disbanded on 22 March 1945.

No 6 Care and Maintenance Party

This was formed on 7 May 1943 at Jessore, moving to Dhubalia in July 1943 and disbanded on 22 December 1944.

No 7 Care and Maintenance Party/Unit

This was formed on 7 May 1943 at Madhaighanj and disbanded in November 1943.

It reformed on an unknown date at Sylhet and disbanded on 20 March 1944.

It reformed on 21 August 1944 at Ulunderpet, replacing No 87 RRP and disbanded in April 1946.

It was reformed at Risalpur at some point and disbanded on 15 April 1947.

No 8 Care and Maintenance Party/Unit

This was formed on 7 May 1943 at Salbani, moving to Ranchi in July 1943, harra in December 1944 and disbanded on 30 November 1945.

No 9 Care and Maintenance Party

This was formed on 7 May 1943 at Baigachi, moving to Dudkhundi by November 1943 and disbanded on 31 March 1944.

No 10 Care and Maintenance Party/Unit

This was formed on 7 May 1943 at Arkonam and disbanded on 30 October 1945.

No 11 Care and Maintenance Party/Unit

This was formed on 7 May 1943 at Chettinad and disbanded on 10 October 1945.

No 12 Care and Maintenance Party

This was formed on 7 May 1943 at Cholavaram and disbanded on 1 April 1944 on being absorbed in SHQ, RAF Cholavaram.

No 13 Care and Maintenance Party/Unit

This was formed on 7 May 1943 at Kayattar and disbanded on 31 December 1945.

No 14 Care and Maintenance Party

This was formed on 7 May 1943 at Madura and disbanded on 1 November 1944.

No 15 Care and Maintenance Party

This was formed on 7 May 1943 at Santa Cruz, and disbanded on 14 September 1943.  It was reformed at Kajamalai in No 225 Group on 29 November 1943 and was absorbed as a Section of RAF Trichinopoly on 9 August 1944.

No 16 Care and Maintenance Party

This was formed on 7 May 1943 at St Thomas Mount and disbanded on 1 November 1944.

No 17 Care and Maintenance Party

This was formed on 7 May 1943 at Cochin and disbanded on 1 November 1944.

It may have been reformed and disbanded on 15 June 1945.

No 19 Care and Maintenance Party

This was formed on 7 May 1943 at Miranshah and disbanded on 27 July 1943.

No 20 Care and Maintenance Party

This was formed on 7 May 1943 at Phaphamau, moving to Raipur in November 1944, and disbanded in January 1945.

No 21 Care and Maintenance Party/Unit

This was formed on 7 May 1943 at Quetta, moving to Samungli in December and disbanded in November 1947.

No 22 Care and Maintenance Party

This was formed on 7 May 1943 under the control of No 225 Group at Tanjore and disbanded on 31 December 1945.

No 23 Care and Maintenance Party

This was formed on 7 May 1943 under the control of No 225 Group at Yelahanka and disbanded on i15 April 1944.

No 24 Care and Maintenance Party

This was formed on 7 May 1943 under the control of No 225 Group at Redhills Lake and disbanded in March 1944.

No 25 Care and Maintenance Party

This was formed on 7 May 1943 under the control of No 225 Group at Kolar and disbanded on 15 April 1944.

It reformed on 31 March 1946 at Hakimpet under the control of No 225 Group, taking over the reduced commitment of No 39 Staging Post, and disbanded on 15 May 1947.

No 26 Care and Maintenance Party

This was formed on 7 May 1943 under the control of No 225 Group at Trichinopoly (Kajamalai) and disbanded on 7 October 1943.  It reformed at Kalyan on 1 December 1943, and disbanded on 1 July 1944 on formation of SHQ, RAF Kalyan.

It reformed in May 1946 at Baroda and disbanded in November 1947.

No 27 Care and Maintenance Party

This was formed on 16 August 1943 under the control of No 221 Group at Kalaikundah and disbanded at Piadoba on 31 March 1944.

No 29 Care and Maintenance Party

This was formed on 22 August 1943 under the control of No 222 Group at Kalametiya and disbanded on 24 March 1945.

No 30 Care and Maintenance Party

This was formed on 22 August 1943 under the control of No 222 Group at Komariya and disbanded on 24 March 1945.

No 31 Care and Maintenance Party

This was formed on 12 January 1945 under the control of No 231 Group at Rampur Hat and disbanded on 1 October 1946.

No 32 Care and Maintenance Party

This was formed on 1 May 1945 under the control of No 222 Group at Mawatagama but its fate is unknown.

No 33 Care and Maintenance Party

This was formed on an unknown date at Barrackpore and disbanded on 10 November1946.

