RAF West Raynham - Urban Exploration in Swaffham, Norfolk

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1. Posted 26 August 2006, 05:30 From Mal Brown

   Brings back memories! Raynham was my last posting as an RAF Police NCO on 1988, the main tower was the police station at that time.I left and took the tennancy of the Fox and Hounds in nearby Weasenham but sold up as Raynham closed taking with it a good percentage of my trade.

2. Posted 4 September 2006, 22:40 From val Humphries nee cain

   I lived in West Raynham village all my life until age 38 when I moved to Norwich. I visited the station quite a bit, incuding working at the Naafi. I can also remember Douglas Bader visiting the station. My dog once escaped only to end up in the guard room, getting through a fence near the blood hound rockets. My grandfather was head gardener until about 1960.

3. Posted 5 September 2006, 06:40 From Andy Conway

   I visited West Raynham as an air cadet (2348 Maghull Sqn) in 1979. I had an absolute ball. Shooting and flying over the wash in Chipmunks, doing aerobatics mostly. One of the highlights of the visit was a night exercise conducted on and around the base. We had to evade capture by the RAF Regiment, thrilling stuff for a 14 year old. Prior to the exercise we were all given explicit instructions to stay away from the area where the missiles are located. Being obedient little space cadets we duly obliged only to find later that was the area the RAF Regiment hid ready to pounce on any unsuspecting air cadet foolhardy enough to wander around on their own. We were also given a tour of the missile battery which I found fascinating. 0 to Mach 1 in 30 feet, faster than my dads Cortina, just. Sad to see it in such disarray because during my visit it was a pristine RAF base, grass verges trimmed neater than a Brazillian birds bush, rocks painted white etc. I remember on one occasion a few of us decided to go shooting on the indoor range. We even went to the armoury and checked out .22 rifles and ammunition! Not bad for a group of 14 year old boys, try that nowadays and you would do 3 months without charges being laid. Happy days. Love the website, keep up the good work.

4. Posted 11 September 2006, 23:30 From Bobby

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   This is not a radar dome. It was a training dome for the targeting and firing of the early marks of Rapier Air Defence Missiles. I went in it back in 1990 when it was in use. Targets were projected on the inside of the dome.

5. Posted 25 September 2006, 14:20 From phil

   I Stayed at the base for 2 week ATC camp in the early 70s with 2414 ATC Rolls Royce East Kilbride. Got my RAF marksman’s badge shooting there - still in the sport. Flying about the countryside in Chipmunks. Walking all over the local roads with maps & compasses trying to find the pub. (Cant do that now for all the BMW's at 80mph) I remember a 2 seater English electric Lighting trainer / fighter landed (it was being sold to the Indian airforce?) it overshot the runway & ended up in the grass at the end of the runway. That night armed with bike spanners & penknives our squad'n 'obtained' many bits as souvenirs. The next morning were all put on parade & shaken down for all the bits! I managed to retain a hydraulic valve from the landing gear! wow. The base ran Canberra’s then & if you sneaked down to the end of the runaway they were awesome landing virtually on their side till the last moment as the radome on the nose meant the pilot could not see the ground for some miles in front of him! We did the bloodhound missile tour thing. Wide games out on the runway at night - I remember a cocky officer striding through the defence force saying "I’m an officer you cant touch me" yea right ...we did him over properly. Our side won. Managed to nick some mini flares that we let off another time.

   Somebody read a Spike Millgan book & we replicated the saluting trap where 30+ cadets hid behind the cinema & walked at even spaces past an officer saluting ..who was then obliged to return salute ...by the time we got to 18 his arm was nearly crippled!. What fun. We won a marching competition as we all had ‘tacity’ (metal studded) boots so sounded good when stamping etc. No doubt the place will end up crammed with Wimpy houses.

6. Posted 25 September 2006, 19:20 From DAB @ derelicte

   Hi everyone - thanks for your comments. They all provide a fascinating insight into the place's history...

7. Posted 2 October 2006, 22:00 From smiffy

   lovely stuff yet again mate. The recollections of ATC days is nice too . I went on summer camp around about 1975 to RAF St Mawgan in Cornwall and got up to about the same as everybody else did by the sounds of it. Went into Newquay one night with a Liverpudlian Squadron and got horrendously pissed. Got taken off the flying detail as punishment, Bastards.

8. Posted 6 October 2006, 19:20 From GEOFF SAVORY

   many thanks for the memories of my first posting to D.F.C.S.in 1962

9. Posted 24 October 2006, 09:00 From Rick Leach

   Excellent pictures - thanks. So many memories come flooding back. RAF West Raynham was my first posting out of training school. I served there from 1983 to late 1987 firstly on 85 Sqn Bloodhound SAMs and then a move across the airfield took my to 4 Hangar and 66 Sqn RAF Regt. Barrack Blocks 103 and 104 were my home, as was the Kestrel Club! Incidentally, the radome at the end of 4 Hangar wasn't a radome, it was the home of the Rapier Missile Training Simulator. I remember it being built and I'm surprised it is still there. Other memories include virtually every Friday night in the Kestrel Club, of which I was a Committee Member, and some great evenings in the Sports and Social Club too. It's been almost 20 years since I left the station gates behind me and I'd love to have a wander around the old place before it disappears. Is it easy to do? Thanks for the photos once again. Great work!

10. Posted 24 October 2006, 09:00 From Rick Leach

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    Yep, it is the dome that housed the Rapier Missile Training Simulator. I remember it being built in 1985/86 when I was serving with 66 Sqn RAF Regt in the adjacent No4 Hangar.

11. Posted 24 October 2006, 09:10 From Rick Leach

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    Good grief, what memories. The Kestrel Club. The windows nearest on the ground floor was the "Pigs Bar" that was only ever open once in a blue moon, usually when there was a function on in the main NAAFI area. This was between 1983 and 1987, and I bet the place is still reverberating to the sound of 60-70 Rock Apes leaping around to the Double Dutch by Malcolm McLaren before climbing Sunshine Mountain.

12. Posted 24 October 2006, 09:20 From DAB @ derelicte

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    Bobby / Rick - thanks for the correction That sounds a lot more interesting than a radar dome!

13. Posted 24 October 2006, 09:20 From Rick Leach

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    Barrack Block 104 next to the Airman's Mess. My home while serving with D Flt 85 Sqn. Next door was Barrack Block 103 where I moved to when posted to Eng Flt 66 Sqn RAF Regt. A move to more up-market accommodation, Block 103 had sinks and fitted furniture in each room and a had communal kitchen that was only ever used for drinking parties.

14. Posted 10 November 2006, 17:00 From DAB @ derelicte

    Again, thanks everyone for the memories and tales. Please keep them coming

    Rick - it's fairly easy to look around - even *I* got in!

15. Posted 4 December 2006, 10:50 From ALUN DAVIES

    our family lived at west raynham 1971-1972 my dad was m.t section, taff davies if anyone remembers him,best camp we lived on ,lots of great memories,my brother and myself were airscouts if i remember correrctly it was in the 101 block.we went back for the final opening day and air show it was a sad but great day...i would love too go back and have a look round..i went back 2 years ago but the security guy wasnt havin any of it ....shame.

16. Posted 12 December 2006, 15:00 From Alex Stoddart

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    The green tower was called the "signal tower", and was used to communicate with ships at anchor in the river,which eventually died away when the Harwich sqn. was moved and ships visited less and less, it was eventually used as an annexe for the signal school

17. Posted 18 December 2006, 23:20 From Stefan

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    It is nice to see such device. In my opinion wouid be good to protect and restore as a museum . I am an enusiast for mil electronic devices. For me it is great to have ocasions for visiting in Your site, thanks!

18. Posted 18 December 2006, 23:20 From Stefan

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    Some spare relays or filters?

19. Posted 18 December 2006, 23:30 From Stefan

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    Control panel for runway .

20. Posted 18 December 2006, 23:30 From Stefan

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    Ha! It reminds me Telephone exchange...

21. Posted 18 December 2006, 23:30 From Stefan

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    Uh! Lot of indicators...

22. Posted 19 December 2006, 13:30 From DAB @ derelicte

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    Hi Stefan - these are spare light bulbs! There are quite a few...

23. Posted 5 January 2007, 01:30 From norman hall

    I thought that the Army occupied this place. Have they moved on?

24. Posted 5 January 2007, 01:40 From norman hall

    Is there anything sadder than a derelict airfield? I used to viist my brother here back in the fifties. Such a busy lively place.

25. Posted 12 January 2007, 22:50 From Colin W Anetts

    Hi Everyone, I was stationed at West Raynham from 1957-58. I was part of 1st ASSU Royal Signals. From memory there were 6 squadies, a L/Corporal, Corporal, Sergeant, and matbe 2 Officers. I can't find any information on 1st ASSU anywhere or 1st ASST Lemgo Germany. Anybody help?

26. Posted 15 January 2007, 19:10 From john

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    worked there in the mid seventies.

    when were you there Stefan?

27. Posted 23 January 2007, 21:40 From Bill Waters

    These photos brought back lovely memories.I worked in the fire section as a corporal from 1978-84 and lived at 95 Raynham Way AMQ.with my wife Anne and my two girls.I used to play table tennis for the station.We made a lot of good friends which we still keep in touch with. It is a great shame the base is in such a state, but i had a great time and lovely memories

28. Posted 24 January 2007, 14:20 From Lee Corstorphine

    My father worked on the site as a chief technician of the rapier squadron and was posted to honington when it closed, Every summer we had summer club in the smaller ATC tower which was also where I attended Air Cadets, I spent a lot of time messing around all over the base and there are quite a few hidden cubbies and camoed shelters all over the base, if you go out towards massingham on one of the back roads there is an old anti aircraft gun station with a bunker which it kinda cool, opposite the entrance to the base there is a dirt track leading to some woods where there is a small hexagonal lookout post, near that we found a ditch full of old bombs and stuff that had to be detonated by the bomb squad.

29. Posted 8 February 2007, 16:20 From Inconspicuos 1

    I had a drive round this place in November, and was unsure about entry. There were guardwell security signs everywhere inc guard station!

    any tips on entry or info on security?

30. Posted 26 February 2007, 13:30 From Frankie Berube

    This message is for Colin W Anetts. I am helping my sister look for some information with regards to the same unit that you are trying to find information about. Did you know anyone by the name of John Randall (radio dispatcher or a Captain Frank Marsh who were stationed in Lemgo around 1954 and 1955? Appreciate any inforamtion you have. Thanks

31. Posted 13 March 2007, 21:30 From kyle capps

    i lived here with my prents and brother adn sistermy dad was a on the rapiars and stuff dave capps his name is i remember loads of people david glanville i want to talk to u haha

32. Posted 21 March 2007, 22:20 From dave munnerley

    Like Andy Conway I too stayed as an air cadet in 1979 with 90 speke sqn from merseyside-we got a beasting from the raf regiment too on that exercise-we tied up a sentry in the gatehouse and borrowed his land rover and they went looking for revenge-i was the cadet who ran the length of a darkened runway-skipping flying boots and rugby tackles-made it to the "missile"-an old telegraph pole- and was met with an absolute kicking!!! the hidings carried on the next morning. Also one of our ex cadets-flt lt frank turner-flew over in his jaguar with his wingman at extreme low level. What a fantastic time and a lovely station/area.

33. Posted 25 March 2007, 21:40 From robin piper

    I was on aircraft crash rescue at R A F West Raynham from 1950 till 1954 i slept under the control tower section, The shutters you see in the picture the left hand two where our bedrooms the next one was a small kitchen the other two is where we use to keep the Fire Tenders I was in charge if the section ,i am 75 years young and i was known as Pip, if any one that knows me i be glad to hear from them Regards PIip

34. Posted 1 April 2007, 21:20 From roy briggs

    I was a national serviceman based at West Raynham from June 1958 to february 1960. It was a good station with very little in the way of parades. I worked on GCA therefore very busy with the training flights.I remember Douglas Bader flying in in his own aircraft to open a fete at the airfield, this I believe was in 1959. Another interesting occurrence was that an exboy entrant after a holiday in Spain tried to get early demob in order to become a bull fighter, I was demobbed before any result was announced.

35. Posted 3 April 2007, 22:10 From Andy Hart

    Hi great photos, bring back loads of memories - Even remember drinking and playing pool at Mals pub in Weasenham down the road. your photo No. 51 is of the Supply Sqn building looking from left to right you had the tea bar, main door, POL (fuels office) tyrre store (the tall bit) and finally clothing stores. Haa the memories. THANKS

36. Posted 3 April 2007, 22:20 From Andy Hart

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    Supply sqn looked at from the main door, from the left is the tea bar with the technical stores behind then you have the main enterence (the green door) as you walked in the office on the right with the low window was the POL (petrols, Oils & Lubricants) office, then came the Tyre / rubber store (thats the tall bit) and on the right would have being the clothing stores. If you had have gone around the left you would have come the loading bays for goods in and to the right a series of small lockups used for storing the oils etc. Hope this helps

37. Posted 29 April 2007, 09:30 From Colin W Anetts

    To Frankie Berube, Sorry Frankie I don't really remember anybody by name apart from my best mate Vic Warnerf rom Liecester. I left Lemgo for Suez, and then returned to Lemgo after that crisis finished. I was then posted for my final year to RAF West Raynham Royal Sigs detachment known as Ist Air Support Unit. Can't remember anyone from there either, er what was your name again?

38. Posted 29 April 2007, 13:20 From George Lynes

    I was stationed at RAF West Raynaham 1965-66. I worked in the Supply Squadron. It was a fantastic posting for myself and my mates; Jim Yule, Mac McNeish, Geordie Allen and Mick Gilbert. Every Thursday it was off to Fakenham, Saturday to Kings Lynn; and for me Sunday evening off to Dereham. The food was wonderful and the friendship between the Supply Squadron and Fire Section personnel A1. The local people were great. Those were the days when the Hawker Hunters of 1 and 54 Squadrons, resident at West Raynham, were the fastest aircraft in Transport Command (Yes, Transport Command, 38 Group)

39. Posted 2 May 2007, 16:10 From Phil

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    This is the central heating plant, plus the other photos with the Furnace Fuel Oil (FFO) tanks.

40. Posted 4 May 2007, 13:40 From Claudia Clegg

    Hi there... I "fell" on your page when looking for "Rapier training simulator" I would like to email you a fotograph which I took some days ago on the former Royal Air Force Station Laarbruch in Germany. Probably you can confirm that I also visited this kind of training unit. My children keep asking "what was it, Mom?"

    Kind regards from Cologne

    Claudia Clegg

41. Posted 7 May 2007, 12:30 From Mike Hill

    Hi there, I was stationed at RAF West Raynham from 1988-1990 and was the Communications Officer. Last weekend, (May 2007) my wife and I were in the area and decided to visit the base to see if we could re-locate our married quarter (Earl of Bandon Ave). When we arrived, the main gate had a sign stating that there was no entry and that the site was protected by a civilian agency. We took a risk and drove straight on - no one stopped us. The place is very eerie and ghostly with each and every building having been 'swalllowed' by vegetation, including the roads and pathways. Most buildings have broken and/or boarded up windows and look a shadow of their former self. What once was a thriving, active military base is now a derelict wasteland. Quite sad really.

42. Posted 10 May 2007, 21:30 From keith hyde

    many thanks for the memories. i was a airframe mechanic stationed there with 54sqn, hawker hunters 1964-65. had good times of the base visiting all the local pubs.you could have a good time on one pound. a far cry from toronto

43. Posted 27 May 2007, 07:40 From Paddy Nichol

    Was based at W R on 66 Sqn RAF Reg till it shut and we moved to Honington. Remember the SAS club well. Good memories of Fakenham and all the totty hanging around us to try and a one way tiket out of the place! haha As it was in the drawdown years it became a top base for social life as everyone knew each other. Cheers for showing us the pics mate

44. Posted 29 May 2007, 22:10 From Ricky Sparkes

    When i was attending college (2005) we stayed at RAF west raynham for an exercise, was really enjoyable! but it was scary at times being in the dark in our platoon on sentry duty with all the derelict buildings. i found the experience very good and very exciting to think that that was once a busy RAF base!!

45. Posted 7 June 2007, 18:20 From Mick Colclough

    So sad!!

    Served as JT and Cpl between 1990 and 1995.

    Doos in the Sports and social, the "airmans resteraunt" where as a young JT I was told to take less bacon by some snotty cook 8-) (good advice)

    The Airfarce was never quite the same after this place.

    I never did work out why the "rocks" needed to have punching each other in the face competitions in the Kestrel club?? Great blokes but just a little wierd (even for a plummer!!)

46. Posted 7 June 2007, 23:10 From j beardwell

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    i was based at raynham

    as an mt mech in 59/60

    thanks for the photos

    ihave some of my old

    section if you want them

47. Posted 5 July 2007, 20:40 From terry mccrickerd

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    FFO - Fuel Furnace Oil - Fuel Tank for heating.

    part or my job was to 'dip' the tanks and 'bulk' up when filling them. not nice in winter.

48. Posted 11 July 2007, 18:30 From Paul Biscoe

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    Great memories of this place.It was here in 1974 with 1374 Sqn.Air Training Corps. that I won the "eat the most plum crumble" contest!

49. Posted 13 July 2007, 20:40 From Tony Bates

    I was stationed at Raynham 51 to 54 R&I (ASF) & played for Station XI that beat Watton in RAF Cup.Happy Memories.Would love to hear from old friends

50. Posted 13 July 2007, 21:00 From Tony Bates

    Adding to first comments.Still see Jeff Harmer of Comm Flt,but sadly lost Harry Wardle & Tom Howle some time ago.Anyone from Tech Wing billet , Block 102 out there ? Would love to hear.

51. Posted 13 August 2007, 01:20 From Kevin Webster

    I served on 100 Sqn there from 1974-1975. My wife and I got married in the station church at RAF West Raynham (just celebrated our 32nd anniversary!)

    Sad to see the old place looking so forlorn and dilapidated. I wonder what's happened to all the married quarters? Bet they sold for a song.

52. Posted 14 August 2007, 15:50 From Mike Plimmer

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    I remember the SAS Club very well (was posted here 1988-1991), had a very small hi-fi, so one summer do, I ripped out my sound system from my room (block not far from Kestrel Club), and had several cheers when B52s classic 'Love Shack' was pelted out at full bass/volume....how it takes you back

53. Posted 14 August 2007, 16:10 From Mike Plimmer

    I was stationed here between 1988-1991.

    I worked at 85 Sqn HQ and also A Flt HQ/85 Sqn over the other side of the airfield.

    Lived in the blok full of 'plods', and only a couple of other tradesmen ('Slats' Slattery the MT Driver)

    This is one hell of a trip down memory lane, and would like to say a big thanks for keeping the memories alive...Do you have any further pics of the area ?? Cheers Mike

54. Posted 14 August 2007, 16:20 From Simon Allen

    I was at West Raynham with both Mick Colclough and Rick Leach (bought your foridge cap) I remeber painting anything that didn't move for AOC's parade, it was an absolutely imaculate fun place. Hand on heart in 23 years in the RAF never served anywhere as good.... Happy days, it was really sad when I went back there 2 years ago. Had some brilliant friends there who I miss and fond memories !!

55. Posted 15 August 2007, 22:00 From Daz Wise

    Weird but have found myself looking back on my time in the mob quite a lot recently. Probably something to do with the mundane world of civvy street and lack of certain humour. Was stationed at WR from 1983 to 1985. Lived in Block 104 and was generally wasted in Fakenham at the Crown Hotel most weekends. I was there a few weeks ago and managed to poke my head through the front gates. I can still visualise the Bloodhound Missile outside HQ and the small white cabin on wheels where I used to sit on gate guard during the night shift. I even remember padlocking the main gates at night after the stragglers returned from town. Such a shame.

56. Posted 20 August 2007, 06:00 From Kevin Webster

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    About the only unit I can remember where I regularly ate a cooked breakfast!

57. Posted 20 August 2007, 06:00 From Kevin Webster

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    Looks very much like the barrack block I lived in - I was NCO i/c the top floor on the left.

58. Posted 20 August 2007, 22:30 From Daz Wise

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    That looks like the end of the Airmens Mess.

59. Posted 14 September 2007, 15:20 From DAZ COLEMAN

    GREAT PICS ,LOADS OF MEMORIES ,STATIONED THERE 1987-1990 IN GEF AS A PAINTER & FINISHER 1ST POSTING , REMEMBER ALL THE EXERCISES AND CALL OUTS WE USED TO HAVE , LIVED AT 14 BARSHAM CLOSE (AMQ) MORE TIME IN THE SPORTS AND SOCIAL THAN NAFFI REMEMBER THE SIGN GETTING PAINTED ON THE WALL ,ALSO WENT TO SCULTHORPE ALOT , CHEERS FOR THE MEMORIES

60. Posted 14 September 2007, 15:30 From Mike Plimmer

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    This housed the RAF Police Flt, Fire Section and initially The Ground Defence Section... again takes you back....

61. Posted 14 September 2007, 15:40 From Mike Plimmer

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    Not sure if this was the POL section ? Any advances on that ??

62. Posted 19 September 2007, 18:30 From Pete Everitt

    I left west raynham in 1994 when it closed after spending 3 years there on the bloodhound site. So nice to see the photos and have oftern wondered if i could go back and look round without being caught or breaking the law

63. Posted 20 September 2007, 06:40 From peter

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    The weekly Scalextric club used to meet here in 1989 and we had a good layout on the top floor!

64. Posted 21 September 2007, 00:50 From Mike McDonnell

    I visited West Raynhan on many occasion during the late 70's early 80's when it was used as a motorcycle racing venue. The circuit used part of the main runway and parimeter road and was laid out using road cones, these tended to 'move about' when the wind was blowing anything above moderate strenght. The drop off from the helicopter pad at the start & finish line was a unique and intresting feature. I remember the excellent field kitchens the RAF guys ran on race days were always something to look forward to, shame the place has been left to decline to such a state.

65. Posted 21 September 2007, 17:50 From Andy Hill

    I walked around West Raynham just last week (Sept. 2007) and also saw the "Guardwell Security" signs, but they appeared to have been there for quite some time - likely from just after the base's abandonment. I didn't manage to get near the area around the Rapier missile training dome as it seemed there was a caravan parked on the grass area just above it - likely for security - so I confined my wanderings to the abandoned buildings at the side of the airstrip near that MOD "National Secrets Act" sign, and walked around the single rats quarters and the PMQs.

    The PMQ housing blocks are all complete with street signs, BT old-style red phone boxes, lighting, and even curtains still hanging in the windows. All have "Asbestos Hazard" warning notices tacked up on the outside, and 'DO NOT REMOVE" Asbestos sampling cards tacked up at various sample points within the housing units themselves. Other than some bird contamination where windows have broken and allowed animal access - all the housing blocks look as though they're just waiting for the power to be switched back on.

    There is some development going on. Most of the housing blocks are grotesquely overgrown with grass, bracken and so forth - but temporary fencing has been erected around select blocks, and construction equipment/crews have obviously been at work clearing all the overgrowth. Some units look as though they're being readied for reoccupation in this fashion, as in addition to the clearing of lawns and gardens - the paintwork seems to have been brightened up (one block seemed to have newly painted front doors.)

    I could hear workers and equipment being used just beyond the domestic site and out towards the runways but didn't hazard a look lest I be spotted and told to clear off. The main entrance to the base was open when I was there, but seemed to be fairly busy with comings-and-goings, and had a private security-looking car parked near it also, so I didn't chance a tour of the complex nearest the Rapier trainer. Next trip

    I have a few basic pictures I'll scan and donate as soon as I get them developed.

