RAF Lossiemouth

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RAF Lossiemouth
Typhoon FGR4 of 6 Squadron taking off from Lossiemouth
Code IATA: LMO, ICAO: EGQS
County Morayshire
Badge of the Royal Air Force
Owner Ministry of Defence
Operator Royal Air Force
Location NJ205695
57°42’30"N, 3°20’9"W
Runway(s) 9,341 feet (Asphalt)
6,906 feet (Asphalt)
Website www.raf.mod.uk

Royal Air Force Lossiemouth, commonly nicknamed Lossie (IATA: LMO, ICAO: EGQS) is a military airfield located on the western edge of the town of Lossiemouth in Morayshire.

Lossiemouth is one of the largest and busiest fast-jet stations in the Royal Air Force and known for its close proximity to flight training areas over the Highlands and Moray Firth, and its favourable local flying conditions. Since the closure of RAF Leuchars in 2015, Lossiemouth is the only operational RAF station in Scotland and is one of two main operating bases for the Typhoon FGR4 in the United Kingdom. It is home to four front-line fast jet units which operate the Typhoon: 1 (Fighter) Squadron, II (Army Cooperation) Squadron, 6 Squadron and IX (Bomber) Squadron. All four Squadrons contribute to the Quick Reaction Alert (Interceptor) North capability which provides continuous protection of British airspace.

Lossiemouth is also home to 120 Squadron, the first of two units flying the Poseidon MRA Mk. 1. The second, 201 Squadron will formally stand up in 2021. There are a number of non-flying units at RAF Lossiemouth including No. 5 Force Protection Wing and a team from the RAF Mountain Rescue Service.

The airfield opened in 1939 and was operated by the RAF, predominantly as part of Bomber Command, until 1946 when it transferred to the Fleet Air Arm and became known as RNAS Lossiemouth or HMS Fulmar. Lossiemouth was used as a training station by the Fleet Air Arm until it was handed back to the RAF in September 1972, after which it has largely operated as a fast-jet base.

History

Construction and the War

Construction started during the summer of 1938, when 544 acres of agricultural land were acquired to accommodate the airfield. The land was cleared of vegetation and buildings and by the spring of 1939 several wooden huts were present. Group Captain P.E Maitland was the first station commander and took up post in March 1939, with the station formally opening on 1 May 1939,[1] first accommodating No. 15 Flying Training School RAF, equipped with thirteen Airspeed Oxfords and five Hawker Harts.[2] Aircraft were stored in the open until the first hangars were completed in August 1939.

At the outbreak of the Second World War, a detachment of Seaforth Highlanders was sent to Lossiemouth to guard the station, and anti-aircraft defences were installed. Flying activity increased, with 15 FTS receiving more Oxfords and Harts and the introduction of the North American Harvard; eleven Fairey Battles were also delivered for storage. The first front-line aircraft to operate from Lossiemouth were a detachment of twelve Vickers Wellington bombers belonging to No. 99 Squadron, arriving in November 1939 to take part in attack missions targeting the German cruiser Deutschland, which was operating between Iceland and Shetland.[3] January 1940 saw detachments of Handley Page Hampdens from No. 44 Squadron and No. 50 Squadron arrive to take part in offensive patrols over the North Sea. However, the operation was short-lived as a result of bad weather, with the aircraft returning to their home base in mid-February.[3]

A detachment of No. 9 Squadron]] spent a short period of time operating Wellingtons during April 1940, before being replaced by No. 107 Squadron and No. 110 Squadron, which were equipped with Bristol Blenheims. During this period the first loss to enemy action of an aircraft operating from Lossiemouth occurred when three Blenheims were shot down over Norway.[4]

Lossiemouth had proven its strategic value and so the training squadron was moved to RAF Middle Wallop in Hampshire and on 27 April 1940 Lossiemouth transferred to No. 6 Group of RAF Bomber Command and No. 20 Operational Training Unit (20 OTU) was established, initially operating Wellingtons and Ansons.[5]

No. 46 Maintenance Unit (46 MU) was also formed in April 1940. 46 MU's role was to modify and fit out new aircraft before they were forwarded to front-line squadrons. A variety of aircraft were serviced, including Hurricanes, Tiger Moths, Audaxes, and a Hornet Moth. The unit primarily used six Robin and eight Super Robin hangars; however, due to a shortage of space, many aircraft were stored in fields outside the station.[5] Lossiemouth's first satellite airfield, located at Bogs of Mayne ten miles to the south, known as RAF Elgin, opened in June 1940.[5]

On 26 October 1940, RAF Lossiemouth was attacked by the Luftwaffe for the first time, struck by three Heinkel He 111s: one officer and two aircrew were killed, two Blenheims were destroyed and two Miles Magisters, two Tiger Moths and a Hurricane damaged. The holes from cannon fire still visible today.[6] One of the Heinkels crashed on the airfield, having either been hit by ground fire or destroyed by its own bombs and all four of the crew are buried in a Lossiemouth churchyard.[7] As a result of the raid, Hurricanes of No. 232 Squadron RAF|No. 232 Squadron were moved to RAF Elgin to protect the area from attack.[8][