No 1 Concealment and Decoy Unit

This was formed on 1 January 1944 at Gatwick and disbanded on 1 July 1945.

No 2 Concealment and Decoy Unit

This was formed on 1 January 1944 at Croydon and disbanded on 1 July 1945.

No 3 Concealment and Decoy Unit

This was formed on 1 January 1944 at Sawbridgeworth and disbanded on 1 October 1944.

No 4 Concealment and Decoy Unit

This was formed on 1 January 1944 at North Weald and disbanded on 1 October 1944.

No 5 Concealment and Decoy Unit

A formation date has not been found but it disbanded on 20 August 1944.

No 6 Concealment and Decoy Unit

This was formed on 20 May 1944 to be located with No 16 PTC, in No 85 Group and disbanded on 1 October 1944.

No 7 Concealment and Decoy Unit

This was formed on 20 May 1944 to be located with No 16 PTC, in No 85 Group and disbanded on 1 October 1944.

No 8 Concealment and Decoy Unit

This was formed on 20 May 1944 to be located with No 16 PTC, in No 85 Group.  By 15 March 1945 it was located at B78 Eindhoven, and disbanded on 1 July 1945.

Concealment and Decoy Unit (MAAF)

An original formation and disbandment date has not been found, but it reformed in about December 1943 at No 2 RAF Base Area, under the control of MAAF, it fate is unknown.

RAF Detachment, Car Nicobar

This was formed, on an unknown date and at some point was reduced to an 'Unmanned Basis'

This was re-manned, established on RAF Changi, on 5 April 1948, and was transferred to RAF Tengah on 1 March 1949, but returned to the control of RAF Changi on 15 March 1950, no further details at present.

RAF Detachment, RNAS Trincomalee

A formation has not been found, but it disbanded on 15 May 1946.

No 1 Emergency Landing Ground Party

This was formed on an unknown date at an unknown location but by 27 March 1919 was at Maisers before moving to Tourigines in 91 Wing, where it disbanded into No 1 Detached Landing and Salvage Party on 30 April 1919.

No 2 Emergency Landing Ground Party

This was formed on an unknown date at an unknown location but by 27 March 1919 was at Ans, where it disbanded into No 3 Detached Landing and Salvage Party on 11 June 1919.

No 3 Emergency Landing Ground Party

This was formed on an unknown date at an unknown location but by 27 March 1919 was at Franc West, moving to Nivelles in 91 Wing, after which its fate is unknown.

No 4 Emergency Landing Ground Party

This was formed on an unknown date at an unknown location but by 27 March 1919 was at Frost (9 Brigade), where it and disbanded into No 4 Detached Landing and Salvage Party on 30 May 1919.

No 5 Emergency Landing Ground Party

This was formed on an unknown date at an unknown location but by 27 March 1919 was at Sart (2 Brigade), where it and disbanded into No 4 Detached Landing and Salvage Party on 30 May 1919.

Guided Weapons Range Unit

This was formed on 1 July 1958 under the control of No 12 Group at Aberporth and disbanded on 19 March 1965.

Hawk Support Flight

This was formed on 1 September 1995 under the control of No 4 FTS at Chivenor to administer weapons detachments from the school and disbanded when the station closed in 1996/7.

Joint Concealment Centre (RAF Element)

This was formed from VISTRE Flight on 15 January 1952 under the control of No 62 Group at Netheravon, to provide 'Q' lighting sets and dummy aircraft.  It was transferred to No 27 Group on 22 February 1954, then to No 22 Group on 28 July 1958 and disbanded on 31 October 1958.

No 1 RAF Station, RAF Component

This was formed by renaming RAF Station Amien Gilsy on 20 April 1940.

It returned to the UK following the German invasion and disbanded on 31 May 1940 at Halton. The closing down party disbanded by 19 June 1940.

RAF Unit, Alexandria

This was formed on 1 March 1946 under the control of HQ No 219 Group, no further details at present.

RAF Unit, Alula

This was formed on 11 November 1943 under the control of HQ British Forces, Aden to provide signals communications and facilities for aircraft operating on a detached basis at this Unit and disbanded on 15 April 1945.

RAF Unit, Ballah

This was formed on 20 December 1945 under the control of AHQ Eastern Mediterranean following the disbandment of SHQ, RAF Ballah.  Its fate is unknown.

RAF Unit, Bendar Cassim

This was formed on 1 September 1943 under the control of HQ British Forces, Aden to provide signals communications and facilities for aircraft operating away from their bases, and disbanded on 31 October 1946.

