Navigation and Bombing Aids

This section covers those units set up to provide navigational support (such as GEE, LORAN and Consul), improve bombing accuracy (such as OBOE and GEE-H) and aid to landing (GCA). Those units designated as such are listed below with further details to be added in due course.

This was formed at Welford under the control of No 90 Group on 21 September 1950, to take over all functioning GEE and MF/DF Stations, as follows: -

The GEE- H Stations at Swingate and Darsham were also taken over by the Wing on 21 September 1950. It moved to Wythall on 15 May 1952, where it disbanded on 1 December 1953.

This was formed in BAFO on an unknown date and disbanded on 15 November 1950 but was re-established as section of the BAFO Operations Centre.

A formation date has not been found but it was located at Sharpitor and from 15 October 1949, RAF Harrowbeer became its satellite, to provide domestic accommodation. Following, the transfer of the administrative accommodation at Harrowbeer on 30 January 1950, the outstation was renamed Harrowbeer, but on 14 August 1950, Harrowbeer was closed down with the GEE Master Station reverting to the name Sharpitor.

This was formed on an unknown date and deployed to sites in Germany under the operational control of No 60 Group, administered by No 72 Wing, but locations and which units made up the chain are currently unknown*. On 1 July 1946, following the disbandment of No 72 Wing, administration was transferred to HQ BAFO (Admin).

This was formed on an unknown date and deployed to sites in France under the operational control of No 60 Group, administered by No 72 Wing, but locations and which units made up the chain are currently unknown. On 1 July 1946, following the disbandment of No 72 Wing, administration was transferred to HQ No 87 Group. It was disbanded on 31 May 1947.

This was formed on an unknown date and deployed to sites in France under the operational control of No 60 Group, administered by No 72 Wing, and comprised: -

This Chain was formed at Cardington in No 60 Group on 1 December 1944, comprising

This was formed at Renscombe Down in No 60 Group on 18 October 1943 and comprised the following units: -

In November 1943 it was transferred to Mediterranean Air Command for service in Italy. In mid 1944 a third Slave Station, No 7623 was formed at Cardington and was flown to Foggia on 31 August 1944, and moved to Ascoli, Italy in August 1945, but this was redesignated No 151 AMES in October 1945. At some point it was designated as the Bari Gee Chain, but disbanded on 31 March 1946.

This was formed at Cardington in No 60 Group on 30 November 1943 and comprised the following units: -

These stations re-formed as the London Gee Chain on 27 November 1945, with No 7723 AMES added and disbanded on 1 August 1946

This was formed at Cardington in No 60 Group on 30 November 1943 for the Southern Chain and comprised the following units: -

As a result of an urgent operational requirement for Type 7000 equipment on the Southern Chain, it was brought into service, together with an additional Slave Station, in early 1944 on existing sites as follows: -

In order for this chain to be able to transmit on as many and widely spaced frequencies as possible authority was given in February 1944 for the formation of the following: -

On 1 August 1944 a third Slave Station, No 7823 and a Monitor Station, No 7831 were formed at Cardington in No 60 Group to an overseas scale for deployment to the Continent under the control of HQ AEAF.

This was formed at Cardington in No 72 Wing, No 60 Group on 8 July 1944 from a third of the equipment of the skeleton mobile stations mentioned above and comprised the following units: -

The HQ was located at Great Bromley with another station at Barkway, being opened around March 1942 and closed around November 1945

The HQ was located at Elstree with other stations at Wrotham Tower and other places, being opened around August 1945 and closed around November 1945

The HQ was located at Richmond, Yorkshire being opened around February 1944 and closed around June 1945

The HQ was located at Burifa Hill, Caithness with other stations at Scousburgh (Shetland), Windy Head and Sango being opened around June 1942 and closed around October 1945

The HQ (Station 7231) was located at Brandy Bay, Dorset, later moving to Worth Matravers and was opened around June 1942 and was disbanded on 16 January 1945.

The HQ was located at Treraw with stations at other places, being opened around July 1943 in No 78 Wing, later being transferred to No 90 Group (31 Jul - 1 Nov 1946), Southern Signals Area (1 Nov 1946 - 29 Sep 1950), the Radio Navigation Aids Wing (29 Sep 1950 - 1 Nov 1951) and the constituent station were redesignated as Signals Units on 1 November 1951.

This was formed at Daventry in No 60 Group on 20 January 1946 as a Master Station, no further details at present.

This was formed at Stenigot in No 60 Group on 20 January 1946 as a Slave Station, no further details at present.

This was formed Worth Matravers in No 60 Group on 16 January 1945, no further details at present.

This was formed at Sharpitor in No 60 Group in July 1943, in No 78 Wing, later being transferred to No 90 Group (31 Jul - 1 Nov 1946), Southern Signals Area (1 Nov 1946 - 29 Sep 1950), the Radio Navigation Aids Wing (29 Sep 1950 - 1 Nov 1951) and was redesignated as No 899 Signals Units on 1 November 1951.

This was formed at Worth Matravers in No 60 Group on 16 January 1945, in No 78 Wing, later being transferred to No 90 Group (31 Jul - 1 Nov 1946), Southern Signals Area (1 Nov 1946 - 29 Sep 1950), the Radio Navigation Aids Wing (29 Sep 1950 - 1 Nov 1951) and was redesignated as No 899 Signals Units on 1 November 1951.

This was formed at Sennen in No 60 Group in July 1943, in No 78 Wing, later being transferred to No 90 Group (31 Jul - 1 Nov 1946), Southern Signals Area (1 Nov 1946 - 29 Sep 1950), the Radio Navigation Aids Wing (29 Sep 1950 - 1 Nov 1951) and was redesignated as No ? Signals Units on 1 November 1951.

This was formed at Trerew in No 60 Group in July 1943, in No 78 Wing, later being transferred to No 90 Group (31 Jul - 1 Nov 1946), Southern Signals Area (1 Nov 1946 - 29 Sep 1950), the Radio Navigation Aids Wing (29 Sep 1950 - 1 Nov 1951) and was redesignated as No ? Signals Units on 1 November 1951.

