Jump to content

RAF Filton: Difference between revisions

Coordinates: 51°31′09″N 002°34′43″W / 51.51917°N 2.57861°W / 51.51917; -2.57861
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Content deleted Content added
m author title, replaced: last1=Jefford MBE |first1=Wg Cdr C G → last1=Jefford |first1= C G
 
(15 intermediate revisions by 9 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
{{Short description|Former RAF base in Gloucestershire, England}}
{{EngvarB|date=October 2013}}
{{EngvarB|date=October 2013}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2013}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2013}}
Line 12: Line 13:
| caption =
| caption =
| coordinates = {{Coord|51|31|09|N|002|34|43|W|region:GB_type:airport|display=inline,title}}
| coordinates = {{Coord|51|31|09|N|002|34|43|W|region:GB_type:airport|display=inline,title}}
| type = [[Royal Air Force station]]
| type = [[List of former Royal Air Force stations|Royal Air Force station]]
| pushpin_map = Gloucestershire
| pushpin_map = Gloucestershire
| pushpin_map_caption = Shown within Gloucestershire
| pushpin_label = RAF Filton
| pushpin_label = RAF Filton
| ownership = [[Air Ministry]]
| ownership = [[Air Ministry]]
| operator = [[Royal Air Force]]
| operator = [[Royal Air Force]]
| controlledby = [[RAF Fighter Command]] 1939-41<BR>* [[No. 10 Group RAF]]<BR>* [[No. 11 Group RAF]]<BR>[[RAF Transport Command]] 1941-<BR>* [[No. 44 Group RAF]]
| controlledby =
| site_area =
| site_area =
| code =
| code =
Line 27: Line 29:
| condition =
| condition =
| fate =
| fate =
| battles =[[First World War]]<br>[[Second World War]]<br>[[Cuban Missile Crisis]]
| battles =[[World War I|First World War]]<br>[[European theatre of World War II]]<br>[[Cuban Missile Crisis]]
| events =
| events =
| current_commander = <!-- current commander -->
| past_commanders = <!-- past notable commander(s) -->
| past_commanders = <!-- past notable commander(s) -->
| garrison =
| garrison =
Line 37: Line 38:
| IATA =
| IATA =
| ICAO =
| ICAO =
| FAA =
| TC =
| LID =
| GPS =
| GPS =
| WMO =
| WMO =
| elevation = {{Convert|60|m|0}}
| elevation = {{Convert|64|m|0}}{{sfn|Falconer|2012|p=93}}
| r1-number =11/27
| r1-number =11/27
| r1-length ={{Convert|1994|m|0}}
| r1-length ={{Convert|1994|m|0}}
Line 49: Line 47:
| r2-length = <!--{{Convert||m|0}}-->
| r2-length = <!--{{Convert||m|0}}-->
| r2-surface =Concrete
| r2-surface =Concrete
| r3-number =00/00
| r3-length = <!--{{Convert||m|0}}-->
| r3-surface =Concrete
}}
}}
'''Royal Air Force Filton''' or more simply '''RAF Filton''' is a former [[Royal Flying Corps]] (RFC) and [[Royal Air Force]] (RAF) [[Royal Air Force station|station]] located {{Convert|5.0|mi}} north of the city centre of [[Bristol]], England.
'''Royal Air Force Filton''' or more simply '''RAF Filton''' is a former [[Royal Flying Corps]] (RFC) and [[Royal Air Force]] (RAF) [[List of former Royal Air Force stations|station]] located {{Convert|5|mi|0}} north of the city centre of [[Bristol]], England.


