RAF Brize Norton: Difference between revisions

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[[File:Whitley glider tug landing at Brize Norton 1943.jpg|left|thumb|200px|A glider tug coming in to land between Horsa gliders at RAF Brize Norton, October 1943]]
[[File:Whitley glider tug landing at Brize Norton 1943.jpg|left|thumb|200px|A glider tug coming in to land between Horsa gliders at RAF Brize Norton, October 1943]]
===Royal Air Force===
===Royal Air Force===
Construction of RAF Brize Norton began in 1935 with the official opening taking place on 13 August 1937.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.raf.mod.uk/rafbrizenorton/aboutus/history.cfm|title=Station History|website=RAF Brize Norton|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091211023323/http://www.raf.mod.uk/rafbrizenorton/aboutus/history.cfm|archive-date=11 December 2009|url-status=|access-date=21 October 2018}}</ref> The station was originally to be named RAF Carterton, given its proximity and relationship with the town of the same name, but was instead named RAF Brize Norton to avoid possible confusion with RAF Cardington in [[Bedfordshire]].<ref>{{VCH|15|pp=205-218|Brize Norton: Introduction}}</ref> The station's first unit, No. 2 Flying Training School (2 FTS) transferred from RAF Digby in [[Lincolnshire]] on 7 September 1937.<ref name=m270/> On 10 October 1938, 2 FTS was joined by No. 6 Maintenance Unit (6 MU).<ref name=m270/>
Construction of RAF Brize Norton began in 1935 with the official opening taking place on 13 August 1937.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.raf.mod.uk/rafbrizenorton/aboutus/history.cfm|title=Station History|website=RAF Brize Norton|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091211023323/http://www.raf.mod.uk/rafbrizenorton/aboutus/history.cfm|archive-date=11 December 2009|url-status=|accessdate=21 October 2018}}</ref> The station was originally to be named RAF Carterton, given its proximity and relationship with the town of the same name, but was instead named RAF Brize Norton to avoid possible confusion with RAF Cardington in [[Bedfordshire]].<ref>{{VCH|15|pp=205-218|Brize Norton: Introduction}}</ref> The station's first unit, No. 2 Flying Training School (2 FTS) transferred from RAF Digby in [[Lincolnshire]] on 7 September 1937.<ref name=m270/> On 10 October 1938, 2 FTS was joined by No. 6 Maintenance Unit (6 MU).<ref name=m270/>


One of the first operational squadrons to use the airfield was No. 110 Squadron which was mainly based at RAF Wattisham but a detachment used Brize Norton from June 1939 with the Bristol Blenheim Mks I and IV.<ref name=j55>{{Harvnb|Jefford|1988|p=55.}}</ref> 2 FTS was renamed No. 2 Service Flying Training School (2 SFTS) in September 1939, when it re-equipped with the Airspeed Oxford. No. 16 Service Training School, equipped with North American Harvards moved to Brize Norton in June 1940. On 16 August, the airfield was attacked by German bombers, with 35 Oxfords and 11 Hawker Hurricanes destroyed.<ref>{{cite book|last1=Jenkins|first1=Stanley C|title=Oxfordshire at War Through Time|date=2014|publisher=Amberley Publishing Limited|location=United Kingdom|isbn=9781445619460}}</ref> 16 SFTS left later that year, but 2 SFTS and 6 MU continued to use the airfield, with No. 1525 Beam Approach Training Flight arriving in February 1942.<ref name=m270/>
One of the first operational squadrons to use the airfield was No. 110 Squadron which was mainly based at RAF Wattisham but a detachment used Brize Norton from June 1939 with the Bristol Blenheim Mks I and IV.<ref name=j55>{{Harvnb|Jefford|1988|p=55.}}</ref> 2 FTS was renamed No. 2 Service Flying Training School (2 SFTS) in September 1939, when it re-equipped with the Airspeed Oxford. No. 16 Service Training School, equipped with North American Harvards moved to Brize Norton in June 1940. On 16 August, the airfield was attacked by German bombers, with 35 Oxfords and 11 Hawker Hurricanes destroyed.<ref>{{cite book|last1=Jenkins|first1=Stanley C|title=Oxfordshire at War Through Time|date=2014|publisher=Amberley Publishing Limited|location=United Kingdom|isbn=9781445619460}}</ref> 16 SFTS left later that year, but 2 SFTS and 6 MU continued to use the airfield, with No. 1525 Beam Approach Training Flight arriving in February 1942.<ref name=m270/>
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By 1950 elements of American Strategic Air Command (SAC) were based at [[RAF Lakenheath]], [[RAF Marham]], and [[RAF Sculthorpe]]. The increasing tension of the Cold War led to a re-evaluation of these deployments. By 1953 SAC bombers began to move further west, behind RAF fighter forces, to Brize Norton, [[RAF Greenham Common]], [[RAF Upper Heyford]], and [[RAF Fairford]]. As with the other stations it occupied, SAC invested heavily in extending the runway 6,000 to 9,000 feet, taxiways and dispersals, as well as constructing accommodation and weapons handling facilities. This work was completed in April 1951.<ref>{{Harvnb|Birtles|2012|p=86}}</ref>
By 1950 elements of American Strategic Air Command (SAC) were based at [[RAF Lakenheath]], [[RAF Marham]], and [[RAF Sculthorpe]]. The increasing tension of the Cold War led to a re-evaluation of these deployments. By 1953 SAC bombers began to move further west, behind RAF fighter forces, to Brize Norton, [[RAF Greenham Common]], [[RAF Upper Heyford]], and [[RAF Fairford]]. As with the other stations it occupied, SAC invested heavily in extending the runway 6,000 to 9,000 feet, taxiways and dispersals, as well as constructing accommodation and weapons handling facilities. This work was completed in April 1951.<ref>{{Harvnb|Birtles|2012|p=86}}</ref>