    PS: Saw no evidence of demolition whatever, and as you drive near the closed gate just above the gate with the 'Secrets Act' sign, you see another announcing some "Airfield Restoration Partnership" which mentions some farm and a local construction firm. Since my bloody camera ran out of film earlier than planned I don't have snaps of it, but at least it seems it might be preserved more or less intact.)

    Andy Hill, Vancouver, B.C., Canada.

66. Posted 21 September 2007, 18:10 From Andy Hill

    Just found the following at:

    http://www.gnn.gov.uk/content/detail.asp?NewsAreaID=2&ReleaseID=220577

    "Monday 14 August 2006 13:29

    Ministry Of Defence (East)

    Sale of RAF West Raynham

    The RAF West Raynham 'technical site' which includes the former married quarters has been sold to Hodge Homes Limited for around £9 million, Defence Estates announced today. Hodge Homes Limited state that they have acquired the site as a joint venture between Hodge Homes of Cardiff and The Welbeck Estate of Wells, Somerset, and that this purchase represents their 35th major acquisition from the Ministry of Defence during the past 25 years.

    The area sold is circa 75ha (185 acres) and comprises of 172 houses, a number of two and three storey barrack blocks and four hangers together with various administrative and workshop facilities. The disposal of the remainder of the site is subject to negotiations with former owners.

    Defence Minister, Tom Watson, said:

    "The sale of surplus land at RAF West Raynham has freed-up a valuable brown-field site for future development and the benefit of the local area. Not only is this in line with Government policy and in support of the MOD's long-term goal to rationalise its estate; it also delivers best value for the Department and the taxpayer."

    The successful bidder was selected following a formal tender process and return of bids by 10 March 2006 and exchange of contracts took place on 24 March. The sale completed on 21 April following a thorough marketing campaign undertaken by DE's partner Drivers Jonas that had resulted in 138 requests for information packs and ultimately led to eight compliant bids.

    DE has worked with North Norfolk District Council (NNDC) in the preparation of their Position Paper which set out the views as to the potential for re-use of the site. This Position Paper was included in the information pack and interested parties were advised to contact NNDC to discuss their scheme prior to making a bid for the site.

    For information about the purchaser, Hodge Homes Limited, enquiries should be made through Roger Collins, Hodge Welbeck Partnership, The Estate Office, PO Box 1840, City of Wells, Somerset BA52WF, or Telephone (+44) 1749 677737."

67. Posted 21 September 2007, 18:20 From Andy Hill

    Here's another story. I won't put the link up because the BBS system here automatically holds the post for approval

    "RAF site developers defend slow progress

    AURA SABADUS

    14 August 2007

    With its decaying houses and overgrown gardens it is like a ghost town.

    But the disused RAF site at West Raynham is no gloomy film setting; it is a daily reality that stirs anger and frustration with thousands of local families crying out for affordable homes.

    Since being vacated by the Ministry of Defence in 1994, the site near Fakenham seems no nearer an immediate solution.

    Exactly a year ago today, developers Hodge Homes bought the £9.2m base with a pledge to build a new community of nearly 200 homes, shops and public transport.

    The sale was seen as a success by residents and officials who had been battling for 11 years to persuade the MoD to release the decaying quarters for development.

    But a year on and, despite the promises, the site remains boarded up, causing further frustration with north Norfolk's 3,300 young people currently waiting for an affordable property in an area where house prices have spiralled out of sight.

    North Norfolk MP Norman Lamb has now fired an angry broadside at Hodge Homes, accusing them of "keeping mysteriously silent."

    Together with North Norfolk District Council, the Lib-Dem MP, who previously lobbied the MoD to release the site branding it a "national disgrace," is now asking for an explanation.

    "I am very angry at the lack of communication and determined to get the company to explain what is really happening. It is outrageous in the extreme that they are sitting on a valuable asset without doing anything with it."

    Since the 185-acre site was bought by the Cardiff-based company, Mr Lamb has been in regular touch with the developers, requesting further details of the planned development and insisting on meeting the project managers.

    But in a letter to the MP last October, Hodge Homes Ltd argued "there was no point in a meeting to discuss the plans in detail until such time as the extent and cost of the infrastructure renewal had been established."

    Last night a North Norfolk District Council spokesman said it had been trying to get updates regarding the proposed development but had not "heard a thing from the developers for a year."

    He said: "We contacted them in April last year, before the official sale was concluded. We approached them a few months later, in September, to see whether they were planning something.

    "We got a response saying they would be in contact once they had concluded the deliberations, but we haven't heard from them ever since."

    The EDP eventually got a call back from Roger Collins, project manager for Hodge Homes, last night.

    Calling from Norway, where he is currently on holiday, he said: "Installing the infrastructure has taken us a lot longer than anticipated. This site has been off care for more than 11 years. We need to get all the services reinstated and just to give an example we need to put in a 10km run of sewers.

    "The whole infrastructure has to be renewed, including the water mains, sewerage and electricity supply. The utility companies are moving very slowly on this and we are paying more than £800,000 in annual bills just to sit still. There is nobody keener than us to complete the project and put it on the market, but at the moment it is difficult to give out a specific date."

    But Mr Lamb hit back, saying: "If they are experiencing problems with the utility companies they should say so. I am quite happy to take the matter up with the companies to speed the process up."

    The former RAF West Raynham was first used as an airfield in 1938 before it was officially opened as an RAF station in 1939. Operations ceased in 1994 and following its closure the site remained one of a number of strategic reserves within the UK."

68. Posted 3 October 2007, 13:40 From Dave Budd

    hi great great memory's i served at the base from 1982-to 1986 great times working in catering. remember the shed on the missile site were we created miricals with compo sausages and pom also on the kestrel club commity, im still working as a DJ nice to see some old freinds on your site well done keep it up

69. Posted 3 October 2007, 14:10 From Dave Budd

    • 

    airmans mess never forget the huge collings ovens and the way we got the rookies to try and pump them up lol

70. Posted 3 October 2007, 14:10 From Dave Budd

    • 

    any one seen whally mutter

71. Posted 3 October 2007, 14:10 From Dave Budd

    • 

    its a side veiw of the airmans mess

72. Posted 3 October 2007, 14:20 From Dave Budd

    • 

    building 75 i think this was the home of the motor club

73. Posted 3 October 2007, 14:20 From Dave Budd

    • 

    looks like the fire sect

74. Posted 4 October 2007, 13:20 From Maurice Saltmarsh

    • 

    As an Air Radar Technician on CRW then AWFCS (Javelins) from 1958 until 1963 I well remember the cry of "Two Six on the hangar doors !" as 3 to 4 of us would put shoulders to these huge hangar doors to open or close them. Depending on who was around, we would sometimes use the David Brown towing tractor to open the doors. Anyone remember the name of the pub in Fakenham?

75. Posted 7 October 2007, 21:40 From Chriss

    I met my now ex husband Mick (who worked on the Rapier Missiles) in the Kestrel Club back in 1974 when i lived in Fakenham. We ended up living in married quarters for a couple of years before being posted out to Rheindahlen.

    I was visiting friends today and thought i would go and have a quick look at my old house. But i didn't get past the security guard who told me i should have come last week as the site was sold on friday and so the place is now being guarded again!

76. Posted 11 October 2007, 23:30 From michael smith

    • 

    this is sad to see raynham in such a mess lived their for eight years. airmess alright was in 1 raynham cubs scout in top floor were the balcony is dad was sgt insupply sqn from 1982-88 good place to be

77. Posted 11 October 2007, 23:40 From mike smith

    looks sad to see raynham so empty.

    lived their for eight years dad sgt supply sqn.82-88.had alot of good times in tea in bar in supply also good christmas party in sgt mess starwars themes we very good.

78. Posted 16 October 2007, 00:00 From Frank Knight

    Thanks for the pics. I was on 66 Sqn RAF Regt in 1984, and revisited WR in 1997, it was closed and the dereliction had begun to set in. There was a little guy sat in a caravan who refused to let me on camp, so I turned back and parked up outside the old "Rock Block". I hopped over the gate near the old MT section and had a mooch....actually went and looked through the window of my old room. It still had the mark on the carpet where a girl from Fakenham threw up while being "entertained" by a mate of mine. Itv was sad to see knee-high grass and paint peeling, windows smashed etc, I imagine it to be a geat deal worse now. Successive Governments have a lot to answer for, one day they might regret having closed so many military facilities. anyway... The Rapier Simulator was a building where the guys could practice shooting down enemy planes which were projected onto the walls.

    The other thing I wanted to mention was that the rapier Training Unit was based there, it trained Army and RAF Regt guys who worked on Rapier Units.

79. Posted 17 October 2007, 00:50 From paddy nichol

    • 

    I think this was where the bulk supply store was located. Hope this helps.

80. Posted 17 October 2007, 00:50 From paddy nichol

    • 

    which pub? YOu mean the Limes hotel?

81. Posted 26 October 2007, 19:30 From Tim Cunningham MT 1985-1990

    Nice hi res view of the site appeared on Google earth recently.

82. Posted 7 November 2007, 21:30 From simon

    the old houses are now working progress i am working on them my self the 2 show homes are nearly complete there will be 172 homes in total i think i think you can see the guard and he may sign in to have a look .there have been a few people do so as to what i have seen potential buyers i assume hope this is any use to any of you

83. Posted 12 November 2007, 18:50 From John Payne

    I was at West Raynham 62-64. Demobed here in June 64. Served on 54 Sqdn as inst mech. The 1127 was tested here and named Harrier after the birds of prey they used to keep the runway clear. 1 Sqdn was also here at that time, and the Hunter that flew under Tower Bridge flew from 1 Sqdn. Raf West Raynham.

84. Posted 12 November 2007, 19:00 From John Payne

    Have Just realised my dates should have been 64-68.Sorry about that I was in Aden 62-64. 105 Sqdn.

85. Posted 15 November 2007, 07:20 From Bob Carter

    Great memories.85 Sqn Ops 80-85 I remember Dave Budd great cook!!!!!.Good times in Fakenham.What happened to the Javelin gate guard?

86. Posted 19 November 2007, 16:10 From John Maclean

    • 

    I was on the S&S committee til 1986. We completely refurbed tha club ( I remember stringing cords across the ceiling to create a false ceiling ) ans installed state of the art disco lights ( bought from ex RAF DJ Steve Wynne ). Myself and Bob Ives were the DJ's and the club was banging, some great summer balls and Sat night Discos held! I also was manager of the Sation Football team ( OIC FS John Currie ) and I was the only AF on the station. Great times and I got an AOC's commendation to boot! BTW the ATC was all mine and other than the firemen I was the only one who ever went in there I think. I remember one night at about midnight when I had to retune some TX's for a RAF wide freq change and I was on my own in the tower. I heard someone come up the stairs and looked out the door to see who it was. The footsteps went right past me and up the metal ladder to Local Control...but no-one was there! I legged it in a hurry and finished the job next day in daylight. Scary!

87. Posted 19 November 2007, 16:30 From John Maclean

    I was stationed at West Raynham from 82 til 86 and was the only AF on the station. I had my own little section in ESF and spent most of my time looking after the Defence Comms and Radiation Safety. Actually that's a lie! I spent most of my time in the S&S or managing the football team. Best place I ever served. Great guys in ESF. Big Billy Walker, Bob Ives and Colin Wiseman - we were the the "Three Dusky Queers" although we were all straight! Every Friday we would get down the "Skinny Dug" ( The Greyhound ) at opening time and get back in time to knock off, and the Boss was with us!! What a laugh. Terrific nights in the S&S and the Wheatsheaf. I remember Sandy Sanderson ( armourer ) being pissed and mising the gate at the piquet post on the missile site and crashing through the fence. The plods just wet themselves. Yeah even the snowdrops were cool then! The exercises were ace. I was on Battle Damage but spent more time on the SRF. Anyone remember when we were attacked by 3 Para who landed in a Herc on the runway and popped smoke to cover their assault. The wind blew it all away and they were so exposed the 8 man SRF got the lot of them! The umpires were so upset that a load of Techies, Cooks etc had battered the elite Paras they made us do it all again!! Happy Days!!

88. Posted 26 November 2007, 16:10 From Mick Stevens

    Served 54/58 on AWW later AWDS as Air Wireless Fitter with Les Hogston,Jimmy Eacock and Alan(George) Dawson Les sadly passed away this Year and is missed. Surviving 3 are still in contact and are still married to the Girls we met at West Runton. Very Good Memories of Westray

89. Posted 1 December 2007, 17:00 From MICHAEL LAMBERT

    my dad was posted to west raynham after .the war. we lived in married quarters, i was five and we all went to school in east rudham, then to hellhoughton and finally fakenham. we were taken to school .in the back of a .RAF lorry. The winter of 47 was the worst in my lifetime and the camp was cut off. the airmen made sledges to get across the drifts to get food. very happy times for a young lad.

90. Posted 7 December 2007, 00:20 From Robert Furnivall

    At West Raynam 62-64 worked in Air Traffic Control. The photos of the tower bring back many fond memories. We had many drunken nights in Fakenham and caught the free bus every weekend to the dance at West Runton - Happy Days

91. Posted 12 December 2007, 02:20 From Chris Doyle

    Served at Raynham for the whole of 1975. Worked in ATC. Canberras. 100 and 85 Sqdns. 85 disbanded as a flying sqn and transferred to Bloodhound Support Unit. Lived in AMQs The flying side was to be transferred to Marham( 100 Sqdn) and I went as well(Jan76) Very nice unit in a lovely part of Norfolk. Visited the area in recent years. As has been said, very overgrown and sad to see. Happy days.

92. Posted 20 December 2007, 22:30 From Vince Madden

    I was at RAF West Raynham for 1 weeks Summer Camp with 1701(Johnstone) Squadron during the summer of 1975. I always think of Raynham when I remeber my days with the ATC, the sun always shined, so sad to see the station the way it is.

93. Posted 24 December 2007, 17:50 From clive schofield

    85 sqn hq 80-84.fond memories of West Raynham,sad to see the place in such a poor condition.Good to see Bob Carter still going strong..hows it going mucker! ps Best 5 aside team Raynham ever had!

94. Posted 27 December 2007, 17:50 From Dave Miller

    I was Adj of 85 Squadron from 1986-89. Sad to see West Raynham looking in such a mess. Good to see Mike Plimmer is still around.

95. Posted 29 December 2007, 23:30 From Mike Plimmer

    Hi Dave,

    Left there just before it closed, and got posted to Odiham working on Ops Wg, after that got posted out to Turkey, on Op Warden duties, came home, and left the service..

    If you would like to get in touch, let me know, as I would love to have a chat over old times.. cheers Mike Plimmer

96. Posted 10 January 2008, 17:00 From James

    I spent a week there with CCF Air Cadets in June 1990. We stayed in the H-block nearest the mess (visible on Google earth) and pretty much had the run of the base.

    The rapier training sim was excellent. The floor was decorated like a real rapier site, and targets would be projected (in red if I recall correctly) on the 'sky'. The rapier itself would be simulated as a streaking, dancing red dot, controlled by the operator in the little booth. We all got to have a go. Your results were printed on a graph in an adjacent room.

    Spent plenty of time in the Kestrel club, although most of us couldn't drink. The rockapes looked after us pretty well...

97. Posted 10 January 2008, 23:20 From Chriss

    Found out the former RAF West Raynham base in Norfolk was sold to Tamarix Investments, who have plans to build an eco-village on the site.

    Their plans are to build new homes, commercial premises and a hotel.

    The firm wants to replace an electricity station with a bio-mass generator that will run central heating into the new homes.

    It also plans a business park and a luxury hotel and spa complex.

    Quoteing the local paper.. ''The air base was closed in 1994 and about two years ago work started to refurbish former servicemen's homes.

    The first 25 of 172 former MoD homes to be renovated went on show on 10 November 2007.

    Roger Gawn, a director of Tamarix, said: "The overall infrastructure is already in place.

    "Our aim is to build on this and create an environment which is self-sustainable, eco-friendly, has good leisure, community and business facilities."

98. Posted 17 January 2008, 19:50 From tracy

    been outside raf w raynham for 20 years, garage on the corner, i think you will find that tamarix cannot build any new houses only do up the ones which are already there. its been so quiet for such a long time, now there is activity again very strange, does anyone remember us? did you bring your car to us?

99. Posted 18 January 2008, 22:10 From angus o\'neil

    i was at raynham from 1956 to 1958 and was in charge of stationery and publications one of my best mates was colin smith from ripon yorkshire we are still in contact to this day on quite a regular basis and meet up occasionaly he was and is one of lifes gentlemen. i can honestly say that the two years at raynham were two of the best years of my life.i sometimes wish that i was 18 again and back in uniform.

100. Posted 19 January 2008, 15:20 From gary addison

     • 

     Dear Sir,

     I find these photographs you took very interesting, my father was a navigator in the last war, and i am trying to find out his past. As like most war veterans what happened beetween 1939 - 1945 remains there.

     My fathers name was Bill Addison (sgt William Addison dfm dso ) sadly died in 1989. Should you come across any information and wish to share some of this with me, i will be only to happy to listen.

     Regards

     Gary

101. Posted 27 January 2008, 20:10 From Dave

     I had no idea that this station, although showing signs of decay was still in such an original state. What a fantastic snap snot of a 1930's expansion airfield still unmolested by developers and even modern RAF requirements, a real piece of history.

     Thankyou for finding the time to photograph such a great RAF station.

     Dave

102. Posted 28 January 2008, 18:10 From Kenny Freeman

     Iworked in supply squadron from 1965 and locked the gates when raf west raynham closed Myself and eric Mason barrack stores were the last ones out. I was a civilian employee. Better known as tool store Kenny. Many happy memories. I still live in the neighbouring village of Helhoughton. I would like to hear from anyone who remembers me.

103. Posted 28 January 2008, 22:50 From Peter Rose

     My father in law Vic Cole was an RAF serviceman in the WW2 and served at West Raynham as an armourer on Mosquitos for a short period of time before moving on to another station.

104. Posted 31 January 2008, 13:40 From Richard Tree

     I was J/T Tree at Raynham between 1978-81 as my last posting.I worked in the EFB (Explosives Fitment Bay) within the Bloodhound site.Duties were arming and dis-arming the missile warheads and rocket boosters prior to servicing..Did a lot of driving of the side-loading fork lift trucks too.also regular runs to the bomb dump.I was in block 104 next to the mess i recall.I was a member of the water ski club and ended up once in RAF Ely hospital after an accident at Magdalen! I am following the latest developments with interest as i too live in Helhoughton. See the EDP of Jan 30th page 15 for latest.Good site by the way

105. Posted 6 February 2008, 15:10 From Al Thomas

     Great reading about West Raynham. Came across this site whilst looking at info. on RAF Bircham Newton, which was run by an engineering college back in the 1980s and as they's built their own large swimming pool they also let personnel from Raynham use it, on a Tues eve if I remember rightly. I was posted to 85 Sqn HQ Registry on the Bloodhound site, then internal posting to Management Services Flt in PSF, SHQ. Ended up going on a 'Shiney's' Course at Hereford then being posted to the Rapier Trng Flt back at Raynham - but PSF got me back in SHQ again, as a 'Panda' Clk. I'm sure I remember some of the names posted above....enjoyed my times there 1984-1987.....ah, happy days/memories!

106. Posted 15 February 2008, 02:00 From 70\'s child

     I remember going to playgroup there when I was growing up in the mid-70's. I was only a 'civvy' from a nearby village, but I do remember that anyone could take their kids there..I assume. Does anyone else remember? I have very distinct memories of the supervisors, the other kids, and the scary white-tiled bathrooms. And the biscuit selection at morning tea-time. I remember being taken as a group to see some construction that was taking place on the site and seeing my first crane, which scared the pants off me.

107. Posted 15 February 2008, 15:10 From George Rowley

     Tremendous reading all the comments about RAF West Raynham. I served at this unit in the Comcen from 1967 to 1969 and had a great time while on this base. It would be good to hear from anyone who might remember me at this unit. I am looking to contact Rod Smith who used to live in Grimsby. Or any of the WRAF Girls who served in the Comcen at this unit.

108. Posted 16 February 2008, 17:00 From Bob Dunbar

     I arrived ar raynham on 27th Decen=mbar 1961, my first posting from boy entrant training.

     Ammost 5 years later and one marriage, I said a sad farewell to a wonderful station where the old wartime spirit seemed to hang around every corner.

     I remember that my first job was to move out the nants of an army signal unit as I was in supply squadron.

     I also have visid memories of Johniie Johnson flying the station spitfire and using the water tower as target practise, a sight I will never forget.

     Wonderful memories I hope that the site will keep some of the old nastalgia on it's return to what I hope will be a new and gright future.

109. Posted 16 February 2008, 17:00 From Bob Dunbar

     I arrived ar raynham on 27th Decen=mbar 1961, my first posting from boy entrant training.

     Ammost 5 years later and one marriage, I said a sad farewell to a wonderful station where the old wartime spirit seemed to hang around every corner.

     I remember that my first job was to move out the nants of an army signal unit as I was in supply squadron.

     I also have visid memories of Johniie Johnson flying the station spitfire and using the water tower as target practise, a sight I will never forget.

     Wonderful memories I hope that the site will keep some of the old nastalgia on it's return to what I hope will be a new and gright future.

110. Posted 19 February 2008, 22:10 From John Amphlett

     wow, great to see pictures and comments from so many people who served at Raynham. This was my 1st posting in 1974, after one days training I was on night shift in the battery charging room on my own. Spent many happy years there, the very hot summer of 75 or 76 cant remember which, was a blast,spent down Wells & Brancaster. Met my future wife there and lived in Rudham, also palyed football for Rudham for many years. I worked in GEF and was a ground leckie

111. Posted 21 February 2008, 08:20 From Keith Steadman

     I am about to start building West Raynham Scenery for Microsoft Flight Sim. If any one has any more photos of Rainham I would appreciate them. My email is keith.steadman@talktalk.net.

     I was at Rainham from when the RAF made the Bloodhound an aircraft and posted in a lot of L-Tech AR. I was SNCO i/c the Missile Card Bay untill I left the RAF in 1991

112. Posted 22 February 2008, 02:50 From Paul Bullen

     I was in the ATC back in I guess 1978 and we had gone to West Raynham for camp. I was in 2359 squadron cadets and I can still remember the mock night exercises that we had been involved in. As young 14-15 year old boys running for our lives across a darkened airfield trying to get to our target. Guard dogs barking over by the missile bays added that touch of realism. Only to be taken off our feet by some of the quicker more experienced base personnel. Not to forget the square bashing, flying aerobatics in the Chipmonks and trying to get a grouping with my first dealings with a 303

     Happy memories.

     PB in Toronto

113. Posted 22 February 2008, 20:20 From Graham Haslam

     This is Fantastic and very nostalgic for me as this was my first posting as a newly qualified Lac. Gen Mech E. in the G.E.F, some brilliant mates were made here including Daz Coleman a painter i believe from Brum, Woody, Cpl Reeves Chief tech robbie brookshaw, I served there between 87-90 and enjoyed every minute( apart from the sodding early morning air raid sirens) and laughing at the 66 sqdn. rock apes wandering around the airmans mess with the imaginary rolls of carpet under their arms whistling noncholantly, ah happy days.

114. Posted 22 February 2008, 20:50 From Paul (Geordie) Ramshaw

     First tour out of training as a RAF Police Dog handler back in 1973. Spent many a night shift walking around BHSU in the Norfolk fog. Happy times and fond memories of what was a wonderful station.

115. Posted 28 February 2008, 00:00 From Carl

     So that's what their tower looked like! It is almost identical to that of RAF Marham. In fact I used to do daily radio checks with West Raynham tower from Marham tower as we finished the GRSF night shifts circa 1963 /1964. Then posted to RAF Locking for fitters course.