Throughout its existence, RAF Filton shared the airfield with the [[Bristol Aeroplane Company]] (later British Aircraft Corporation) whose works, now owned by BAE/Airbus, are situated on the south side of the main runway.
Throughout its existence, RAF Filton shared the airfield with the [[Bristol Aeroplane Company]] (later British Aircraft Corporation) whose works, now owned by BAE/Airbus, are situated on the south side of the main runway.
Line 59: Line 54:
==History==
==History==
===First World War===
===First World War===
The first squadron to form at the airfield during the [[First World War]] was [[No. 33 Squadron RAF|No. 33 Squadron RFC]] which formed during January 1916 and was composed of elements of [[No. 20 Squadron RAF|No. 20 Squadron RFC]] which flew the [[Royal Aircraft Factory B.E.2]].{{sfn|Jefford|1988|p=36}} The next squadron was [[No. 42 Squadron RAF|42 Squadron]] which moved to Filton during April 1916 from crews of [[No. 19 Squadron RAF|19 Squadron]] and again flew the B.E.2.{{sfn|Jefford|1988|p=39}}
The first squadron to form at the airfield during the [[World War I|First World War]] was [[No. 33 Squadron RAF|No. 33 Squadron RFC]] which formed during January 1916 and was composed of elements of [[No. 20 Squadron RAF|No. 20 Squadron RFC]] which flew the [[Royal Aircraft Factory B.E.2]].{{sfn|Jefford|1988|p=36}} The next squadron was [[No. 42 Squadron RAF|42 Squadron]] which moved to Filton during April 1916 from crews of [[No. 19 Squadron RAF|19 Squadron]] and again flew the B.E.2.{{sfn|Jefford|1988|p=39}}


Then [[No. 66 Squadron RAF|No. 66 (Fighter) Squadron]] was formed in June 1916 with [[Sopwith Pup]] biplanes before the squadron moved on to France in March 1917.{{sfn|Jefford|1988|p=45}} The squadron was joined by [[No. 62 Squadron RAF|62 Squadron]] in August 1916 when the squadron was formed from elements of No. 7 Training Squadron which were equipped with the [[Bristol F.2 Fighter]] from May 1917.{{sfn|Jefford|1988|p=44}}
Then [[No. 66 Squadron RAF|No. 66 (Fighter) Squadron]] was formed in June 1916 with [[Sopwith Pup]] biplanes before the squadron moved on to France in March 1917.{{sfn|Jefford|1988|p=45}} The squadron was joined by [[No. 62 Squadron RAF|62 Squadron]] in August 1916 when the squadron was formed from elements of No. 7 Training Squadron which were equipped with the [[Bristol F.2 Fighter]] from May 1917.{{sfn|Jefford|1988|p=44}}


===Between the wars===
===Between the wars===
[[No. 101 Squadron RAF]] was disbanded at Filton following its return from France in March 1919 where it had flown the [[Royal Aircraft Factory F.E.2]] as a night bomber squadron.{{sfn|Jefford|1988|p=54}} In June 1929 [[No. 501 Squadron RAF|No. 501 (Special Reserve) Squadron RAF]] was formed at Filton as a day bomber squadron flying [[Airco DH.9A]] biplanes.{{sfn|Jefford|1988|p=94}} Initially named 'City of Bristol' it was renamed 'County of Gloucester' Squadron in May 1930.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rafweb.org/Sqn500-520.htm|title=No 501 (City of Bristol) Squadron|publisher=Air of Authority - A History of RAF Organisation|accessdate=10 February 2014|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140211195151/http://www.rafweb.org/Sqn500-520.htm|archivedate=11 February 2014|df=dmy-all}}</ref> It became part of the [[Royal Auxiliary Air Force|Auxiliary Air Force]] in 1936. The Squadron flew [[Hawker Hart]]s and then the [[Hawker Hind]] light bomber from 1938.{{sfn|Jefford|1988|p=94}}
[[No. 101 Squadron RAF]] was disbanded at Filton following its return from France in March 1919 where it had flown the [[Royal Aircraft Factory F.E.2]] as a night bomber squadron.{{sfn|Jefford|1988|p=54}} In June 1929 [[No. 501 Squadron RAF|No. 501 (Special Reserve) Squadron RAF]] was formed at Filton as a day bomber squadron flying [[Airco DH.9A]] biplanes.{{sfn|Jefford|1988|p=94}} Initially named 'City of Bristol' it was renamed 'County of Gloucester' Squadron in May 1930.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rafweb.org/Sqn500-520.htm|title=No 501 (City of Bristol) Squadron|publisher=Air of Authority - A History of RAF Organisation|accessdate=10 February 2014|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140211195151/http://www.rafweb.org/Sqn500-520.htm|archivedate=11 February 2014|df=dmy-all}}</ref> It became part of the [[Royal Auxiliary Air Force|Auxiliary Air Force]] in 1936. The Squadron flew [[Hawker Hart]]s and then the [[Hawker Hind]] light bomber from 1938.{{sfn|Jefford|1988|p=94}}