This was formed in No 60 Group on 9 October 1945, becoming part of the London Gee Chain, and disbanded on 1 August 1946..

This was probably formed as a Mobile GEE (Station) station in Holland in January 1945. In September 1947 it was part of the Central Germany Gee Chain and probably disbanded in November 1948

This was formed as a Mobile GEE (Master) station in Holland in January 1945. It was initially deployed to Roermond in Holland before moving to Winterberg in Germany in April 1945. In September 1947 it was part of the Central Germany Gee Chain and disbanded in November 1948

Type 100 was the name give to GEE-H, which was a 20-80 MHz Transponder-based navigation system

This was located at High Street being opened around September 1943 and disbanded on 1 June 1946, although it was transferred to the Radio Navigational Aids Wing on 21 September 1950 and was redesignated No 112 Signals Unit on 1 November 1951.

This was located at Kilter being opened around May 1943 and closed around July 1943

This unit was formed in the UK on an unknown date but by September 1944 had been sent to the Mediterranean on loan under the operational control of MATAF, administered by MACAF. By 17 October 1944 it had returned to the UK, and was allocated to the Loire Gee Chain in February 1946, being transferred to the French Air Force on 30 November 1946.

This unit was formed in the UK on an unknown date. By 15 March 1945 it was in No 72 Wing located at Roermond, later returning to the UK, where it disbanded on 15 September 1945.

This unit was formed as a Type 100 Mark IC Station in No 60 Group on 26 August 1944 and eventually moved to the Continent under the control of 72 Wing. It was based at Rosee, France in December 1944 and then La Capelle, France in June 1945, where it disbanded in January 1947.

This unit was formed as a Type 100 Mark IC Station in No 60 Group on 26 August 1944 and eventually moved to the Continent under the control of 72 Wing. It was based at Fulda, Germany in April 1945, Mont Ventoux, France in July and finally Carpentras Vaucluse, France, where it disbanded in January 1947.

This unit was formed as a Type 100 Mark IC Station in No 60 Group on 26 August 1944 and was transferred to HQ Mediterranean and Middle East on 18 August 1945. It moved to Cap Corse, Corsica as part of the Leghorn/Corsica Gee Chain in January 1946, where it disbanded on 30 April 1946.

This unit was formed as a Type 100 Mark IC Station in No 60 Group on 26 August 1944 and eventually moved to the Continent under the control of 72 Wing. By March 1945 it was at St Avold, France, moving to Lodeve, France in July, where it disbanded in June 1947.

This unit was formed as a Type 100 Mark IC Station in No 60 Group on 26 August 1944 and eventually moved to the Continent under the control of 72 Wing. It moved to Minglesberg, Holland in November, Coesfeld, Germany in May 1945 and finally to Bourgneuf, France, as part of the Loire Gee Chain in February 1946, being transferred to the French Air Force on 30 November 1946.

This unit was formed as a Type 100 Mark IC Station in No 60 Group on 26 August 1944 and eventually moved to the Continent under the control of 72 Wing. By 15 March 1945 it was located at Weert, later moving into Germany and disbanded at Fulda on 30 June 1946

This was located at Grangewood being opened around February 1944 under the control of No 60 Group and closed on 1 June 1946.

This was located at Worth Matravers being opened around January 1944 under the control of No 60 Group and on 22 July 1944 was re-established as a Mobile Gee-H station (Heavy Type 100) at Swanage. Following conversion it was moved to Rosee, France in December then to Laroche, France in February 1945, Delmenhorst, Germany in June and finally to Alverdissen, Germany in November. In September 1947 it was part of the Central Germany Gee Chain, no further details at present.

Formation of this unit commenced on 28 April 1944 as a Mobile Gee-H station (Heavy Type 100), utilising the reserve equipment at High Street, Darsham. It was based at Bockel, Holland in October 1944, moving to Blaubeuren, Germany in June 1945, where it disbanded on 10 October 1945.

Formation of this unit commenced on 28 April 1944 as a Mobile Gee-H station (Heavy Type 100), utilising the reserve equipment at Grangewood. Initially located at Trelanvean and Kilter Farm it was under the control of No 83 (Signals) Wing. It arrived in France on 29 July landing on Utah Beach becoming operational at Anseville-sur-Saire. On 30 August it was ordered to move to Commercy, arriving three days later. By March 1945 it have moved to Langenfeld in Germany and on 22 April it moved to Neubronn but on 5 August it was recalled to Mons, where it disbanded in August 1945.

It probably reformed in No 90 Group as it was amalgamated with No 1206 AMES and renamed AMES Stoke Holy Cross on 1 November 1946, which disbanded on 15 December 1947.

It reformed as a Heavy Mobile G-H unit at High Street, Darsham and was transferred from No 90 Group to No 3 Group on 8 September 1951, but on 29 October 1951 it was transferred to No 1 Group, no further details at present.

This was formed as a Mobile Gee-H station (Heavy Type 100), at Cardington in No 60 Group on 1 November 1944 and was allocated to No 72 Wing for service on the Continent. It crossed from Dover to France on 10/11 December and set off for Mutzig on 16 December, arriving two days later, becoming operational on 22 December. Due to the German advance in the Ardennes, the unit retreated to Commercy and Mons between 5 and 27 January 1945. From 1 February to 3 April the unit was based at St Avold, moving on to Edenkoben, where it remained until 24 April. Its final move was to Wildenreuth, which took four days, arriving on 29 April and it disbanded in October 1945.

However, it appears to reformed as a Heavy Mobile G-H unit at Wythall and was transferred from No 90 Group to No 3 Group on 8 September 1951, but on 29 October 1951 it was transferred to No 1 Group, no further details at present.

This was formed as a Mobile Gee-H station (Heavy Type 100), at Cardington in No 60 Group on 1 November 1944 and was allocated to No 72 Wing for service on the Continent. t was based at Epe, Holland from October 1945. In September 1947 it was part of the Central Germany Gee Chain, no further details at present.

This was formed as a Mobile Gee-H station (Heavy Type 100), at Cardington in No 60 Group on 1 November 1944 and was allocated to No 72 Wing for service on the Continent. It moved to Delle, France in February 1945, then to Gotha, Germany in April and finally to Wasserkuppe, Germany in August, where it disbanded on 10 October 1945.