The station was transferred from United States Forces in Europe to the Strategic Air Command effective from 8 December 1952. 30th Air Depot Wing became the 3rd Air Force unit responsible for control of all personnel at Brize Norton, upon receipt of instructions to control base functions.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.airforcehistoryindex.org/data/000/462/938.xml|title=30 Air Depot Wing, Operations Plan 2-52 30 Air Depot Wing, Inability of the 30 Air Depot Wing to perform its mission (Case Report No. 1: Survey Inspection) Transfer of Royal Air Force Station Brize Norton, England from United States Air Forces in Europe to Strategic Air Command|website=Air Force History Index|access-date=2018-07-08}}</ref> The station was assigned to the 7th Air Division and operated by the 3920th Air Base Group, which was renamed as the 3920th Combat Support Group, and then the 3920th Strategic Wing in 1964. The 3920th ceased operations in 1965.<ref name=sacc>{{cite web|url=http://www.strategic-air-command.com/wings/4-digit-reflex.htm|title=Reflex Wings|publisher=Strategic Air Command|accessdate=5 July 2019}}</ref><ref name=afhra>{{cite web|url=https://www.afhra.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/1014654/2-munitions-sq-afgsc/|title=2 Munitions Sq (AFGSC)|publisher=Air Force Historic Research Agency|accessdate=5 July 2019}}</ref>
The station was transferred from United States Forces in Europe to the Strategic Air Command effective from 8 December 1952. 30th Air Depot Wing became the 3rd Air Force unit responsible for control of all personnel at Brize Norton, upon receipt of instructions to control base functions.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.airforcehistoryindex.org/data/000/462/938.xml|title=30 Air Depot Wing, Operations Plan 2-52 30 Air Depot Wing, Inability of the 30 Air Depot Wing to perform its mission (Case Report No. 1: Survey Inspection) Transfer of Royal Air Force Station Brize Norton, England from United States Air Forces in Europe to Strategic Air Command|website=Air Force History Index|accessdate=2018-07-08}}</ref> The station was assigned to the 7th Air Division and operated by the 3920th Air Base Group, which was renamed as the 3920th Combat Support Group, and then the 3920th Strategic Wing in 1964. The 3920th ceased operations in 1965.<ref name=sacc>{{cite web|url=http://www.strategic-air-command.com/wings/4-digit-reflex.htm|title=Reflex Wings|publisher=Strategic Air Command|accessdate=5 July 2019}}</ref><ref name=afhra>{{cite web|url=https://www.afhra.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/1014654/2-munitions-sq-afgsc/|title=2 Munitions Sq (AFGSC)|publisher=Air Force Historic Research Agency|accessdate=5 July 2019}}</ref>


The first major USAF deployment was that of 21 Convair B-36 Peacemaker strategic bombers of the 11th Bomb Wing for eight days in June 1952. Boeing B-29 Superfortress and the KB-29 tanker variant of the 301st Bombardment Wing were based at Brize Norton on temporary duty from December 1952 to April 1953.<ref name=m270/>
The first major USAF deployment was that of 21 Convair B-36 Peacemaker strategic bombers of the 11th Bomb Wing for eight days in June 1952. Boeing B-29 Superfortress and the KB-29 tanker variant of the 301st Bombardment Wing were based at Brize Norton on temporary duty from December 1952 to April 1953.<ref name=m270/>
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On 23 May 2001 the RAF's first C-17 arrived at Brize Norton, one of eight to be delivered to 99 Squadron.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.defense-aerospace.com/articles-view/release/3/5409/first-c_17-for-raf-arrives-at-home-base-%28may-25%29.html|title=First RAF C-17 Arrives at Its New Home|publisher=Ministry of Defence|date=23 May 2001|accessdate=5 July 2019}}</ref> On 14 October 2005, 10 Squadron was disbanded, the aircrew and aircraft were merged with 101 Squadron.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nationalcoldwarexhibition.org/research/squadrons/10/|title=10 Squadron|publisher=RAF Museum|accessdate=5 July 2019}}</ref>
On 23 May 2001 the RAF's first C-17 arrived at Brize Norton, one of eight to be delivered to 99 Squadron.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.defense-aerospace.com/articles-view/release/3/5409/first-c_17-for-raf-arrives-at-home-base-%28may-25%29.html|title=First RAF C-17 Arrives at Its New Home|publisher=Ministry of Defence|date=23 May 2001|accessdate=5 July 2019}}</ref> On 14 October 2005, 10 Squadron was disbanded, the aircrew and aircraft were merged with 101 Squadron.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nationalcoldwarexhibition.org/research/squadrons/10/|title=10 Squadron|publisher=RAF Museum|accessdate=5 July 2019}}</ref>


Work to repair and upgrade the runways commenced in April 2007, and repatriation of British personnel was transferred to RAF Lyneham at the same time.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2010/feb/25/wootton-bassett-audrey-gillan|title=How Wootton Bassett became the town that cried|last=Gillan|first=Audrey|date=25 February 2010|website=The Guardian|language=en|access-date=2018-07-08}}</ref> With the closure of RAF Lyneham taking place in late 2011, the repatriation transferred back to Brize Norton on 8 September 2011. To accommodate the repatriation services, a purpose-built centre was constructed,<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2011/sep/08/first-military-repatriation-raf-brize-norton |title=RAF Brize Norton expects 2,000 people as military repatriations return |work=The Guardian|accessdate=14 September 2011 |location=London |first=Steven |last=Morris |date=8 September 2011}}</ref> and an exit gate was refurbished and formally named the Britannia Gate.<ref>{{cite news |title=RAF Brize Norton ceremony marks Lyneham transfer |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-oxfordshire-14732765 |newspaper=BBC News |date=1 September 2011 |accessdate=26 June 2012}}</ref>
Work to repair and upgrade the runways commenced in April 2007, and repatriation of British personnel was transferred to RAF Lyneham at the same time.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2010/feb/25/wootton-bassett-audrey-gillan|title=How Wootton Bassett became the town that cried|last=Gillan|first=Audrey|date=25 February 2010|website=The Guardian|language=en|accessdate=2018-07-08}}</ref> With the closure of RAF Lyneham taking place in late 2011, the repatriation transferred back to Brize Norton on 8 September 2011. To accommodate the repatriation services, a purpose-built centre was constructed,<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2011/sep/08/first-military-repatriation-raf-brize-norton |title=RAF Brize Norton expects 2,000 people as military repatriations return |work=The Guardian|accessdate=14 September 2011 |location=London |first=Steven |last=Morris |date=8 September 2011}}</ref> and an exit gate was refurbished and formally named the Britannia Gate.<ref>{{cite news |title=RAF Brize Norton ceremony marks Lyneham transfer |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-oxfordshire-14732765 |newspaper=BBC News |date=1 September 2011 |accessdate=26 June 2012}}</ref>