===Second World War===
===Second World War===


During the [[Second World War]] it was home to the Filton Sector Operations Room which was part of [[No. 10 Group RAF]] of [[RAF Fighter Command]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://niehorster.org/017_britain/40-08_raf-fighter-command.htm|title=RAF Fighter Command - Order of Battle - No. 10 Group|publisher=World War II Armed Forces — Orders of Battle and Organizations|accessdate=10 February 2014}}</ref>
During the [[World War II|Second World War]] it was home to the Filton Sector Operations Room which was part of [[No. 10 Group RAF]] of [[RAF Fighter Command]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://niehorster.org/017_britain/40-08_raf-fighter-command.htm|title=RAF Fighter Command - Order of Battle - No. 10 Group|publisher=World War II Armed Forces — Orders of Battle and Organizations|accessdate=10 February 2014}}</ref>


The first unit to use the airfield was [[No. 935 (County of Glamorgan) Barrage Balloon Unit]] (Auxiliary Air Force), which was at Filton from January 1939 with 2 Flights of 8 [[barrage balloon]]s, and responsible for the defence of the [[HMNB Devonport|Naval Yard]] at [[Plymouth]] as well as the airfield at Filton. The unit's allocation was increased to 24 Balloons during August 1940 as RAF Filton did not have a defensive fighter squadron attached to defend the airfield. [[No. 11 Balloon Centre]] at [[RAF Pucklechurch]], north of Bristol, also came under the command of the RAF Filton station commander.
The first unit to use the airfield was No. 935 (County of Glamorgan) Barrage Balloon Unit (Auxiliary Air Force), which was at Filton from January 1939 with 2 Flights of 8 [[barrage balloon]]s, and responsible for the defence of the [[HMNB Devonport|Naval Yard]] at [[Plymouth]] as well as the airfield at Filton. The unit's allocation was increased to 24 Balloons during August 1940 as RAF Filton did not have a defensive fighter squadron attached to defend the airfield. No. 11 Balloon Centre at [[RAF Pucklechurch]], north of Bristol, also came under the command of the RAF Filton station commander.


Squadrons stationed at RAF Filton from the beginning of the Second World War included [[No. 501 Squadron RAF|501 (County of Gloucester) Sqdn (Auxiliary Air Force)]], now flying [[Hawker Hurricane]] Ic fighters, until 10 May 1940 when the Squadron moved to France;{{sfn|Jefford|1988|p=94}} and [[No. 263 Squadron RAF|263 Squadron]] (reformed on 2 October 1939 at Filton) taking over some of the [[Gloster Gladiator]] I biplane fighters{{sfn|Jefford|1988|p=80}} previously with [[No. 605 Squadron RAF]] and still wearing that squadron's code letter (HE).<ref>{{cite web|title=Unit History: RN Air Station Filton|url=https://www.forces-war-records.co.uk/units/3351/rn-air-station-filton/|publisher=Forces War Records|accessdate=15 November 2015}}</ref> The Squadron went on to [[Norway]] in April 1940 operating from a frozen lake.{{sfn|Jefford|1988|p=80}}
Squadrons stationed at RAF Filton from the beginning of the Second World War included [[No. 501 Squadron RAF|501 (County of Gloucester) Sqdn (Auxiliary Air Force)]], now flying [[Hawker Hurricane]] Ic fighters, until 10 May 1940 when the Squadron moved to France;{{sfn|Jefford|1988|p=94}} and [[No. 263 Squadron RAF|263 Squadron]] (reformed on 2 October 1939 at Filton) taking over some of the [[Gloster Gladiator]] I biplane fighters{{sfn|Jefford|1988|p=80}} previously with [[No. 605 Squadron RAF]] and still wearing that squadron's code letter (HE).<ref name="FWR">{{cite web|title=Unit History: RN Air Station Filton|url=https://www.forces-war-records.co.uk/units/3351/rn-air-station-filton/|publisher=Forces War Records|accessdate=15 November 2015}}</ref> The Squadron went on to [[Norway]] in April 1940 operating from a frozen lake.{{sfn|Jefford|1988|p=80}}