RAF Unit, Berbera

This was formed on 11 November 1943 under the control of HQ British Forces, Aden to provide signals communications and facilities for aircraft operating on a detached basis at this Unit.  Its was due to be disbanded on 10 March 1944, but this was rescinded, finally being disbanded on 30 November 1944.

RAF Unit, Bilbeis

This was formed on an unknown date and later disbanded.

It reformed on a Care and Maintenance basis on 16 April 1946 under the control of HQ, No 216 Group, but was transferred to No 219 Group on 1 June 1941, and disbanded on 17 August 1946.

RAF Unit, Dar-es-Salaam

This was formed on an unknown date and was redesignated RAF Station Dar-es-Salaam.

It reformed on 1 October 1945 on a care and maintenance basis on the disbandment of RAF Station, Dar-es-Salaam, no further details at present.

RAF Unit, Durban

This was formed on an unknown date in Durban, South Africa and disbanded on 5 July 1946.

RAF Unit, H-3

This was formed on an unknown date and was redesignated RAF Station H-3 on the disbandment of No 41 Staging Post on 1 August 1945.

It reformed on 15 October 1945 on a care and maintenance basis as an emergency landing ground and satellite to RAF Habbaniya, and disbanded on 1 November 1946.

RAF Unit, Jask

This was formed on 1 May 1944 under the control of AHQ Iraq and Persia to provide signals communications and facilities at Jask for aircraft operating away from their bases, taking over the existing buildings and equipment at Jask.  It disbanded on 28 February 1946.

RAF Unit, Jerusalem

This was formed on 10 March 1946 under the control of AHQ Levant, no further details at present.

RAF Unit, Khor Kuwai

This was formed on 1 August 1945 under the control of AHQ Iraq & Persia to provide signals communications and Air Sea Rescue facilities.  it was disbanded on 12 April 1946 with the site being handed back to the Royal Navy.

RAF Unit, Kipuvu

This was formed on 15 February 1945 under the control of AHQ East Africa to provide signals communications and facilities for aircraft operating away from their bases.  No further details at present.

RAF Unit, Kuwait

This was formed on an unknown date under the control of AHQ Iraq and disbanded on 1 April 1946.

RAF Unit, Lindi

This was formed on 1 June 1943 under the control of AHQ East Africa to provide signals communications and facilities for aircraft operating away from their bases.  It was placed on Care and Maintenance on 1 January 1945 and disbanded on 1 March 1945..

RAF Unit, Marble Arch

This was formed on a Care and Maintenance basis on 31 October 1945 under the control of AHQ Eastern Mediterranean on the disbandment of RAF Marble Arch, and disbanded on 9 April 1946.

RAF Unit, Mauritius

This was formed on 1 June 1943 under the control of AHQ East Africa to provide signals communications and facilities for aircraft operating away from their bases.  It was redesignated RAF Station, Mauritius in September 1943.

It reformed on 1 August 1945, following the disbandment of SHQ, RAF Mauritius and disbanded on 31 July 1946.

RAF Unit, Mogadishu

This was formed on 1 June 1943 under the control of AHQ East Africa to provide signals communications and facilities for aircraft operating away from their bases.  It was disbanded on 1 April 1950 as a result of the transfer of the control of Italian Somaliland to the Italian Government.

RAF Unit, Pamanzi

This was formed on 1 June 1943 under the control of AHQ East Africa to provide signals communications and facilities for aircraft operating away from their bases.  It disbanded on 31 January 1946.

RAF Unit, Pamanzi

This was formed on 1 June 1943 under the control of AHQ East Africa to provide signals communications and facilities for aircraft operating away from their bases.  It disbanded on 31 January 1946.

RAF Unit, Prestwick

This was formed in Transport Command on 31 March 1946 on the disbandment of RAF Station, Prestwick, and on 1 August 1946 administration was transferred to No 18 Group, whilst operational control remained with Air Traffic HQ.

RAF Unit, Scuiscuiban

This was formed on 1 September 1943 under the control of HQ British Forces, Aden to provide signals communications and facilities for aircraft operating away from their bases and disbanded on 1 July 1945

RAF Unit, Seychelles

This was formed on 1 June 1943 under the control of AHQ East Africa to provide signals communications and facilities for aircraft operating away from their bases.  It was redesignated RAF Station, Seychelles in September 1943.

RAF Unit, Sheikh Othman

This was formed on 1 December 1945 as a satellite to RAF Khormaksar, no further details at present.

RAF Unit, Socotra

This was formed on 1 September 1943 under the control of HQ British Forces, Aden to provide signals communications and facilities for aircraft operating away from their bases.  Its personnel and equipment were withdrawn to No 177 Transit Camp on 26 January 1946 and it disbanded on 15 February 1946.