===Redevelopment as a transport base===
===Redevelopment as a transport base===
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To accommodate this expansion (with the number of aircraft stationed at Brize Norton increasing from 28 to 67),<ref>{{cite news |title=RAF Lyneham relocates to Brize Norton |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-oxfordshire-13940993 |newspaper=BBC News |date=1 July 2011 |accessdate=22 July 2011}}</ref> a major infrastructure redevelopment, "Programme Future Brize" was established in 2009. The project involved the overhaul of virtually every element of the airfield's infrastructure, including IT, engineering, housing and personnel.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.raf.mod.uk/rafbrizenorton/aboutus/programmefuturebrize.cfm |title=RAF Brize Norton - Programme Future Brize |year=2011 |publisher=Royal Air Force |accessdate=4 May 2011}}</ref>
To accommodate this expansion (with the number of aircraft stationed at Brize Norton increasing from 28 to 67),<ref>{{cite news |title=RAF Lyneham relocates to Brize Norton |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-oxfordshire-13940993 |newspaper=BBC News |date=1 July 2011 |accessdate=22 July 2011}}</ref> a major infrastructure redevelopment, "Programme Future Brize" was established in 2009. The project involved the overhaul of virtually every element of the airfield's infrastructure, including IT, engineering, housing and personnel.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.raf.mod.uk/rafbrizenorton/aboutus/programmefuturebrize.cfm |title=RAF Brize Norton - Programme Future Brize |year=2011 |publisher=Royal Air Force |accessdate=4 May 2011}}</ref>


On 25 January 2011, a new station chapel and chaplaincy centre was opened by the RAF Chaplain-in-Chief, The Venerable (Air Vice Marshal) Ray Pentland.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.raf.mod.uk/rafbrizenorton/newsweather/index.cfm?storyid=F9868442-5056-A318-A8C2E4C1DE8C881A|title=New Stn Chapel and Chaplaincy Centre|date=28 January 2011|website=RAF Brize Norton|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120411212253/http://www.raf.mod.uk/rafbrizenorton/newsweather/index.cfm?storyid=F9868442-5056-A318-A8C2E4C1DE8C881A|archive-date=11 April 2012|url-status=|access-date=29 October 2018}}</ref>
On 25 January 2011, a new station chapel and chaplaincy centre was opened by the RAF Chaplain-in-Chief, The Venerable (Air Vice Marshal) Ray Pentland.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.raf.mod.uk/rafbrizenorton/newsweather/index.cfm?storyid=F9868442-5056-A318-A8C2E4C1DE8C881A|title=New Stn Chapel and Chaplaincy Centre|date=28 January 2011|website=RAF Brize Norton|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120411212253/http://www.raf.mod.uk/rafbrizenorton/newsweather/index.cfm?storyid=F9868442-5056-A318-A8C2E4C1DE8C881A|archive-date=11 April 2012|url-status=|accessdate=29 October 2018}}</ref>


By March 2011, 70 buildings had been refurbished on the station.<ref>{{cite news |title=Housing shortages at Brize Norton caused by funding constraints |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-oxfordshire-12686557 |newspaper=BBC News |date=9 March 2011 |accessdate=22 July 2011}}</ref> As part of work to prepare for the introduction of Voyager aircraft into active service, a new hangar and office complex was opened in the same month.<ref>{{cite news |title=New hangar opens for tanker aircraft at RAF Brize Norton |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-oxfordshire-12919529 |newspaper=BBC News |date=31 March 2011 |accessdate=22 July 2011}}</ref>
By March 2011, 70 buildings had been refurbished on the station.<ref>{{cite news |title=Housing shortages at Brize Norton caused by funding constraints |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-oxfordshire-12686557 |newspaper=BBC News |date=9 March 2011 |accessdate=22 July 2011}}</ref> As part of work to prepare for the introduction of Voyager aircraft into active service, a new hangar and office complex was opened in the same month.<ref>{{cite news |title=New hangar opens for tanker aircraft at RAF Brize Norton |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-oxfordshire-12919529 |newspaper=BBC News |date=31 March 2011 |accessdate=22 July 2011}}</ref>
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The Hercules fleet at RAF Lyneham officially moved to Brize Norton on 1 July 2011. The final four aircraft flew to the station, conducting a flypast over Wiltshire. Group Captain John Gladstone, Station Commander of RAF Lyneham, flew the lead Hercules, which carried the standards of the Hercules squadrons. These were presented to the Station Commander of RAF Brize Norton, Group Captain Dom Stamp in a welcoming ceremony.<ref>{{cite news |title=Mixed emotions as Hercules leave RAF Lyneham |last=Mooney |first=Tom |url=http://www.gazetteandherald.co.uk/news/9118007.Mixed_emotions_as_Hercules_leave_RAF_Lyneham/ |newspaper=Gazette & Herald |date=1 July 2011 |accessdate=15 April 2012}}</ref>
The Hercules fleet at RAF Lyneham officially moved to Brize Norton on 1 July 2011. The final four aircraft flew to the station, conducting a flypast over Wiltshire. Group Captain John Gladstone, Station Commander of RAF Lyneham, flew the lead Hercules, which carried the standards of the Hercules squadrons. These were presented to the Station Commander of RAF Brize Norton, Group Captain Dom Stamp in a welcoming ceremony.<ref>{{cite news |title=Mixed emotions as Hercules leave RAF Lyneham |last=Mooney |first=Tom |url=http://www.gazetteandherald.co.uk/news/9118007.Mixed_emotions_as_Hercules_leave_RAF_Lyneham/ |newspaper=Gazette & Herald |date=1 July 2011 |accessdate=15 April 2012}}</ref>


In February 2012, work started on converting a Second World War hangar located north of the main airfield site into new accommodation for the RAF Tactical Medical Wing (TMW) and No. 4626 (County of Wiltshire) Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron (RAuxAF). The work, which cost £15 million, included provision of a single storey temperature-controlled facility within the hangar for the TMW's operational stores facilities, office accommodation, a training building and external training area. The facilities opened in July 2013 and allowed the TMW and No. 4626 Squadron to move to Brize Norton from RAF Lyneham.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://news.cision.com/defence-infrastructure-organisation/r/work-starts-on-medical-support-facilities-at-oxfordshire-air-base,c9222104|title=Work starts on medical support facilities at Oxfordshire air base|date=17 February 2012|website=Cision|access-date=21 October 2018}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.govopps.co.uk/dio-opens-raf-brize-norton-tactical-medical-wing-facilities/|title=DIO opens RAF Brize Norton Tactical Medical Wing facilities  - Government Opportunities|date=4 July 2013|website=Government Opportunities|language=en-US|access-date=21 October 2018}}</ref>
In February 2012, work started on converting a Second World War hangar located north of the main airfield site into new accommodation for the RAF Tactical Medical Wing (TMW) and No. 4626 (County of Wiltshire) Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron (RAuxAF). The work, which cost £15 million, included provision of a single storey temperature-controlled facility within the hangar for the TMW's operational stores facilities, office accommodation, a training building and external training area. The facilities opened in July 2013 and allowed the TMW and No. 4626 Squadron to move to Brize Norton from RAF Lyneham.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://news.cision.com/defence-infrastructure-organisation/r/work-starts-on-medical-support-facilities-at-oxfordshire-air-base,c9222104|title=Work starts on medical support facilities at Oxfordshire air base|date=17 February 2012|website=Cision|accessdate=21 October 2018}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.govopps.co.uk/dio-opens-raf-brize-norton-tactical-medical-wing-facilities/|title=DIO opens RAF Brize Norton Tactical Medical Wing facilities  - Government Opportunities|date=4 July 2013|website=Government Opportunities|language=en-US|accessdate=21 October 2018}}</ref>