116. Posted 28 February 2008, 21:10 From Matty oates(Geordie)

     What a sad sight to see such a great station go to dereliction.I spent 2 fantastic years there from Sep1967 to July1969,I was a "Rockape" driver on 1Sqdn,along with Bob Ethrington,Rod Dingwall(cpl) and John Whitehouse.

     I agree with John Payne that a Hunter from No 1 went under Tower Bridge,it was flown by Flt.Lt.Alan pollack(or Pollock),on 1st April 1968,the fiftith aniversary of the R.A.F.

117. Posted 28 February 2008, 21:10 From Matty oates(Geordie)

     What a sad sight to see such a great station go to dereliction.I spent 2 fantastic years there from Sep1967 to July1969,I was a "Rockape" driver on 1Sqdn,along with Bob Ethrington,Rod Dingwall(cpl) and John Whitehouse.

     I agree with John Payne that a Hunter from No 1 went under Tower Bridge,it was flown by Flt.Lt.Alan pollack(or Pollock),on 1st April 1968,the fiftith aniversary of the R.A.F.

     All told,I spent four years with No1, being demobed at Wittering.

118. Posted 28 February 2008, 21:20 From Matty oates(Geordie)

     What a sad sight to see such a great station go to dereliction.I spent 2 fantastic years there from Sep1967 to July1969,I was a "Rockape" driver on 1Sqdn,along with Bob Ethrington,Rod Dingwall(cpl) and John Whitehouse.

     I agree with John Payne that a Hunter from No 1 went under Tower Bridge,it was flown by Flt.Lt.Alan pollack(or Pollock),on 1st April 1968,the fiftith aniversary of the R.A.F.

     All told,I spent four years with No1, being demobed at Wittering.

119. Posted 29 February 2008, 19:00 From Linwood Piewrcxew

     Was stationewd at RAF Sculthorpe from 1959-1962. Remeber the jets taking off from Raynham right over Sculthorpe. I was in charge of communications at Sculthorpe. We liveds in Hunstanton and our second son was born at the base hospital in June62. What a shame that these two bases were closed and all that housing went into disrepair. You have a great site and enjoyed reading all the remarks from 06-08.

120. Posted 3 March 2008, 20:40 From Linwood Pierce

     Thanks for posting my comments about Raynham. I spent 3 years traveling once a month on an inspection trip to our TACAN sits at RAF Elvington and RAF Burtonwood. Would like someday to return to the area and see RAF Sculthorpe, Air Museum at Elvington. Some nice planes there. Keep up the good works.

121. Posted 4 March 2008, 23:10 From Russ PItman

     What memories, I was on the Missile Servicing Flight (MSF) from 1987 - 1989 and it was a great 2 years. As one of the first Air Radar Techs to move in and take over from the Air Defence Techs it was a good place to have a laugh. Thanks to all the lads of A&H who put up with me as well as Chris in the Fuel bays!!!

122. Posted 6 March 2008, 19:20 From catherine grant

     my mother in law was a waf there in ww2 and she spoke of the huts theywere stationed in were riddled with bullet holes! She said she really enjoyed her time there and the flight crews were so very young.Sadly she died last year aged 88. The officers quarters were at nearby Weasenham Hall(now demolished) as we tried to visit the station last summer and was so amazed to note it must have hardly changed since ww2.

123. Posted 9 March 2008, 21:20 From Brian Colby

     What memories visiting this site. West Raynham was my first posting after training at Locking.as a Radio Fitter. Joined AWFCS, the Javelin All Weather Fighter Combat School and worked with fantastic team of lads in the radio section there from Sep 1960 till June 61.

     Enjoyed many a night beating visiting Yanks from Sculthorpe at Shuv Happeny and darts at the the pub in East Rudham.

     They were the days , happy memories.

124. Posted 11 March 2008, 12:40 From Dave Mitchell

     • 

     Thanks for the memories, wish I could get on there to have a look around. I was stationed there from 1989 to 1994 when it closed. It was one of my happiest postings and it's such a waste to see how it is now.

125. Posted 11 March 2008, 12:50 From Dave Mitchell

     • 

     This hangar housed the Rapier Training Unit when I was there.

126. Posted 11 March 2008, 13:00 From Dave Mitchell

     • 

     There was rumoured to be a ghost in ATC but fortunately I never saw it.

127. Posted 11 March 2008, 13:00 From Dave Mitchell

     • 

     When I was there the SAS Club was used as an air raid shelter on exercises and we had to kip in there overnight. As there was little ventilation you can imagine the stink from all the minging bodies in there.

128. Posted 11 March 2008, 13:40 From Dave Mitchell

     I worked in MTMS from 1989 t0 1994. It was a very sad time the last three months. The few of us remaining had to work on working parties clearing out all the quarters and unused buildings. I'm now on a personal crusade which involves walking around the whole of Norfolk visiting all of the 37 WW2 airfields. Passed Raynham last year but only on the road running up the side of the missile site. I'm hoping the walk will be made a pemanent one as a memorial to those who died during the war and would particularly like it to run along the former peri-track, through the bomb dump and back to the road by the missile site. Who knows, I might even be able to persuade the developers to help me. Will let you know how I get on.

     Thanks again for the memories

     Dave M

129. Posted 15 March 2008, 13:00 From Tery Wright

     • 

     I was stationed at West Raynham 1946 to 1949 ground radar section. Any one know me?or were you stationed there at the sme time or around? Please contact me. I remember Olly Wade, Ken Hutchinson, Pete Tilney from london,

130. Posted 15 March 2008, 22:20 From Dave Black

     Wow! Just stumbled across this site after some random googling! I was here for many years ('84 - the closure) firstly with "clickety click -rubber dick" Sqn (66) USAF Rapier and latterly with the RTU. Worked with 'Tricky' Rick Leach (hope you're well old pal) and Lee Corstophine's dad, Ian, amongst many others. Have some great memories of my time there and echo the comments of sadness at the current state of the place. I visited a few years back and what really hit me was seeing a sheep wandering out of the back of my old barrack block!

     Thanks for keeping this site going and to all contributors. I know that we can't live in the past but I do think that a little more could be done to preserve some of this nations military heritage.

     Take care guys,

     Dave

131. Posted 16 March 2008, 07:40 From Rick Leach

     Hi Dave,

     Nice to see your post and I'm fine mate, thanks. Twenty one years on the clock since I left West Raynham but seems like yesterday. Wonder what you're up to now and are you still in touch with any of the lads from that era? Had an email from Neil Jackson late last year. Looks like he's doing well. Anyway Dave, I can be rerached on r.a.leach(at)btinternet.com . Woulkd love to hear from you. Cheers, Rick

132. Posted 28 March 2008, 22:30 From Simon Allen

     Hi Rick

     Nice to see you are still about hope you remeber me (bought you foridge cap and lived in same block) I was in Fakenham last week seeing old civillian friends.

     Nice to see Dave Budd as well he cooked me a breakfast or two, he also did supper when on guard, top lad. Rember the Tae Kwon_DO days Dave bet you cant kick that high now.

     What ever happened to Davie Potter comidian extrodanaire?

     My very best regards to you all

     Simon

133. Posted 30 March 2008, 22:10 From Louise

     Hi everyone.

     I found this site by accident. My Dad did his last tour at West Raynham, I can't remember exactly when but it would have been during the eighties. He was W/O Mt Flight (I think!) Roy Hallett. I vaguely remeber seeing something with 85 sqdn on it but that may be red herring. Just wonderd if anyone remembered him. He unfortunately passed away in 1999. He never talked much about his work, probably couldn't as he never swore in front of us! My sister worked there briefly when a load of Americans were there?

     Regards

     Louise

134. Posted 1 April 2008, 19:10 From Simon Allen

     Louise

     85 Squadron was the bloodhound squadron that was based at west Raynham. I was there 80 to 85 and I do remember your dads name although I cannot picture him as it was such a long time ago. The Americans used to come every year on exercise as did the Royal Observer Corps. There was a Chief Tech in MTSS ( vehicle repairs) called Jim Duncan I think. Charlie booker was an MT Driver and there were local civies Harry and Ron who I am sure (if they are still on the go) remeber your Dad. Sorry I dont have their surnames. I am sorry to hear about your Dad if I can help any further please ask, although I was an armourer so would have little knowledge of MT

     best wishes

     Simon

135. Posted 2 April 2008, 18:20 From Louise

     Hi Simon

     Many thanks. That sounds about right as we did get the odd story of the missiles being transported down those narrow country lanes and the problems that entailed! I was there yesterday as I took my car to the garaghe opposite the main entrance - looks very forlorn and desolate. Let's hope the new owners regenerate the place.

     Thanks again for responding.

     Louise

136. Posted 6 April 2008, 10:00 From Andrew Avenell

     • 

     Very much enjoyed your images of Former RAF West Raynham. Im always searching the web for such images of yours as I have a very great interest in such airfields past and present.

     In my spare time Iam an Aviation Artist and I am currently seeking an airfield location for my next drawing all my art work is purly for my own pleasure and that of my friends if you would like to see a sample of one of my last 3D drawings I would only be too pleased to email you a copy just forward me your own personal email address.

     Yours sincerely

     Andrew te476

137. Posted 7 April 2008, 16:20 From June

     • 

     I grew up here, from age 2 to 11. It is so sad to see the place so derelict, when it could surely have been put to better use. I remember the houses were small, but there was lots of open outdoor space to play as a child and you felt totally safe in those days.

138. Posted 8 April 2008, 11:00 From Geoff Smith

     • 

     Hi.

     What is the round building in this picture. Was it part of the Bloodhound system?. I am doing some research on the North Cotes site for my own interest.

     Thank you for this site, very interseting.

     Geoff.

139. Posted 11 April 2008, 01:30 From John Maclean

     Geoff, The round building is the Rapier Simulator used by the Rapier Training Unit and 66 sqn. It was a bit like a mini planetarium with a Rapier System in the middle of the floor and targets projected onto the curved walls. We used to say it was the best computer game in town!

140. Posted 12 April 2008, 14:30 From John Weatherley

     I was stationed at West Raynham from 1952-1955 as a wireless/radar tech in the Special Proj. section of radio workshops. There were no operational sqdns. It was the Central Fighter Estab. There were the Air Fighting Development Sqdn. (AFDS) Meteors, Swift, Hunter etc; Night Fighter Development Unit (NFDU) Meteor 11,12,13 and 14; Day Fighter Leaders School (DFLS) two sqdns. of Meteor 8's;

     Instrument Training Sqdn. (ITS) Meteor 7's; and 809 Sqdn Fleet Air Arm.

     We even had a Canadian detachment of AVro Canada CF100's for evaluation at one time. We also got the first of all new fighters and equipment for operational evaluation including the first Hawker Hunter and Supermarine Swift. There were also some oddball aircraft, A Meteor 8 with Armstrong Siddley Sapphire engines which held the world rate of climb record for a while (eight take offs and landings to a set of tires!). Also had the Meteor IV which had broken the world speed record at 616 mph, painted royal blue.

     Prince Phillip did his flight training there and we had his two DH Chipmunks for a while.

     Frankly I do not recognize the photos, they look more like USAF Sculthorpe ?

     It was a very interesting posting. We had many strange visiting aircraft and I really enjoyed working duty crew on some of these - A Lincoln with six engines, one a jet in the tail, A Dakota with Armstrong Siddley Mamba propjets, The Reid and Sigrist Desford prone pilot trainer (http://www.abpic.co.uk/photo/1002270/), plus many foreign air force visitors. I had the pleasure of working with a Spitfire, B17, B45, Hawker Hart and sundry other odd visitors during my time there.

     Each year we hosted teh NATO Fighter Convention. A great air display with as many as 300 visiting aircraft from all over the world. A busy time for us ground crews.

     A most enjoyable posting although my next one was to Australia!

     John Weatherley

     Melbourne FL. USA

141. Posted 16 April 2008, 21:50 From Tim

     Hello Louise,

     I can remember your dad very well. I was very sorry to hear about his death. I was posted to West Raynham as an MT Driver in May 1985. Your dad would have left some time in 1987. I left in 1990. I can remember Ronnie and Harry, as well as Roger, Ernie and Lenny.

142. Posted 18 April 2008, 09:50 From Mike Swales

     1st arrived at West Rayham May 1981 from West Drayton on, worked in 85 Sqn Ops, posted 280 SU 1985 to 1987, came back to Raynham until discharge Dec 1990.

     Still living in the area (King's Lynn), I have lots of memories of the place. Sad to see the photo's, I plan on visiting very soon. Nice to see names I remember.

143. Posted 19 April 2008, 17:00 From Dave Betts

     I remember staying at West Raynham in 1977 on an ATC Summer Camp .

     I was 14 yrs old then , learning to fire the Lee Enfield .303 weapon .

     Being screamed at on the parade square by a fellow that resembled the jowly insurance hound of Churchill Insurance. His name was Grindrod , those RAF veterans must know this guy !!

     Great nostalgia though !

144. Posted 19 April 2008, 17:10 From Dave Betts

     Anyone remembering me.... im on herbajet@hotmail.com

145. Posted 20 April 2008, 10:50 From Rob

     In 1999 when I was in the TA we played enemy to the Parachute regiment, who flew in with Chinooks to capture the base. I remember giving a gazelle recce helicopter around 100 rounds from a GPMG from the top of the main control tower when he was hovering only 100 feet away, the pilots face was a picture!

146. Posted 21 April 2008, 06:10 From Albert F. Salter

     This site has brought back memories.of my time at West Raynham, I worked in the station R & I, I remember one Special plane. A Gloster Meteor, painted blue which was the first Jet to take the air speed record at 616 mph over Herne Bay. This plane now resides in the RAF Museum at Hendon. Because it was in the middle of nowhere, weekends at home were difficult. Especially with the train service! I beleive it was two trains a day, none on Sunday. There was a daily bus through the village, never did find out from where to where! After a few months there and expecting to hear about my de-mob, I was suddenly given the news that my stay in the RAF was extended by 6 months, and was shipped off to RAF Wunsdorf, near Hannover, for the Berlin Airlift.

147. Posted 24 April 2008, 18:50 From Louise

     Hi Tim

     Thanks. I hope he wasn't too bad a boss! It's nice to know he is remembered. Thanks again.

     Louise

148. Posted 26 April 2008, 14:30 From Ray Bond

     • 

     This was the Fire Section I was a Fireman there between 1955 -1965. A great base

149. Posted 12 May 2008, 12:50 From Geoff Syrett

     West Raynham was my first posting after training.I Served on 85 sqdn. Canberras as an airframe mechanic...and had a ball! Many great memories of the people, the socialising, the rivalry between 85 and "Tatty ton", the detachments, working on the Air Experience Chipmunks in the summer of '75, etc. etc.etc. Wonderful!

150. Posted 14 May 2008, 19:50 From Daryl

     • 

     Roof of hanger 4 looking down on pol store. The circle just visable above pol is remains of aircraft fuelling station if i remember correctly. chimnleys are from hanger heating which used to visit every morning whilst doing heating fuel tank dips lovely smell of diesel for the rest of the day...mmm. I used to work for PSA along with John, Nigel, Norman (zzz) John Willy The elusive electrician & many others 1988-1991 .More people will remember my mum Margret manageress of the kestrel club for many years. (Irish big blond hair) .......great memories...........

151. Posted 14 May 2008, 22:00 From Daryl

     • 

     These were known as brightside boilers to us not to be confused with main hanger heating which was situated just behind the central heating bh. I think hanger heating bh had 4 boilers but only used 3 & kept 1 for backup as they were quite old & always playing up. The name brightside refers to the make of boilers that were once there as far as i remember..........

152. Posted 14 May 2008, 22:10 From Daryl

     • 

     L scheme boiler house as it was known..

153. Posted 14 May 2008, 22:10 From Daryl

     • 

     Just across from mt section..

154. Posted 14 May 2008, 22:30 From Daryl

     • 

     Just to the right, not in picture was PSA workshop

155. Posted 14 May 2008, 22:30 From Daryl

     • 

     The main water tower which housed the dreaded siren at the top and below at the bottom of the tower the main electricity substation. The smaller bit at front is part of PSA offices when i worked there..

156. Posted 14 May 2008, 22:40 From Daryl

     • 

     Hanger 1 With original control tower in the foreground.

     When i was working there 1988-1991 one of the hanger door stantions was still the original complete with bullet/cannon holes in it from an enemy attack during WWII. The then station commander ordered they be left when picked up on an inspection as a type of monument to days gone by..... May still be there.?

157. Posted 21 May 2008, 20:40 From Kev Read

     I was at WR form 1987 til 1991 when the Bloodhounds stood down I was an L Tech AR in the Missile Card Bay in 3 Hangar working for Keith Steadman. Looking back I think this was my best posting everyone was friendly and being a small unit you knew everyone. I remember the SAS club well and Mick Plimmer, Sundays were usually best you could have a few beers and chill out.Great times it's sad to see the place looking so dilapitated.

158. Posted 23 May 2008, 11:50 From Ron Smith

     I was posted there twice. 1983 to 1989 on Electronic Servicing Flight (known in the Raynham News as Eminently Superior Flight) in No3 Hangar. After a short stint on 25Sqn at Wyton came back onto 85Sqn A flt in 1990 and was on Orange section until the demise of Bloodhound. I remember plenty of parties in the SAS club (I was a barman and club comitte member too) as well as the Kesterel Club. I also remember returning the Gp Cpt's hat, star plate and flag the morning after the 85Sqn all ranks dining out night only to sneak back after dark with Cath Kelly (now Gillespie) and re-aquire the plate and Flag.

159. Posted 26 May 2008, 15:40 From a n fireman

     1988-1990,raynham was a bit of a dumping ground for fmn waiting to finnish thier time,high light of the week fire picket training,high light of the year,atc camp bringing some airplanes,all in all,a good posting,everyone know everyone and the rocks kept to themselfs.

     greyhound every wednesday nite,manhattons everyweekend, the joy of wages being beer chits,and not mortage payments!

160. Posted 29 May 2008, 10:40 From Robert Pilcher

     I was stationed here for 3 years 1963-66, Technical Wing, Photographer.

     During this time # 1 and 54 Sqns, Hawker Hunters, were there. Also the tripartate Kestrel Sqn, P1127

     RAF, West Germany and USA interests.

     I have many happy memories of the area.

     Regards,

     Rob Pilcher,

     South Australia

161. Posted 29 May 2008, 13:30 From MALCOLM STRAY

     • 

     I was JNCO R&D 1979/80 and spent many a happy hour here !!!!! after working in SCAF .

162. Posted 30 May 2008, 21:40 From Tony senior

     I arrived at Raynham in 65, air traffic control, the picture of the desk in the tower very nearly brought a tear , I spent 5 yrs sitting at it ,getting more paranoid of the crash phone by the day. The places on the windows were for crash directions, the picture of buttons is the airfield lighting board,which I used on a daily bases. What memoirs thanks. I was also on the full bore rifle team, the bos was Ron Mahendran(FT/L) I'd like to hear from anyone who was in air traffic with me

163. Posted 1 June 2008, 16:20 From Arthur Clarke

     I was there from 1966 to 1969 on 41 sqdn (Bloodhound) after spending 6 years at Northcotes on 17JSTU. I lived at Sculthorpe in one of the American bungalows. So sad to see what has become of the place, it was a great posting.

164. Posted 4 June 2008, 11:20 From Cat Watson

     I'd really like to use the dome for a fashion photoshoot- does anyone know who I would need to get in touch with? Can you email me at cat@cat-watson.com if anyone knows. Thank you

     Cat xxx

165. Posted 5 June 2008, 10:30 From Tony Bates

     After 55 years it was nice to see someone else who was stationed at WR at the same time, 51-54.I worked in R&I(later ASF)as AF Mech. Don't remember John Weatherley or Albert Salter, but recall all the aircraft and events mentioned by John.Remember Prince Phillip learning to fly,the Fighter Command Convention.The blue Meteor that held the world speed record now resides at Tangmere in their museum.Also had wonderful time filling sandbags in Kings Lynn during 53 floods. Now live Wales and have thought of going back for a look but would probably saddened.

     Nice to hear, keep the memories coming.

     Regards. Tony Bates. basher@994.eclipse.co.uk

166. Posted 6 June 2008, 21:20 From Barry Collins

     Just back from a visit to Norfolk, where a visit to Raynham had to be made. Posted there from basic training at Hereford April 61. The old contol tower was our office, Technical Contol Section. I can remember having to change the runway number boards on the roof, very pleasant in the middle of a Norfolk winter. The hut beside the tower was built in 1962 and became our new office. The Central Fighter Establishment was based there, DFCS, AWFCS, IRS, with their Hunter Mk 6 & 7 Javelin Mk 5 and 3. The unit was commanded by an Air Commodore. 85 Squadron aslo resided there with Javelin Mk8. The village pubs in Hellhoughton and Raynham are no more, have become private dwellings. The old place is in sad repair, nothing stays the same for ever, but iam glad i have been back after 47 years, left for Cyprus May 63, another story.

167. Posted 13 June 2008, 17:50 From Sam Tait

     the missile training dome i recall driving around some backroads in Norfolk and coming across one just at the side of the road, had me baffled ever since so good to find out what it actually was

     RAF Newton (Nottinghamshire) has a near identical water tower i climbed earlier in the week, at the top is a large air raid siren would be intresting to see if the one here still has the siren intact

168. Posted 18 June 2008, 21:20 From Dr Watts (\'Prof...\')

     • 

     For anyone who feels like visiting RAF West Raynham; at the far end of the most westerly hangar the wall and hangar-door rail structure are both riddled with 50 cal. bullet holes - I vaguely remember when I was a space cadet there in the 90's being told of a German aircraft strafing the place during the war, causing more than trivial damage. Does anyone have any more info on this? Also, can anyone tell me what state the runways are in? Thinking about bringing an aircraft in on the quiet - the last aircraft to land at West Raynham???????

169. Posted 20 June 2008, 07:20 From Robert Pilcher

     Re last comment, Dr Watts [Prof]

     You are correct. The Luftwaffe pilot who could be responsible for this came to West Raynham as a senior officer with the tripartite P1127 Kestrel Squadron, later called the Harrier. See my comments, stationed there 1963-66, submitted 29 May 2008. I think that he was in command of the West German Luftwaffe contingent, the other two being the RAF and the USA, USAF, US Navy and Marine Corp. When he arrived he addressed the Squadron and said how nice it was to be back at West Raynham on the ground as the last time in WW2 he attacked the airfield.This hanger # 1 was actually used by the tripartite squadron.

170. Posted 22 June 2008, 19:10 From Ken Mcloughlin (Taff)

     I was stationed at West Rayham 1970 to 1972. Worked in the PBX Telephone exchange.with Gerry Elwood, Dave Troddin, and others names escape me sorry. My JNCO was CPL Tony Chappel, Visited W,R, two years ago but security guy would'nt let me in. Funny I used to be on guard duty guarding the place myself once. I may take another look in 2009. 100 and 85 Canberra Squadrons arrived in 71 bringing the station back to an operational state. whilst there made loads of mates one sticks out a guy called Ken Faulkner we went on the pop one weekend in Fanenham and drove back to camp in a borrowed mini sadly Ken lost control as we approached the Airmens Restaurant and we mounted the steps and demolished a large plant pot on the left hand side of the steps. A lot of investigating went on by the SNCO I/C the mess but we were never found out untill now.

     Confession is good for the soul.

     anyone reading this and recognises me do give me a ring on 07831610363.

171. Posted 27 June 2008, 22:30 From martin

     does anyone remember vernon john gridley

     known as john gridley.would have been 75

     if alive today

172. Posted 29 June 2008, 15:10 From geoff savory

     Just revisited the site. To maurice saltmarsh (awfcs) I was on dfcs and think the pub was called "The Bull",this was the small one round the corner from the main square that the Yanks didn't use.I found it was a chinese takaway last time I visited Fakenham. I used to walk back to camp after many ales from there.Never realised it was 6 miles!! Used to go to dances in Dereham on Saturdays.Boxed for Fighter Command at Sculthorpe and beay the Yanks.