[File:20 OTU Memorial.jpg|right|thumb|200px|20 OTU Memorial at Bogs of Mayne.]] From spring 1941, operational sorties were predominately undertaken by Blenheims of No. 21 Squadron, No. 82 Squadron, No. 110 Squadron and No. 114 Squadron. By the winter of 1941 the airfield had become so muddy that the Wellingtons of 20 OTU were temporarily relocated to RAF Lakenheath in Suffolk.[9] The increased activity by 46 MU resulted in two satellite landing grounds (SLG) being established to store aircraft off-site. These were at RAF Black Isle (42 SLG) where Beaufighters were kept and RAF Leanach (43 SLG) near Culloden, where Hurricanes and Spitfires were stored.[8]

Lossiemouth was used during 1942 as a base to launch several unsuccessful missions to sink the German battleship Tirpitz, which at the time was operating in Norwegian fjords. The first missions were undertaken in January 1942 by a detachment of thirteen Short Stirlings of 15 Squadron and 149 Squadron and thirteen Halifaxes of 10 Squadron and 76 Squadron. Further attempts were made during April by Lancasters of 44 Squadron and 97 Squadron and Halifaxes of 10 Squadron. Lancasters of 9 Squadron later joined the operation.[10] Wellingtons of 20 OTU were involved in strategic bombing raids on German cities throughout 1942, the training aircraft being required to help reach the target number of 1,000 bombers per raid.[11] The airfield's first surfaced runways, (06/24 6,000 feet; 09/27 4,500 feet; 01/19 4,200 feet), were constructed by an engineering battalion of the United States Army Air Forces in late 1942 and helped to reduce interruptions to flying as a result of the grass strips being affected by poor weather. A new control tower was also constructed.[10]

A 617 Squadron crew and their Lancaster, after sinking the Tirpitz

Further operations against Tirpitz took place between September and November 1944. Operation Catechism finally resulted in the ship's being sunk near Tromsø on 12 November 1944. Thirty-eight Lancasters of No. 9 Squadron and No. 617 Squadron launched from Lossiemouth, Kinloss and Milltown and destroyed the vessel with Tallboy bombs. Nearly 50 years later, No. 617 Squadron transferred to Lossiemouth and was based there between 1993 and 2014. Examples of the Tallboy, Grand Slam and Up Keep (bouncing bomb) were on display within the squadron site.[12]

In July 1945, after the end of hostilities in Europe, 20 OTU was disbanded and 46 MU continued to prepare aircraft for operations in the Far East. After the war ended, 46 MU began the enormous task of breaking-up surplus aircraft for scrap. At one point there were around 900 aircraft on the airfield awaiting disposal.[13] On 28 July 1945 Lossiemouth was transferred to No. 17 Group of RAF Coastal Command, with the arrival of No. 111 (Coastal) Operational Training Unit from the Bahamas shortly thereafter. By August 1945, the unit was operating forty-one B-24 Liberators, ten Halifaxes and a B-25 Mitchell; the unit was disbanded in July 1946.[13]

Fleet Air Arm years – HMS Fulmar (1946–1972)

Lossiemouth transferred from the Royal Air Force to the Fleet Air Arm (FAA) on 2 July 1946 and became known as Royal Navy Air Station (RNAS) Lossiemouth or HMS Fulmar.[13] On the FAA taking control, No. 46 MU moved to RAF Elgin. Lossiemouth was used as a basic training station for FAA pilots who moved on to RNAS Culdrose (HMS Seahawk) in Cornwall for instrument training. RAF Milltown also transferred to the FAA, became known as HMS Fulmar II and operated as a Deck Landing Training School. The last stage of training was practised at Fulmar II before students could land on HMS Theseus in the Moray Firth.[14] The first FAA squadron, No. 766 Naval Air Squadron, arrived in August 1946 and operated Seafires and Fairey Fireflies until its departure to RNAS Culdrose in 1953.[15] In the late 1940s, to replace poor quality war-era facilities, seven hundred new married living-quarters were constructed in the nearby towns of Lossiemouth and Elgin, with the first opening in September 1949. The practice of constructing living-quarters off-station differed from that of the RAF, which typically constructed such accommodation within the boundaries of their airfields. In 1952 and early 1953, Lossiemouth's runways were upgraded and extended to their present lengths; during that time aircraft temporarily operated from Milltown.[16]

The Naval Air Fighter and Strike Training School transferred to the station in 1953 and over the next decade many aircraft types operated from Lossiemouth in the training role, including Seafires, Fireflys, Sea Hawks, Sea Furys, Scimitars, Sea Venoms and Hunters.[17] Four Gloster Meteors were used as target-towers.[18] One of the first squadrons of the recently established Federal Germany Navy was formed at Lossiemouth in May 1958 under the NATO cooperative policy. No. 764 Naval Air Squadron had responsibility for training German crews on twelve Sea Hawks, which operated in German Navy markings. A commissioning ceremony was attended by British and German naval and political figures.[18][19] In 1958 it was announced that station facilities were to be upgraded at a cost of £3 million, including the refurbishment of living accommodation and the creation of the Fulmar Club social club. Princess Alexandra opened a new officers mess in July 1965.[20]