On 25 August 2017, the station's Air Movements Squadron merged with No. 1 Air Mobility Wing (1AMW), a high readiness unit providing early entry air movements support forming part of the RAF's A4 Force which specialises in logistic support for expeditionary air operations.<ref>{{Cite journal|title=Project Hadron Successfully Completed|url=https://www.raf.mod.uk/rafbrizenorton/rafcms/mediafiles/DF4E010B_A174_BC17_E76825F93F2CF602.pdf|journal=51º North|volume=Issue 7 – 2017|pages=15}}</ref>
On 25 August 2017, the station's Air Movements Squadron merged with No. 1 Air Mobility Wing (1AMW), a high readiness unit providing early entry air movements support forming part of the RAF's A4 Force which specialises in logistic support for expeditionary air operations.<ref>{{Cite journal|title=Project Hadron Successfully Completed|url=https://www.raf.mod.uk/rafbrizenorton/rafcms/mediafiles/DF4E010B_A174_BC17_E76825F93F2CF602.pdf|journal=51º North|volume=Issue 7 – 2017|pages=15}}</ref>


A new maintenance hangar capable of accommodating three Airbus A400M Atlas aircraft was officially opened by Minister for Defence Procurement Guto Bebb on 1 February 2018. The hangar, located on the eastern side of the airfield, cost approximately £70 million and was designed to provide 24,000 square metres of floor space.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://raf-beta-public.org/news/atlas-aircraft-hangar-opened-by-defence-minister/|title=Atlas aircraft hangar opened by Defence Minister|date=1 February 2018|website=Royal Air Force|access-date=5 February 2018}}</ref>
A new maintenance hangar capable of accommodating three Airbus A400M Atlas aircraft was officially opened by Minister for Defence Procurement Guto Bebb on 1 February 2018. The hangar, located on the eastern side of the airfield, cost approximately £70 million and was designed to provide 24,000 square metres of floor space.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://raf-beta-public.org/news/atlas-aircraft-hangar-opened-by-defence-minister/|title=Atlas aircraft hangar opened by Defence Minister|date=1 February 2018|website=Royal Air Force|accessdate=5 February 2018}}</ref>


In September 2018, No. 2 Squadron RAF Regiment, which provides protection to the Air Mobility Force, moved to the station from [[RAF Honington]] in [[Suffolk]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.forces.net/news/raf-regiment-squadron-receives-new-standard|title=RAF Regiment Squadron Receives New Standard|last=Cooper|first=Tim|date=25 September 2018|work=Forces Network|access-date=18 October 2018|language=en}}</ref>
In September 2018, No. 2 Squadron RAF Regiment, which provides protection to the Air Mobility Force, moved to the station from [[RAF Honington]] in [[Suffolk]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.forces.net/news/raf-regiment-squadron-receives-new-standard|title=RAF Regiment Squadron Receives New Standard|last=Cooper|first=Tim|date=25 September 2018|work=Forces Network|accessdate=18 October 2018|language=en}}</ref>


==Role and operations==
==Role and operations==
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==Community relations and media==
==Community relations and media==
RAF Brize Norton enjoys the freedom of [[Carterton]], of [[Exeter]], and of [[Torbay]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.oxfordmail.co.uk/news/yourtown/witney/14444334.RAF_Brize_Norton_honoured_to_receive_Freedom_of_the_Town_of_Carterton/|title=RAF Brize Norton honoured to receive Freedom of the Town of Carterton|last=Archer|first=Megan|date=21 April 2016|website=Oxford Mail|access-date=20 October 2018}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/av/uk-england-devon-24617120/raf-brize-norton-granted-freedom-of-exeter|title=RAF Brize Norton granted freedom of Exeter|date=21 October 2013|website=BBC News|language=en-GB|access-date=20 October 2018}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.devonlive.com/news/devon-news/rafs-biggest-air-base-been-480757|title=RAF's biggest base to get the Freedom of Torbay|last=Henderson|first=Guy|date=15 September 2018|work=Devon Live|access-date=20 October 2018}}</ref>
RAF Brize Norton enjoys the freedom of [[Carterton]], of [[Exeter]], and of [[Torbay]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.oxfordmail.co.uk/news/yourtown/witney/14444334.RAF_Brize_Norton_honoured_to_receive_Freedom_of_the_Town_of_Carterton/|title=RAF Brize Norton honoured to receive Freedom of the Town of Carterton|last=Archer|first=Megan|date=21 April 2016|website=Oxford Mail|accessdate=20 October 2018}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/av/uk-england-devon-24617120/raf-brize-norton-granted-freedom-of-exeter|title=RAF Brize Norton granted freedom of Exeter|date=21 October 2013|website=BBC News|language=en-GB|accessdate=20 October 2018}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.devonlive.com/news/devon-news/rafs-biggest-air-base-been-480757|title=RAF's biggest base to get the Freedom of Torbay|last=Henderson|first=Guy|date=15 September 2018|work=Devon Live|accessdate=20 October 2018}}</ref>


The station magazine is called ''51º North'', in reference to the latitude of Brize Norton (51º 45'). The magazine is distributed to station personnel, their families and the local community and is available on-line.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://forcespublishing.co.uk/pages/raf_publications_pages/raf_brize_norton.html|title=Royal Air Force Brize Norton|website=Forces Publishing|access-date=20 October 2018}}</ref>
The station magazine is called ''51º North'', in reference to the latitude of Brize Norton (51º 45'). The magazine is distributed to station personnel, their families and the local community and is available on-line.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://forcespublishing.co.uk/pages/raf_publications_pages/raf_brize_norton.html|title=Royal Air Force Brize Norton|website=Forces Publishing|accessdate=20 October 2018}}</ref>