This unit was formed as a Type 100 Mark IC Station at Cardington in No 60 Group on 11 September 1944. It moved to Iburg, Germany in April 1945 and then to Ennabeuren/Blaubeuren, Germany in August, where it disbanded on 30 June 1946.

However, it appears to reformed as a Light Mobile G-H unit at Wythall and was transferred from No 90 Group to No 3 Group on 8 September 1951, no further details at present.

This unit was formed as a Type 100 Mark IC Station at Cardington in No 60 Group on 11 September 1944. It moved to Xhoris, Belgium in May 1945 and then Mezieres sur Issoire, France, as part of the Loire Gee Chain in February 1946, being transferred to the French Air Force on 30 November 1946.

However, it appears to reformed as a Light Mobile G-H unit at Wythall and was transferred from No 90 Group to No 3 Group on 8 September 1951, no further details at present.

This unit was formed as a Type 100 Mark IC Station at Cardington in No 60 Group on 11 September 1944. It moved to Ligny en Barrois, France in July 1945, where it disbanded in January 1947.

However, it appears to reformed as a Light Mobile G-H unit at Wythall and was transferred from No 90 Group to No 3 Group on 8 September 1951, no further details at present.

This unit was formed as a Type 100 Mark IC Station at Cardington in No 60 Group on 11 September 1944. It was based at various locations in France, Belgium, Holland, Luxembourg and Denmark and disbanded on 15 September 1945.

However, it appears to reformed as a Light Mobile G-H unit at Wythall and was transferred from No 90 Group to No 3 Group on 8 September 1951, no further details at present.

This unit was formed as a Type 100 Mark IC Station at Cardington in No 60 Group on 11 September 1944. It moved to Aix-en-Othe, France in July 1945 and disbanded in January 1947.

However, it appears to reformed as a Light Mobile G-H unit at Wythall and was transferred from No 90 Group to No 3 Group on 8 September 1951, no further details at present.

This unit was formed as a Type 100 Mark IC Station at Cardington in No 60 Group on 11 September 1944. It was transferred to HQ Mediterranean and Middle East on 18 August 1945, moving to the Isle of Ponza, Italy, as part of the Naples Gee Chain, in August 1945 and disbanded on 30 April 1946.

This unit was formed as a Type 100 Mark IC Station at Cardington in No 60 Group on 11 September 1944, to be allocated to the Tunisia Gee Chain. It was transferred to MedME on 31 August 1945 and was located at Kelibia, Tunisia in December and at El Aouina, Tunisia in May 1946, where it disbanded on 1 June 1946.

This unit was formed as a Type 100 Mark IC Station at Cardington in No 60 Group on 11 September 1944, later moving to Nijnsel, Holland. It moved to Mende, France in June 1945, where it disbanded in June 1947.

This unit was formed as a Type 100 Mark IC Station at Cardington in No 60 Group on 11 September 1944. It was transferred to HQ Mediterranean and Middle East on 18 August 1945, moving to the Island of Ischia, Italy, as part of the Naples Gee Chain, in February 1946 and disbandedon 30 April 1946.

This unit was formed as a Type 100 Mark IC Station at Cardington in No 60 Group on 11 September 1944. It moved to Croix, France in February 1945, Louvain, France in March, Fulda, Germany in July but was then returned to the UK and disbanded on 15 September 1945.

It reformed on 6 November 1945, moving to Langeais, France, as part of the Loire Gee Chain in February 1946, being transferred to the French Air Force on 30 November 1946.

This unit was formed as a Type 100 Mark IC Station at Cardington in No 60 Group on 11 September 1944, to be allocated to the Tunisia Gee Chain. It later moved to St Avold, France. It moved to Commercy, France in April 1945, Fulda, Germany in May, Bizerta, It was transferred to MedME on 31 August 1945 and was located in Tunisia in January 1946 and finally to El Aouina, Tunisia in May, where it disbanded on 1 June 1946.

This unit was formed as a Type 100 Mark IC Station at Cardington in No 60 Group on 11 September 1944. It was based at Arlon, Belgium in February 1945, Ober Reifenberg, Germany in April and finally Zinzenzell, Germany in October, where it disbanded on 30 June 1946.

This unit was formed as a Type 100 Mark IC Station at Cardington in No 60 Group on 11 September 1944. It moved to Mons, Belgium in February, Remiremont, France in March 1945, Wilsede, Germany in May, Lyngvig, Denmark in June and was transferred to HQ Mediterranean and Middle East on 18 August 1945, moving to San Gregorio, Italy, as part of the Naples Gee Chain in September, where it disbanded on 30 April 1946.

This unit was formed as a Type 100 Mark IC Station at Cardington in No 60 Group on 11 September 1944, later relocating to Biggin Hill. It moved to Canewdon in April, Cardington, later in the month and finally to Lodeve, France in June, where it disbanded on 15 September 1945.

This unit was formed as a Type 100 Mark IC Station at Cardington in No 60 Group on 11 September 1944, to be allocated to the Tunisia Gee Chain. It was based at various UK locations before being transferred to MedME on 31 August 1945 and was located at Catania, Sicily in October and then Erice, Sicily in December, where it disbanded on 1 June 1946.

This unit was formed as a Type 100 Station in No 60 Group on an unknown date and disbanded on 23 February 1946.

This unit was formed as a Type 100 Mark IC Station at Cardington in No 60 Group on 11 September 1944, to be allocated to the Tunisia Gee Chain. It was transferred to MedME on 31 August 1945 and was located at Monastir, Tunisia in December 1945 and finally El Aouina, Tunisia in May 1946, where it disbanded on 1 June 1946.

This unit was formed in August 1944 at Malvern. It moved to Sywell in December and Stoke Holy Cross in April 1945, where it disbanded on 10 October 1945.

This unit was formed in April 1945 at Canewdon and disbanded on 10 October 1945.

This unit was formed as a Type 100 station on 10 January 1945 at Cardington in No 60 Group for service with ACSEA, but was disbanded on 1 July 1945 to facilitate the formation of the Radar Controlled Air Survey Unit, ACSEA.