Buccaneer S.1 of 700Z Squadron at RNAS Lossiemouth 1961

The Blackburn Buccaneer arrived in March 1961 for weapons, systems and performance evaluation. The first operational Buccaneer squadron (No. 801 Naval Air Squadron) was established on 17 July 1962, followed by No. 809 Naval Air Squadron in January 1963 and No. 800 Naval Air Squadron in March 1964.[17] The Buccaneer was capable of delivering nuclear weapons as well as conventional weapons for anti-shipping warfare and was typically active over the North Sea during its service. Buccaneers also embarked on aircraft carriers HMS Victorious, HMS Eagle, HMS Ark Royal and HMS Hermes.[21]

The mid-1960s saw further investment in facilities at Lossiemouth including new living quarters and messes.[20]

The 1966 Defence White Paper saw the withdrawal of most British military forces stationed East of Suez during the 1970s, reducing the need for aircraft carriers and fixed-wing naval aviation such as the Buccaneer. The aircraft had been considered by the RAF for a medium-range interdictor and tactical strike aircraft. As a result, No. 736 Naval Air Squadron began training RAF air and ground crews on the Buccaneer in 1969.[20] Between September 1967 and March 1970, the Fleet Air Arm's most decorated pilot, Captain Eric 'Winkle' Brown was station commander; it was his last command.[22][23][24] The late 1960s saw the FAA reduce its activities at Lossiemouth, although Gannets of No. 849 Naval Air Squadron were transferred from RNAS Brawdy to Lossiemouth on 13 November 1971. The Buccaneer force was reduced in size with several squadrons departing or disbanding in the late 1960s and early 1970s. The last Buccaneers, of No. 809 Naval Air Squadron, left on 25 September 1972: the only Fleet Air Arm aircraft left were the Gannets and search and rescue helicopters.[20]

Return of the Royal Air Force (1972–1991)

An Avro Shackleton AEW.2 of No. 8 Squadron.

The station was returned to Royal Air Force control on 28 September 1972, with the first RAF squadron operating from the new RAF Lossiemouth being 'D' Flight, No. 202 Squadron in the helicopter search and rescue role.[14] The Jaguar Conversion Team (No. 226 Operational Conversion Unit) arrived in May 1973 to train the RAF's first SEPECAT Jaguar crews. By late 1974, No. 6 Squadron and No. 54 Squadron were operational.[25]

In August 1973, No. 8 Squadron and their twelve Avro Shackleton AEW.2s, operating as Airborne airborne early warning (AEW) aircraft, moved to Lossiemouth from nearby RAF Kinloss. The Shackleton was an interim aircraft for the RAF AEW requirement, which saw the gradual replacement of Fleet Air Arm Gannets, culminating in the disbandment of No. 849 Naval Air Squadron in November 1978.[25] Towards the end of the 1970s, two non-flying defence units took up residence at the station, starting with the arrival in December 1978 of No. 48 Squadron RAF Regiment equipped with Rapier surface-to-air missiles. July 1979 saw the formation of No. 2622 (Highland) Royal Air Force Auxiliary Regiment for ground defence.[14] From 1978 to 1980, before moving to RAF Chivenor in Devon, No. 2 Tactical Weapons Unit operated the Hawker Hunter from Lossiemouth.[14]

The Buccaneer returned to Lossiemouth in the 1980s as RAF maritime strike aircraft, the first arriving in November 1980 when No. 12 Squadron transferred from RAF Honington in Suffolk, followed by No. 208 Squadron in July 1983. The remainder of the RAF Buccaneer fleet arrived in October 1984 when No. 237 Operational Conversion Unit (OCU), took up residence.[25] Although the Buccaneer training unit, No. 237 OCU was also assigned to Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR) for overland laser designation, in support of RAF Jaguars.[26]

A Buccaneer S2B in Gulf War colours
Gulf War Buccaneer nose art

During the 1991 Kuwait War, personnel from all three Buccaneer squadrons took part in Operation Granby, the aircraft's first combat operation.: the first batch of six aircraft were brought to readiness in under 72 hours, including the adoption of desert-pink camouflage and additional war-time equipment. Nearly everyone at Lossiemouth was involved in preparation for the detachment, with personnel working non-stop, day and night. The first six aircraft departed from Lossiemouth for Muharraq in Bahrain at 04:00 on 26 January 1991. Hostilities ended in late February 1991, the Lossiemouth Buccaneers having flown 218 sorties without loss, designating targets for other aircraft and later dropping 48 Paveway II laser-guided bombs.[27]

Tornado (1991–1999)

The replacement for the ageing Shackleton AEW.2, the British Aerospace Nimrod AEW.3, suffered considerable development difficulties which culminated in the aircraft being cancelled during 1986, for an off-the-shelf purchase of the Boeing Sentry AEW1. The last Shackletons were retired in July 1991 and No. 8 Squadron transferred to RAF Waddington in Lincolnshire, to equip with their new aircraft.[25]