The station featured in the 2013 observational documentary series ''Inside RAF Brize Norton''. The seven-part series followed activity at the station during 2012 and was shown on Sky One.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.gov.uk/government/news/behind-the-scenes-at-raf-brize-norton|title=Behind the scenes at RAF Brize Norton|date=21 November 2013|work=GOV.UK|access-date=20 October 2018|publisher=Ministry of Defence|language=en}}</ref>
The station featured in the 2013 observational documentary series ''Inside RAF Brize Norton''. The seven-part series followed activity at the station during 2012 and was shown on Sky One.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.gov.uk/government/news/behind-the-scenes-at-raf-brize-norton|title=Behind the scenes at RAF Brize Norton|date=21 November 2013|work=GOV.UK|accessdate=20 October 2018|publisher=Ministry of Defence|language=en}}</ref>


==Outside links==
==Outside links==

Latest revision as of 09:17, 19 June 2020

RAF Brize Norton
A400M Atlas at RAF Brize Norton
A400M Atlas at RAF Brize Norton
Code IATA: BZZ, ICAO: EGVN
County Oxfordshire
Badge of the Royal Air Force
Badge of the Royal Air Force
Owner Ministry of Defence
Operator Royal Air Force
Location Carterton
SP28840578
51°45’0"N, 1°35’1"W
Runway(s) 10,000 feet (Asphalt)
Website raf.mod.uk/rafbrizenorton

Royal Air Force Brize Norton (IATA: BZZ, ICAO: EGVN) in Oxfordshire is the largest station of the Royal Air Force.[1] It is close to the villages of Brize Norton, Carterton and Witney.

In addition to military use, flights to Ascension Island take off from Brize Norton, which carry civilian passengers.

The station is home to Air Transport, Air-to-Air refuelling and Military Parachuting, with aircraft operating from the station including the Lockheed C-130 Hercules, Boeing C-17 Globemaster III, Airbus A400M Atlas and Airbus Voyager which replaced the now-decommissioned Vickers VC10 in September 2013[2] and the Lockheed TriStar in March 2014.[3]

Major infrastructure redevelopment began in 2010 ahead of the closure of RAF Lyneham in 2012, at which point Brize Norton became the sole air point of embarkation for British troops.[4]

History

A glider tug coming in to land between Horsa gliders at RAF Brize Norton, October 1943

Royal Air Force

Construction of RAF Brize Norton began in 1935 with the official opening taking place on 13 August 1937.[5] The station was originally to be named RAF Carterton, given its proximity and relationship with the town of the same name, but was instead named RAF Brize Norton to avoid possible confusion with RAF Cardington in Bedfordshire.[6] The station's first unit, No. 2 Flying Training School (2 FTS) transferred from RAF Digby in Lincolnshire on 7 September 1937.[7] On 10 October 1938, 2 FTS was joined by No. 6 Maintenance Unit (6 MU).[7]

One of the first operational squadrons to use the airfield was No. 110 Squadron which was mainly based at RAF Wattisham but a detachment used Brize Norton from June 1939 with the Bristol Blenheim Mks I and IV.[8] 2 FTS was renamed No. 2 Service Flying Training School (2 SFTS) in September 1939, when it re-equipped with the Airspeed Oxford. No. 16 Service Training School, equipped with North American Harvards moved to Brize Norton in June 1940. On 16 August, the airfield was attacked by German bombers, with 35 Oxfords and 11 Hawker Hurricanes destroyed.[9] 16 SFTS left later that year, but 2 SFTS and 6 MU continued to use the airfield, with No. 1525 Beam Approach Training Flight arriving in February 1942.[7]

The No. 110 Squadron detachment left Brize Norton on 17 March 1942, when the squadron departed for the Far East.[8] The two flying training units left on 16 July 1942 to make way for a new user, the Heavy Glider Conversion Unit (HGCU), equipped with Whitley glider tugs and Horsa gliders.[7] No. 296 Squadron and No. 297 Squadron both moved in on 14 March 1944 with their Armstrong Whitworth Albemarles,[10] displacing the Heavy Glider Conversion Unit, which moved to RAF North Luffenham. The two Squadrons took part in the Invasion of France on 6 June 1944 and Operation Market Garden in September 1944,[7] before No. 296 Squadron added the Handley Page Halifax V to their inventory and moved to RAF Earls Colne on 29 September 1944. No. 297 Squadron also moved to Earls Colne a day later.[10]

The HGCU (soon renumbered 21 HGCU) returned on 15 October 1944, remaining at Brize Norton until 31 December 1945. The Transport Command Development Unit (TCDU) moved in during 1946, operating a variety of equipment until it departed in June 1949.[7] No. 297 Squadron returned after the Second World War ended, on 5 September 1946 with the Halifax Mks A.7 and A.9 from RAF Tarrant Rushton before leaving on 21 August 1947 for RAF Fairford.[10] After the TCDU left in June 1949, 2 Squadron of the Central Flying School, equipped with Harvards, moved in, followed by No. 204 Advanced Flying School, equipped with de Havilland Mosquitos, staying at Brize Norton until March and June 1950 respectively.[7]

United States Air Force

By 1950 elements of American Strategic Air Command (SAC) were based at RAF Lakenheath, RAF Marham, and RAF Sculthorpe. The increasing tension of the Cold War led to a re-evaluation of these deployments. By 1953 SAC bombers began to move further west, behind RAF fighter forces, to Brize Norton, RAF Greenham Common, RAF Upper Heyford, and RAF Fairford. As with the other stations it occupied, SAC invested heavily in extending the runway 6,000 to 9,000 feet, taxiways and dispersals, as well as constructing accommodation and weapons handling facilities. This work was completed in April 1951.[11]

The station was transferred from United States Forces in Europe to the Strategic Air Command effective from 8 December 1952. 30th Air Depot Wing became the 3rd Air Force unit responsible for control of all personnel at Brize Norton, upon receipt of instructions to control base functions.[12] The station was assigned to the 7th Air Division and operated by the 3920th Air Base Group, which was renamed as the 3920th Combat Support Group, and then the 3920th Strategic Wing in 1964. The 3920th ceased operations in 1965.[13][14]

The first major USAF deployment was that of 21 Convair B-36 Peacemaker strategic bombers of the 11th Bomb Wing for eight days in June 1952. Boeing B-29 Superfortress and the KB-29 tanker variant of the 301st Bombardment Wing were based at Brize Norton on temporary duty from December 1952 to April 1953.[7]

From September 1953, units equipped with the Boeing B-47E Stratojet six-engined bombers began to be deployed to Brize Norton on 90-day temporary deployments, with boom-equipped Boeing KC-97G Stratofreighters also being deployed in support from December 1954.[7] Brize Norton was closed for runway repairs in 1956.[7] Later deployments included KC-97 and Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker and the first Convair B-58 Hustler and Boeing B-52 Stratofortress bombers to land in the United Kingdom.[7]