This unit was formed as a Type 100 station on 20 January 1945 at Cardington in No 60 Group for service in ACSEA. However it was later reallocated as part of the Tripoli GEE Chain and was despatched to Castel Benito, where it became operational in November 1945. It was later based at Garian, Libya in December 1945 and disbanded on 30 April 1946.

This unit was formed as a Type 100 station on 20 January 1945 at Cardington in No 60 Group for service in ACSEA. It was despatched to India as part of the Poona GEE Chain in July 1945.

This unit was formed as a Type 100 station on 1 February 1945 at Cardington in No 60 Group, later moving to Burbage Moor, where it disbanded on 20 July 1945.

It was probably reformed in late 1945 and located at Leith Hill in Surrey to provide assistance to transport aircraft using the airfields near London, where it was as abandoned under the control of Southern Signals Area on 1 November 1946.

This unit was formed in No 28 Group on 5 March 1945 under the functional control of No 60 Group.

This Slave Station was formed in October 1945 in the Middle East, probably at Ascoli, Italy by redesignating No 7623 AMES as part of the Leghorn/Corsica Gee Chain, and disbanded on 30 April 1946.

This Type 100 unit was formed on 5 April 1945 at Cardington in No 60 Group to an overseas scale. It was despatched to India as part of the Delhi GEE Chain in August 1945, where it was located at Muranager, and disbanded 30 June 1946.

This Type 100 unit was formed on 5 April 1945 at Cardington in No 60 Group to an overseas scale for service in ACSEA. It was despatched to India as part of the Delhi GEE Chain in August 1945, and disbanded 30 June 1946.

This Type 100 unit was formed on 5 April 1945 at Cardington in No 60 Group to an overseas scale for service in ACSEA. It was despatched to India as part of the Madras GEE Chain in August 1945, and disbanded 30 June 1946.

This Type 100 unit was formed on 5 April 1945 at Cardington in No 60 Group to an overseas scale for service in ACSEA. It was despatched to India as part of the Calcutta GEE Chain in November 1945, and disbanded 30 June 1946.

This Type 100 unit was formed on 5 April 1945 at Cardington in No 60 Group to an overseas scale for service in MAAF. It was despatched to the Middle East as part of the Palestine GEE Chain in September 1945, and disbanded on 31 March 1946.

This Type 100 unit was formed on 5 April 1945 at Cardington in No 60 Group to an overseas scale for service in MAAF. It was despatched to the Middle East as part of the Persian Gulf GEE Chain in October 1945, and disbanded on 23 March 1946.

This Type 100 unit was formed on 5 April 1945 at Cardington in No 60 Group to an overseas scale for service in ACSEA. It was despatched to India as part of the Karachi GEE Chain in October 1945, and disbanded on 23 March 1946.

This Type 100 unit was formed on 20 September 1945 at Thame in No 60 Group to an overseas scale for service in ACSEA. It proceeded to the Far East as part of the Rangoon GEE Chain in January 1946, and disbanded on 23 March 1946.

This Type 100 unit was formed on 20 October 1945 at Thame in No 60 Group to an overseas scale for service in ACSEA. It was allocated to the Singapore Gee Chain but had not been despatched by the time it was disbanded on 23 March 1946.

This was located at Port Errol being opened around December 1943, and disbanded on 31 January 1946.

This was formed on 1 May 1945 at Burifa Hill in No 60 Group, and disbanded in No 90 Group on 15 October 1946.

This was opened at Worth Matravers in No 60 Group on 1 January 1944 and disbanded on 20 January 1946.

This was located at Clee Hill in No 60 Group, being opened on 1 January 1944, and disbanded on 31 January 1946.

This was located at Danby Beacon being opened on 1 January 1944, and disbanded on 31 January 1946.

This unit was formed in No 60 Group at Skaw in the Shetland Isles on 1 August 1944, and disbanded on 15 June 1946.

This was originally an Admiralty station at Mangersta in Hebrides and was redesignated as No 714 AMES on its transfer to No 60 Group on 10 August 1945. On 15 June 1946 it was transferred to the Ministry of Civil Aviation.

This was originally an Admiralty station at Vik in Iceland and was redesignated as No 715 AMES on its transfer to No 60 Group on 10 August 1945, no further details.

This was originally an Admiralty station at Vaag in the Faroes and was redesignated as No 716 AMES on its transfer to No 60 Group on 10 August 1945, and disbanded in No 90 Group on 15 October 1946.

This was formed at Stenigot, Lincolnshire in 1944. It moved to the Far East via Chigwell and was a Mobile CH station modified as a one-off navigation aid – LORAN-B for service on the Cocos Islands. A disbandment date has not yet been found.

This unit commenced formation in December 1943 and opened in February 1944 at Cap Bizerta, Tunisia, under the control of MACAF where it remained until disbanding on 28 February 1946.

This unit commenced formation in December 1943 and opened in February 1944 at Cap Carbon, Oran, Algeria under the control of MACAF. By March 1945 was at Cap Bizerta, where it disbanded on 28 February 1946.

This unit commenced formation in December 1943 and opened in February 1944 at Apollonia, under the control of AHQ Eastern Mediterranean and later No 212 Group. It moved to Brindisi, Italy in June 1945 and disbanded on 28 February 1946.

This unit was formed as a Type 23 station on 15 January 1945 in No 60 Group at Cardington to an overseas scale for service with MAAF. Despatched on KMF-44 and KMS-102 on 1 April 1945, by May it was located at Rabat-Sale as a mobile technical unit under the operational control of No 60 Group but administered by HQ, MAAF. It was transferred back to No 60 Group on 25 August 1945, and disbanded on 1 September.

This unit was formed as a Type 23 station on 15 January 1945 in No 60 Group at Cardington to an overseas scale for service with Coastal Command. The date of its transfer to Coastal Command is unknown but it was transferred back to No 60 Group on 21 June 1945, and disbanded on 1 September.