     Happy days.

173. Posted 7 July 2008, 12:00 From geoff beamis

     i was at raynham from 1955 to 1956 a/f mech working on hunters dfls hanger 4, while i was there we had 8 planes take off the fog came down so could not land 6 landed at marham and 2 ran out of fuel and crashed one of the pilots lost his life very sad,but still have happy memories,i met my wife at one of the camp dances sadly she died in 1996, it would be nice to hear from any one from that time,

174. Posted 10 July 2008, 18:30 From Ben Chamley

     Arrived at WR late 1954 until Sept 1955 . One of several Armourers with nobody to shoot , bomb or blow up . Spent most of the time announcing for Radio CFE , playing in the station band (Drum , bugle and bagpipes , don't ask) and running the cub scout group.One mate built a car in the armoury.

     Other layabouts were Stan "Max" Bacon , Jock Brown , Cpl.Alex Cuthbert , Denis "Hutch" Hutchinson , Jim Jose , "Lofty Lister",Dave Longley ,

     "Swede" Mason , Roland "Met" Metcalfe , Pat Nightingale , Jack Stone and Des Tanner .Fellow presenters at Radio CFE were Dave Russell and Tony Gorner. We lived in block 100 .Tony is the only one who I am still in contact with . Anybody out there ? Where did all the years go .

     Ben Chamley J/T and Acting Corporal (Unpaid) , Mum always said I would go far !

175. Posted 14 July 2008, 09:30 From Neil Pratt

     • 

     Posted to West Raynham in 1957 when CFE. The picture of the supply squadron building in which I worked is interesting. The main door led to an issue desk opposite which were sliding doors of the tech stores. This also housed a small office occupied by a P.Officer. The equip section was commanded by a Squadron Leader Skeet.

176. Posted 19 July 2008, 15:50 From Ben Chamley

     Another afterthought. In 1955 , there was a swimming pool alongside the guard room , Officers only (RAF and USAF) .How long did it last .?

     Ben Chamley

177. Posted 22 July 2008, 12:00 From Barry Collins

     in reply to Ben Chamley i don't remember a swimming pool behind the guardroom, but behind SHQ there was an emergency water supply tank which served as a swimming pool, this was in 1961. If i recall it was used by aircrew to practice dinghy drills.

178. Posted 24 July 2008, 10:20 From John Rushmore

     1 was stationed at RAF West Raynham during 1956 and was working in the Control Tower when the Hawker Hunters came down.I also remember the Fairy Delta landing there.Like many others I really enjoyed doing my National Service at West Raynham. I am now 72 and would like to hear from anyone who was in Air Traffic Control at that time..Corporal John Rushmore.

179. Posted 28 July 2008, 18:20 From fred austin

     I was at west raynham from 1958-1960 corporal air wireless fitter] working on hunters mk 6&7 alsojavelins a hunter crashed while i was there.[in a sugarbeet field] and we camped out guarding it for acouple of days would like to hear from anybody who was stationed atw.raynham during my time also anybody stationed atRAF horsham st. faith 57-58

180. Posted 29 July 2008, 19:10 From Paul Armstrong

     • 

     I was based at West Raynham 1988-1991 whilst serving with the RAF Police.Our police section HQ was in the large control tower and we had another entry -control room at the gates leading into the Bloodhound missile site(boring job).We used to have to do security checks of classified material cabinets in the small hours of the morning in loads of different buildings around the camp and I swear you could feel a spooky presence in some of them.Particular memories are of the large-calibre german machine-gun holes in the door steel framework of No 1 hangar,the former station morgue and missile servicing flight HQ on the bloodhound site,where some of the guard dogs refused to go into and where you always felt cold no matter what the weather!

181. Posted 30 July 2008, 07:00 From Mike Hopper

     John Maclean posted about Sandy Sanderson on the 19 th Nov 2007 , I am searching for a Armourer by same name so any further info would be appreciatted.

     The sandy I am looking for is also known as Peter and full name is Charles Peter Sanderson.

     I was On 19Sqn in Gutersloh 1968 to 1971 with him.

     Great reading

182. Posted 30 July 2008, 18:30 From Chris Chambers

     I was stationed at Raynham from 1984-1989, working in the ESF. It's sad seeing the"old place" look in such a poor state. I had a pint or two with Ron, John Mac, Bob "the Bastard" Ives, and crew in the SAS club over the years. Great to read their comments.

183. Posted 1 August 2008, 19:10 From robert nicholas passmore

     • 

     iv,e always been interested in abandoned airfields of linconshire/eastanglia especially those of the american 8th they are some very nice photos especially of the control tower to many control towers have been demolished which to me is almost criminal they should be preserved as a lasting memorial to the aircrews who gave thier lives for this country.

184. Posted 2 August 2008, 10:50 From Paul simonite

     My period of service at West Raynham was early 1970-1971. I worked in the electrical section as an LAC then SAC ground electrician (not a very good one though). I lived for a while at 61 AMQ next door to an Irish couple called John and Nonie, their surname I cannot recall. A few other names that spring to mind are Tom and Sue Barlow (41 Sqn?), Geordie Longmore, Ken Faulkner and Ian Newcombe. I an I still hear from occasionally but the others I have long since lost contact with. If nayone knows either the surname or location of John and Nonie I would be pleased to hear from them.

     Matty Oates (Geordie) mentions Bob Etherington - is this, I wonder, the cave explorer who I think used to be a Squadron Leader?

     Happy were the days when My (ex) wife Moya and I wandered into the village for a pint or three. I seem to recall an elderly lady stablehand called Vera or maybe Val; workerd in the local big house in the village. She was a dab-hand at shove ha'penny in th evillage bar. Anyone know who I mean?

     paul.simonite@sac.co.uk

185. Posted 2 August 2008, 13:30 From Clive

     • 

     The entire base was sold to a developer and they have redevolped it for Residential use...

     see www.westraynhampark.com

186. Posted 2 August 2008, 17:40 From Dave G

     Served at Raynham from 1981 to 1987, first in the MOTES but most of the time running what was called "Refurb's", Over five years I rebulit 22 empty shells of Missiles into fully Functioning Missiles, this was a good job, but I hated the place, stuck in the midddle of nowhere. Revisited in 2007 and walked into my old work places, the MOTES were full of Hay and my refurb section full of Sheep!

187. Posted 4 August 2008, 16:30 From roy briggs

     With reference to Fred Austin's comment of 28th July 08, I was also at West Raynham during 1958 to 1960, a national serviceman working as a radar mech. on GCA. During my time there were two crashes. One was a hunter piloted by a foreigner who flashed down the runway but did not take off, lucky for him the plane stuck in the muddy soil and he was uninjured. However when the plane was removed the wings were pulled off leaving a write off. It was used afterwards by the fire section for practice. I may be wrong but I think that the plane that Fred refers to was a Javelin which, after a trip on sunday remembrance day , returned to base, did a circuit or

     two,had a flameout and crashed into a beetfield not too far from East Rudham station. I remember this well as we were walking to the station at that time.

188. Posted 6 August 2008, 23:00 From Susan Jarvis (nee Molloy)

     I was a child when I lived at RAF West Raynham. My father "ran" the guardroom and my mother worked in the Officers Mess. We lived in three different houses on the camp - Holkham Green, Blicking Street and finally Stephensons Close (on the other side...) :0)

     I went to both brownies and guides in Block 101 (and also the hairdresser who was in there too). Mum and I visited the thrift shop and I have a very vivid memory of walking up to the shop past the white gates in a snow storm. I remember there being huge snow drifts one year --- well they were huge to me; I was around 4ft 5in I guess. We lived there from 1977 to 1982.

     Went back a couple of weeks ago and it felt weird to be there - everything seemed to have shrunk.........!!!!!! I definitely recognised everything though but its a shame its all gone to pot. I really do have good memories of Raynham but then I was a kid and we had lots of freedom in the late 70s/early 80s.

     Anyone remember my dad, Matt Molloy?

189. Posted 11 August 2008, 00:50 From steve williams

     Served at Weat Raynham from 1986 to 1990 in ESF 3 hangar although I spent most of my time in the motor club with Steve Medlen and Paul Avery. I have many fond memories of the place and it's very sad to see it as it is today. Hoping to do a nostalgia trip there very soon before it changes forever.

190. Posted 11 August 2008, 21:40 From Dave Easey

     Posted to West Raynham in late 83 and found myself running the side loaders at A & H and well remember Simon Allen and Mick Colclough. After being a squadron armourer (19 at Wildenrath & 56 at Wattisham) WR came as a bit of a shock - a sort of armourers rest home! Can't believe Simon did 23 years. Anyone remember the other hooligans, Skip McCabe, Roger McFarland, Paul Grace, Steve Prescott, Nige Green etc? We won't mention the SNCOs on the section! Someone has posted the photo of Arm Support on one of the armourers' web sites, and kindly promoted me to Flight Sergeant - I wish! Have to say that although I had some good times there it was hardly a career posting. Susan, I well remember your Dad Matt, the only SWO with 3 stripes, and Louise, your dad Roy was a classic, I seem to remember the smell of cigar smoke in the his office! All the MT drivers names immediately brought back their faces as we worked with them almost every day although Ernie Knight and Ted Beckham are the only names I recall now. Haven't been back to WR since going to Wattisham in 87.

191. Posted 14 August 2008, 11:20 From Simon Allen

     Hi Dave those were the days. I cant believe I did 23 as I was leaving from the day I joined . Looking back they were great days and I have to say Raynham was the tops, perhaps because I was young and foolish in those days. I was shocked when I visited to years ago and did the full tour including the old A&H flight and EFB. Drop me a line and lets catch up simonallen502@btinternet.com.

192. Posted 14 August 2008, 13:10 From Alistair Irving

     I was sent to West Raynham, as my first posting from training at Shawbury. Served in the ATC Tower as a Lac 1974 - 1976. I remember you Chriss. The station had two squadrons of Canberra Medium bombers, 100 & 85 Sqdn, also the Bloodhound Missile Battery over the far side of the base. Very impressive sight all the missiles arrayed and ready to go. I remember the ATC Tower, working shifts and also working downstairs in Ops. Used to go on the razzle with Geoff and, blast can't remember his name, old age creeping in. Also went to various airshows in his old mini moke and drinking Buds at the American bases.

     My father also served there in the sixties, hunter pilot.

     The one thing I always remember, it was bloody miles from no-where with no mode of transport. The station airfield had a great supply of mushrooms every year. I often remember searching the vast expanse of grass for Mushrooms. I can remember the tiny switchboard area in the Tower, very little room, normally with two female sacw's ruling the roost so to speak, sitting behind anyone who was busy, knitting rather than working.

     As for hauntings, I witnessed a Spirit in the Airmans block closest to the road and the airmens mess, in 1975. On another occasion I was there when a blood curdling scream came from one of the upstairs toilets in the same block. No one came out of those toilets and no one was in there, when we went in. Make your own conclusions.

     I have never been back and feel it would not be a good idea, only ruin any memories with the station in a sorry state.

193. Posted 16 August 2008, 13:30 From Rick Leach

     You talk about hauntings at WR and although I never saw anything, the strangest thing did happen. In 1984, when serving on 85 Sqn I lived in Block 104, next the the Airmen's Mess and nearest to the tennis courts and road (if this is the same block you refer to Alastair). One Friday evening, after having had a couple of beers in the S&S I went back to my room, closed the door, locked it from the inside and left the keys in the lock. I switched on the TV and as I usually did I thought I'd have a short kip before getting ready to go across to the Kestrel Club. The small kip turned into a couple of hours and when I awoke, beret still on my chest where I had left it, there in the middle of the floor was my collection of around twenty empty German beer bottles stacked up in a pyramid shape. If anyone remembers me from that time they might recall that the bottles were on top of my large locker. The door was locked, my window was closed so nobody could have wandered into my room. I remember mentioning this to the lads later that evening and one or two said that the station was known for various hauntings, especially in the ATC tower and the Officers Mess (a spirit of a Polish piolt I seem to recall). Likewise, make your own conclusions.

194. Posted 23 August 2008, 13:00 From michael back

     me and my sister were all born here (74 AMQ) from 1965 to 1971 my father is alan back my grandfather was also stationed here jim joesy married to may josey love the pics

195. Posted 29 August 2008, 08:30 From john coles

     Posted to W R from Butz 1963 as M T Drv on Kestrel Sqn, untill disbanded 1966. 2009 will see 40 years of the Harrier in RAFservice. Lived in a hireing located in Kings Lyn. I attended the closeing down cermony.

     Ref picture of the water tower this design built on all the expansion airfields from 1936 till the outbrake of w w 2 ie Marham/Oakington. .

196. Posted 30 August 2008, 16:30 From Del Wagle

     Talk about a blast from the past! Did two tours of 66 in the 80s and 90s and paid a visit there 3 years ago. Never thought I'd get upset at the site of a dilapidated air field!! Some brilliant memeories and some brilliant guys- Kirbs Jock Cullen Ginge Howell Willy Tom Sawyer Steady Joe Grant- the list go's on. Hope to go back another day when its looking better but not before! All the best to all ex WR, especially the Corps- Per Ardua

197. Posted 2 September 2008, 10:20 From fred austin

     with reference to Roy briggs comments of 4th august 08 you are correct roy! it was a javelin that crashed into abeet field and not a hunter .[memory fades after 50 years ] i do remember however that it was near to a manned railway crossing

     also when i was at raynham , mike hawthorne [world motor racing chanpion] was killed in aroad traffic accident ,and sadly my mate Trevor jones [cpl] was killed in a RTA;[driving his austin A40 home ]the follwing weekend

     were you at raynham then roy ?

     .

198. Posted 4 September 2008, 14:10 From Jeff Walsh

     • 

     I was stationed at West Raynham as my first posting as a Police NCO Dog Handler in 1978, I do remember how out of the way the place is, there used to be a bus twice a week on a Thursday to Fakenham for the market. I spent many hours walking the site both on the bloddhound site and trhe main camp.

199. Posted 5 September 2008, 14:30 From Bob Kyffin

     I found this site by accident but what a great site, brings back memories. I served at WR on in 84 and again in 88-90 with 66 Sqn RAF Regt as the Adjt and CPO before moving to Honington and 20 Sqn RAF Regt. Good to see some old names cropping up, Mike Hill (hello chum), Ian Corstophine (who was alongside at Honington for a while), Dave Miller, and finally Tracy of the garage, you used to service my Cavalier and say hello to my two labs. The story of the Polish pilot ghost in the Officers Mess brings back memories of a mess steward called Spike running into the bar one night looking as white as a sheet with his hair standing on end and trembling like a leaf saying that there was a cold patch of air moving down the corridor. Quite funny at the time but he was right!

     I am living ans working as a Squash Pro in Washington DC now but thanks for the memories.

     Best to all who remember me.

     Bob Kyffin

200. Posted 15 September 2008, 05:40 From Lesley Groombridge (Clay)

     Hi everyone. Reading all your comments brings back memories for me. Like Allun Davies i too tried with my family to get at look at the camp a couple of years ago but couldn't get past the guard. He told me at the time it would be flattened soon. Glad he got that wrong. I lived on the camp from about 72 till 77 when my dad Ray Clay was medically discharged after a massive heart attack. He survived thankfully and we all now live in Kent. I have so many happy memories of living on the camp and i also remember the snow being really deep back in them days.

     My mum's name is jean and she worked in the naffii and i have two sisters called Karen and Christine.

     Anyone remember us?

201. Posted 15 September 2008, 16:40 From roy briggs

     With thanks to Fred Austin for his answer to my last contact. I'm afraid I don't recall the sad loss of your friend or even that of Mike Hawthorne at that time. I was lucky enough to play football for the camp side during my period there and so met lads I would not otherwise have met. I feel we must both know ex comrades as we were both allied to the signals section. If you are interested Fred you can contact me at roy.briggs@dsl.pipex.com and I would be pleased to exchange memories.

202. Posted 19 September 2008, 17:30 From Tony senior

     • 

     I spent a LOT of time in this control tower 65/70 as an atc erk (sac) winter and summer, I know every inch of this airfield and it is very sad to see it like this, it was such a vibrant place and also very peaceful on a summer evening between day and night flying, god memory's, oh well i,m getting old. P.S. I know where all the good mushrooms grow on this place.

203. Posted 24 September 2008, 13:50 From Norman Lloyd

     I joined the RAF in June 1948 and after square bashing at Padgate and Radar training at Yatesbury was posted to West Raynham as a Radar Operator in the autumn of 1948, 60 years ago!

     I can't remember anything about it apart from the boring flat landscape and journeys to Norwich on the back of an RAF lorry, singing "You'll never go to heaven..."! I wonder if there is anyone around who was there at that time?

     My wife and I went to Great Yarmouth on holiday last week and Woukld have liked to have visited West Raynham but was told there's nothing of the base there now and that the site was or being developed.

     It was interesting, however, to visit the Radar Museum at Neatishead.

     Norman Lloyd

204. Posted 30 September 2008, 20:00 From tracy

     so tony, where do the mushrooms grow????? been over there several times cant find them! we are just outside at the garage opposite. at present 4 people are living on the base about time!!

205. Posted 3 October 2008, 16:00 From roy briggs

     Tracy,

     With regard to mushrooms, I was based at GCA which was basically a few caravans painted with red and white squares two of which were radar trucks. We were actually in the middle of the grass area between the runway and perimeter track to the left of the aircraft as they landed. Therefore we were in the middle of the mushroom zone and we really enjoyed them. Large mushrooms on toast were the normal snack for us all during season this included the officer controllers who were mainly ex WW2 aircrew, this was in 1958 - 60. One of the mechanics who lived out in Kings Lynn used to sell them by the bag to a stall holder on Kings Lynn market. Just to place you right it is the far side of the airfield to where you live.

     Regards,

     Roy Briggs

206. Posted 5 October 2008, 12:40 From tracy

     thanks for that tony, i will sneek on and see if i can find any.

207. Posted 6 October 2008, 19:40 From fred austin

     to roy briggs ok roy will be in touch

208. Posted 6 October 2008, 22:10 From Pete Westwood

     I'm planning to go take a look at the place soon does anyone know if much has changed? I was there when Coltishall closed and wonder if that will end up in the same state.

209. Posted 10 October 2008, 22:30 From Nik Wilson

     I was posted to 66 Sqn RAF Regiment based at West Raynham from 6.1989 until I left the RAF in 5.1994. I was the Squadron Armourer and so knew most of those on the Squadron and had dealings with the Wing HQ based there. A great place to be at a great time - great to see those pictures. How many of us had a leaving bash at the old S+S! Hi to all that knew me.

210. Posted 17 October 2008, 17:40 From colin spinks

     • 

     My good friend Bill Burberry was stationed her wop air gunner with Bristol Blenheims i went there today to have a look very interesting would have liked to look around the hangers though!

211. Posted 17 October 2008, 21:20 From John Chant

     As a J/T national serviceman in the mid-fifties I was based at Fighter Command HQ Bentley Priory near Watford. I was posted to the Command Drawing Office. At one point I was sent on secondment to West Raynham for a month to prepare drawings and diagrams for an updating tour of RAF stations abroad.

     In that time I never got off the station as I was working 24/7 to meet the schedule.

     I have never worked so hard and with such concentration as I did on that posting. Consequently I never got to see around the district. I never got any feedback so presumably my efforts were satisfactory.

212. Posted 28 October 2008, 21:00 From Bill Massey

     • 

     I enjoyed looking at your photos of RAF West Raynham, but also sad at the inevitable decay. I served here between May 1965 and December 1969.We were flying Hunter FGA9's with Nos. 1 & 54 squadrons. I was an SAC aircraft mechanic. Some of my happiest memories are of the time I spent at West Raynham and around Norfolk.

     Thanks again

213. Posted 31 October 2008, 01:00 From barry waterson

     hi my grandfather was bootsman during ww2 charles waterson he told me some good tales

214. Posted 1 November 2008, 18:40 From mark ward

     was there in the 80's on LCPs, left in 1990 , still leave nearby in norwich. went past site recently, AMQ's now devloping into houses, rest of site as it was other than missile side which is now being reclaimed, MOTEs and other buildings going and some of the towers, sad but best i guess, if you go into the housing part you go between airmans mess and back of NAAFI, i remember putting redex in my cortina on the car park and got a right bo****king when I smoked out the whole area! happy days

215. Posted 1 November 2008, 21:10 From Jim Bremner

     I was attached to RAF, West Raynham from Dec '64 thru Jan '66. with the Tripartite Evaluation Squardon. We were tasked to flight test the XV6A Vertical Jump Jet. I have only fond memories of that part of my tour. West Raynham was indeed out of the way but a great place to raise my young family. I hate to see it in the condition its in, But, as they say: Time Marches On. J. Bremner, USN RET.

216. Posted 2 November 2008, 09:30 From Robert Pilcher

     Re last post. Jim Bremner.

     I remember you, USN Photographer.

     Regards,

     Robert Pilcher

     Adelaide, South Australia

     robbie007@adam.com.au

217. Posted 10 November 2008, 19:10 From Paul (Shifter) Lloyd

     I was stationed at WR from September 1971 to March 1978. I was in the POL section.

     I have some photos (somewhere of an AOCs inspection in the early 60s.

     If anyone is interested...........

218. Posted 13 November 2008, 12:10 From Barry Collins

     I agree with Robert 100%, Raynham is a special place to many people, give the old place the respect it deserves. Paul LLoyd i would be very interested in the AOC's inspection photo's if you could post them on the site. I can remember one AOC's inspection, either 61 or 62 when the AVM inspected the parade from a landrover as he had broken his leg, you can imagine the amusement that gave us erk's.

     B. Collins

     Ulverston, Cumbria

219. Posted 13 November 2008, 15:30 From Shifter

     Thanks Mr C - as soon as I find out how, I'll put them up.

220. Posted 13 November 2008, 15:40 From Shifter

     Any one tell me how to post photos please?

221. Posted 16 November 2008, 00:00 From Phil Williams

     • 

     I went to Raynham from training at Weeton in 1961 and spent a happy time on DFCS working on Hunters. Spent many an hour on the line getting choked by the fumes of the AWFCS Javelins parked alongside of us when they started up. I remember one of the antics some of the crazier guys got up to was dropping plastic cups of AVPIN down the chimney of the line-hut, the effect was pretty dramatic.

     Another use for the AVPIN was for cleaning the hangar floor on a friday afternoon with the eng officer watching from the sidelines smoking a cigarette!

222. Posted 18 November 2008, 11:10 From Alun Baxter

     I was a MFB (married families brat) ilived there from 1959 to 1962. My dad was always in front of the ajudaunt (spelt wrong) because of my antics on the airfield and around the station. I remember near the flag pole they had spitfire there and also a messeschmit Komet the jet one what happened to these?

223. Posted 19 November 2008, 11:50 From Paul Shifter Lloyd

     I had a photo of the Komet once, it was in an album of AOCs inspection. I think it went to St Athan and then the RAF Museum. I don't know what happened to the Spitfire.

224. Posted 21 November 2008, 09:50 From Barry Collins

     Do any ex Raynham erks remember the infamous weekend in Dec 61 when along with all the stations in East Anglia we were despatched to the guard the Amercians at RAF Weathesfield from the Ban the Bombers. We were sited in the centre of the airfield guarding the bomb dump. Spent the weekend living in the back of a 3 tonner, cold, miserable and damp. In the end about a dozen protesters turned up, very disappointing. The only excitement was that the Coltishall contingent threaten to mutinty in the early hours of Sunday morning. Does anybody have any memories of that weekend?