From 1958, B-47 deployments changed from 90-day temporary deployments to 30-day Reflex Alerts, in which the aircraft did little flying, but were held at a high degree of readiness (armed with nuclear bombs) on special aprons on the south side of the airbase.[7][15] In September 1964, the USAF announced that Reflex operations would cease and that Brize Norton would be handed back to the RAF.[13][14]

Back to Royal Air Force control

RAF, RAAF and USAF C-17s and flight crews at RAF Brize Norton in June 2007

With RAF Lyneham, the home of RAF Transport Command's Bristol Britannia and De Havilland Comet fleets operating at capacity, the planned introduction to RAF service of the Vickers VC10 and Short Belfast created a requirement for an additional major strategic transport airfield. The planned withdrawal of the United States Air Force, its long runway and close proximity to army bases in the south of England, resulted in Brize Norton being selected for the role in 1963.[16]

While the base was formally returned to the RAF on 1 April 1965, the last SAC aircraft, a B-47E of the 380th Bombardment Wing left the base on 3 April, while USAF personnel finally left on 31 May.[7]

Both No. 10 Squadron, equipped with the Vickers VC10 C.1 jet transport[17] and No. 53 Squadron equipped with the Short Belfast C.1 heavy lift turboprop freighter moved from RAF Fairford in May 1967.[18] As facilities at Brize Norton were still unfinished, they used RAF Lyneham as a passenger terminal until October 1968.[15]

In 1970 two squadrons 99 Squadron[19] and 511 Squadron operating the Bristol Britannia moved from RAF Lyneham. Both squadrons were disbanded in 1976,[20] along with 53 Squadron, operating the Short Belfast C1 heavy lift turboprop freighter.[18] In the same year, 115 Squadron moved from RAF Cottesmore operating the Hawker Siddeley Andover in the radar calibration role. The squadron moved to RAF Benson in 1983.[21]

A Vickers VC10 of No. 101 Squadron

101 Squadron reformed at Brize Norton on 1 May 1984,[22] 101 Squadron flew converted civil VC10s, heavily modified and updated by British Aerospace for military service as aerial refuelling tankers between 1983 and 1993. Of the 39 airline aircraft acquired by the RAF, 13 were converted, while the remainders were used for spare parts. These converted VC10s were all 3-point tankers; capable of refuelling one aircraft (typically another large aircraft) using the main hose or two smaller aircraft using the underwing pods. The variants were known as K.2, K.3 and K.4.[23]

Following the Falklands War, the RAF found itself lacking in the strategic transport capabilities required to sustain the expanded military presence there. As a result, 216 Squadron was reformed at Brize Norton in November 1984,[24] initially flying six ex-British Airways TriStars, followed by three more from Pan-Am.[25]

On 23 May 2001 the RAF's first C-17 arrived at Brize Norton, one of eight to be delivered to 99 Squadron.[26] On 14 October 2005, 10 Squadron was disbanded, the aircrew and aircraft were merged with 101 Squadron.[27]

Work to repair and upgrade the runways commenced in April 2007, and repatriation of British personnel was transferred to RAF Lyneham at the same time.[28] With the closure of RAF Lyneham taking place in late 2011, the repatriation transferred back to Brize Norton on 8 September 2011. To accommodate the repatriation services, a purpose-built centre was constructed,[29] and an exit gate was refurbished and formally named the Britannia Gate.[30]

Redevelopment as a transport base

Lockheed TriStar at RAF Brize Norton, then operating an air bridge flight to RAF Ascension Island

Brize Norton was subsequently redeveloped as the major airbase for the RAF's transport fleet. The end of flying from RAF Lyneham in September 2011 made Brize Norton the sole "Air Point of Embarkation", the main operating base for RAF air transport and in-air refuelling aircraft, and home to 15% of RAF uniformed manpower.[31] All the RAF's fixed wing transport assets were consolidated at Brize Norton, with the transfer of the entire Hercules force, together with the entry into service of the Airbus A400M and the Voyager.[32]

To accommodate this expansion (with the number of aircraft stationed at Brize Norton increasing from 28 to 67),[33] a major infrastructure redevelopment, "Programme Future Brize" was established in 2009. The project involved the overhaul of virtually every element of the airfield's infrastructure, including IT, engineering, housing and personnel.[34]

On 25 January 2011, a new station chapel and chaplaincy centre was opened by the RAF Chaplain-in-Chief, The Venerable (Air Vice Marshal) Ray Pentland.[35]

By March 2011, 70 buildings had been refurbished on the station.[36] As part of work to prepare for the introduction of Voyager aircraft into active service, a new hangar and office complex was opened in the same month.[37]

The Hercules fleet at RAF Lyneham officially moved to Brize Norton on 1 July 2011. The final four aircraft flew to the station, conducting a flypast over Wiltshire. Group Captain John Gladstone, Station Commander of RAF Lyneham, flew the lead Hercules, which carried the standards of the Hercules squadrons. These were presented to the Station Commander of RAF Brize Norton, Group Captain Dom Stamp in a welcoming ceremony.[38]

In February 2012, work started on converting a Second World War hangar located north of the main airfield site into new accommodation for the RAF Tactical Medical Wing (TMW) and No. 4626 (County of Wiltshire) Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron (RAuxAF). The work, which cost £15 million, included provision of a single storey temperature-controlled facility within the hangar for the TMW's operational stores facilities, office accommodation, a training building and external training area. The facilities opened in July 2013 and allowed the TMW and No. 4626 Squadron to move to Brize Norton from RAF Lyneham.[39][40]

On 25 August 2017, the station's Air Movements Squadron merged with No. 1 Air Mobility Wing (1AMW), a high readiness unit providing early entry air movements support forming part of the RAF's A4 Force which specialises in logistic support for expeditionary air operations.[41]

A new maintenance hangar capable of accommodating three Airbus A400M Atlas aircraft was officially opened by Minister for Defence Procurement Guto Bebb on 1 February 2018. The hangar, located on the eastern side of the airfield, cost approximately £70 million and was designed to provide 24,000 square metres of floor space.[42]

In September 2018, No. 2 Squadron RAF Regiment, which provides protection to the Air Mobility Force, moved to the station from RAF Honington in Suffolk.[43]