This unit was formed under the control of No 228 Group on 1 July 1945 at Char Chapli as part of the East India LORAN Chain, which was taken over from the 4th Wing Army Airways Communications (USAAF) on this date. It disbanded on 31 January 1947.

This unit was formed under the control of No 228 Group on 1 July 1945 at Puri as part of the East India LORAN Chain, which was taken over from the 4th Wing Army Airways Communications (USAAF) on this date. It disbanded on 31 January 1947.

This unit was formed under the control of No 225 Group on 1 July 1945 at Cocanada as part of the East India LORAN Chain, which was taken over from the 4th Wing Army Airways Communications (USAAF) on this date. It disbanded on 31 January 1947.

This unit was formed under the control of No 225 Group on 1 July 1945 at Vizagapatam as part of the East India LORAN Chain, which was taken over from the 4th Wing Army Airways Communications (USAAF) on this date. It moved to Waltair, India in September, back to Vizagapatam, in October, to Waltair again in November, before returning to Vizagapatam again February 1946. It disbanded on 31 January 1947.

This unit was formed on 14 June 1945 under the control of No 60 Group for service with ACSEA as part of the Ceylon LORAN Chain. It was due to be despatched to Ceylon after 20 August 1945 for location at Cape Comorin, however, in September its despatch was postponed indefinitely but remained established in No 60 Group, being disbanded on 1 April 1946.

This unit was formed on 14 June 1945 under the control of No 60 Group for service with ACSEA as part of the Ceylon LORAN Chain. It was due to be despatched to Ceylon after 20 August 1945 for location at Male Atoll, however, in September its despatch was postponed indefinitely but remained established in No 60 Group, being disbanded on 1 April 1946.

This unit was formed on 14 June 1945 under the control of No 60 Group for service with ACSEA as part of the Ceylon LORAN Chain. It was due to be despatched to Ceylon after 20 August 1945 for location at Addu Atoll, however, in September its despatch was postponed indefinitely but remained established in No 60 Group, being disbanded on 1 April 1946.

OBOE Stations (Type 9000)

OBOE was a 200 MHz transponder-based navigation system - Oboe Mk I ground station - Oboe Mk III, S band

Nos 9121 & 9131 Air Ministry Experimental Stations

These were located at Trimingham, being opened around December 1942. The Mk I equipment working with Swingate ceased operations in April 1944 but was retained for training purpose until being disbanded on 14 March 1945.

No 9122 Air Ministry Experimental Station Type 9000

This was located at Swingate, being opened around May 1943. The Mk I equipment working with Trimingham ceased operations in April 1944 but was retained for training purpose until being disbanded on 14 March 1945 whilst the Mk I equipment working with Hawkshill Down I ceased operations on 20 November 1945.

No 9123 Air Ministry Experimental Station

This unit was formed in July 1943 at Cleadon where it disbanded on 23 December 1944.

No 9124 Air Ministry Experimental Station

A formation date for this unit at Cleadon hasn't been found but it disbanded on 23 December 1944.

Nos 9132, 9162, 9212, 9222, 9312 & 9322 Air Ministry Experimental Stations Type 9000

These were located at Hawkshill Down, being opened around October 1942 and became self accounting on 15 February 1944. The Mk I equipment working with Trimingham I ceased operations on 20 November 1945, whilst Hawkshill III, working with Winterton II carried out its last operation on 14 January 1945. The final operations carried out by Mk II and III equipment were on 8 May 1945, marking dropping sites in Holland for Bomber Command aircraft to deliver food parcels to Dutch civilians.

Nos 9132 and 9162 disbanded on 14 March 1945, followed by Nos 9212 and 9222 on 15 November 1945.

On 1 November 1946 Nos 9312 and 9322 where located at Hawkshill Down int under Care and Maintenance in Northern Signals Area.

No 9141 Air Ministry Experimental Station Type 9000 Mark I

This was located at Sennen, being opened around January 1943 and closed on 28 September 1944.

No 9142 Air Ministry Experimental Station Type 9000 Mark I

This unit was located at Worth Matravers being opened around February 1943. It carried out its last operational task on 28 September 1944 when the ground battles moved out of range of the Mk I equipment and closed down on 17 October 1944, but in December authority was issued for it to be retained for training purposes, and disbanded on 1 December 1945.

No 9151 Air Ministry Experimental Station Type 9000 Mark I

This was located at Treen, being opened around April 1944 and closed on 28 September 1944.

No 9152 Air Ministry Experimental Station (AMES) Type 9000 Mark I

Nos 9161, 9211, 9221 9311 & 9321 Air Ministry Experimental Stations Type 9000

These were located at Winterton, being opened around May 1943 and became self accounting on 15 February 1944. The Mk I equipment at Winterton II, working with Hawkshill III carried out its last operation on 14 January 1945. The final operations carried out by Mk II and III equipment were on 8 May 1945, marking dropping sites in Holland for Bomber Command aircraft to deliver food parcels to Dutch civilians.

No 9161 disbanded on 14 March 1945, followed by Nos 9211 and 9221 on 15 November 1945.

Nos 9313, 9323 Air Ministry Experimental Stations Type 9000 Mark III

These were located at Cleadon, being opened around July 1943 and became self accounting on 15 February 1944. On 28 December 1944, No 9232 was placed on Care and Maintenance, closing around September 1945, and both stations disbanded on 1 June 1946.

No 9314 Air Ministry Experimental Station

This was formed on 1 March 1944 in No 60 Group at Tilly Whim as a Type 9000 Mk III Station and disbanded on 27 May 1946.

No 9411 Air Ministry Experimental Station

This was formed on 30 January 1944 in No 60 Group at Cardington as a Type 9000 Mk II Station. It later moved to Beachy Head (Convoy 9411 and 9421), being opened around April 1944 and disbanded on 4 January 1945.

No 9412 Air Ministry Experimental Station

This was formed on 28 February 1944 in No 60 Group at Cardington as a Type 9000 Mk II Station. It later moved to Tilly Whim, being opened around May 1944 and disbanded on 4 January 1945.

No 9421 Air Ministry Experimental Stations

This was formed on 28 February 1944 in No 60 Group at Cardington as a Type 9000 Mk II Station. It later moved to Beachy Head being opened around April 1944 and from September 1944 began being equipped to an overseas scale.