Between May and June 1940, [[No. 236 Squadron RAF|No. 236 Squadron]] was based at Filton with [[Bristol Blenheim]] twin-engined fighters,{{sfn|Jefford|1988|p=75}} flying defensive sweeps over the [[English Channel|Channel]].
Between May and June 1940, [[No. 236 Squadron RAF|No. 236 Squadron]] was based at Filton with [[Bristol Blenheim]] twin-engined fighters,{{sfn|Jefford|1988|p=75}} flying defensive sweeps over the [[English Channel|Channel]].
Line 80: Line 75:
Also in February 1941, [[Bristol University Air Squadron]] (UAS) was formed at Filton as part of 54 Group (along with Birmingham UAS). Initially flying the [[de Havilland Moth]] and later [[de Havilland Tiger Moth]] and [[North American T-6 Texan|North American Harvard]] trainers. It continued at Filton until it was disbanded in 1946.
Also in February 1941, [[Bristol University Air Squadron]] (UAS) was formed at Filton as part of 54 Group (along with Birmingham UAS). Initially flying the [[de Havilland Moth]] and later [[de Havilland Tiger Moth]] and [[North American T-6 Texan|North American Harvard]] trainers. It continued at Filton until it was disbanded in 1946.


[[No. 528 Squadron RAF]] was formed at Filton in June 1943, flying the Bristol Blenheim and [[de Havilland Hornet Moth]]{{sfn|Jefford|1988|p=96}} in the radar calibration role.{{sfn|Ashworth5|1990|p=89}}
[[No. 528 Squadron RAF]] was formed at Filton in June 1943, flying the Bristol Blenheim and [[de Havilland Hornet Moth]]{{sfn|Jefford|1988|p=96}} in the radar calibration role.{{sfn|Ashworth|1990|p=89}}


During the Second World War the Station [[Warrant Officer]] at Filton was Alec (Tubby) Kerr. Described in the [[Bristol Evening World]] in 1957 as one of the best-known Station Warrant Officers the RAF has ever known. SWO Kerr was awarded the [[Order of the British Empire|MBE]] on 13 June 1946.
During the Second World War the Station [[Warrant Officer]] at Filton was Alec (Tubby) Kerr. Described in the [[Bristol Evening World]] in 1957 as one of the best-known Station Warrant Officers the RAF has ever known. SWO Kerr was awarded the [[Order of the British Empire|MBE]] on 13 June 1946.

The following units were also here at some point:<ref name="ABCT">{{cite web|url=https://www.abct.org.uk/airfields/airfield-finder/filton/ |title=Filton |publisher=[[Airfields of Britain Conservation Trust]]|access-date=16 April 2022}}</ref>
* [[No. 2 Elementary and Reserve Flying Training School RAF]] (1935–39){{sfn|Lake|1999|p=58}} became [[No. 2 Elementary Flying Training School RAF]] (1939-??){{sfn|Lake|1999|p=61}}
* [[No. 2 Ferry Pilots Pool RAF]] (1939-??){{sfn|Lake|1999|p=67}}
* [[Ferry Training Unit RAF|No. 4 (Continental) Ferry Pilots Pool RAF]]
* [[No. 4 Ferry Pilots Pool RAF]]
* [[No. 7 Radio Maintenance Unit Calibration Flight RAF]] (1940){{sfn|Lake|1999|p=159}} became [[No. 7 Radio Servicing Section Calibration Flight RAF]] (1940–41) became [[List of communications units and formations of the Royal Air Force#Calibration units and formations|No. 76 (Signals) Wing Calibration Flight RAF]] (1941–43){{sfn|Lake|1999|p=291}}
* [[No. 8 Anti-Aircraft Co-operation Unit RAF]]
* [[No. 10 Elementary and Reserve Flying Training School RAF]] (1936–39){{sfn|Lake|1999|p=59}} became [[No. 10 Elementary Flying Training School RAF]] (1939-??){{sfn|Lake|1999|p=62}}
* No. 10 Group Anti-Aircraft Co-operation Flight RAF (1941) became [[No. 286 Squadron RAF]]{{sfn|Lake|1999|p=120}}
* No. 10 Group Target Towing Flight RAF
* [[List of communications units and formations of the Royal Air Force#Calibration units and formations|No. 78 (Signals) Wing Calibration Flight RAF]] (1941-??){{sfn|Lake|1999|p=291}}
* [[List of communications units and formations of the Royal Air Force#Calibration units and formations|No. 110 (Anti-Aircraft Co-operation) Wing RAF]] (??-1941){{sfn|Lake|1999|p=291}}
* Centaurus Flight RAF (??-1945){{sfn|Lake|1999|p=42}}
* 2 Ferry Training Flight of the [[Ferry Training Unit RAF]] (1942){{sfn|Lake|1999|p=68}}
* [[Overseas Aircraft Preparation Unit RAF]] (1941–42){{sfn|Lake|1999|p=153}} became [[No. 2 Overseas Aircraft Preparation Unit RAF]] (1942–44){{sfn|Lake|1999|p=153}} became [[No. 2 Aircraft Preparation Unit RAF]] (1944–45){{sfn|Lake|1999|p=153}} became [[No. 15 Ferry Unit RAF]] (1945){{sfn|Lake|1999|p=70}}