Tornados landing at RAF Lossiemouth

The end of the Cold War left many aircraft surplus to requirements. To replace the Buccaneer, twenty-six Tornado GR1s were modified to GR1B standard to allow use of the BAe Sea Eagle missile for maritime strike operations.[28] The reduction of the Buccaneer fleet began on 1 October 1991 when No. 237 OCU was disbanded, followed by No. 12 Squadron in September 1993. No. 27 Squadron, then at RAF Marham, disbanded and re-formed at Lossiemouth as No.12 Squadron, operating the Tornado GR1B.[14]

No. 48 Squadron RAF Regiment and their Rapiers left Lossiemouth for RAF Honington on 1 July 1996.[14]

No. 15 (Reserve) Squadron increased in size in 1999 after the closure of the Tri-national Tornado Training Establishment at RAF Cottesmore,[14] and became the RAF Tornado GR4 Operational Conversion Unit, training pilots and weapon systems operators for posting to front-line Tornado squadrons at Lossiemouth and Marham.

21st century

A Jaguar T4 landing at Lossiemouth

The last Jaguars left Lossiemouth for RAF Coltishall in Norfolk in July 2000.[29] No. 14 Squadron brought its Tornado GR1s here from RAF Brüggen in Germany during January 2001, and Lossiemouth became the busiest fast-jet station in the RAF.[14] In May 2001, No. 51 Squadron RAF Regiment was re-established, to join No. 2622 RAuxAF Squadron, under the new No. 5 Force Protection Wing Headquarters.[30]

F-35 Lightning II and threat of closure

The Ministry of Defence announced in November 2005 that Lossiemouth would be the main operating base for the RAF's new F-35 Lightning II fleet, which was expected to enter service in 2013,[31] but in 2010 the Strategic Defence and Security Review cast doubt on whether the F-35 would be based at Lossiemouth and raised fears in the local community that the station could close. On 7 November 2010 up to 7,000 people took part in a march and rally in Lossiemouth in support of retaining the RAF station.[32] A petition with more than 30,000 signatures was delivered to 10 Downing Street by campaign members on 11 January 2011.[33]

In July 2011 the Ministry of Defence announced that Lossiemouth would remain open with Lossiemouth's Tornados moving to RAF Marham. RAF Leuchars in Fife would close and transfer to the British Army, with the Typhoon FGR4s and responsibility for Quick Reaction Alert (Interceptor) North (QRA) moving to Lossiemouth.[34][35] In March 2013 the Ministry of Defence confirmed that the F-35 Lighting II would be based at Marham.[36][37]

Typhoon

No. 14 Squadron disbanded on 1 June 2011, reducing the number of Tornados based at Lossiemouth.[38] In 2012, new combined mess facilities, accommodation for junior ranks and senior non-commission officers was completed, replacing separate buildings constructed in the 1960s, which were demolished.[39][40]

In 2013 the airfield was refurbished for the arrival of the Typhoon. Quick Reaction Alert facilities were built in the northern hardened aircraft shelter complex and alterations were made to hangars 1 and 3 and new ground-support IT and communication systems.[41][42] In March 2014, three Typhoons from RAF Leuchars arrived at Lossiemouth to take part in Exercise Moray Venture, a week-long operation to test new facilities ahead of the aircraft's arrival later that year.[43]

The first Typhoon unit, No. 6 Squadron, transferred from RAF Leuchars to Lossiemouth on 20 June 2014. Nine aircraft arrived in formation in the shape of a number 6.[44] No. 1 Squadron followed on 8 September 2014, when responsibility for Quick Reaction Alert (North) was transferred from RAF Leuchars to Lossiemouth.[45]

The third Typhoon squadron based at Lossiemouth, No. 2 (AC) Squadron, arrived in January 2015.[46] In preparation of the squadron's arrival, work commenced in October 2014 to refurbish the southern HAS complex, which was formerly occupied by No.617 Squadron. The nine aircraft shelters were refurbished, a hard-standing for a flight-line capable of accommodating eight aircraft was built, new flood-lighting was installed and the dining facilities were improved. A new headquarters building was constructed on the site of a First World WarI era K-type hangar (K20). The building has space for engineering and logistics facilities, a survival equipment section, classrooms and office space. This allowed No. 2 (AC) Squadron to operate independently from other squadrons at Lossiemouth.[47]

Potential use as spaceport

Virgin Galactic, a commercial spaceflight company, announced in July 2006 that they were interested in using Lossiemouth as a spaceport, to start flights in 2010.[48], which received some political support.[49] After a two-year review of the potential of commercial spaceflight in the UK, the UK Space Agency announced in July 2014 that Lossiemouth was among eight short-listed sites throughout the kingdom that might accommodate a spaceport.[50] However, the Ministry of Defence objected due to over-riding operational factors.[51] A' Mhoine in Sutherland was chosen as a location instead.

Facilities

The southern hardened aircraft shelter complex in 2006.