It disbanded on 4 January 1945

No 9422 Air Ministry Experimental Stations

This was formed on 31 March 1944 in No 60 Group at Cardington as a Type 9000 Mk II Station and from September 1944 began being equipped to an overseas scale.

It disbanded on 4 January 1945

No 9431 Air Ministry Experimental Stations

This was formed on 31 March 1944 in No 60 Group at Cardington as a Type 9000 Mk II Station and from September 1944 began being equipped to an overseas scale.

It disbanded on 4 January 1945

No 9432 Air Ministry Experimental Stations

This was formed on 30 April 1944 in No 60 Group at Cardington as a Type 9000 Mk II Station and from September 1944 began being equipped to an overseas scale.

It disbanded on 4 January 1945

No 9441 Air Ministry Experimental Stations

This was formed on 30 April 1944 in No 60 Group at Cardington as a Type 9000 Mk II Station.

It disbanded on 4 January 1945

No 9442 Air Ministry Experimental Stations

This was formed on 31 May 1944 in No 60 Group at Cardington as a Type 9000 Mk II Station.

It disbanded on 4 January 1945

No 9451 Air Ministry Experimental Stations

This was formed on 30 June 1944 in No 60 Group at Cardington as a Type 9000 Mk II Station.

It disbanded on 4 January 1945

No 9452 Air Ministry Experimental Stations

This was formed on 31 July 1944 in No 60 Group at Cardington as a Type 9000 Mk II Station.

It disbanded on 4 January 1945

No 9422 Air Ministry Experimental Station Type 9000

This was probably formed at Bawdsey, Suffolk, being opened around June 1944.

It disbanded on 4 January 1945

No 9432 Air Ministry Experimental Station

This was formed as a Mobile OBOE station, at Cardington in August 1944. After landing on a beach at Boulogne it moved to Mons and then on to its first operational location at Laroche later moving to Rosee in Belgium in September and then to Florennes, Belgium in October, where it disbanded after this date

No 9442 Air Ministry Experimental Station

This was formed as a Mobile OBOE station, at Durnford, near Swanage in August 1944. Its first operational location was at Barraque Fraiture in the Ardennes region of Belgium from late September. In December the unit had to retreat to Mons as a result of German advances through the Ardennes but on Boxing Day it set off to a new site at Selvigny but returned to Barraque Fraiture at the end of January 1945. It moved into Germany in April arriving at Quechbron on the 21st of the month, remaining until 11 August when it moved to Fort Schaar near Wilhelmshaven, where it disbanded in December 1945.

No 9452 Air Ministry Experimental Station

This unit was formed in October 1944 probably in the UK before moving to Florennes, Belgium the same month and disbanded in December 1944.

No 9461 Air Ministry Experimental Station

This unit was formed in No 60 Group as a Heavy Mobile Type 9000 Station on 13 December 1944 at Cardington for deployment with No 72 Wing on the Continent.

It disbanded on 4 January 1945

No 9462 Air Ministry Experimental Station

This unit was formed in No 60 Group as a Heavy Mobile Type 9000 Station on 13 December 1944 at Cardington for deployment with No 72 Wing on the Continent.

It disbanded on 4 January 1945

The table below gives the operational characteristics of the Type 9000 stations shown above: -

OBOE Mk I (December 1943)

Station & Number	Position and Aerial Reference Numbers	Height of Aerial above MSL (ft)	Radio Frequencies			Baillie Beam Positions Azimuth Arc
Station & Number	Position and Aerial Reference Numbers	Height of Aerial above MSL (ft)	Transmit	Transmit	Receive	Baillie Beam Positions Azimuth Arc
Trimingham I 9121	52:53:36.34N 01:24:11.64E	246	216	228	232	Caistor 078-140^o
Trimingham II 9131	52:53:24.27N 01:24:41.37E	212	228	236	232
Winterton II 9161	52:42:27.472N 01:42:01.508E	56	212	220	236
Hawkshill Down I 9132	51:11:30.081N 01:23:53.219E	160	216	228	232	Oldstairs 0-360^o
Hawkshill Down II 9162	51:11:30.081N 01:23:53.298E	131	212	220	236
Swingate 9122	51:08:07.050N 01:21:24.233E	397	228	236	232
Worth Matravers I 9142	50:35:42.370N 02:03:07.850W	416	216	228	232	Worth Matravers 070-230^o
Worth Matravers II 9152	50:35:41.496N 02:03:09.436W	412	212	220	236	Worth Matravers 070-230^o
Sennen 9141	50:03:56.690N 05:40:14.053W	304	216	228	232	Constantine 070-230^o
Treen 9151		326	212	220	236	Constantine 070-230^o

OBOE Mk II (December 1943)

Station & Number

Position and Aerial

Reference Numbers

Height of Aerial

above MSL (ft)

Baillie Beam

Positions

Azimuth Arc

Winterton I

9211

52:42:30.619N

01:41:59.293E

Caistor

078-140^o

Winterton III

9221

52:42:25.146N

01:42:03.101E

Hawkshill Down IV

9222

51:10:57.532N

01:23:42.509E

221

Oldstairs

0-360^o

Hawkshill Down II

9212

51:11:25.913N

01:23:49.370E

131

OBOE Mk III (January 1944)

Station & Number

Position and Aerial

Reference Numbers

Height of Aerial

above MSL (ft)

Baillie Beam

Positions

Azimuth Arc

Cleadon III

9313

54:58:07.363N

01:22:57.579E

54:58:07.855N

01:22:56.760E

275

Cleadon

090-140^o

Cleadon IV

9323

54:57:58.835N

01:22:49.884E

54:57:59.318N

01:22:49.022E

265

Hawkshill Down V

9132

51:10:55.285N

01:23:41.595E

51:10:55.595N

01:23:41.604E

225

Oldstairs

0-360^o

Hawkshill Down VI

9162

51:11:52.342N

01:23:35.939E

51:11:51.683N

01:23:35.644E

221

Winterton IV

9321

52:42:19.960N

01:42:05.830E

52:42:19.547N

01:42:06.684E

Caistor

078-140^o

Winterton V

9161

52:40:59.101N

01:42:59.270E

52:40:58.644N

01:42:58.431E

Tilly Whim

9314

50:35:42.035N

01:57:21.718W

50:35:41.501N

01:57:22.407W

282

284

Worth Matravers

070-230^o

3150-3180 and 3210-3240 Mc/s

OBOE Mk II (Mobile) (April 1944)