====The Filton 'Blitz'====
====The Filton 'Blitz'====
The airfield was attacked on 25 September 1940 just before mid-day by 58 [[Heinkel 111]] bombers with [[Messerschmitt Bf 110]] fighter escort. The [[Luftwaffe]] raid was primarily aimed at the Bristol Aeroplane Company's works on the south side of the airfield. One of the air raid shelters on the airfield received a direct hit, five others seriously damaged and during the raid over 200 people were killed. Luftwaffe reconnaissance planes had determined that there were no fighter aircraft stationed at Filton prior to the attack but [[No. 504 (County of Nottingham) Squadron RAF]] (Auxiliary Air Force) was moved in from 26 September 1940, flying [[Hawker Hurricane]] Mk1 fighters, as a result of this raid.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.aviationarchive.org.uk/stories/pages.php?enum=GE126&pnum=4&maxp=8|title=Air Raid at Filton 25th September 1940|publisher=Aviation Archive: Aviation Heritage|accessdate=10 February 2014}}</ref>
The airfield was attacked on 25 September 1940 just before mid-day by 58 [[Heinkel He 111]] bombers with [[Messerschmitt Bf 110]] fighter escort. The [[Luftwaffe]] raid was primarily aimed at the Bristol Aeroplane Company's works on the south side of the airfield. One of the air raid shelters on the airfield received a direct hit, five others seriously damaged and during the raid over 200 people were killed. Luftwaffe reconnaissance planes had determined that there were no fighter aircraft stationed at Filton prior to the attack but [[No. 504 Squadron RAF|No. 504 (County of Nottingham) Squadron RAF]] (Auxiliary Air Force) was moved in from 26 September 1940, flying [[Hawker Hurricane]] Mk1 fighters, as a result of this raid.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.aviationarchive.org.uk/stories/pages.php?enum=GE126&pnum=4&maxp=8|title=Air Raid at Filton 25th September 1940|publisher=Aviation Archive: Aviation Heritage|accessdate=10 February 2014}}</ref>


===Post war years===
===Post war years===
Line 92: Line 103:
After the war years Filton again became home to [[No. 501 Squadron RAF]], which was reformed in May 1946 as a [[Royal Auxiliary Air Force]] day-fighter squadron equipped with Spitfire XVI (LF)s. These were followed in 1948 by [[de Havilland Vampire]] F1s, and the FB5 from Spring 1951. 501 Squadron continued at Filton until it was disbanded in March 1957, when the remaining Royal Auxiliary Air Force flying units were stood down.{{sfn|Jefford|1988|p=95}}
After the war years Filton again became home to [[No. 501 Squadron RAF]], which was reformed in May 1946 as a [[Royal Auxiliary Air Force]] day-fighter squadron equipped with Spitfire XVI (LF)s. These were followed in 1948 by [[de Havilland Vampire]] F1s, and the FB5 from Spring 1951. 501 Squadron continued at Filton until it was disbanded in March 1957, when the remaining Royal Auxiliary Air Force flying units were stood down.{{sfn|Jefford|1988|p=95}}