225. Posted 21 November 2008, 17:10 From Paul Shifter Lloyd

     Re the Spitfire. Sources tell me it was used in trials against the Lightning - honest.

     It is now with the BBMF

226. Posted 25 November 2008, 23:50 From hank

     i used to live here about 10 years ago when i was 13 my dad was in the regiment,i have great memoris of the place. kyle capps u used to live opposite me

227. Posted 26 November 2008, 14:00 From Alf Mason

     As a J/T national serviceman in the late-fifties I was based at Fighter Command HQ Bentley Priory near Watford. I was posted to the Command Drawing Office. At one point I was sent on detachment to West Raynham for a month to prepare drawings and diagrams for enemy aircraft interception charts.

     I managed to get away from Paul Anka in the NAAFI to see The Yoeman of the Guard in Fakenham. WR meant hitching home.

228. Posted 27 November 2008, 08:10 From Bob Wingrove

     My first posting from Apprentice training at Halton, Chiefy (Flt Sgt Underwood) was quite upset to find his new electrical trade Corporal had come straight from training with no experience of the real RAF! Arrived WR Jan 1957 and left for Germany Sept 1960, spending my time on DFLS (Later DFCS) with Mk1, Mk6 and Mk7 Hunters. Also had T11 Vampires for a short time whilst awaiting the Mk 7 Hunters. Spent a lot of time working in the evenings fixing snags for the next days flying, the other Squadron electrical NCO's (Sgt Gillies + a Cpl) used to leave at 5 pm on the bus to their quarters in Bircham Newton.

     Anyone remember the fire in the coal yard? The 'Civvy' had left damp coal sacks to dry around the stove. I was Orderly Corporal in the Guardroom that night, it gave us some entertainment in the early hours!.

     We only lost one Hunter XG162 during that time the pilot leaving it too late before ejecting. He had been trying to make it to the runway with a flamed out engine. It was 1956 when DFLS made headlines with the crash of six Mk1 Hunters! One night a B45 from Sculthorpe crashed not far from WR perimeter.

     With arrival of the Mk6 we found an alternative use for AVPIN, soak the coke overnight with the stuff and then use it to light the tortoise stove in the flight hut next morning!

     End of course detachments to Germany were welcome days away, the Hunters returning with gunpacks loaded with cigarettes!

     Weekends saw the line of a dozen or more coaches outside the gate on Friday evenings, returning early Monday morning. The routine changed with the arrival of Air Commodore Hugh Edwards VC as Commandant. Saturday morning parades and Wednesday sports afternoons were introduced which seemed to take preference over flying!

     One winter, I believe 1958, were were completely cut off by snow for a week, The digging party got as far as the Buck in Helhoughton and decided that was a good place to stop for liquid refreshment! Some MF's living out in Fakenham actually walked into camp to collect their pay!

     With regard to the Spitfire PS853, she went to the Battle of Britain Flight but was eventually sold off to pay for the rebuild of the Hurricane after it crashed at Wittering.

     Many pleasant evenings spent with the local Rifle Club at the Great Eastern pub in Fakenham.

     Sad to see the state of the airfield when visited a few years ago.

229. Posted 28 November 2008, 05:40 From Peter D Beattie

     I was a GWF(C) fitter 1954 to 1958. I did not serve in Norfolk but do have an RAF Staff Car 90AB84 that served in support of Hunter Sqdn's 1 or 54 about1954 to 1958/59 these were ex RAF Waterbeach 38 Group. Ant MT guys out there remember this Standard Ensign Estate car?

230. Posted 30 November 2008, 09:20 From Robert.B.Maughan

     • 

     Visited the site a couple of years ago but the site was guarded by security peaple and my wife and I were not allowed to look around.

     The reason for our visit was for my wife to visit the airfield her father Terry Gilbert served

     on during WW2 & was demobed from

231. Posted 30 November 2008, 09:20 From George Ritchie

     Great site, I was at Rayham from 1990 til it closed. I was posted to 85sqn, then on to the station GEF. Good to see so many names from the past, Dave M, Toolstore Kenny, to name a few.

     I have many great memories of my time at Raynham, looking back it was my best posting during my 15years in the Raf.

     After I left the RAF, I worked at Bespak in LYNN for 10years, then moved to France to run a cafe, in the vendee region.

232. Posted 30 November 2008, 17:30 From colin pearson

     • 

     How nice to see these photo's,it takes me back as I was in Air Traffic Control (corp) in 1955/57.I was on duty the day we lost 6 Hawker Hunters due to a sudden thick fog (and Marham paniced). Thats another story,but I can confirm the window markings were NOT there at that time. Thanks for the memory.

233. Posted 3 December 2008, 14:30 From Fiona Carter

     Memories! I lived in both Blickling Street and Stephenson close. My dad was an armourer and mum worked in Gen office. 1976-79

234. Posted 6 December 2008, 22:30 From DAVID HIRST

     • 

     Hello,

     I was in the air training corps based at RAF West Raynham ,ref the picture no 36 from what i can remember the building was something to do with the rapier missile system possibly a training room, the building was errected soon after the RAF Regiment moved to the base ,hope this helps Dave

235. Posted 7 December 2008, 10:50 From arthur paton

     • 

     I served my n/s at Day Fighter Leader School (DFLS) from Sept, 52 to April 54 and was sorry I left after being asked to sign on to the regular force by our Adj, F/L John Nicolls who became Air Marshall Sir John Nicolls DFC etc , CO was W/Com Merrifield otherwise know as Happy Grass or Chuckle Weed. We were equipped with 24 MK 8 Meteors, half with a blue nose and tail, half in red. I have very happy memories of my time there and had a lot of good mates, happy days !!

236. Posted 7 December 2008, 11:40 From arthur paton

     • 

     Further history on DFLS , CO on my arrival was W/Com Prosser Hanks, Battle of Britain hurricane pilot, was promoted and moved on. Another 'ace' was S/ L Bill Johnson sometimes known as Johney Johnson who served in Malta as a Sergeant Pilot and the UK with numerous 'Kills' to his name. Other unlts at W. Raynham were Naval Air Fighter Development Unit (navy) Air Fighter Development Unit (RAF) sharing No1 ? hanger, DFLS in the middle and Maintainance Unit in No3, the married quarters end. We had a aero model club and one Saturday afternoon Geoff Finch ? flew his 4ft wingspan ,engine powerd model 'Auster' on to the flat roof of the control tower much to the chagrin of those working there , no charges laid , there was no flying going on so we were allowed to use the grassed areas of the airfield but the Auster in free fligth flew better than expected.

237. Posted 7 December 2008, 12:20 From arthur paton

     • 

     During my 18 month stay I remember doing a couple of night fire section duties Six pm to Six am, we were allowed a couple of hours on completion of duty to clean up and have breakfast before resuming normal duty. Breakfast consisted of cold left overs so the NAFFI van was welcome at about ten when we could buy hot pasties, sausage rolls etc and a mug of strong hot tea, especially in the middle of winter when it was freezing out on the airfield Because of WRs isolation then we had a long week-end every month, Sat to Mon I used to volunteer for faigue duties over that weekend and get an early pass at Friday midday the following week. Regards Arthur

238. Posted 7 December 2008, 12:30 From arthur paton

     • 

     I think we were in the accomodation block pictured next to the 'Cook House' our billet was immediatley on the left as you entered. when you first arrived you had a bed ( one of 14) by the door but as time passed you moved up to the other ene and I had a window and a heating radiator during my last six months. Cheers Arthur.

239. Posted 9 December 2008, 17:20 From JOHN WALKER

     Hi lads. Excellent site and obviously a lively set of ex serving members. I was stationed at WR in 1956 and 1957 as MTD(H) based initially in M.T. and latterly as Ambulance driver attached to the sick bay. One of my duties was to drive the domestic ambulance once a week to RAF Ely Hospital for married quarters pre-natal check ups. Then on Saturdays two trips to Kings Lynn for shopping and in the evening for a night on the town.....with the Bedford Coach. On the station crash maps, used in the crash ambulance, there was visible a walkway which crossed the airfield between the Police Dog kennels and the back of the Sick Bay mortuary. It was purported to be the track used by the Grey Lady of Raynham who appeared occasionally (never in my sight) in a grey hooded robe. In the dead of night it could be a spooky place. The most exciting time was on the night of 19th September 1957 when after our flare path had closed down, a USAF B45 Tornado jet bomber from Sculthorpe, which had just taklen off, had engine trouble and attempted to seek the safety of our runway, which of course was by now in darkness, and crashed in the woods outside our perimeter. I rapidly pulled on some clothing and ran out to Crash One our duty ambulance. Our senior medic, one Sgt Ames joined me in the cab and told me to get a move on.. which I did. After negotiating eyeballing civilians we managed to get to the crash across a ploughed field and Sgt Ames was truly brilliant.. whilst our station fire crews attempted to douse the fierce fire he sought the three crew members. We managed to extract them in severely burnt condition and dead on impact and get them back to the station mortuary. That night Sgt Ames should have won an award for superb bravery. About 5 years ago I too tried to visit the station but was prevented by security guards, although I was told that it was at that time leased out to a clay pigeon shooting club and also a driving instruction club. I suspect on different days.

     Keep up the great work Cheers JOHN

240. Posted 14 December 2008, 19:20 From Peter Nash

     • 

     Hi i was wondering if anyone remembers a Peter Nash he worked with the AWDS as i am interested in any photos that might be around.

241. Posted 14 December 2008, 23:30 From Dave budd

     hi u guys lest all get in touch on forces reunited and get a reunion going ps great site.

242. Posted 15 December 2008, 00:00 From Dave budd

     bob carter get in touch davebudduk@ntlworld.com

243. Posted 18 December 2008, 11:40 From Simon Allen

     Dave, excellent idea keep me posted either via friends re united or MSN.

244. Posted 4 January 2009, 22:00 From John Young

     Stationed here from 1983 - 1989 on 85 SQN Green Flight, still in touch with Mark Ward, where are Rob Findlater, Angus Howie, Al Dixon and all other Green Flight members?

245. Posted 5 January 2009, 09:40 From Alan Britton

     Wa there with the Kestrel Squadron on strenght of 54Sqn Hunters and spent most of the time refuelling Kestrels at BIrcham and various other locations in the area. Lived in married quarters at Bircham

246. Posted 8 January 2009, 17:00 From Vic Earp

     Hi everyone - this is Speedy here. I was at West Raynham from 1968 -1971 in the supply squadron. It's a shame to see the place in such a mess. I was interested to see Tool Store Kenny had left a comment Jan 2008. But do you contact him? I remember Hellhoughton very well, we used to frequent the Buck which was run by another RAF civvy who I think was called Walt! Picture No55 is the old MT Section I reckon, the first shutter on the left housed the MT Stores. Anyway, anyone out there remember me, I'd love to hear from you - especially you Kenny. If you type Vic Earp into your Google search the chances are you will find me - especially if your results aim you toward Kendal in Cumbria - try it! Speedy

247. Posted 12 January 2009, 14:30 From craig

     the dome was used for navigator traing in the second world war to train the gunners on boming raids to use the stars for navigating the way home if there navigator was killed .

     also dose any bodie now richard massen (ozz) he was bassed at raynham from 1969-1970 on the missile side if so can you contact me on as he is my Dad craigmassen@hotmail.co.uk many thanks craig

248. Posted 12 January 2009, 16:20 From Barry Collins

     Craig - i was station at Raynham for 2 years (1961-63) and don't recall the dome being there then. I think that it is "new build" post WWII, sometime in the 70-80's. I knew the airfield very well from many long hours of guard duties and cannot remember the dome.

249. Posted 12 January 2009, 18:20 From roy briggs

     I wonder if any ex Raynham lads could help me. I have a blown up drawing of the airfield from O/S 238. It has been fifty years since I was there and consequently with age I have forgotten where some of the well used buildings were, particularly the airmans mess, the post office, the cinema, signals workshops etc.If anyone has a photographic memory and is willing to help, I would be pleased to send the drawing to him so that he can fill in as many building names as possible, naturally I would pay any expenses. Incidentally it would help to have Google Earth on line when completing the drawing as the drawing isn't dimensionally accurate, My Email address is roy.briggs @ dsl.pipex.com

250. Posted 13 January 2009, 19:40 From mark ward

     the small and only dome by the hangar that is still there now was added by the Rapier guys in the mid 80s. as per previous mails on this site it was a training sim using a projector. anything dome shaped from second world war was long gone when i started in 82?

251. Posted 14 January 2009, 08:00 From Robert Pilcher

     Craig with reference to your comments 12 Jan 2009 the Dome was built in the mid 1980's.There was no srarlight in there unless it was also a Planetarium.

     In WW2 all it would have shown is 100% dense cloud cover for over 100,000 feet for night navigation. Quite thick I think.

     Regards,

     Robert Pilcher

     Adelaide

252. Posted 20 January 2009, 08:20 From arthur paton

     • 

     In the early 50s No 1 hangar housed the Naval Air Fighter Development Unit (NAFDU) Navy, at the far end, sharing the other half with the Air Fighter Development Unit(AFDU) RAF. We, Day Fighter Leader School (DFLS) were next door. Arthur Paton 1952/54

253. Posted 20 January 2009, 08:20 From arthur paton

     • 

     All of the hangar doors had bullet holes from the airfields bomber station day's ww2 Arthur Paton

254. Posted 20 January 2009, 08:40 From arthur paton

     • 

     Thanks for reminding me of AWDS, I don't remember Peter Nash but I do remember a Scot Engine or Airframe Mech being adamant about not taking a joy ride until just before his demob when he agreed to go on a test flight in a Venom which refused to lock it's nose wheel and landed in a huge shower of sparks, we watched from the aeromodel club and met Jock later he was not a happy chappy.

255. Posted 22 January 2009, 13:30 From Gavin Wright

     Have just found the site. What a wonderful set of comments. I was there 1971-2 and attached to the Supply squadron. Initially in the teleprinter room and latterly in the clothing store. I played for the station football team and have a photograph of the team. If anybody out there was playing for the station and would like a copy I would Email it to them. On the back of the photo it has 1972 season.

     My Email address is katewright101@btinternet.com

256. Posted 27 January 2009, 15:20 From Shifter

     Just noticed the post from Kenny Freeman. I wondered if you still lived locally. I lived for a while at Tatterford. Old Mrs Crisp used to clean for us. I think you knew her. I worked with you in Tech Stores for a while We holiday in Norfolk still, we stay at Castle Acre. I was there the same time as Gavin (above)

     I put some pictures on Facebook - email me (anyone) and I'll send you a line.

     apaullloyd at hotmail dot com

257. Posted 4 February 2009, 20:20 From ANTHONY WELBOURN

     i live very close to west raynham and have friends working on the old base for frimstone the company who have the contract to remove all traces except th housing with in the next 6 years but they are whey ahead of the work all the missile pads are gone much of the perimiter track and the hangers control tower and mess buildings are to be flattend buy may on frimstones timetable just thought i would let you know i case you want a last few photos

258. Posted 5 February 2009, 19:30 From craig

     thanks for telling me about this dome as this was only what i was told and that there is another simmler at raf langham near holt and this one is a astrodome many thanks craig

259. Posted 9 February 2009, 21:20 From kevin wicke

     I was stationed at RAF Sculthorpe 1971-72 and am looking for a fellow that on Raf Sculthorpe but worked at RAF Raynham, his name spelling might be off but I believe it was spelled Timothy jackson-wynch I not sure how the last name was spelled any help in findind him would be well appreciated thank you so much, and you have a lovely wed page here

260. Posted 12 February 2009, 15:20 From Bob Kyffin

     The "dome" in question was built between 84 and 88, not sure exactly when. It was not there when I was on my Rapier Flight Commanders course in 84 and was there when I returned to 66 Sqn in 88. It was built specifically for use by 6 Wing units (66, 20, 19), RTU and occcasionally some Army Rapier units from Kirton in Lindsay and the School of Royal Artillery. It was known as the Dome Trainer and was built to replace the very old film reel based ones used ever since Field Standard A was introduced. The only other dome I know of was at Wildenrath with 4 Wing and 16.

     I hope this answers all those queries and finally puts the story of the dome to bed.

     Best to all ex WR personnel, happy days!

     Bob Kyffin

261. Posted 15 February 2009, 16:10 From tracy

     last i heard the control tower was going to be refurbished by gawn the new owner of the old base, he said he was giong to keep it! lets hope he does!

262. Posted 18 February 2009, 12:00 From John G. King

     On my birthday 5th Feb.1958 I was posted to RAF West Raynham from a disbanded 247 squadron (Hunter Mk6) at RAF Odiham. The weather was snowy and got worse to the extent that the area was practically cut off from the known world. The entire station was put on a round-the-clock snow clearing operation to dig out the nearest villages.

     Eventually I got down to RAF business, which was as an Engine Mech.( SAC with 5 years behind me) on a nightfighter training outfit called A.W.F.L.S (All-Weather Flying Training Leaders Squadron (or, jokingly, Awfuls!!) The aircraft was the Javelin an aircraft I had never been close to never mind the engines. However I soon picked up the basics and progressed to the night flying crew, an enviable position since it meant working just four nights a week. I often wondered what the locals thought of the thunderous sound of four Armstrong Siddeley jet engines winding up for take-off every half hour through the night.

     The daytime equivalent to AWFLS was a Hunter squadron DFLS (Diffles). Pilots came from all over the commonwealth to practice and enhance their skills on either squadron for short periods before returning to their respective units.

     Among my close colleagues at Raynham was a Cpl Stan Matthews, whose 1947 Vauxhall ferried myself and two others down to London each Friday and picked us up again early Monday evening for the return journey. We also visited a particular country pub near the station (the name now escapes me) where one of the locals used to drink only bottled beers and would work his way along the shelves leaving a marker where he stopped so that he would continue from there the next day. The pub also had one petrol pump ouside where Stan used to top up the trusty Vauxhall.

     Another pub we visited fairly regularly on market day was in Fakenham when a lot of the local farmers came to sell their stock. One such farmer was also an accomplished magician and would perform all manner of tricks challenging all and sundry to discover his secrets. No-one I witnessed ever managed it.

     During my short period at West Rayham, which was a very happy place, there being no formal parades or "bull nights", I reckon I enjoyed my RAF career the most. In OCT 1958 I was demobbed to return to my civvy life in Kent.

     Strangely, I am now retired to live in an area still dominated by the RAF - Lincolnshire with a Flt Sgt neighbour in the RAF Regiment Band at RAF Cranwell. The Red Arrows and Battle of Britain outfits are often seen overhead throughhout the summer months.

     I have only just come across this wesite and have enjoyed reading all the comments. It's so sad to see derelict and disused airfields where-ever they are but none more so than those one actually worked on.

263. Posted 20 February 2009, 20:00 From ray barnes

     i worked on the loading bay, (stores) as a civilian storeman in 1954 /1957, just come out of national service i was with a cpl middleton and another civilian from helhoughton i think his name was charlie cox

     . Sad to see the place in such a bad state

     as it was once a great camp

264. Posted 22 February 2009, 15:50 From fred austin

     to john g king enjoyed reading your letter of 18th feb 09 as you were an engine mech i wander if you remember cpl dan copeland engine fitter who was at west raynham between 1958-1960 Dan worked with me @AWFLS and DFLS on hunters and javelins , and was a good friend

265. Posted 24 February 2009, 13:10 From johnronni

     HI all,

     where i find drivers for Dialta CF2002?

     this is wery important for me, please hlp

     If I wrote is not in the correct section, please move to the appropriate section.

     sorry my bad english, i use translator

266. Posted 26 February 2009, 00:40 From Jon

     I really enjoyed, actually loved looking at the pics on this site. I have no connections with the RAF, except tried once for pilot ion 1994, got kicked out at Cranwell. Still these places, its hard to describe what it is that draw me to them, I have been to WR a number of times, I'm not 40 yet, wife 3 children, so dont think I'm some old tosser. WR has an atmosphere ,a presence. I expect it exists in many forgotten places in our country. That is perhaps is the point, forgotten places but with so much history. Places where communities, people existed. Jet noise, windows vibrating, now holiday homes and retreats from "the smoke". I look forward to something good and peaceful fo my children, mindful still of the past. WR has all of that, I hope that a bright future awaits a place where life was once lived and protected.

     I hope to be in Norfolk again this summer and sneak a look at what's going on in this beautiful part of our land. LHS Jon

267. Posted 27 February 2009, 00:00 From John Laydon

     Posted to West Raynham once the Coningsby Phantoms moved to Scotland (1987). Along with many other of the L Tech AR trade I wasn’t a happy bunny from the outset believing I had joined to actually work on something that actually moved! I worked in the Missile Card Bay in 3 Hangar for initially a Chief Tech called John (recall he went to work on ATM machines) & then Keith Steadman who was from the same trade group as me.

     I recall Keith being quite horizontal on most matters back but quite the opposite when it came to exercises (believe this obsession came from his days living in fields whilst working on Harriers!). Thankfully I did a recce before my posting & managed to get accommodation at Sculthorpe which was a brilliant place & more than compensated for working on 1950’s technology. However it didn’t stop me from wanting to escape which eventually resulted in me remustering to flight Sims & a whole other universe/story.

     On reflection it was a most enjoyable time but more for what happened outside work – I remember Kev Read & Frankie (who had a terrible motorcycle crash) Baron Baker & Smithy along with Trig from 66 Sqn (with his huge dogs) & lots of fresh J/T’s just out of training along with Sgt Howard.

     Strangely enough after leaving the mob (made redundant!) I worked with a very nice lady who grew up at West Raynham whilst her father was flying the Kestrel (Harrier prototype) - small world!

268. Posted 27 February 2009, 14:20 From Rob Findlater

     Hello to all those Green section survivals from A flight

     85 Sqn, I am now living a retired life in sunny Cyprus

     and yes I still fix TVs

269. Posted 5 March 2009, 19:40 From philip Houston

     I was at west Raynham between 1973&1977. I was in the cubs at the camp, I lived at 120 Holkham green.My farther worked at B.H.S.U and his nickname was TEX. I remember getting the school bus outside the naafi, The school was at RAF Sculthorpe i remember it as if it was yesterday. I have been back to the camp i only live in norwich. I also remember getting told off for playing snooker in the kestral club,HA we always got caught as kids do. But one person who i will always remember is Adrian dye we always hung out together as kids.

270. Posted 12 March 2009, 00:00 From Colin Ward

     I was here between 1985-88 as an L Mech AD, Mote and then ESF. Met my wife, Lisa, in the Kestrel Club. daughter of FS Lez Coker (Supply). Lived in 104 block, I think. Then moved out and lived in Docking for 6 months. Still working for the military as an IT consultant. Friends with Luke Lucas, Phil Baillie, Dave Mac, Trev Fairhurst, Gary Savins, Jacko - Neil Jackson, Matt Harkness, Mick Doughty. Recently returned and had a look around, very sad to see it in such a bad state.

271. Posted 13 March 2009, 16:00 From Brian Burton

     Hi to Rob Findlater - you fixed my old B&W TV several times back in the late 70s when I was a Motey. Planning on moving to Cyprus this year - who knows we could even have a Keo.

     Well remember Matt Malloy from the guardroom, my hair was never short enough!

     Tex Houston! I remember how he got the nickname after one of the airframes guys opened a valve at the wrong moment and flooded the MOTE. He and "Boots" Meehan to the rescue!

     Great site, so many memories and such a waste of property.

272. Posted 19 March 2009, 11:00 From kelli

     The houses are currently for sale, though in obvious need of refurbishment!.The actual buildings however seem very solid.Plus there is a lovely feel to the place so its so nice to read all these comments and learn about the people who once lived there.We are moving into a 4 bed house which , correct me if I'm wrong, was an officers house.My partner is a builder so he will be doing all the work himself and will be local for anyone else who needs repairs and decorating etc.It feels nice to be a part of bringing the houses back up to there potential.Especially when you hear such nice stories about how RAF Raynham once was.I hear a few ex RAF people or there children are moving back there.