Role and operations

An RAF A330 Voyager landing at RAF Brize Norton

Transport operations

The station is home to approximately 5,800 military staff, 1,200 contractors and 300 civilian staff.[1] The station accommodates the RAF's strategic and tactical air transport and air-to-air refuelling fleets, operating the Lockheed C-130 Hercules, Boeing C-17 Globemaster III, Airbus A400M Atlas and Airbus A330 MRTT Voyager.[1] The Airbus A330 MRTT is operated by AirTanker Services under the Future Strategic Tanker Aircraft contract.[44]

Civilian passengers had been permitted on flights to and from RAF Ascension Island with reservations handled by AW Ship Management, with some customers doing package deals combined with the RMS St Helena, which travelled between Saint Helena and Cape Town, South Africa until the opening of St Helena Airport to passenger flights.[45][46]

Expeditionary Air Wing

No. 38 Expeditionary Air Wing was formed at Brize Norton on 1 April 2006 to create a deployable air force structure.[47]

Supported units

The station is home to Joint Air Delivery Test and Evaluation Unit (JADTEU) – a tri-service unit that tests and evaluates air transportation methods,[48] No.1 Parachute Training School RAF – a training school for airborne forces[49] and No 1 Air Mobility Wing – an air combat support unit on high readiness to deploy specialist movements personnel worldwide.[1]

Civilian use

  • RAF Brize Norton Flying Club is based here.

Community relations and media

RAF Brize Norton enjoys the freedom of Carterton, of Exeter, and of Torbay.[50][51][52]

The station magazine is called 51º North, in reference to the latitude of Brize Norton (51º 45'). The magazine is distributed to station personnel, their families and the local community and is available on-line.[53]

The station featured in the 2013 observational documentary series Inside RAF Brize Norton. The seven-part series followed activity at the station during 2012 and was shown on Sky One.[54]

Outside links

 ("Wikimedia Commons" has material
about RAF Brize Norton)