RAF Unit, Tabora

This was formed on 15 September 1944 under the control of AHQ East Africa to provide signals communications and facilities for aircraft operating away from their bases, and disbanded on 10 November 1946.

RAF Unit, Tulear

This was formed on 1 June 1943 under the control of AHQ East Africa to provide signals communications and facilities for aircraft operating away from their bases.  It disbanded on 31 January 1946.

No 1 Satellite Airfield HQ

This was formed on 12 April 1945 under the control of No 232 Group at Agartala and disbanded on 15 January 1946.

No 2 Satellite Airfield HQ

This was formed on 12 April 1945 under the control of No 232 Group at Lalaghat and disbanded on 25 October 1945.

No 3 Satellite Airfield HQ

This was formed on 12 April 1945 under the control of No 224 Group at Joari and disbanded on 21 November 1945.

No 4 Satellite Airfield HQ

This was formed on 12 April 1945 under the control of No 224 Group at Double Moorings and disbanded on 15 November 1945.

No 5 Satellite Airfield HQ

This was formed on 12 April 1945 under the control of No 224 Group at Ramree and disbanded on 31 December 1945.

No 6 Satellite Airfield HQ

This was formed on 28 May 1945 under the control of No 224 Group at Akyab, being transferred to No 232 Group on 13 June and disbanded into RAF Akyab on 31 December 1945.

No 7 Satellite Airfield HQ

This was formed on 12 April 1945 under the control of No 224 Group at Akyab, being transferred to No 232 Group on 13 June and disbanded on 15 November 1945.

No 8 Satellite Airfield HQ

This was formed on 12 April 1945 under the control of No 224 Group at Ramu II and disbanded on 30 November 1945.

No 9 Satellite Airfield HQ

This was formed on 12 April 1945 under the control of No 224 Group at Cox's Bazaar and disbanded on 30 August 1945.

No 10 Satellite Airfield HQ

This was formed on 12 April 1945 under the control of No 224 Group at Kaxir, moving to Tanjore between 19 May and 1 September, where it came under No 904 Wing and disbanded on 20 October 1945.

No 11 Satellite Airfield HQ

This was formed on 12 April 1945 under the control of No 224 Group at Ratnap ('George') and disbanded on 15 November 1946.

No 12 Satellite Airfield HQ

This was formed on 12 April 1945 under the control of No 221 Group at Ondaw and disbanded on 15 November 1946.

No 13 Satellite Airfield HQ

This was formed on 12 April 1945 under the control of No 221 Group at Sadaung and disbanded on 15 November 1946.

No 14 Satellite Airfield HQ

This was formed on 12 April 1945 under the control of No 907 Wing, No 221 Group at Sinthe, moving to Magwe on 1 May then to Gannavaram on 17 May.  On 1 September it left No 907 Wing and moved to No 60 PTC at Tambaram, embarking on the RMS Highland Monarch on 12 September for Hong Kong, arriving at Kai Tak on 29 September and disbanded on 30 November 1945.

Officers Commanding: -

xx xxx 1945                                            Flt Lt J S Forrest

No 15 Satellite Airfield HQ

This was formed on 12 April 1945 under the control of No 221 Group at Sinthe and disbanded on 25 October 1945.

No 16 Satellite Airfield HQ

This was formed on 12 April 1945 under the control of No 221 Group at Kumbhirgram and disbanded on 25 October 1945.

No 17 Satellite Airfield HQ

This was formed on 12 April 1945 under the control of No 221 Group at Kumbhirgram and disbanded on 25 October 1945.

No 18 Satellite Airfield HQ

This was formed on 12 April 1945 under the control of No 221 Group at Ywadon and disbanded on 30 October 1945.

No 19 Satellite Airfield HQ

This was formed on 12 April 1945 under the control of No 221 Group at Meiktila and disbanded on 15 November 1945.

No 20 Satellite Airfield HQ

This was formed on 12 April 1945 under the control of No 221 Group at Thazi and disbanded on 31 December 1945.

Transport Command Base Unit

This was formed on 27 August 1943 under the control of No 44 Group at Weston Zoyland, to provide administrative services to transport squadrons using the station from time to time.  It moved to Lyneham on 5 February 1944 and disbanded on 7 February 1944.

Units on Royal Navy Ships

RAF Headquarters, HMS Furious

This was formed on 31 January 1925 at Gosport in preparation for deployment on board HMS Furious, no further details at present.

RAF Unit, HMS Pegasus

This was formed on an unknown date and disbanded at Cattewater on 1 May 1925.

This entry was last updated on 09/04/25^©

         [Top of Page]