The RAF Lossiemouth site extends to 1,433 acres[52] and accommodates two runways, the main runway (05/23) is 3,114 yards long and the secondary runway (10/28) is 2,300 yards long.[53] Hangars at Lossiemouth date from the Second World War and comprise three C-type, one J-type, six L-type, four K-type and a Bellman type. The northern hardened aircraft shelter (HAS) complex has nine shelters and QRA facilities and the southern complex has a further nine shelters. Both HAS complexes were constructed in the 1970s.[54]

Former Super Robin hangar now in agricultural use at Silverhills Farm.

The airfield boundary has changed over the years and several former Super Robin hangars, dating from the Second World War are outside the current airfield boundary, although they are no longer in military use. Examples include one at Silverhills Farm, one at Salterhill Farm and a third within the grounds of Gordounston School. Former airfield dispersals are also evident in the same vicinity.[55] During the Second World War the airfield was defended with eight pillboxes, at least six of them Type 27 pillboxes, one rectangular and the other Type 22 or Type 24.[56][6]

BAE Systems operate the Typhoon Training Facility (North), which is home to four Emulated Deployable Cockpit Trainer (EDCT) flight simulators. The expansion of the facility from two to four EDCTs was completed in April 2018.[57] During the Tornado's tenure at Lossiemouth, the station was home to two Tornado GR4 flight simulators, operated by Thales UK.[58]

Aviation fuel is supplied to Lossiemouth through a 40.6-mile-stretch of the CLH Pipeline System which connects the airfield to a fuel depot in Inverness.[59]

In common with other military establishments in Scotland and Northern Ireland, CarillionAmey, a joint venture between Carillion and Amey, provide hard facilities management and maintenance at Lossiemouth.[60]

St Aidan's Church is located on the station and provides personnel with spiritual guidance and support.[61]

Role and operations

RAF Lossiemouth's mission statement is "Sustain Quick Reaction Alert (Interceptor) North and deliver global operations".[62]

The Engineering & Logistics Wing is responsible for maintaining engineering support and supply including weapons and survival equipment on aircraft. It is also responsible for the maintenance and repair of aircraft not currently flying on squadrons and the station support equipment and vehicles.[63] The Operations Wing plans and controls all flying and major exercises on station and manages all activities that have a direct impact on flying operations. This includes intelligence gathering, weather forecasting and communications systems.[63] The Base Support Wing manages all support functions for the station's infrastructure and personnel, such as health and safety, medical centre, non-flying training, accommodation, family support and the deployment of Station personnel.[63]

Moray Flight of No. 602 (City of Glasgow) Squadron (Royal Axillary Air Force) was established in 2013 to support NATO maritime patrol aircraft and the UK Maritime Air Operations Centre when deployed to Lossiemouth. The unit is also supporting the introduction of the P-8A Poseidon at Lossiemouth.[64]

RAF Lossiemouth is the parent station of Tain Air Weapons Range which is located approximately 25 miles to the north west.

Typhoon operations

A 6 Squadron Typhoon FGR4 intercepts a Russian Tupolev Tu-95 'Bear'

The Typhoon FGR4 provides the RAF with a multi-role combat capability for air policing, peace support and high intensity conflict. Lossiemouth Typhoon squadrons have operated against ISIS in Iraq and Syria as part of Operation Shader and have participated in the NATO Baltic Air Policing mission where they operated from Ämari air base in Estonia.[65][66]

Quick Reaction Alert (Interceptor) North

Lossiemouth's four Typhoon squadrons are responsible for maintaining the Quick Reaction Alert (Interceptor) North mission (QRA(I)N). Aircraft and crews are held at a high state of readiness, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, to respond to unidentified aircraft approaching UK airspace. QRA missions range from civilian airliners which have stopped responding to air traffic control, to intercepting Russian aircraft such as the Tupolev Tu-95 'Bear' and Tu-160 'Blackjack'.[67]

No. 5 Force Protection Wing

No. 5 Force Protection Wing HQ provides operational planning, command and control to two RAF Regiment field squadrons attached to the wing, No. 51 Squadron RAF Regiment and No. 2622 (Highland) Squadron's (RAuxAF), whose purpose is to protect RAF bases at home and abroad from ground attack.[30] No. 2622 Squadron consists primarily of RAF Regiment gunners also trained as infantry and has a limited number of personnel in support duties. The unit provides officers and gunners to supplement the regular RAF Regiment on overseas operations and exercises. It is the only squadron in the RAF or RAuxAF to have its own Pipes and Drums band, which formed in 1999 and is open to both Service and civilian members. It is also the only operational squadron to have spent its existence based at Lossiemouth.[68] Both squadrons have seen action on Operation Telic in Iraq and Operation Herrick in Afghanistan, with No. 51 Squadron also involved in Operation Shader against ISIS.[69]

No. 4 RAF Police Squadron also falls under the command of the wing and has responsibility for policing and security in Scotland and northern England.[70]