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 "RAF Brize Norton". Royal Air Force. 2011. http://www.raf.mod.uk/rafbrizenorton/. Retrieved 5 March 2011. 
  2. ↑ "The 'End of an Era' For The Queen of the Skies". Royal Air Force. 26 September 2013. http://www.raf.mod.uk/news/archive/vc10-final-flight-26092013. Retrieved 10 February 2017. 
  3. ↑ "TriStar Retires After 30 Years Service with the RAF". Royal Air Force. 25 March 2014. http://www.raf.mod.uk/news/archive/tristar-retires-after-30-years-service-with-the-raf-25032014. Retrieved 4 August 2014. 
  4. ↑ Hearn, Dan (4 February 2011). "RAF Brize Norton to double in size". This is Oxfordshire. http://www.thisisoxfordshire.co.uk/news/8832647.RAF_Brize_Norton_to_double_in_size/. Retrieved 5 March 2011. 
  5. ↑ "Station History". http://www.raf.mod.uk/rafbrizenorton/aboutus/history.cfm. Retrieved 21 October 2018. 
  6. ↑ A History of the County of Oxford - Volume 15 pp 205-218: Brize Norton: Introduction (Victoria County History)
  7. ↑ 7.00 7.01 7.02 7.03 7.04 7.05 7.06 7.07 7.08 7.09 7.10 7.11 7.12 March 1982a, pp. 270–271
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 Jefford 1988, p. 55.
  9. ↑ Jenkins, Stanley C (2014). Oxfordshire at War Through Time. United Kingdom: Amberley Publishing Limited. ISBN 9781445619460. 
  10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 10.2 Jefford 1988, p. 84.
  11. ↑ Birtles 2012, p. 86
  12. ↑ "30 Air Depot Wing, Operations Plan 2-52 30 Air Depot Wing, Inability of the 30 Air Depot Wing to perform its mission (Case Report No. 1: Survey Inspection) Transfer of Royal Air Force Station Brize Norton, England from United States Air Forces in Europe to Strategic Air Command". http://www.airforcehistoryindex.org/data/000/462/938.xml. Retrieved 2018-07-08. 
  13. ↑ 13.0 13.1 "Reflex Wings". Strategic Air Command. http://www.strategic-air-command.com/wings/4-digit-reflex.htm. Retrieved 5 July 2019. 
  14. ↑ 14.0 14.1 "2 Munitions Sq (AFGSC)". Air Force Historic Research Agency. https://www.afhra.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/1014654/2-munitions-sq-afgsc/. Retrieved 5 July 2019. 
  15. ↑ 15.0 15.1 March 1982b, p. 320
  16. ↑ "VC10s and Belfasts to be Based at Brize". Flight International (Reed Business Information): 1043. 18 June 1964. https://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1964/1964%20-%201876.html. 
  17. ↑ Jefford 1988, p. 27
  18. ↑ 18.0 18.1 Jefford 1988, p. 42
  19. ↑ Jefford 1988, p. 53.
  20. ↑ Jefford 1988, p. 95.
  21. ↑ Jefford 1988, p. 57.
  22. ↑ Jefford 1988, p. 54.
  23. ↑ Dancey, Peter G. (2014). "British Aircraft Manufacturers Since 1909". Fonthill Media. https://books.google.co.uk/books?id=3CX5DQAAQBAJ&pg=PT36&lpg=PT36&dq=K.2,+K.3+and+K.4+Vc+10&source=bl&ots=T0V1o-BDbG&sig=ACfU3U18Y9GA9Qc8VstClOni29E6QUiABA&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjV-N7s-p3jAhXRRxUIHUU0Bsg4ChDoATAEegQICBAB#v=onepage&q=K.2%2C%20K.3%20and%20K.4%20Vc%2010&f=false. 
  24. ↑ Jefford 1988, p. 71.
  25. ↑ Frawley 2002, p. 44.
  26. ↑ "First RAF C-17 Arrives at Its New Home". Ministry of Defence. 23 May 2001. http://www.defense-aerospace.com/articles-view/release/3/5409/first-c_17-for-raf-arrives-at-home-base-%28may-25%29.html. Retrieved 5 July 2019. 
  27. ↑ "10 Squadron". RAF Museum. https://www.nationalcoldwarexhibition.org/research/squadrons/10/. Retrieved 5 July 2019. 
  28. ↑ Gillan, Audrey (25 February 2010). "How Wootton Bassett became the town that cried" (in en). https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2010/feb/25/wootton-bassett-audrey-gillan. Retrieved 2018-07-08. 
  29. ↑ Morris, Steven (8 September 2011). "RAF Brize Norton expects 2,000 people as military repatriations return". The Guardian (London). https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2011/sep/08/first-military-repatriation-raf-brize-norton. Retrieved 14 September 2011. 
  30. ↑ "RAF Brize Norton ceremony marks Lyneham transfer". BBC News. 1 September 2011. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-oxfordshire-14732765. Retrieved 26 June 2012. 
  31. ↑ "Brize Norton continues its evolution into main RAF hub". Ministry of Defence. 1 February 2011. http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/DefencePolicyAndBusiness/BrizeNortonContinuesItsEvolutionIntoMainRafHub.htm. Retrieved 5 March 2011. 
  32. ↑ Heath, Ashley (31 August 2010). "RAF Lyneham Closure Plan". BBC. http://news.bbc.co.uk/local/wiltshire/hi/people_and_places/newsid_8955000/8955988.stm. Retrieved 5 March 2011. 
  33. ↑ "RAF Lyneham relocates to Brize Norton". BBC News. 1 July 2011. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-oxfordshire-13940993. Retrieved 22 July 2011. 
  34. ↑ "RAF Brize Norton - Programme Future Brize". Royal Air Force. 2011. http://www.raf.mod.uk/rafbrizenorton/aboutus/programmefuturebrize.cfm. Retrieved 4 May 2011. 
  35. ↑ "New Stn Chapel and Chaplaincy Centre". 28 January 2011. http://www.raf.mod.uk/rafbrizenorton/newsweather/index.cfm?storyid=F9868442-5056-A318-A8C2E4C1DE8C881A. Retrieved 29 October 2018. 
  36. ↑ "Housing shortages at Brize Norton caused by funding constraints". BBC News. 9 March 2011. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-oxfordshire-12686557. Retrieved 22 July 2011. 
  37. ↑ "New hangar opens for tanker aircraft at RAF Brize Norton". BBC News. 31 March 2011. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-oxfordshire-12919529. Retrieved 22 July 2011. 
  38. ↑ Mooney, Tom (1 July 2011). "Mixed emotions as Hercules leave RAF Lyneham". Gazette & Herald. http://www.gazetteandherald.co.uk/news/9118007.Mixed_emotions_as_Hercules_leave_RAF_Lyneham/. Retrieved 15 April 2012. 
  39. ↑ "Work starts on medical support facilities at Oxfordshire air base". 17 February 2012. http://news.cision.com/defence-infrastructure-organisation/r/work-starts-on-medical-support-facilities-at-oxfordshire-air-base,c9222104. Retrieved 21 October 2018. 
  40. ↑ "DIO opens RAF Brize Norton Tactical Medical Wing facilities - Government Opportunities" (in en-US). 4 July 2013. http://www.govopps.co.uk/dio-opens-raf-brize-norton-tactical-medical-wing-facilities/. Retrieved 21 October 2018. 
  41. ↑ "Project Hadron Successfully Completed". 51º North Issue 7 – 2017: 15. https://www.raf.mod.uk/rafbrizenorton/rafcms/mediafiles/DF4E010B_A174_BC17_E76825F93F2CF602.pdf. 
  42. ↑ "Atlas aircraft hangar opened by Defence Minister". 1 February 2018. https://raf-beta-public.org/news/atlas-aircraft-hangar-opened-by-defence-minister/. Retrieved 5 February 2018. 
  43. ↑ Cooper, Tim (25 September 2018). "RAF Regiment Squadron Receives New Standard" (in en). Forces Network. https://www.forces.net/news/raf-regiment-squadron-receives-new-standard. Retrieved 18 October 2018. 
  44. ↑ "RAF Voyager No13 arrives at RAF Brize Norton". Airports International. https://airportsinternational.keypublishing.com/raf-voyager-no13-arrives-at-raf-brize-norton/. Retrieved 5 July 2019. 
  45. ↑ "RMS St Helena Brochure". AW Ship Management. p. 18. https://rms-st-helena.com/manage/wp-content/uploads/RMS_St-Helena_Main_Brochure_MAR2015_web.pdf. Retrieved 2020-01-06. 
  46. ↑ "RAF Flights Fly with the RAF and meet the RMS en route". AW Ship Management. http://rms-st-helena.com/raf-flights/. Retrieved 2020-01-06. 
  47. ↑ "RAF Hercules arrives in Barbados from UK". UK Defence Journal. 12 September 2017. https://ukdefencejournal.org.uk/raf-hercules-arrives-barbados-uk/. Retrieved 5 July 2019. 
  48. ↑ Organisation of Joint Air Delivery Test and Evaluation Unit Template:Webarchive
  49. ↑ "No.1 Parachute Training School RAF Brize Norton Freefall Progressions". Imperial War Museum. https://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/1060032772. Retrieved 5 July 2019. 
  50. ↑ Archer, Megan (21 April 2016). "RAF Brize Norton honoured to receive Freedom of the Town of Carterton". https://www.oxfordmail.co.uk/news/yourtown/witney/14444334.RAF_Brize_Norton_honoured_to_receive_Freedom_of_the_Town_of_Carterton/. Retrieved 20 October 2018. 
  51. ↑ "RAF Brize Norton granted freedom of Exeter" (in en-GB). 21 October 2013. https://www.bbc.com/news/av/uk-england-devon-24617120/raf-brize-norton-granted-freedom-of-exeter. Retrieved 20 October 2018. 
  52. ↑ Henderson, Guy (15 September 2018). "RAF's biggest base to get the Freedom of Torbay". Devon Live. https://www.devonlive.com/news/devon-news/rafs-biggest-air-base-been-480757. Retrieved 20 October 2018. 
  53. ↑ "Royal Air Force Brize Norton". http://forcespublishing.co.uk/pages/raf_publications_pages/raf_brize_norton.html. Retrieved 20 October 2018. 
  54. ↑ "Behind the scenes at RAF Brize Norton" (in en). GOV.UK (Ministry of Defence). 21 November 2013. https://www.gov.uk/government/news/behind-the-scenes-at-raf-brize-norton. Retrieved 20 October 2018. 
  • Birtles, Philip: 'UK Airfields of the Cold War, Midland Publishing, 2012. ISBN 978-1857803464
  • Frawley, Gerard: 'The International Directory of Military Aircraft, 2002-2003 Aerospace Publications Pty Ltd, 2002 {{ISBN|1-875671-55-2
  • Jefford, C.G.: RAF Squadrons, a Comprehensive Record of the Movement and Equipment of all RAF Squadrons and their Antecedents since 1912. Shrewsbury, Shropshire, UK: Airlife Publishing, 1988. ISBN 1-84037-141-2
  • March, Peter R.: 'RAF Brize Norton':
    • Part 1 Aircraft Illustrated, June 1982. Vol. 15, No. 6. pp. 268–273
    • Part 2 Aircraft Illustrated, July 1982. Vol. 15, No. 7. pp. 320–323
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