273. Posted 19 March 2009, 18:10 From Brian Burton

     That's great news Kelli. Probably an ex officer place as there were not many 4 beds on the airmans side.

274. Posted 24 March 2009, 20:30 From DAVID EVANS

     Was at WR between 1985&1987 as 66sqdn cook,known as taff.Shame to see the old place looking so derelict,had very good times and a very special place. Mates with brooksy, roscoe,fraggle, tiny,dickie baker,daryl heffer,neil&carl cuthbert.Many good nights in old kestrel club, none better than Everton winning cup winners cup final, pi--ed asa a fart!!!

275. Posted 26 March 2009, 16:40 From Rob Findlater

     Rember This

     TECH SUP’S PRAYER

     O Lord we thank thee for calling us to this vocation; it’s trials, tribulations and lack of promotion we accept, as compensation for the gracious knowledge and the title Tech Sup

     We call upon Thee to protect us from sins of the flesh and the error of the EC.

     Give us the strength to live with what can never be changed.

     Give us the courage to change what must be changed.

     But most of all, oh Lord, give us the wisdom to know which is which.

     Grant protection to our children from the law; may their indiscretions be minor and be guided by curiosity and not evil.

     Protect our wives from unwanted pregnancies, lecherous workmates and desires to be officers ladies.

     Give them the piety of a Saint when in church; the wisdom of Solomon in the market place and the enthusiasm of a harlot when in bed.

     Protect us o Lord, when called upon to make decisions; let our thoughts be guided towards truth and honour and let us not be dissuaded from the path of righteousness, even when assessment time is near.

     Grant us o Lord, the privilege of having a good L-Man, so full of knowledge that he may save the day if I am found wanting in the hour of need.

     And if our masters at Westminster should err in such magnitude that a Bloodhound missile should be used in anger O Lord we beseech Thee to intercede on our behalf and make sure the bugger leaves the launcher.

276. Posted 28 March 2009, 18:00 From Kev Garton

     Can't say I recognise any of the names above but I use to live at Sculthorpe (Shaftsbury Avenue) and a recent visit to both their and West Raynham brought a lump to the throat. So much has been left to decay when so much could have been done to keep it alive.

     I have so many memories of both areas - it's a sad loss. It's only through site like this that they can be relived.

     Am the only Ground Equipment Fitter here..?

277. Posted 1 April 2009, 18:00 From roy briggs

     It may interest former airmen who were stationed at West Raynham that there was a book published on the history of the station. Perhaps it would be more accurate to say it was more like a magazine only having 48 pages, although I found its contents very interesting. The title of the book is 'Raynham Reflections', and it was written by Wing Commander W.J.Taylor. A few years ago I sent a copy to Graham Weaver at the National Service RAFA as he was stationed here during his National Service. I asked him to pass it on to the association once he had read it so that others who were interested could read it. Unfortunately Graham died a few years ago so I don't know if it was passed on. It may be worth looking at Ebay or abe books on the Internet as I bought another copy recently from this source.

278. Posted 7 April 2009, 15:30 From Ian Borthwick

     We used to go there every friday night to the Kestral Club from Bircham Newton Civil Engineering College, what a great night out it was there was nowhere else but it was great, many thanks to the RAF for letting us in as sometimes there was trouble (handbags thankfully). got to know a couple of the guys who where stationed there good lads tbh, on the way back if the weather was good we used to go out to the coast and explore the old defences this was 73/74 so suppose they are all gone now. great times though.

279. Posted 10 April 2009, 21:00 From Joe Tranter

     • 

     Enjoyed my stay 1947

     flown in AirSpeed oxford landed at my home Town Walsall Airport Returned same day

     later posted August 1947 to Raf St Athan S Wales

     Demobed 1949

280. Posted 12 April 2009, 14:40 From Tim Cunningham MT Flight 1985-1990

     Take up seems a little bit slow on the RAF West Raynham facebook site.

281. Posted 15 April 2009, 20:40 From Hans Speck

     • 

     Hallo Gary

     I worked for many years with an electrician called Bill Addison, who told me that he was a navigator in the RAF during the war flying in Mosquito night fighters. I believe he could be your father. I know he had a stroke and I viseted him in hospital once. I love to know were he is buried.

     Kind regards

     H.J. Speck

282. Posted 18 April 2009, 18:30 From mark ward

     had a better look round yesterday with John Young during a sunny day out on the bikes, you can walk from the now refurbished AMQs up as far as the road that went through the camp (from main gates to the dome sim and peri track) (the other side of this is all fenced off so can not see hangars or airfield). funny to look thorugh windows of the Naafi and the barracks on the car park (which must have been converted from dorms to single rooms right at the end of the camps life as look very new). walked down to Officers mess, sports field is now a couple of feet deep in grass and roads down to the range and hangars really overgrown with un trimmed trees taking over.

     had a chat with a developer bloke, seems like they intend to use the hangars possibly as a storage place for private planes and also maybe make some into living apartments - WR may see air traffic again?

     he also said they may rent space to private firms and there was a furniture company already using what was the clothing and barrack stores.

     then went round to the missile site, the buildings have nearly all gone and the roads are being dug up and recycled for hardcore, the firm will have this land returned to nature within this year we think, i guess the fence will be the last thing to come down.

     anyway looks like WR will live on if they can find people to live, fly or work there!

283. Posted 19 April 2009, 20:30 From Rick Leach

     Hi Mark,

     Good to see you posting on here mate and hope you're well. I'm planning on taking a trip to WR towards the back end of May. That'll be almost 22 years after leaving the gates behind me. Interesting to hear that the airfield may become active once again, in some shape of form, and it's good that there seems to be a positive feel for the future of the place we once called home.

284. Posted 20 April 2009, 15:50 From mark ward

     hi rick

     good to hear your going to have a look,

     cheers, mark

285. Posted 20 April 2009, 16:10 From Rob Findlater

     To Mark Ward am coming back to uk soon talk to Jake

286. Posted 21 April 2009, 21:20 From ray cook.

     • 

     i was flight mec airframe at west raynham 1946 /48.used yo play piano & produced revue called slipstream met the wife there {joyce manchester} remember pat sears.bob pettifer. bill syllery tony martlew etc shame about our old base.

287. Posted 25 April 2009, 21:30 From reg wildman

     • 

     I served my national service as an elec mech air with awfls 1956 /1958. we did three rotating weekly shifts then. tarmac duty ,hanger duty (light servicing of javs),and night shift duty which was a bit of tarmac and hanger duty mixed. we had a few meteors and vampires too, used for interception practice .Had a look at the old place a while back ,but could not get in there.

288. Posted 27 April 2009, 17:40 From Desmond Collins

     My Dad served at West Raynham in the early 50,s before a posting to Pakistan. He was Sgt Frank Collins. First of all we lived in the old married quarters which were close to a power station I believe, and I can remember tall posts around the quarters with a tannoy on top ( maybe street lamps? ) used to call personel or give out messages. We later moved up to the new quarters to no 121 AMQ. I can remember going to Helloughton village school consisting of 2 classrooms and were picked up by a bus just outside the camp and I can remember walking past the open air swimming pool on one side and single airmans blocks on the other to catch the bus. Near the blocks were what I believe to be sunken water pits probably for fire use and we use to catch newts there. I can also recollect Venoms and Vampires, Hunters and Canberras flying around and one day my dad got me Neville Dukes autograph when he dropped in. I also have recollections of the camp cinema. If I remember anything else or someone jogs my memory I will post some more information.

289. Posted 30 April 2009, 06:30 From Spider Dawson

     I was stationed at WR from approx march 84 to oct 87 as Cpl i/c RTU Sores.A cage in the hangar.It was my first experience of working with the rock apes.They gave me some stick as a " Penguin ",but it was a great time working with them and all the Eng lads( Fred Ramseyer and his gorgeous wife Carol,Duff&Jo)

     Happy memories of the Kestrel club discos ,having to dance with all the "Rocks" whenever " tainted love " was played??.Getting steamed in the SAS club.Oh yes and the beautiful Steph Abbey of Supply Sqn.Loved every minute i was there.I got a shock when i visited a few years ago and found the greyhoud Pub was private house?.

290. Posted 30 April 2009, 13:20 From brian hazell

     Spent 18 months national service as air radar mechanic at cfe West Raynham in 1955/56,spent the weeks looking forward to dancing on Saturdays at West Runton. Happy days and memories. are any of my contempories still alive out there?

291. Posted 30 April 2009, 20:50 From roy

     Hi. I visited WR a few sundays ago, took about fifty photos.Would it be possible to post some of these on your site? I also found a book in the pump house filled in by various people dated from 6/4/72 to 19/4/76 First name in the book Davies last namePorter. Book not in best condition. Any body interested in this book please post email address and i will contact you. I have no connection with the RAF my family are about to buy a house on the base. It seemed so strange walking around you could almost feel the history of the base. From my understanding most of the buildings are to remain.

292. Posted 2 May 2009, 22:40 From Andy Hamer

     Thanks for the photos. Drove past the place last summer and nearly popped over to have a look. Glad I didn't now. Not how I remember it at all.

     Nice to recognise a few names. Spent a couple of years as a Bloodhound pilot on A Flt and even had a short-lived and exceedingly ill-starred spell as OIC the Sports & Social Club. Not everyone has happy memories of the place!

293. Posted 7 May 2009, 05:20 From \"Spider\" Dawson

     At the rear of the R.T.U. hangar we had our own tea bar called "The Falcons Nest",The sign over the door is still there i believe?.

     Many happy memories of Friday barrels and then on to the SAS club ,and finishing off at the Kestrel Disco.

     Pubs in Fakenham,The Rampant Horse,The Red Bull,The Crown Hotel.

     I have just realised that i sound like i was continually drunk?.Well,not always,it just seemed like it!.

294. Posted 10 May 2009, 20:10 From Paul Winwright

     Spent two tours here one in the late 80"s and then the early 90"s,one in station MTMS and then as part of the RTU.Funny thing is I rode by the other weekend then found this website.Had many a good time stationed here.Even recognise some of the names on here.

295. Posted 11 May 2009, 21:20 From Aggie Dell

     • 

     Hi, I am doing a project on the war and the places which it affected around Norfolk and I am very interested in the hisory of Raynham Air Base! Please could anyone give me some details or contacts where I can get some more detailed information or photos?? This would be very helpful, Thanks.

296. Posted 13 May 2009, 21:50 From Rick Leach

     Hi Aggie,

     For a history of RAF West Raynham try the book Norfolk Airfields in the Second World War by Graham Smith. Look it up on Amazon.

     Hope this helps.

297. Posted 15 May 2009, 16:40 From roy briggs

     Hi Aggie,

     With regard to your interest in the history of RAF West Raynham, the suggestion by Rick Leach is a good one, but there are books related directly to West Raynham. I posted a message on 1st April this year about the book Raynham Reflections, but also WR had two satellite stations namely RAF Great Massingham and RAF Sculthorpe, so the three are interlinked during the war.There is a book published on each station, 40 years of RAF Sculthorpe, RAF Great Massingham and Raynham Reflections. It is possible if you contact your county library that they may have copies, if not I have copies of Raynham Reflections and RAF Great Massingham and would be prepared to loan them to you for your research. It may interest lads of my generation that Bill Edrich the Middlesex and England cricketer, Keith Miller the Australian cricketer and Kenneth Wolstenholme the famous football commentator all served at Great Massingham during the war. If Aggie you are interested in my help please contact me at roy.briggs@dsl.pipex.com

298. Posted 15 May 2009, 16:40 From roy briggs

     Hi Aggie,

     With regard to your interest in the history of RAF West Raynham, the suggestion by Rick Leach is a good one, but there are books related directly to West Raynham. I posted a message on 1st April this year about the book Raynham Reflections, but also WR had two satellite stations namely RAF Great Massingham and RAF Sculthorpe, so the three are interlinked during the war.There is a book published on each station, 40 years of RAF Sculthorpe, RAF Great Massingham and Raynham Reflections. It is possible if you contact your county library that they may have copies, if not I have copies of Raynham Reflections and RAF Great Massingham and would be prepared to loan them to you for your research. It may interest lads of my generation that Bill Edrich the Middlesex and England cricketer, Keith Miller the Australian cricketer and Kenneth Wolstenholme the famous football commentator all served at Great Massingham during the war. If Aggie you are interested in my help please contact me at roy.briggs@dsl.pipex.com

299. Posted 21 May 2009, 15:40 From Len Baker

     I arrived at West Raynham as a brand new Junior Tech in May 1954. As an Instrument Fitter (Nav), I was a rare beast in Fighter Command. It fell to my lot to conduct most of the Compass Swings ! This was great fun as I was expected to sit on the wing whilst the aircraft was taxied to the Compass Base.

     What a fascinating airfield - I was based in the Instrument Bay opposite the Electrical Bay.

     Many memories spring to mind, but the most dramatic were our brand new Hunters getting their left undercarriage leg stuck. Most pilots coped with the following landing - holding the wing up as long as possible. Any news of an impending prang brought us all out of the workshops to enjoy the show. Great spectator sport.

     Enventually obtained a posting to RAF Wittering as there was no establishment for a Corporal in my trade. It looked as if I would remain a J/T for ever.

     Len Baker g4rzy@msn.com

300. Posted 31 May 2009, 20:30 From Rick Leach

     I spent a few days with my family in Norfolk last week and as I had promised myself I went back to WR for the first time since I left the place in late 1987. It was a strange feeling, in some respects it really did feel like 22 years had passed by, but in others it felt like I hadn't left the place. Perhaps we never do leave these places?

     I was able to wander around a fair bit of the domestic site even though the Barrack Blocks adjacent to the Airmens Mess were fenced off, I could still see a lot of where I used to spend my time. That said, the place is in a sorry state now, but in other areas of the camp improvements are underway. The grass is being cut and new bushes are being planted especially in the area of the Kestrel Club. New doors have also been fitted to the club and it looks like work men have been knocking about inside too. All I can hope is that the place may get used by the new West Raynham Park estate. Perhaps it might be a new pub or club? Let's hope so. After all, where is the nearest pub or social club to the new development?

     Anyway, enough of my speculation. I've uploaded a few images on the F/B RAF West Raynham page and will upload some more when I get a moment.

     All the best,

     Rick Leach

     D Flt, 85 Sqn,1983-84, and Eng Flt, 66 Sqn RAF Regt 1984-87.

301. Posted 1 June 2009, 00:10 From Mike

     The people who bought West Raynham are really hashing it and trying to do it on the cheap, it's a sad end to a most beautiful base....I've bought one of the officer's houses, trying to keep it in the style it was built. The road signs have been replaced with stupid small ones, but there's an issue. All the OS maps and stuff list Earl of Brandon Way, but the signs now say Earl of Bandon Way, as they've trashed the old signs, who is correct, the OS or the new owners?

302. Posted 1 June 2009, 00:10 From Mike

     sorry, I mean Earl Of Brandon Avenue, and Earl of Bandon Avenue....serves me right for typing this late

303. Posted 2 June 2009, 17:20 From Rick Leach

     The Earl of Bandon is the correct one, and so are the new owners. It was named after Air Chief Marshal Percy Ronald Gardner Bernard, 5th Earl of Bandon, GBE, CB, CVO, DSO, RAF. ACM Bernard was a past Station Commander of WR in 1940.

     The road does not, as some might suggest, have nothing to do with the town of Brandon in Suffolk, just down the A1065 from West Raynham. It relates to an Irish Peerage, i.e. Earl of Bandon in County Cork.

     Hope this helps.

304. Posted 10 June 2009, 09:20 From Robert Pilcher

     Dear Rick

     Thank you very much for the information concerning ACM Bandon. I was based at West Raynham 1963 to 1966, a Photographer, 38 Group Transport Command. # 1 & 54 Squadrons Hawker Hunters, the fastest aircraft in Transport Command. Air to ground Army support of course.

     Regards,

     Robert Pilcher

     Australia

305. Posted 13 June 2009, 16:30 From 1946/47 jstranter

     • 

     looking for Butch his home aera London

     Enjoyed Suppers. re Enterainment Duty Joe

306. Posted 15 June 2009, 20:10 From Alan Thompson

     From 1958-60 I was the Station Education Officer and CGI at CFE. I recall going,as Station Radiation Officer, around the airfield from time to time with a geiger-counter looking for radiation leaks.Great fun!

     The Station Rugby XV had some great games in surrounding villages with excellent beer.Many happy memories of the place and sorry to see it go.

     Alan Thompson

     British Columbia

307. Posted 19 June 2009, 10:20 From Morag Colston

     Lived here as a kid when my Dad, Flt. Lt. Jock Colston was stationed here 1965. What a great place...remember lighting a fire in the wood with some other little mates and it started to get out of hand - boy were we in trouble!

308. Posted 19 June 2009, 14:50 From Olivia Anderson

     I am now living on West Raynham Park, any one know of any hauntings?

309. Posted 21 June 2009, 00:30 From Frank Phillipson

     • 

     The West Raynham Dome was made by GQ Defence Equipment Ltd.,(taken over by Ferranti in 1986) and was one of five supplied to the British Army/RAF Regt. for Rapier training (1 at Lossiemouth, 1 at Larkhill, 2 in Dortmund). Called the ADT3 (Air Defence Tactical Trainer Theater). Aircraft images projected via a moveable prism system controlled by computer onto inside of 18.3m diameter dome made of timber with polystyrene inner surface above lowest ring of panels.

     Can supply interior images etc if required. This dome system was a very much upgraded equipment that had direct links to the concrete domes that appeared on RAF airfields such as Langham.

310. Posted 22 June 2009, 17:50 From Paul Sly

     Fantastic Site!

     My Dad did his final posting at West Raynham. Left in '79 I think? Pete Sly. He was a CPL ground leckie. I remember vividly growing up there with my sister Claire. We lived at 125 Blickling (Bricking?) St. I remember playing on the massive swings round the back of the houses, how the field used to flood then freeze over in the winter. Walking to the 'Red' telephone box with my mum and dad in the winter of '76 I think? when the snow drifts seemed about 10 foot high!! Also that same summer we all got warnings about the red admiral butterflies and not to touch them? Playing 'postmans knock' in the old air raid shelters, cycling out around the fantastic countryside and sneaking over to the technical site to get collect 'conkers'. One thing that I really remember was the 'air raid van' going round at about 3 in the morning and scaring the life out of us kids. It was cool tho cos I got to see my dad with a gun!!

     I can only remeber a couple of names. Nigel and Peter davey? my 1st girlfriend 'Debra/Debbie'? and the guy who made the kites all the time? (Colin)?

     I also remeber watching the motorbike racing around the airfield and the smell of 2 stroke in the air!

     It's a real shame that this place has closed down and left derelict as i have some great early memories from there.

     Sadly my Dad passed away in 1999. I eventually followed in his footsteps as it were and joined the RAF as an Air Electrical Fitter. Left in 2004 after 12 years. Now working on the railway.

     If anyone remebers me, (Paul) my sister (Claire), my Mum (Maria), or Dad Pete(r) please feel free to contact me on:-

     paulieboy31@tiscali.co.uk

     cheers

311. Posted 26 June 2009, 04:10 From Frank Knight

     I was on Gate Guard in 1984 and a car pulled up. I went out and the driver wound his window down. The Warrant Officer looked me up and down and said, "Are all you rocks thick? open the bloody barrier and let me through!". I wasn't having any of this and asked him to wait. I went back into the Guardroom for no reason but to piss the guy off, then out I went again. He was getting pretty angry and I asked him for his 1250. He refused and said, "Do you know who I am?", to which I replied that I was making sure in the light of the raised terrorist threshold that I was doing my job properly and that he could be some crappy terrorist. He showed me his ID, his name was.....WO Crapp.

312. Posted 26 June 2009, 18:40 From mark ward

     true story - one exercise I heard that a car had pulled up with men in uniform claiming to be Cpls Fido and Barker, worse - the car was a Rover, it was all above board but the gate guards turned the car upside down apparently!

313. Posted 27 June 2009, 19:30 From alex rodger

     Great site: - Was at WR 1984-86 was one of the first posted onto RTU with chris lott and winston alleyne. Recognise some names on here John MacLean and Bob Ives, I ran a sunday football team for a year and pestered them into letting me play for the camp (big mistake). Remember Spider as being one of the funniest people I have ever met. The 'dos' in the Sports and Social Club were always great fun.

314. Posted 28 June 2009, 11:00 From Gary Waters

     First posting out of training as an A tech P. Worked in Fuel Bay 2 with Jim Smith, Pete Baker and 'Bongo' Gayton amongst others from 80 until early 82. I remember Matt Molloy (Susan Jarvis post 6 Aug 08) - he was a Sergeant SWO - the station wasn't big enough for a Warrant Officer in the SWO's post. My first Station Commander was known as 'Wheels up Reed' after supposedly landing a Jag in that configuration! We had a great cricket team and won the Raf B cup in 1980 under Bob Allen. I remember it as a really quiet well kept camp and certainly better than the next ones I was posted to. Some of the other characters were Ossie Pemberton and Paul 'Oink' Broad. I was there when one of the RAF policeman did a charity disco - he raised £1000 or so then spent it and tried to set fire to the baggage store in one of the H blocks to cover his tracks. We were all confined to camp for the weekend whilst the SIB questioned all the singleys. Happy days!

315. Posted 29 June 2009, 11:40 From Brian Burton

     Sorry to hear about your dad Paul, I remember him. Re the guy who made kites, was it Chris Hinchcliffe? Good old true singly, at 11 every night he would go to the bar in the Kestrel club and ask Muriel (great lass) for 4 pints and 20 fags - then upstairs to the TV room.

316. Posted 29 June 2009, 23:40 From John Hogg

     I have a school mate called Clive Schofield who worked at WR. I went to WR with 15 group ROC. on my first Training Camp. with the ROC. I really enjoyed it. Met Clive on last Polling day. He told me it was i an aweful state, THE GRASS IS REALLY HIGH. I feel really sad for all the above, and a bit intrigued about the haunted buildings on the base. I visit places in Norfolk from the cold war days and was pleased to see such a lot of people hold these places dear to them. As so they and alot of people should. Thanks for showing the photos, they bring back the memories. At least 4 of my mates from the corps on the camp have now passed on. Thanks again. obs JH Hogg

317. Posted 4 July 2009, 23:30 From Billy Hunt

     Its a big shame to see WR in the way it is now, a few eastern europeans doing the maintainance works, what little they are doing there,no doubt some developer trying to make a margin in his best interests, will wait to see what happens there

318. Posted 6 July 2009, 12:40 From Gary Waters

     Ref hauntings - one of the instructors from the Bloodhound School commited suicide in his garden shed on the Officers Married Quarters whilst I was at West Raynham. I always remember doing the two hourly 'container checks' when I was duty airman - it was always a bit creepy in the Bloodhound school building (on the east side of the parade square) after his suicide.

319. Posted 6 July 2009, 23:00 From STEVE GOLDSMITH

     • 

     HI Jeff It was my first posting aswell 1979 85 squadron I do remember you as I was stationed in the armoury which was attatched to the end of the guard room and the snowdrops dog handlers backed on to us I quite often came round to you to scrounge sugar etc. My seargent was Gary Wright I would love to get in touch with gary and my corporal was Angus cant remember his sir name . I remember Rainham vividly. any body got any questions please do mail me.

320. Posted 8 July 2009, 04:40 From John

     • 

     First posting out of Brats. 72-75, station armoury and 85 Sqn Canberra's. Surprised that so little has been written about 85 Sqn as it was the biggest Canberra Sqn until split in half and shared with 100 Sqn (Tatty Ton). Pity to see it in such a state, great posting as the country lanes were perfect for young airmen on fast motorbikes. Fakenham had that magic market and great pubs.