Air Training Corps – Highland Wing

Lossiemouth is home to the Highland Wing of the Air Training Corps. A new Air Cadet Regional Centre was opened in October 2014, which contains the Highland Wing headquarters, activity centre with a flight simulator, radio communications training room, IT Suite and several briefing rooms. Overnight residential accommodation for 48 cadets and 8 adult staff is also provided. The centre was named after and opened by retired Group Captain Phil Dacre.[71]

Community relations and media

The 2009 Lossiemouth Raft Race

The RAF and local community enjoy good relations, and much of the local economy has become dependent on the base. The RAF contributes to the local community in spending, employment and activities in the wider community. In 2010, Highlands and Islands Enterprise wrote that RAF Lossiemouth contributed £90.3m to the local economy and supported 3,370 jobs in Moray.[72]

The RAF organise the annual charity Lossiemouth Raft Race, in which military and civilian teams race home-made rafts along the River Lossie, adjacent to Lossiemouth's East Beach. The race was established in 1976 and is attended by thousands of onlookers.[73] A Family and Friends Day also takes place where military families and civilians with connections to the station are invited to a small air-show, held each May.[74] The RAF have also provided photo opportunities for aviation enthusiasts during exercises such as Joint Warrior.[75]

The RAF Lossiemouth station magazine is called the Lossie Lighthouse, in reference to the nearby Covesea Skerries Lighthouse. The magazine is distributed to station personnel, their families and the local community. It is also available online at the RAF Lossiemouth web page.[76]

RAF Lossiemouth has featured in several television and radio documentaries:

  • Shackleton – The End of an Era (1984)
  • The Old Grey Ladies of Lossiemouth (on the final months of Shackleton operations in 1990)[77]
  • Rescue (following the Sea Kings of No. 202 Squadron 'D' Flight for a year (1990)
  • Gloria Hunniford at RAF Lossiemouth (BBC Radio 2, 1993).[78]
  • JetSet (STV, 2006). The programme was narrated by the actor Ewan McGregor, whose brother Colin McGregor was a Tornado pilot at Lossiemouth before his retirement in 2007.[79][80]