Station Type & Number

Radio frequencies in Mc/s

Baillie Beam

Positions

Azimuth Arc

Tilly Whim II (WM)

9411

3,150-3,135

Worth Matravers

070-230^o

Tilly Whim III (SM)

9412

3,240-3,225

Tilly Whim IV (SM)

9412

3,195-3,180

Beachy Head I (SM)

9421

3,195-3,180

Oldstairs

0-360^o

Beachy Head II (SM)

9421

3,240-3,225

Beachy Head III (WM)

9411

3,150-3,135

Hawkshill Down II (SM)

9212

3,240-3,225

Hawkshill Down IV (SM)

9222

3,195-3,180

Air Ministry Experimental Station (AMES) Type 9000,

This was a mobile OBOE unit formed on 4 January 1945 following the disbandment of

Nos 9411, 9412, 9421 and 9452
Nos 9422, 9431, 9432 and 9461
Nos 9441, 9442, 9451 and 9462

It comprised a number of Convoy as follows: -

No 1/9000

This operated in Alsace until closing down around September 1945. The table below gives more details of this unit.

No 2/9000

This operated in La Roche and Germany until closing down around October 1945. The table below gives more details of this unit.

No 3/9000

This operated in Belgium and Germany until closing down around October 1945. The table below gives more details of this unit.

No 4/9000

This operated in France and Germany until closing down around August 1945. The table below gives more details of this unit.

5/9000

This operated in Germany, under the control of No 72 Wing being at Rips by 1 March 1945, and other locations until closing down around August 1945. The table below gives more details of this unit.

No 6/9000

This was a mobile OBOE unit known as Convoy 6 being set up in early 1945 and operated in Netherlands and Germany until closing down around August 1945. The table below gives more details of this unit.

The locations and make of the six OBOE convoys on 1 March 1945 is as follows: -

Unit	Site	Convoy	Channel	Cabin
No 1/9000	Molsheim	9422 9431 9451 9452	12A 13A 11C 11B	15 14 9 12
No 2/9000	Laroche	9442 9442 9431 9412	13A 11B 11C 12	6 7 13 62
No 3/9000	Florennes	9432 9432 9452 9421	13A 11B 11C 12	1 2 11 64
No 4/9000	Commercy	9441 9441 9451 9421	11B 13A 11C 12	3 5 10 63
No 5/9000	Rips	9411 9411 9412 9422	11B 13A 12 11C	51 52 61 16
No 6/9000	Tilbourg	9461 9461 9462 9462		17 18 19 20

A detailed description of the deployment of mobile OBOE equipment is given here

Ground Control Approach Units

No 1 Ground Control Approach Unit

This was formed on 19 February 1945 at Honiley in No 26 Group, for transfer to another Command on completion of training, and on 15 August 1945 it was transferred to Transport Command, and disbanded on 1 May 1946.

No 2 Ground Control Approach Unit

This was formed on 19 February 1945 at Honiley in No 26 Group, for transfer to another Command on completion of training, no further details at present.

No 3 Ground Control Approach Unit

This was formed on 19 February 1945 at Honiley in No 26 Group, for transfer to another Command on completion of training. It was disbanded in BAFO on 13 May 1946.

No 4 Ground Control Approach Unit

No 4 Mobile Ground Control Approach Unit

This was formed on 19 February 1945 at Honiley in No 26 Group, for transfer to another Command on completion of training. By June 1951 it was located in Germany in BAFO and was redesignated No 4 Mobile GCA Unit on 10 June 1951. It was disbanded on 15 September 1955, its task being taken over by No 123 Wing, RAF Wunstorf.

No 5 Ground Control Approach Unit

No 5 Universal Ground Control Approach Unit

This was formed on 19 February 1945 at Honiley in No 26 Group, for transfer to another Command on completion of training. By June 1951 it was located in Germany in BAFO and was redesignated No 5 Universal GCA Unit on 10 June 1951, being re-established as No 5 GCA at Wahn from 31 December 1951.

Full control was transferred from No 2 Group to No 83 Group on 12 January 1953. It was disbanded on 15 September 1955, its task being taken over by No 148 Wing, RAF Wahn.

No 6 Ground Control Approach Unit

This was formed on 19 February 1945 at Honiley in No 26 Group, for transfer to BAFO on completion of training. On 10 December 1945 it was transferred back to No 26 Group, and was allocated to Waddington at some point, from where it moved to Hemswell on 30 August 1947. It later returned to Waddington, date unknown, and was moved to Binbrook on 3 January 1951, pending the introduction of the Canberra into service with No 101 Squadron.

It disbanded on 1 March 1951 and was absorbed into the establishment of the station.

No 7 Ground Control Approach Unit

This was formed on 7 July 1945 at Honiley in No 26 Group, Bomber Command and on completion of training was transferred to Coastal Command. It disbanded at St Eval on 1 March 1951 and was absorbed into the establishment of the station.

No 8 Ground Control Approach Unit

This was formed on 7 July 1945 at Honiley in No 26 Group, Bomber Command and on completion of training was transferred to Fighter Command at Manston. On 5 May 1947 it moved to Tangmere, where it disbanded on 13 March 1951 and was absorbed into the establishment of the station.

No 9 Ground Control Approach Unit

This was formed on 7 July 1945 at Honiley in No 26 Group, Bomber Command and on completion of training was transferred to Transport Command at Bassingbourn. On 16 March 1948 it moved to West Raynham on transfer to Fighter Command, but was moved to Marham in Bomber Command on 17 March 1948, returning to West Raynham on 3 January 1949, where it disbanded on 13 March 1951 and was absorbed into the establishment of the station.