321. Posted 8 July 2009, 13:00 From mel linton

     Great to see this collection of memories, some of the names ring a bell.

     Worked in Moates 3&4 1981-1983, remember Wing Cmdr Wilson and lots of exercises, Block burning down before AOC inspection, SWO could smell a beer call from 10 miles. What is simon allen doing now, rememember that noisy sod with his hi fi next door.

322. Posted 15 July 2009, 16:10 From roy briggs

     I have recently been in touch with the owners of West Raynham Park asking for various information on the old buildings. They were exceedingly helpful and furnished me with as much information as they held. Apparently the plan is to make a museum in the old control tower, so it is the ex-service men who can provide most of history of their time at WR.

     With this in mind, I can write about GCA [Ground Controlled Approach] and the various happenings during my eighteen months there. Most of us could do the same as this site has shown. If anyone is interested the WRP site can be taken off the internet.

     In particular Daryl who placed comments on the 14th May 2008, seems to have had a good overall knowledge of the running of the base, if you are interested Daryl please contact me on roy.briggs@dsl.pipex.com and I will put you in touch with the man concerned.

323. Posted 18 July 2009, 20:50 From Kate

     We have just moved into West Raynham Park in mid June 2009, we love it here, we are so far one of 50 families occupying a home here, but there seems to be new residents appearing all the time and lots of interest in the site, it is so interesting hearing about the history and peoples memories of West Raynham Park. Don't know if all the street names have stayed the same, but we are on Raynham Way, The developers are 2 years in to a 10 year project and if everything they say is going to happen, happens then thye site will certainly be put to good use, i love it here and feel that this is a great place to bring up my children.

324. Posted 21 July 2009, 23:00 From Dave Budd

     going to visit old west raynham end of aug i will get some pics and post them. i met up with rick leach at raf cosford big shock but great to see him again he ain't changed on bit.please get in touch davebudduk@ntlworld.com

     good times going to try a pint at the crown oh yes

325. Posted 23 July 2009, 09:20 From Anthony Elliott

     • 

     I was Stationed at "West Raynham" and lived at 55 amq at the time i was an SAC,with MT squadron,

     I have very fond memories of my time there,

     It is so sad to see it now in a derelict& disused

     state,

     I remember the "Vtol "vertical take off and landing

     Detatchment being there and the Bombing of the "Torry Canyon" by the Hunter Jets,

     there was a Flt Lt Hains(known as 7G Hains

     because of his take off power,

326. Posted 26 July 2009, 05:10 From aliccegorrrenz

     Hello!

     My name is Alice, I`m from New York but live in Paris now. I love classic music

327. Posted 27 July 2009, 14:40 From Bill Waters

     Hi. I keep driving past the old station each time i visit the area. What lovely memories. Great station and a great bunch of lads at the Fire Section. Still looking for my old mate Dennis Nelson who got demobbed from there. (01302533170)

328. Posted 28 July 2009, 18:40 From hobdeapeeneve

     Hi folks!

     I just want to say hello to you all,

     and see you in next posts!

     cheers

     hobdeapeeneve

329. Posted 29 July 2009, 17:20 From Eloise

     I was flying to Great Massingham from Cambridge when I noticed the airfield from the air, very intrigued I did some research and found your page, very informative! I wish I had the chance to visit it! Shame we can't land there anymore.

330. Posted 2 August 2009, 22:50 From Kev Read

     Hi John, long time no see mate glad your still around, remember all the guys you mentioned, both me and Pete Howard was posted to Marham when WRM closed

     my email is sirocco18@tiscali.co.uk if you or anyone else who new me want to get in touch.

331. Posted 15 August 2009, 21:20 From Colin Mason

     What a fantastic site, better than Forces Reunited! I was posted in 1970 to WR and worked in the Bloodhound Training School and in the drawing office of the Bloodhound Missile Servicing Unit over at the Moat. In my spare time I was commissioned to paint a mural in the Officers Mess, as someone found out that I was a bit of an artist too. I didn't have the pleasure of living at WR, as I had a married quarter at RAF Sculthorpe in one of the American bungalows on Chapel Road. Last year though my wife and I went up to WR and had a good look round before it was all fenced off. The Officers MQ's were being used for training police and other military units for seige/terrorist incidents.However, we did visit the showhouse and it is amazing how great the MQ's look. If you are lucky to buy one of the MQ's, you will be getting a bargain - they are solid as a rock.

     We were also told that the hangers were going to be converted into penthouses for those lucky enough to have aircraft. They will land on the peritrack (which will be the new runway) and then park infront of their penthouses!

     If anyone should remember me I was only at WR for a short while, as I was then posted out to Uedem, Germany in 1971. Get in touch via this site.

332. Posted 16 August 2009, 15:50 From Howard1471

     Just come back from a Week in a West Raynham holiday cottage. I saw this place on the map and took my son to look round it. The hangers and runaway areas are fenced off now, but the mess and accomodation blocks aren't. A housing company are refurbishing the houses on site. A film/media company have been there, going by the " Forgotten Few - Location" signposts and other laminated direction posters. The place is looking a little dilapidated but in far better nick than the airfield down the road at Gt Massingham. We drove past that one without finding it at all.

     Thanks for the site. The info makes for great reading and peoples memories add to the detail.

333. Posted 20 August 2009, 20:40 From Don Williams

     Posted to West Raynham in January 1962 on return from 2TAF. West on Mountain Rescue trial to Valley in March/April. Back to WR until June 62 when I was posted to Valley MR.

     WR was, as far as I saw, one of the better RAF stations.

     I was in RSF.

334. Posted 22 August 2009, 22:30 From whoam i....

     • 

     i grow up there from 2 to 16 i hate to see that building like that

335. Posted 24 August 2009, 15:40 From Simon Allen

     Mel Linton as I live and breath how can you say my hi fi was noisy when you had that piece of electronic wizzadry that you had. You never did like my Abba gold album !! . I am a safety Manager now carrying out noise assesment amongst other things lol.

     simonallen502@btinternet.com

336. Posted 24 August 2009, 17:30 From Mike

     Kate...2 years in to a 10 year project? sound like you believe Noel Alexander's sales pitch....they've been working on it 4 years and if there's 30 families it'll be a miracle, 3 moved out last month fed up waiting for the promised repairs, the Gym is still unusable and the shop not open..

337. Posted 24 August 2009, 20:40 From Dave Colli

     I was at ATC camp at RAF West Raynham in 1966.

     I have just holidayed in Norfolk and on my way home today I went nostalgicly in search of RAF West Raynham (I got to West Raynham village but couldn't find the old airbase). it's sad I missed it but I was rewarded by searching and finding this website.

     I have great memories of that ATC camp at RAF West Raynham. It was the first time I flew, (we went up in a transport plane.. I think it may have been a Varsity??). It was also the first time I shot a Lee Enfield 303 (quite a feat for a little 14 year old). The map reading field adventures were great and I also remember the grub was great and the RAF radio station played great music (I especialy remember the Who's "Substitute" and Simon and Gurfunkel's "Homeward Bound" was played a lot).

     Very good memories.

338. Posted 24 August 2009, 22:10 From Anthony Elliott

     This was the station that "princess Margeret" would land when she and others were visiting the Royal Estate at Sandringham, and we as meer Air men would have to stand still in white overalls as she made her way out of the station through the Main gate,

339. Posted 25 August 2009, 20:50 From Linda Dales

     I think my uncle Ted Mallett must have been stationed here during WW2. Unfortunately he was killed in The Eagle pub in Kings Lynn during a bombing raid just before he was going on ops in 1942. He is burried in Gayton Cemetary with a J B Campbell, J Milligan, D E Killelea, and B W Swaffield. I have found that he was living at Weasenham Hall. I am interest in where he would have been flying and what squadron he could have been in. I have found this site very interesting reading. If anyone has any information please e-mail me.

340. Posted 4 September 2009, 10:40 From Eric Taylor

     I lived in number 52 married quarters at WR when I was a boy of about 7 to 9 from 1949 to 1951.I remember arriving at Massingham station after about a 14 hour journey from Scotland with my mother and 2 younger brothers.My father was Joe Taylor.I have very fond memories of Hellhoughton village school and my teache was a Mrs Naylor.I visited the camp in January of this year 2009 and it hasnt changed a lot....We had lovely daytrips to Cromer and Hunstanton and even a visit to Fakenham seemed very special........The sadness I feel looking back is undescribable thinking how the years have past........The countryside was lovely in the summer and it was not unusual to see a pheasant................The Meteors and Vampires were the kings in those days and WR had plenty.I think a Group Captain Greene was in charge of the camp,only remember that because I remember he had an attractive daughter.I was in the swimming pool once and often over at the NAFFI collecting a parcel from my aunt and grandpa in bonnie Scotland.........The family next dor to us were from London and had a son called Michael about my age.I also visited my old village school at Hellhoughton in Jan this year 2009 and it hasnt changed at all.I remember the whole school going to the church across the road on one occasion and just remembered getting a real palm cross on palm Sunday at the sunday school at the camp

341. Posted 6 September 2009, 19:10 From Dave Budd

     come on all get on face book raf west raynham.

     just got back from raynham ands its still fighting back.

     check out my pics from last week.

342. Posted 30 September 2009, 21:50 From George Valentine

     I was in the Royal Signals and stationed at WR from 1959 to 1961 in tha army section. There was a Major, Sergeant, Corporal and Lance-corporal along with approx. 12 signalmen (a mixture of national servicemen and regulars). I never had a better time in my life. There was the ASTRA cinema in which I was Projectionist (upside down, breaking reels - you name it) along with great RAF friend from wales who was nicknamed Jonah. The cinema manager's name was Maurice Fenn, he was great chap. At the end of the nights showings we, amongst others would play cards til the wee small hours. Then there was the camp radio station: it was felt by the RAF servicemen that the 'Army Section' Should have a half hour spot on tuesday around 19:30Hrs I was delighted get the job we called the programme 'Rock with Jock'. Ah! what great time Thanks Blue Jobs for looking after us brown jobs in such a FIVE STAR fashion. I could go on reminiscing. PS there was an open air swimming facility albiet small.It had a wee diving board as I recall.

343. Posted 2 October 2009, 16:50 From roy briggs

     With reference to George Valentines information of the 30th September, I recall one of his signalmen played football for the camp side. I played between 1958 to 1960. He did tell me that once during a trip out in a landrover a pheasant hit his windscreen which smashed, and he was covered in blood. He wasn't sure at the time whether the blood belonged to him or the pheasant.

     I'm pleased that you mentioned the cinema, when I have mentioned it to people on site they plead ignorance. Could you tell me George where it was located, I have a site drawing and would like to add this to the information.

344. Posted 2 October 2009, 21:40 From George Valentine

     Hi! Roy. It must be age but I see on reading my last comment that I gave the distinct impression that all the Army Section were Royal Signals which is not so. For this I apoligise to any readers. The fact is there were approx. six Royal Signals ( two Electrician Drivers of which I was one and two Radio Operators namley 'Biss' Summers from Bristol area I think and Bill Foxen from Barrow-in-Furnace area) and two Radio Techs- a lad named Butler and a lad nicknamed 'Marty after Marty Wilde;then there were the following;: the office clerk and a driver for the Major, both RASC; the Major's batman- East Anglian Regiment; a Private from the Royal Green Jackets. a Private from the Royal Artillery. Now to answer your query about the Driver, as I recall was the lad from the RASC who lived near East Dereham and he broke his collar bone on the road to Fakenham on duty as duty driver. As for the whereabouts of the cinema, as you came out of the Airmen's Mess it was off to the left past the Airmen's and Army Section's accomodation then past the NAAFI Shop

345. Posted 3 October 2009, 05:30 From Robert Pilcher

     I remember the Astra Cinema being behind hangers 3 and 4.

     1963-66.

346. Posted 3 October 2009, 13:20 From George Valentine

     I believe Robert Pilcher is correct as to the location of the cinema. PS there were childrens matinees on saturdays at 10am. Also, the Army Section place of work was a Nissan Hut. It was not far from the MT section as I recall.The WVS, or was it the NAAFI? used to come out to that part of the airfield to supply cups of tea or other refreshment at teabreaks to RAF & Army sections.

347. Posted 4 October 2009, 13:50 From roy briggs

     Hi George,

     Many thanks for your very prompt reply to my query. I believe that the footballing soldier to which I referred was only covered in pheasants blood and otherwise was uninjured. Your recall of regiments is amazing considering the time interval. I thought that a soldier playing for an RAF camp might have been better known in your small unit. To be honest I can only recall two other members of the team, one was a Norwich City player named Smith who worked in the cookhouse, the other unusually came from my home town of Kettering and in fact played for the same team as me back home, his name was Barry Underwood and he worked at Air Traffic Control. The man in charge of the team was a Chief Technician who was based in one of the hangers.

     I would also like to pass my thanks to Robert Pilcher for locating the cinema accurately. From the drawing I have there is only one building behind and even bisecting hangers three and four so this must be the cinema, thanks again Robert.

348. Posted 5 October 2009, 05:10 From Robert Pilcher

     Roy Briggs,

     Thanks Roy. I am pleased that my location of the Astra Cinema is of help to you. Also hello and thanks to George Valentine. There was a road between it and the hangers. When I was at West Raynham, 1963-66, # 3 hanger was the technical wing hanger and # 4 hanger was 54 squadron hawker hunters. I was a photographer, technical wing. The photographic section was above the armoury.

     Regards,

     Robert

     Adelaide South Australia

349. Posted 5 October 2009, 14:50 From Roger

     I was there in Apirl 1968 on an ATC camp when a Hunter was flown through Tower Brdge by a pilot whose name I forget. He was a maverick and was cashiered out of the RAF for that and other dangerous flying that day, but was a good pilot who would have done well in warfare as he was a dare devil. I enjoyed my week there and had some fun and as I was 14 I could pretend I was in the Air Force but still come home to mum. Sad to see the base has been left to rot. I may visit it one day as I live in Essex now.

350. Posted 6 October 2009, 09:20 From Robert Pilcher

     Roger

     The pilot was Flt Lt Alan Pollock 32, a flight commander with # 1 Squadron flying Hawker Hunter XF442, H for Hotel.

351. Posted 8 October 2009, 15:00 From George Ritchie

     I was an Grd lecky based at raynham when it closed. I remember having to remove the mercury rectifer from the cinema. I believe it ended up in the UEA along with the projector and other bits.

352. Posted 9 October 2009, 21:00 From caroline edwards

     hi i used to go to the kestral club every weekend as used to live in fakenham with my girl mates in mid 70s nee cox

353. Posted 12 October 2009, 06:00 From Jill Bramwell

     Hi, I'm researching family history and wonder if I can jog somebody's little grey cells please?

     My brother, Michael John Wright, served with the RAF at Coltishall base. Michael was a Flying Officer with No.23 Sqn Navigator.

     He died in a plane crash in Feb 1955, the pilot, Sqn Ldr Engelbach, also died. They were flying a Venom NF2 No.WRN81.

     As far as I know [and I quote] - "Aircraft took off from RAF West Raynham and crashed near the village of Roughlan {sic} "

     Michael is buried at the Scottow cemetery.

     Does anybody remember my brother?

     Does anybody remember the air crash?

     Should Roughlan actually read Rougham, as I can't find Roughlan on any maps?

     Where would I find the archival records of this air crash?

     Thankyou for your time. Jill Bramwell [Perth in Oz]

354. Posted 14 October 2009, 13:30 From roy briggs

     Hi Jill,

     I have a book on the history of RAF Coltishall but I'm afraid this is one crash that isn't mentioned.

     Scottow is the graveyard near Coltishall where airmen who have been killed are usually buried. This includes wartime casualties.

     Might I suggest that probably the best source of information for your quest would be the RAF Museum at Hendon London. The Email address is london@rafmuseum.org . I hope this helps to get to your goal.

355. Posted 15 October 2009, 09:30 From Cincviatt

     Hi People

     How are you doing?

356. Posted 16 October 2009, 18:20 From TONY GORNER

     My Dear Ms.Bramwell, My diary for Tuesday 15th February 1955 reads "Venom crashed at ROUGHAM, killing two pilots". It was my job in the station armoury, to issue and clean after firing rifles used in guards of honour. I issued rifles on Tuesday March22nd. Whether it was for this particular sad event I cannot be sure.

357. Posted 25 October 2009, 14:50 From Brian Burton

     #

     Posted 9 October 2009, 21:00 From caroline edwards

     hi i used to go to the kestral club every weekend as used to live in fakenham with my girl mates in mid 70s nee cox

     Hi Caroline, Dee and I remember you well and we are still in contact with Taff (the cook) and Christine.

358. Posted 30 October 2009, 19:40 From gav

     wow,

     i visited west raynham twice in the late 80' and early 90's when i was in the boy scouts.We all had a go on the rapier simulator and played around with the bloodhounds.i remember one of the lads pressing the big red launch button and it came off on his finger.I also think that raynam waas the location of my first cigarette hahaha

     happy days

359. Posted 6 November 2009, 08:40 From Robert Pilcher

     Re last posting 30/10/09 Gav, Boy Scout.

     You should have been in the Girl Guides or at least the Brownies. Please take this site serious.

     Robert Pilcher

     Australia

360. Posted 8 November 2009, 06:30 From Eric Taylor

     • 

     Were you out in the sun all day at Ayers Rock Mr Pilcher?.............That comment of yours at the post before you was out of order and completly uneccesary.

361. Posted 8 November 2009, 07:50 From Robert Pilcher

     Eric Taylor.

     Typical POM, cannot spell, use the Queen's English and no sense of humour.

     For your education Ayers rock is now called, for many years, Uluru, an Aboriginal name.

     Robert Pilcher

     Adelaide

     South Australia

     1300 KM from Uluru, a long way to go and sit in the sun.

362. Posted 9 November 2009, 15:30 From Stuart May

     Hi All

     I have just found this site (via google) as we are going to view one of the houses for sale on Thursday. It will be great living on a MOD camp again!

     Its a shame the RSM won't be about to SHOUT at my 5 year son!!!

     I'll let you know how we get on...

     All the best.

     Stuart ( treetunnel@btinternet.com )

363. Posted 13 November 2009, 19:10 From vera magee (nee traill)

     my dad was stationed here in 1959 61 it was where have wonderfull memories there was a corpral who taught us teenagers how to waltz i was the station commanders daughters nanny i just loved to sit in my bedroom and watch the airmen loading the wonderful aircraft including the the vulcan it used to rattle our house when it took off happy days

364. Posted 17 November 2009, 09:20 From Stuart May

     Hi All

     This Fiday (20.11.09) we sign the contracts on 7 Atcherley Square!!!

     Move in date is planned for 1st week of Feb 2010.

     We can't wait...

     Anyone know previous tennants in the officers quarters?

     Regards Stuart

365. Posted 21 November 2009, 12:10 From Alan Partington

     Just pointed at this site by a friend. One of the earlier posts asked what happened to the Javelin on the gate. It was scrapped by Hanningfield Metals near Billericay. I have a couple of photos somewhere of the scrapping taking place. I also have the Radome from the Javelin, the gun sight and collimator mount and some of the access panels from the side consoles. These are going in/on a Javelin nose that I'm restoring, the nose is from a Mk7, XH783, that might have flown from West Raynham with the AWDS. I'd like to hear from anyone that can say either way or copy photos for me.

     I too stayed at West Raynham as adult staff on and ATC camp in 1974, the week that Turkey invaded Cyprus. Lots of sudden activity around the airfield and lots of things being painted green. Also there was a Belgian Air Force DC6 or DC4 that had diverted there with engine trouble and was being repaired by Sabena engineers, I still have a cap badge from one and a cap from an Argentine Air Force NCO, one of a group learning about Canberras.

     I remember the RAF people at West Raynham being very helpful and friendly, it was certainly one of the better camps I attended.

366. Posted 22 November 2009, 11:50 From Alan Puncher

     Sorry to see the old airfield looking so sorry for its self. West Raynham was my first operational station after Canberra OCU at Cottesmore posted in in 1972 to 100 Sqn. Went over to the Bloodhound School in Jan 1975 for training as a Bloodhound Engagement Controller before posting to Wildenrath in Jul 75 until 78. Returned to Canberras at Marham in 78 and back to West Raynham in 80 to 84 on the Bloodhound site and then into Operations. Many fond memories of the personnel, always a happy station. I remember all the good pubs around the local area and day trips to the coast. During my time at Raynham I used to be the ATCLO and was interested to read the comments by the past ATC cadets on their fun times at Raynham. Very interested to go back and see what they have now done to the old girl!

     For Stuart, Atcherley Square was the quarters of the Station Commander (Group Captain) in the main house with the Wg Cdrs (Squadron Commanders & Officer Commanding of Eng, Supply, Operations) on either side.

     Regards,

     Alan

367. Posted 25 November 2009, 09:00 From Robert Pilcher

     Stuart May,

     Atcherley Square is named after Air Marshal

     Sir Richard Atcherley.

     Best wishes to you and your family with your new home.

     Robert Pilcher

     Australia

     ex RAF West Rayham 1963-66

368. Posted 25 November 2009, 12:10 From Dan McGowan

     Hi, I am doing some Research and looking for peoples stories about the base, how long they spent there and what they think about the place being derelict now. If any one would like to share thier stories please feel free to email me at danmcirish@hotmail.co.uk.

     Many Thanks

     Dan

369. Posted 25 November 2009, 12:30 From Dan McGowan

     Hi, I am doing some Research and looking for peoples stories about the base, how long they spent there and what they think about the place being derelict now. If any one would like to share thier stories please feel free to email me at danmcirish@hotmail.co.uk.

     Many Thanks

     Dan

370. Posted 26 November 2009, 07:40 From Robert Pilcher

     Dan McGowan,

     You or any person interested about

     RAF West Raynham can contact me.

     Email, robbie007@adam.com.au

     Robert Pilcher

     Australia

     ex RAF West Raynham 1963-66

371. Posted 26 November 2009, 12:30 From LISA MILLINGTON

     WE LIVED AT WEST RAYNHAM FOR 4 YEARS.1987-1991. LIVED AT 29 HOLKHAM GREEN.OUR ELDEST DAUGHTER, HANNA WAS BORN AT KINGS LYNN HOSPITAL. MY HUSBAND KEV WORKED AT MTSS. ITS A SHAME TO SEE THE BUILDINGS IN POOR CONDITION. WE CALLED THERE A COUPLE OF YEARS AGO, BUT WERE TOLD WE COULDNT GO ONTO THE CAMP, AS AT THE TIME THERE WAS FOOT AND MOUTH AND THERE WERE SHEPP GRAZING ON THE LAND.

372. Posted 27 November 2009, 11:10 From Barry Collins

     Re Alan Partington. XH783 Javelin Mk7. I was stationed at West Raynham (early 60's) when there where 3 units that flew Javelins, 85 Sqn Jav mk 8, IRS Jav mk3 and AWDS or (AWFCS) as it became Jav Mk 5. Iam not aware that any Mk 7's were on the inventory of the station at any time. 85 sqn was absored into the Target Facilities Sqn and then flew canberra's, IRS and AWDS disbanded early 1963. I hope this is helpful.

373. Posted 28 November 2009, 15:10 From Stuart May

     Hi Robert

     Thank you for your posting.

     The camp has been bought by an investment company, they have plans in place to change it into a community village for the residents of the houses on-site.

     I will keep you all posted of our move and take pictures of the camps progress. If anyone want to see them just email me and I will email them to you.

     Best Regards

     Stuart

     treetunnel@btinternet.com

374. Posted 30 November 2009, 19:10 From Stuart May

     Hi All (me again!).