Outside links

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References

  1. ↑ Hughes 1993, pp. 4–6.
  2. ↑ Smith 1983, p. 142.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 Hughes 1993, p. 6.
  4. ↑ Hughes 1993, pp. 6–7.
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 Hughes 1993, p. 7.
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 "Aberdeenshire Council Sites and Monuments Record – Moray – NJ26NW0045 – RAF Lossiemouth" (in en). 18 February 2016. https://online.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/smrpub/master/detail.aspx?redirect=y&refno=NJ26NW0045. 
  7. ↑ Hughes 1999, p. 110.
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 Hughes 1993, p. 9.
  9. ↑ Hughes 1999, p. 111.
  10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 Hughes 1993, p. 10.
  11. ↑ Hughes 1999, p. 112.
  12. ↑ "Pupils get a true sense of history during tour of Moray RAF base" (in en). 10 December 2012. https://stv.tv/news/north/204963-kids-get-a-true-sense-of-history-when-they-tour-the-lossiemouth-base/. 
  13. ↑ 13.0 13.1 13.2 Hughes 1993, p. 13.
  14. ↑ 14.0 14.1 14.2 14.3 14.4 14.5 14.6 14.7 "RAF Lossiemouth – History". Royal Air Force. http://www.raf.mod.uk/raflossiemouth/aboutus/history.cfm. Retrieved 21 December 2015. 
  15. ↑ Hughes 1999, p. 116.
  16. ↑ Hughes 1993, p. 15.
  17. ↑ 17.0 17.1 Hughes 1993, p. 22.
  18. ↑ 18.0 18.1 Hampshire, A. Cecil (1958). "Training the Naval Fighter Pilot". Flight 1 August: 165–167. https://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1958/1958-1-%20-%200161.html. 
  19. ↑ "German Naval Air Squadrons Commissioned". http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/205164258. 
  20. ↑ 20.0 20.1 20.2 20.3 Hughes 1993, p. 16.
  21. ↑ Bishop and Chant 2004, pp. 65, 71–72, 74.
  22. ↑ Eric Brown, "Wings on My Sleeve", Airlife publications (1978), p. 272
  23. ↑ "New Commander of R.N.A.S Lossiemouth". The Glasgow Herald. 13 September 1967. https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=2507&dat=19670913&id=AH9AAAAAIBAJ&pg=3589,1956920&hl=en. 
  24. ↑ "Captain Eric 'Winkle' Brown – obituary". Telegraph Media Group. 16 February 2016. https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/obituaries/12167611/Captain-Eric-Winkle-Brown-obituary.html. 
  25. ↑ 25.0 25.1 25.2 25.3 Hughes 1993, p. 19.
  26. ↑ Cope, Bill. "Gulf War Buccaneer Operations" (in en). http://www.raf.mod.uk/history/GulfWarBuccaneerOperations.cfm. 
  27. ↑ Gething, Michael J (March 1994). "The Buccaneer Bows Out: Valediction for the Sky Pirate". Air International (Key Publishing) 46 (3): 137–144. SSN 0306-5634. 
  28. ↑ Jefford et al. 2005, p. 115.
  29. ↑ "Jaguars high-tail it to new home". 20 July 2000. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/842622.stm. 
  30. ↑ 30.0 30.1 "Other Units" (in en). https://www.raf.mod.uk/raflossiemouth/aboutus/otherunits.cfm. 
  31. ↑ "RAF bases receive aircraft boost". 17 November 2005. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/4444352.stm. 
  32. ↑ "Thousands join march to support RAF Lossiemouth". 7 November 2010. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-north-east-orkney-shetland-11704860. Retrieved 2 September 2015. 
  33. ↑ "RAF Lossiemouth petition lands at 10 Downing Street". 11 January 2011. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-north-east-orkney-shetland-12151206. Retrieved 2 September 2015. 
  34. ↑ "RAF to pull out of Leuchars as RAF Lossiemouth stays". 18 July 2011. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-14182729. Retrieved 2 September 2015. 
  35. ↑ "Threatened RAF Marham Tornado base to stay open". 18 July 2011. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-norfolk-14189327. Retrieved 2 September 2015. 
  36. ↑ "RAF Lossiemouth loses Joint Strike Fighter bid". 25 March 2013. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-north-east-orkney-shetland-21931535. 
  37. ↑ "Defence Estate rationalisation update". GOV.UK. Ministry of Defence. 25 March 2013. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/defence-estate-rationalisation-update. Retrieved 30 December 2017. 
  38. ↑ "Squadrons Disbanded". 1 March 2011. http://www.raf.mod.uk/news/archive.cfm?storyid=74B85889-5056-A318-A87ED530D06F3677. Retrieved 3 September 2015. 
  39. ↑ "RAF Lossiemouth CO makes a right old mess of former Navy building" (in en). 3 December 2012. https://stv.tv/news/north/203631-raf-lossiemouth-co-makes-a-right-old-mess-of-former-navy-building/. 
  40. ↑ "Lossiemouth's £24m facility proving a massive all-round hit" (in en). 11 June 2012. https://stv.tv/news/north/105543-lossiemouths-24m-facility-proving-a-massive-all-round-hit/. 
  41. ↑ Mackenzie, Ruth (9 September 2014). "1 Squadron arrive at RAF Lossiemouth in formation". Aberdeen Journals. https://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/news/moray/338915/1-squadron-arrive-at-raf-lossiemouth-in-formation/. Retrieved 16 September 2015. 
  42. ↑ Alexander, Michael (9 August 2014). "MoD quizzed on £87 million for RAF Lossiemouth". DC Thomson & Co.. https://www.thecourier.co.uk/news/local/fife/154719/mod-quizzed-on-87-million-for-raf-lossiemouth/. Retrieved 16 September 2015. 
  43. ↑ Rollo, Sarah (21 March 2014). "Early glimpse of RAF Lossiemouth Typhoons". Scottish Provincial Press. http://www.northern-scot.co.uk/News/Early-glimpse-of-RAF-Lossiemouth-Typhoons-21032014.htm. Retrieved 16 September 2015. 
  44. ↑ "Typhoons leave RAF Leuchars for Lossiemouth base". 20 June 2014. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-edinburgh-east-fife-27929645. Retrieved 16 September 2015. 
  45. ↑ "Typhoon aircraft relocate to RAF Lossiemouth". Ministry of Defence. 20 June 2014. https://www.gov.uk/government/news/typhoon-aircraft-relocate-to-raf-lossiemouth. Retrieved 16 September 2015. 