No 10 Ground Control Approach Unit

This was formed on an unknown date in No 26 Group, for transfer to another Command on completion of training, and on 6 November 1945 it was transferred to Transport Command, and disbanded on 1 July 1946.

No 11 Ground Control Approach Unit

No 11 Mobile Ground Control Approach Unit

This was formed on an unknown date in No 26 Group, and following training was allocated to Transport Command. On 1 January 1946 it was transferred to Fuhlsbuttel in BAFO and moved to Wahn on 7 September 1947, and was redesignated No 11 Mobile GCA Unit on 10 June 1951. By the end of 1953 it had moved to No 34 Wing at Gutersloh, but was transferred to No 138 Wing, Geilenkirchen on 1 January 1954 to provide approach and let down facilities for the Geilenkirchen Wing.

It was disbanded on 15 September 1955, its task being taken over by No 138 Wing, RAF Geilenkirchen.

No 12 Ground Control Approach Unit

This was formed on an unknown date in No 26 Group, for transfer to Coastal Command on completion of training. Initially located at Prestwick, it was transferred to London Airport (Heathrow) on 11 February 1947 on loan to the Ministry of Civil Aviation. On 30 June 1947 it moved to Leuchars, but was reduced to 'number only' basis on 3 August 1948, its personnel being transferred to GCAs in BAFO.

It reformed on 15 November 1949 at Strubby in Flying Training Command, but later moved to Manby, where it disbanded on 1 March 1951 and was absorbed into the establishment of the RAF Flying College.

No 13 Ground Control Approach Unit

This was formed on 1 November 1949 in No 12 Group, Fighter Command at Horsham St Faith, where it disbanded on 13 March 1951 and was absorbed into the establishment of the station.

No 14 Ground Control Approach Unit

This was formed on 1 November 1949 in No 12 Group, Fighter Command at Linton-on-Ouse, where it disbanded on 13 March 1951 and was absorbed into the establishment of the station.

No 15 Ground Control Approach Unit

This was formed on 1 November 1949 in No 11 Group, Fighter Command at Odiham, where it disbanded on 13 March 1951 and was absorbed into the establishment of the station.

It reformed at Ahlhorn on 16 April 1953 as a mobile GCA unit under the operational control of the station, but administered by HQ, No 2 Group. It was responsible for the provision of homing and ground controlled approach facilities for aircraft in adverse weather.

It was disbanded on 15 September 1955, its task being taken over by No 125 Wing, RAF Ahlhorn.

No 16 Ground Control Approach Unit

This was formed on 1 November 1949 in No 12 Group, Fighter Command at Stradishall, where it disbanded on 13 March 1951 and was absorbed into the establishment of the station.

No 17 Ground Control Approach Unit

This was formed on 1 November 1949 in No 11 Group, Fighter Command at Thorney Island, moving to Waterbeach on 15 May 1950, where it disbanded on 13 March 1951 and was absorbed into the establishment of the station.

No 18 Ground Control Approach Unit

This was formed on 1 November 1949 in No 12 Group, Fighter Command at Church Fenton, where it disbanded on 13 March 1951 and was absorbed into the establishment of the station.

No 19 Ground Control Approach Unit

This was formed on 1 November 1949 in No 11 Group, Fighter Command at West Malling, where it disbanded on 13 March 1951 and was absorbed into the establishment of the station.

No 20 Ground Control Approach Unit

This was formed on 18 September 1950 in Flying Training Command at Bridlington (Carnaby), and disbanded on 1 March 1951 and was absorbed into the establishment of the station.

No 21 Ground Control Approach Unit

This was formed on 9 August 1950 in No 11 Group, Fighter Command at Biggin Hill, where it disbanded on 13 March 1951 and was absorbed into the establishment of the station.

No 22 Ground Control Approach Unit

This was formed on 31 August 1950 in No 12 Group, Fighter Command at Leuchars, where it disbanded on 13 March 1951 and was absorbed into the establishment of the station.

No 26 Ground Control Approach Unit

This was formed on 1 June 1950 in No 3 Group, Bomber Command at Marham, and disbanded on 1 March 1951 and was absorbed into the establishment of the station..

Consul

Consul Station, Bushmills

This was formed in No 26 Group on 1 November 1945, being taken over by No 90 Group on formation and transferred to the Ministry of Civil Aviation on 1 January 1947.

Other Units

D/F Fixer Chain, North-East Italy

This was formed on an unknown date, comprising: -

No 1 D/F Fixer Station
No 2 D/F Fixer Station
No 3 D/F Fixer Station
Relay Station

It was disbanded on 1 March 1947

Long Range Cathode Ray Direction Finding Station, Azores

This was formed at Lagens in the Azores on an unknown date and by early 1947 was under the control of No 90 Group, no further details at present.

Long Range Cathode Ray Direction Finding Station, Iceland

This was formed at Sangerdi in Iceland on an unknown date and by early 1947 was under the control of No 90 Group, no further details at present.

Navigational Aids Unit

This was formed in BAFO on 25 July 1950 from the Navigational Aids Section at RAF Sundern, which continued to parent the new unit, its purpose being; -

Providing navigational aids with an AMES Type 70 and an AMES Type 15 Mk III on a daily test and maintenance basis , but which could be made operable by the necessary personnel.

No further details at present.

Visual Beacon Section

This was formed in about December 1943 under the control of No 3 RAF Base Area to provide navigational aids in the form of Aerial Lighthouses and Flashing Beacons for night flying units in Italy. It comprised 5 Aerial Lighthouses and 3 Flashing Beacons, and disbanded on 10 March 1944.

Southern Region
Southern GEE Chain	South-Western GEE Chain	MF/DF Stations
West Prawle	Sharpitor	Plympton
Truleigh Hill	Sennen	Pendeen
Bulbarrow Hill	Trerew	Talbenny
Worth Matravers	Folly
	Worth Matravers
Central Region
Eastern GEE Chain		MF/DF Stations
Stenigot		Sealand
Daventry		Bircham Newton
Clee Hill		Andover
Gibbet Hill		Lympne
Barkway
Northern Region
MF/DF Stations
Leuchars
Wick
Sumburgh
Stornoway
Belfast
Acklington