     Does anyone know what the Kestral Club and the building beside the parade square was used for?

     Stuart

     treetunnel@btinternet.com

375. Posted 1 December 2009, 13:50 From Alan Bennion

     I was at West Raynham from 88 to 91 lived next door to Lisa and Kev Millington (Christmas card is on way),

     I dossed around in MTSS, I have been back a couple of times late 90`s, on holiday and on exercise with TSW, the place looked very sad and run down. Can`t say that i was happy about being posted there but enjoyed my time.

376. Posted 4 December 2009, 23:30 From Stuart May

     Hi All

     Thank you for your emails and messages so far.

     Stuart

377. Posted 5 December 2009, 16:30 From james eustace

     of course you enjoyed it, mr Bennion you spend most of it in the sas club or the bright lights of kings lynn.

378. Posted 6 December 2009, 17:50 From Peter Perry (4149101)

     Just found your site on RAf West Raynham, served there in the pay office from June 1954 until Jan 1956. Does anybody remember when, i think it was thre summer of 1955 when 6 planes ditched between Norwich and RAF Marham. It was a Wednesday afternoon and i was going on leave the folllowing morning. crash guard parties were required and i managed to lock myself in the toilet until enough bods were found. I visited the site in June 2008, not a pretty sight. I have a few photos taken from outside the perimeter fence and also some of what was East Rudhan railway station, one of the few ways of getting away from Raynham. If you are interested in them i can email them to you. Peter

379. Posted 7 December 2009, 13:00 From Shaun Fuller

     I live at West Raynham Airbase now, I moved here about 2months ago, i would love to find out so much more about the place and about the people that used to live here many years ago. I would also like to find out who lived in the house that i live in now. (33 Holkham Green) if anybody could help me i would be much thankfull. contact me by e-mail (sir_lugz_alot@hotmail.com) thank you

     Shaun Fuller

380. Posted 8 December 2009, 15:50 From Eric Taylor

     • 

     I was a boy of 7 who lived at WR in 1950 to 1952....We used to get taken to the village school in Helhoughton by a RAF covered lorry.I would love to hear from anybody who also went to the village school or who lived on the camp at that time.

381. Posted 11 December 2009, 03:30 From Robert Pilcher

     Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all, especially Eric Taylor. No hard feelings about Ayers Rock mate.

     Robert Pilcher

     South Australia

382. Posted 12 December 2009, 18:20 From Victoria

     Can anyone tell my anything about the house that is directley behind the officers mess, single house on its own, with a bungalow next to it. im led to believe it was an officers house, just curious as ive now lived there roughly 7years???

383. Posted 12 December 2009, 20:50 From Stuart May

     Hi Victoria

     Are you talking about the house & bungalow next to the garage on the corner?

     Stuart

     treetunnel@btinternet.com

384. Posted 12 December 2009, 21:00 From Stuart May

     I have started a blob regarding our move into WR, if anyone wants the address just email me.

     Also to ALL those that have sent me emails, SORRY I have not had time to reply yet. Work is VERY busy with the Xmas rush, our kids birthdays (10 & 15th Dec) and getting ready for the house move!!!

     MERRY CHRISTMAS to ALL (can we say that nowdays???)

385. Posted 12 December 2009, 21:00 From Stuart May

     Sorry I meant to say blog NOT blob!!!

386. Posted 12 December 2009, 21:00 From Victoria

     Yes Stuart, the house is called Dursley, whether its always been that though i dont know.

387. Posted 13 December 2009, 08:50 From George Ritchie

     Hi Victoria,

     When I was posted to Raynham in 1990, there used to be a small shop and post office next to the Garage. I believe it was ran by an ex RAF Officer, who used to live in the detached house.

     At one time Kenny Freeman used to run Fish & chip shop from (i believe) the shop. Is kev still running the garage, one of the GEF guys (Nick Brown) used to help him out quite a bit.

     Good luck to all who are moving to Raynham

388. Posted 19 December 2009, 18:40 From Tony Hill

     Hi ,I was at W.R 1960-62, I have just been called for tea and "stricktly" but will come back to this great site which I have only now discovered.In answer to an earlier puzzle, the possible connection of the"bloodhound" and the "javelin" is that "85" sqdn was ,at different times, equipped with both regards Tony Hill.

389. Posted 21 December 2009, 14:10 From John Beard

     Thanks for the Pictures I was attached to Kestral Evaluation Sqn in 1965 so never did see much of the Camp as we were out in the morning and back late evening

390. Posted 21 December 2009, 22:00 From Gavin Geddes

     • 

     The markings on the window were probably for the meteorological visibility. ie. if you could see that fas it was 6k, or 6km, away.

391. Posted 23 December 2009, 11:20 From Stuart May

     Thanks for that Gavin.

     I didn't know that KM's where used that long ago!

     Stuart

392. Posted 27 December 2009, 17:10 From Stephen Adams

     My Father was stationed at West Raynham during his national service days 1951-1953 not sure of the exact dates. I am looking for a copy of the squadron photograph taken during this time can anyone help.

     regards

     Stephen Adams

393. Posted 28 December 2009, 11:20 From Stuart May

     Hi All

     Can anyone translate the station motto for me?

     PROBITATE ET LABOUR

     Many Thanks

     Stuart

394. Posted 28 December 2009, 20:00 From roy briggs

     Hi Stuart,

     The meaning of Probitate Et Labore may be translated as ' By Honesty and Toil'. This is according to 'Raynham Reflections' book.

     Regards, Roy Briggs.

395. Posted 28 December 2009, 22:40 From Carol Matthews (nee Lake)

     I have just found this website and gone through the various comments, with a smile. My dad was WO MTSS from Nov 1977-Jan 1981 (this was his last tour of duty (Ted Lake, married to Peg Lake)), and he loved it there. We lived at RAF Sculthorpe (Chapel Road) and I married Colin at Syderstone Church in July 1978 and had our wedding reception in the Sgts Mess at West Raynham. Before I married I worked at RAF Swanton Morley, which I didn't enjoy I am afraid.

     I think the guy in MTSS (as referred to by Simon Allen as Jim Duncan) was Ian Duncan and we heard several years after dad left that Ian had died.

     We are in touch with Joan Rothery (wife of the late Eric Rothery), Matt Malloy and Jill and Pete Kennett - we were also in touch with a work colleague and friend of dad's, Jack Tann, until he died in the late 90's. I am very sad to say that I lost my mum in 1987 and my dad in 1997, but I know they both had fond memories of West Raynham and Sculthorpe, as did I.

     My husband and I went to see the revamp of the quarters (the show house) and it looked great and if the developers achieve what they say they are looking to do with the camp, it should look great - but to us ex West Rayner's, it will always be "RAF West Raynham" with our fond memories!

     Best Wishes Carol

396. Posted 28 December 2009, 22:40 From Carol Matthews (nee Lake)

     I meant to say "West Raynham's" not "Rayner's" - it's late!!!!!

397. Posted 28 December 2009, 23:20 From John Lewis

     I am seeking details of; Cpl Barry Lambert, Photographer (Trade Group 14) stationed RAF West Raynham, Photographic Section. Lived, married Quarters at RAF Sculthorpe. Married with two children. Died in the latter part (August/December) of 1972, it was a sudden death and the person was aged approximately 30. No record of his death at Ely so probably did not die while a patient at RAF Hospital Ely.

398. Posted 28 December 2009, 23:20 From Mike

     Hi to Stuart,

     Be seeing you I believe, we've been on the base a year so far, The Gym is still derelict so take what Noel say's with as much truth as any politician's election promises.

399. Posted 29 December 2009, 00:40 From Stuart May

     Hi Stuart,

     The meaning of Probitate Et Labore may be translated as ' By Honesty and Toil'. This is according to 'Raynham Reflections' book.

     Regards, Roy Briggs.

     Thanks Roy ~ I should have just phoned you!

     I hope to see you in the spring.

     Stuart

400. Posted 29 December 2009, 00:50 From Stuart May

     Hi to Stuart,

     Be seeing you I believe, we've been on the base a year so far, The Gym is still derelict so take what Noel say's with as much truth as any politician's election promises.

     Hi Mike

     We are moving in on the 1st of Feb.

     The Kettle is always hot, and the beer is always cold.

     It will be nice to meet you, feel free to pop round ~ but not on the 1st unless you want to help with the boxes!

     All the best Stuart

401. Posted 31 December 2009, 14:20 From mark ward

     happy new year to all at w/raynham past and present, its good to see the number of people using the site to share memories and give their experiences,

     hope the site thrives, give the developers some slack, given the last 2 years of world turmoil and the crunch i am suprsied they are still there at all! mark ward (BH 85 sqn, 1982/1990 on and off)

402. Posted 31 December 2009, 18:30 From Shaun Geering

     i visited West Raynham twice after seeing your website in 2008 with some friends .The first time we just walked onto the technical site there was a sales office but it was shut , so we came back again this time the office was open . We obtained permission to look around the site and take photos of some of the buildings because we are trying to get a book published on the disapearing history of england in particular airfields .

     West Raynham looks like it was a great place to be posted to we enjoyed our visit and were surprised to find they arent taking any buildings down,they are using what is there but we where told there will be new build on the site,even the hangars will be turned into flats.

     we wanderd around the H blocks and the c d and e blocks , then we had a look around the airmans restaraunt then onto the sergeants mess ,and to the station H Q and guard room then accross to the officers mess

     Has anyone got any photos for the book , we will put all people's names who have help[ed in acknowledgements (we have been to Tangmerre Hawkinge Kenley Binbrook Wickenby Thorpe Abbotts

     Hemswell West Malling Kings cliff East Kirkby if anyone has info and pics to help many thanks )

     Keep the website going

403. Posted 1 January 2010, 16:10 From EWAN ANDERSON JNR

     hi stumbled across your site , my dad and us ofcourse were at nearby S WANTON MORLEY

     WE USED TO DRIVE OUT ON SUNDAY

     and look round the norfolk basses remember Raynham well, sadly it has gone the way many

     air basses we were on have gone closed Will ther be an AIR FORCE left EWAN

404. Posted 3 January 2010, 18:20 From Jonathan Booty

     Was at West Raynham around 1977 with my parents, Ced Booty and Sandie Booty. Lived in married quarters.

     I remember the snow of 1977 too! Well deep drifts! No school for ages! We used to go to the Airfield School at Sculthorpe.

405. Posted 3 January 2010, 20:40 From JOHN SKITTRALL

     My dad Geoff was a WO at coltishall so i have always had an interests inR A F camps ,

     Went up to WR today got through the hedge walked around the taxi road and onto the runway we walked a least half way up opposite the hangers until a sheep farmer came over and told us we are not allowed on hear never mind we enjoyed it looking down the runway

406. Posted 4 January 2010, 18:30 From jewlz

     Hi, came across your site. Fantastic site, really enjoyed it. Thank you so much. Looks like it was an amazing place to be with lots of lovely memories for so many. Jewlz

407. Posted 5 January 2010, 18:40 From jonnie pheasey

     hi all

     i went on the base a few years back and i was told about a pilot that crashed in the war. does any one now any thing about it.

408. Posted 7 January 2010, 14:10 From Stuart Dallimer

     Hi All,

     Served at RAF West Raynham 1991 - 1994 on the Rapier Training Squadron.

     Lived on Sculthorpe the USAF base very interesting tour in many ways.

     Stuart

409. Posted 7 January 2010, 16:20 From Gavin Wright

     Served at Raynham 1972/3 . Would like to hear from anybody who was there. Football team.

410. Posted 9 January 2010, 20:20 From David Bishop

     • 

     The reason names etc where on the glass, is pure an simple. As an ex RAF Air Traffic Controller, these place names was an aid to visibility in poor weather! A case of we can see the farm 1500 yards away but not the 'whatever' 2000 yds away..

411. Posted 9 January 2010, 21:10 From Jane Booty

     Grew up in Norfolk. Didn't realise that so many RAF bases had been closed. Learnt to drive on the old closed American runways from the War with my brother Jonathan Booty. And we have an Auntie Sandy!! Sorry, no military connections in our Booty clan!! Raf bases were an important part of Norfolk infrastructure and British and American uniforms were often seen in the towns. The sense of community in the rural areas must be destroyed with the bases going.

412. Posted 18 January 2010, 13:20 From roy briggs

     To George Valentine,

     Hi George,

     Just a note to let you know that I visited the camp on 6th January, had a good look round the site. The reason I couldn't find the cinema is because it no longer exists. Both the cinema and the education centre have been demolished in the past but you can still detect the footprint of both buildings.

     Sorry for the sad news.

     Regards,

     Roy Briggs

413. Posted 18 January 2010, 15:40 From Dennis Hemmings

     Served in RAF 1953/55. Was hoping for more in the Sick Quarters that the team got. I don't think they would have gone back if they had! Worked there and had one experience never to forget. Definitely not imagination. I now belong to paranormal group and would dearly like the same experience now!!

414. Posted 18 January 2010, 19:10 From roy briggs

     Hi All,

     For anyone who is interested there is a copy of Raynham Reflections for sale on Ebay now.. At the moment the bid is £2.99 and is on site for a further 3 days 22 hours from now. For those not used to using Ebay Just click onto Ebay and type Raynham Reflections in the search box and the details will appear. best of luck to anyone interested.

     Regards,

     Roy Briggs

415. Posted 18 January 2010, 20:00 From Trevor Collier

     I remember being posted to the Station Armoury here one Friday evening in November 1956, The next day being my birthday and knowing I would have to spend the weekend in a transit billet I had arranged for my girlfriend to send me a fake wedding invitation naming me as the best man at a wedding in the Midlands. With this I was able on arrival to persuade the Snowdrops to call the duty officer to allow me off camp for the weekend. He agreed on condition that I stayed on the road and did not take any short cuts across the fields, this puzzled me untill I saw the Dykes in daylight sometime after whilst crossing the fens. I well remember thumbing my way home that night and remember the great times I had at Raynham. The demob parties down at he pub in great Massingham and staggering back across that disused airfield, The trips with the battle wagon down to the bomb dump to load up with RP's for the air firing sorties. Those nights on Guard duty in the armoury when the duty camp guard patrol would come round keeping us awake. Long gone are those days of carefree youth but the memories live on. This year I am hoping to get to see the site again whilst up in Norfolk and hopefully walk those paths again ,but this time at my pace as I remember what it used to be like in those days of the cold war and heightened security.

416. Posted 11 February 2010, 15:20 From Simon Allen

     I went back recently for the filming of most haunted, basically to give an insight into what it was like as an operational station. I went into the Officers Mess for part of the filmng this is now very much in a delapidated damp state. The plan is that under the new development this will become a hotel. Then it was of to the rear of the hangers where I explained what it was like doing the duty airman checks in the early hours of the morning in winter. Anyone that ever did it will know how scary that really was.

     The live shows came from 4 hanger which I have to say was in really good condition on the inside. It really was a pleasure to go back and have such open access to the place. If anyone is thinking of going do it soon as it is being developed and that character will be gone for ever !

417. Posted 12 February 2010, 13:40 From Tony Ash

     Nice to see Mick Colclough and Pete Everitt have their say. Cannot open any of the thumbnails! We used to do bird counts for the RSPB from the Arm Support building (Bloodhounds). I finished my punishment posting from RAF Upavon when the Bloodhounds were scrapped and went off to 5 Sqn @ Coningsby where I had to work again. I haven't been back there since 1992 when I left. Sleepy hollow?, yes, but it wasn't for me!

418. Posted 12 February 2010, 21:20 From Tim Cunningham

     Hello Tony. What are you up to these days. have you still got that bike that you used to ride around on on displays in the summer collecting trig points.

419. Posted 13 February 2010, 15:30 From tony senior

     I was air traffic 65/69 the pics of airfield lighting switches made me remember how many times I had used these very switches , sends a chiver down the spine. Great place, met and married and then lived in Sculthorpe until moved to Benson. I've painted the rails at the top of that tower a few times. Also the tower bridge thing, a newspaper reporter stood on a table in the Kestral club and offered 50 quid for the name and address of the pilot, we offered to take him, then ran him out to west runton and left him there 50 quid lighter serve him right. ah well memories.

420. Posted 13 February 2010, 16:50 From mike horsfied

     thanks for a great site I was at WR from 59to64 as a steward and batman in the officers mess and i can verifie that it was haunted, I knew it was not one of our pilots as ai looked after 1Sqd. also the bar had one another this would put the c

421. Posted 13 February 2010, 17:20 From mike horsfied

     thanks for a great site I served at WR. in the officers mess as a steward and a batman,with bar duties, I saw the one up stairs a few times but not any set times, the bar was different,when you stacked the chairs on tables so the cleaner could have clear run but they were on the floor and under the tables ready to sit on,at 68 I still mis the place, I have arranged a visit the camp as soon as weather improves,

     Best of luck too all from mike.

     ps.They did tell me they dont allow camara, there are ways,nudge nudge

422. Posted 15 February 2010, 15:10 From Stuart May

     Hi All

     Well we moved into Atcherley Square on the 1st to a VERY cold house, it only took a few days to warm up the old brick bones!

     BT finally connected us back online today!!!

     There is loads of work going on around the camp, the Sgts Mess is being done-up as is the gaurd room.

     I'm now getting all the prices in to get the shop opened, it's an empty shell at present so we have LOADS to do!

     If anyone is passing feel free to stop by and say hello.

     Stuart

423. Posted 20 February 2010, 00:00 From Terry Jones

     I was at West Raynham in '59. as an Air Wireless Mech.

     I used to present a couple of programmes on camp radio too, Skiffle and trad jazz. Recall spending some time re gluing egg trays on the wall of the studio as a sound deadening agent.

     XH783 was used at Valley, on No 1 GWTS, I was posted there from Raynham. I recall '783 being used as the squadron 'Christmas Tree' for a while. Any part required in a hurry was 'butchered' from said aircraft, by the time it was fit for the air again it was about 40% NEW ....

     Not living too far away now, over near March, so may make an effort to look in some time.

424. Posted 20 February 2010, 21:20 From Stuart May

     Hi Terry

     You may know my wifes family as they are from March.

     Their surname is Wiles and they where quite big farmers/landowners years ago in the March area.

     Jo (my wife) her grand parents are still alive, her grand mother is 93 this week!!!

     Stuart

425. Posted 20 February 2010, 22:30 From Terry Jones

     Sorry Stuart, but there are an awful lot of farmers in this area. I actually live in Coates, which is about 6 miles from March.

     Been here for 10 years, moved up from Cornwall..

     Gained my PPL at Lands-end St Just back in the eighty's. Showing my age of course, was posted into West Raynham the day Sidney Bechet the clarinetist died, heard it on radio. May 59

426. Posted 23 February 2010, 21:00 From bob baxter

     I was at West Raynham as a gen.mech. 1959-62.

     Enjoyed my time there ,seemed to spend a lot of time hitching lifts to Fakenham,used to go out with ten bob have a few pints of brown and mild and still have enough for 10 cigs.

     Happy days!

427. Posted 25 February 2010, 21:00 From Desmond Collins

     In response to Eric Taylors memories I went to Heloughton school in the early 50's as well and was about the same age. I can remember the school children tending to some allotments just up the road every week and can also remember us all going to Fakenham town hall to watch a film of the Queens Coronation. How I wish I'd asked my late parents a lot more of my early life.

428. Posted 25 February 2010, 22:10 From Wally Wrightman

     I served at West Raynham 1953/1955 and have many happy memories of the place. I played double bass in the unofficial station dance band, with Keith Hall on piano, Sandy Jenks on vibes and Tony ? on drums. We were very popular and played lots of shows on camp, and also did gigs in Fakenham and surrounding areas. I also worked on the station's community radio and I think it was one of the most memorable periods of my life.

429. Posted 4 March 2010, 10:30 From Mike

     Hi Stuart, saw BT trying to hook you up..he was shivering after 3 hours!

     The work on the guard house and stuff, all cosmetic...been going on for 2 years when there's no money for the builders to do real work...you'll get the hang of the "tarting up" when potential investors visit.

     2 years on and still only 4 families in the orchard, and 3 of the builders renting there...shame.

     The gym is still falling apart, and the free membership expired now...some great facilities are being left to decay further so it'll be easier for them to get permission to demolish...time Norman Lamb came to see the residents!!

     I have some pictures from the Bunker on the walk through to Stephenson Close to send to Derelicte BTW

430. Posted 5 March 2010, 17:10 From Mike Tasker

     I was posted straight from AATC training at RAF Shawbury in Shropshire to West Raynham in early 1966 and lived in the same barrack room as Tony Senior [comment posted in Feb 2010]; how're you doing Tony?? I cut my teeth as an assistant air traffic controller there and have very happy memories of the place. Numbers 1 and 54 Hunter squadrons [FGA 6's and 9's] were there at the time, both were mud-movers [fighter, ground attack]. The really interesting aircraft at the time were the Kestrels of the tri-partite evaluation squadron, which eventually went on the be bulk-purchased and renamed the Harrier. Having spent 15 months at WR, I left for sunny Masirah in the Arabian Sea but still think fondly of WR and intend to visit for a looksee asap. Great site, great photo's; but isn't it a bit sad to see the places you remember looking so abandoned? Like Tony, I also worked the lighting panel that features in the shots of ATC. He'll also remember the stairs up to local control; they were the steepest I'd ever met and were a bugger to climb with a tray of tea for the controllers!

431. Posted 5 March 2010, 17:10 From Mike Tasker

     Forgot to say that the early comments about the local landmarks being written on the ATC windows were there for a reason. They helped the tower controllers and met observers assess the visibility, which was passed on to the arriving aircraft, especially when the fog rolled in. I've never researched it but there was a tale in when I was there in '66 that a bunch of Hunters had crashed due to low fuel and poor vis meaning a diversion to Marham, which few of them made.

432. Posted 6 March 2010, 04:10 From Stuart May

     Posted 4 March 2010, 10:30 From Mike

     Hi Stuart, saw BT trying to hook you up..he was shivering after 3 hours!

     It took him 5 HOURS in the end, 6 coffee's and a sandwich made by Jo!

     What made me laugh is when BT sent me a bill for £122.50 connection fee. They forgot I signed up in NOVEMBER when BT where offering FREE connection!!!

     Re' the guard house; I understand that the sales office is moving into it(?) So their building can be made ready as the nursery.

     BTW The electricians start work on the shop next week, we hope to be open by mid' April...

433. Posted 6 March 2010, 15:30 From Malcolm

     Hi. Brilliant site. Sad to see the base closed. My Dad was SATCO (Senior Air Traffic Controlling Officer) in 1969. The Hunters of 54 Squadron were converting to the "new" Harrier of 1 Squadron. When they moved to RAF Wittering, we moved with them, so we were only there about 10 months, but I have some very happy memories of the place. Dad to me to work at the Control Tower on a number of occasions. In one of the fields at the back of the OMQs was a Gloster Javelin which we used to play on until it was used for fire fighting practice.

     Thanks again for bringing back a piece of past.

     Malcolm

434. Posted 10 March 2010, 08:20 From Mike

     Some positive's (as Noel say's I only post negative comments..)

     The park is looking much tidier, the tree's are trimmed back and summer should be lovely there, I would encourage people who are undecided as to living there that they need see it in summer, nice peaceful and beautiful.

     Most stupid live have left a legacy of idiots, moron's and ****hole's who think it's their right to sneak about on the "abandoned" base breaking into units and houses....be warned future sites!! well done security for catching a few.

     Please do visit the base for a look at the houses or units for rent, we like that and it helps move things on, but make the office aware you plan to wander.

     Good luck Stuart on the shop,

     Roger & Noel, I still believe in the plans you have, just update the website as things change...good or bad.

435. Posted 13 March 2010, 10:20 From josurr

     You have really great taste on catch article titles, even when you are not interested in this topic you push to read it

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