  46. ↑ "II (Army Co-operation) Squadron have begun initial operations at their home base of RAF Lossiemouth, following their stand-up as a Typhoon squadron earlier this year". 30 March 2015. http://www.raf.mod.uk/raflossiemouth/newsweather/index.cfm?storyid=31590D76-5056-A318-A80BB04872F6D154. Retrieved 16 September 2015. 
  47. ↑ Pickering, Helen (1 February 2016). "Typhoon facilities at RAF Lossiemouth ready for take off after £23m investment". http://www.raf.mod.uk/news/archive/typhoon-facilities-at-raf-lossiemouth-ready-for-take-off-after-23m-investment-01022016. 
  48. ↑ "Space flights 'from Scots base'". BBC News. 3 July 2006. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/north_east/5143208.stm. 
  49. ↑ Hughes, Mark (9 May 2009). "Branson wants to create a spaceport in Scotland". https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/branson-wants-to-create-a-spaceport-in-scotland-1681814.html. Retrieved 24 September 2015. 
  50. ↑ "Spaceport UK: Locations for launch sites unveiled". Reed Business Information Ltd.. 15 July 2014. https://www.newscientist.com/article/dn25897-spaceport-uk-locations-for-launch-sites-unveiled/. Retrieved 24 September 2015. 
  51. ↑ "Summary and government response to the consultation on criteria to determine the location of a UK spaceport". Department of Transport. 3 March 2015. https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/408414/uk-spaceport-government-response.pdf. Retrieved 24 September 2015. 
  52. ↑ "Defence Estates Development Plan 2009 – Annex A". Ministry of Defence. 3 July 2009. p. A3. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/defence-estates-development-plan-dedp-2009. 
  53. ↑ No.1 AIDU 2016, p. AD 2 - EGQS - 1 - 6.
  54. ↑ "Lossiemouth Airfield, Dispersal Area". Historic Environment Scotland. https://canmore.org.uk/site/285721/lossiemouth-airfield-dispersal-area. 
  55. ↑ "Lossiemouth Airfield, Dispersal Areas". Historic Environment Scotland. https://canmore.org.uk/site/285724/lossiemouth-airfield-dispersal-areas. 
  56. ↑ "Lossiemouth Airfield, Pillbox" (in en). Historic Environment Scotland. https://canmore.org.uk/site/156952. 
  57. ↑ Allison, George (9 April 2018). "Typhoon Training Facility expanded at RAF Lossiemouth" (in en-GB). UK Defence Journal. https://ukdefencejournal.org.uk/typhoon-training-facility-expanded-at-raf-lossiemouth/. 
  58. ↑ "Thales welcomes successful end to Afghan simulator support". 3 December 2014. https://www.thalesgroup.com/en/united-kingdom/news/thales-welcomes-successful-end-afghan-simulator-support. 
  59. ↑ Ross, Calum (21 March 2016). "Security fears over RAF Lossiemouth pipeline sell-off". Aberdeen Journals. https://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/news/inverness/527029/security-fears-raf-lossiemouth-pipeline-sell-off/. 
  60. ↑ "Military Establishments". http://www.carillionamey.co.uk/military-establishments/. 
  61. ↑ "Service Community" (in en). http://www.raf.mod.uk/raflossiemouth/stationfacilities/index.cfm. 
  62. ↑ "Welcome to RAF Lossiemouth" (in en). https://www.raf.mod.uk/raflossiemouth/. 
  63. ↑ 63.0 63.1 63.2 "RAF Lossiemouth – Wings". http://www.raf.mod.uk/raflossiemouth/aboutus/wings.cfm. 
  64. ↑ "602 Sqn – Moray Flight, Kipper Corner". Lossie Lighthouse (Forces and Corporate Publishing): p. 40. April 2017. http://forcespublishing.co.uk/flipbooks/Lossie/index.html. 
  65. ↑ Henry, Ben (30 December 2015). "RAF Lossiemouth jets tackle terrorists in Syria". Aberdeen Journals. https://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/news/moray/791481/raf-lossie-jets-tackle-terrorists/. 
  66. ↑ "Updated-Royal Air Force Typhoons fly in to Estonia for NATO Baltic Air Policing". 13 May 2015. http://www.raf.mod.uk/news/archive/updatedroyal-air-force-typhoons-fly-in-to-estonia-for-nato-baltic-air-policing-13052015. 
  67. ↑ "RAF Lossiemouth fighter jets scrambled over Russian planes". 20 November 2015. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-north-east-orkney-shetland-34880523. 
  68. ↑ "2622 (Highland) Squadron History". http://www.raf.mod.uk/raflossiemouth/aboutus/2622history.cfm. 
  69. ↑ "RAF Lossiemouth – Other Units". http://www.raf.mod.uk/raflossiemouth/aboutus/otherunits.cfm. 
  70. ↑ "RAF Police – Squadrons and Units" (in en-gb). https://www.raf.mod.uk/our-organisation/force-protection/raf-police/. 
  71. ↑ "Formal opening of the DACRE Regional Activity Centre at RAF Lossiemouth" (in en). 16 October 2014. http://www.raf.mod.uk/raflossiemouth/newsweather/index.cfm?storyid=FBBA95D8-5056-A318-A8B1231AC462AA9C. 
  72. ↑ "Economic Impact of RAF Kinloss and RAF Lossiemouth Final Report to Highlands & Islands Enterprise". August 2010. http://www.hie.co.uk/common/handlers/download-document.ashx?id=b54c1a27-0085-43a5-8651-87fe6b41d0f5. 
  73. ↑ "Crowds flock to Lossie Raft Race". Scottish Provincial Press Ltd.. 18 August 2011. http://www.northern-scot.co.uk/News/Crowds-flock-to-Lossie-Raft-Race-15082011.htm. 
  74. ↑ Mackay, David (6 June 2016). "Red Arrows put on display for Lossiemouth crowds" (in en-US). Press and Journal. https://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/news/moray/938561/red-arrows-put/. 
  75. ↑ "Events" (in en). https://www.raf.mod.uk/raflossiemouth/events/. 
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  77. ↑ The Old Grey Ladies of Lossiemouth - YouTube
  78. ↑ "Gloria Hunniford at RAF Lossiemouth". http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/80012855. Retrieved 8 November 2015. 
  79. ↑ "The Highland fliers". Johnston Publishing. 13 July 2006. http://www.scotsman.com/news/the-highland-fliers-1-1125789. Retrieved 25 September 2015. 
  80. ↑ "Ewan McGregor's brother – ex-fighter pilot Colin – slams Tory defence cuts". MGN. 6 March 2011. https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/ewan-mcgregors-brother---ex-fighter-114482. Retrieved 27 September 2015. 
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