Filton was also once again home to the Bristol University Air Squadron as part of 62 Group.{{sfn|Ashworth5|1990|p=89}} Initially flying de Havilland Tiger Moth T2s, these were replaced with [[de Havilland Canada DHC-1 Chipmunk]] T10 trainers;<ref>{{cite web|title=BUAS History|url=http://www.raf.mod.uk/universityairsquadrons/findasquadron/buashistory.cfm|publisher=Royal Air Force|accessdate=15 November 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Unit History: RN Air Station Filton|url=https://www.forces-war-records.co.uk/units/3351/rn-air-station-filton/|publisher=Forces War Records|accessdate=15 November 2015}}</ref> and also No. 3 Air Experience Flight RAFVR which was formed on 8 September 1958, also with de Havilland Chipmunk trainers.{{sfn|Ashworth5|1990|p=89}}
Filton was also once again home to the Bristol University Air Squadron as part of 62 Group.{{sfn|Ashworth|1990|p=89}} Initially flying de Havilland Tiger Moth T2s, these were replaced with [[de Havilland Canada DHC-1 Chipmunk]] T10 trainers;<ref>{{cite web|title=BUAS History|url=http://www.raf.mod.uk/universityairsquadrons/findasquadron/buashistory.cfm|publisher=Royal Air Force|accessdate=15 November 2015}}</ref><ref name="FWR"/> and also No. 3 Air Experience Flight RAFVR which was formed on 8 September 1958, also with de Havilland Chipmunk trainers.{{sfn|Ashworth|1990|p=89}}


Operating out of Filton from 1948 was [[No. 12 Reserve Flying School]] (RFS) equipped with six de Havilland Tiger Moths for RAF Reserve Pilot training and (from 1949) initially two (later three) [[Avro Anson]]s for Navigator training. This school was operated under special contract to the Air Ministry by the Bristol Aeroplane Company as part of the Volunteer Reserve Pilot training scheme. This continued until March 1953 when No. 12 RFS closed.{{sfn|Ashworth5|1990|p=89}}
Operating out of Filton from 1948 was [[No. 12 Reserve Flying School RAF]] (RFS) equipped with six de Havilland Tiger Moths for RAF Reserve Pilot training and (from 1949) initially two (later three) [[Avro Anson]]s for Navigator training. This school was operated under special contract to the Air Ministry by the Bristol Aeroplane Company as part of the Volunteer Reserve Pilot training scheme. This continued until March 1953 when No. 12 RFS closed.{{sfn|Ashworth|1990|p=89}}


In the 1950s and early '60s, Filton was designated as a [[V bomber]] dispersal base. During the [[Cuban Missile Crisis]] (October 1962) [[Avro Vulcan]] V bombers were at Filton and kept at 'immediate readiness' status with engines idling.
In the 1950s and early '60s, Filton was designated as a [[V bomber]] dispersal base. During the [[Cuban Missile Crisis]] (October 1962) [[Avro Vulcan]] V bombers were at Filton and kept at 'immediate readiness' status with engines idling.


==Current use==
==Current use==
The airfield is now closed and the only aircraft operating are NPAS (Western Counties Air Operations Unit) Police helicopter & [[Great Western Air Ambulance Charity|The Great Western Air Ambulance Charity]].
The airfield is now closed and the last aircraft to operate from the site were the NPAS (Western Counties Air Operations Unit) Police helicopter & the [[Great Western Air Ambulance Charity]], who both moved to a nearby, purpose built site at Almondsbury in October 2018.


In 2017, part of the former RAF Filton site became home to [[Aerospace Bristol]], an aerospace museum run by the Bristol Aero Collection Trust. A varied collection of exhibits is housed in the former RAF hangars [now Grade 2 listed]. The exhibition covers over 100 years of aviation history with emphasis on items relating to Filton, including Concorde 216, the final Concorde to be built and the last to fly, in a newly-built structure.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.aerospacebristol.org/|title=Home|website=Aerospace Bristol|access-date=2016-07-18}}</ref> | [http://www.aerospacebristol.org Aerospace Bristol]
In 2017, part of the former RAF Filton site became home to [[Aerospace Bristol]], an aerospace museum run by the Bristol Aero Collection Trust. A varied collection of exhibits is housed in the former RAF hangars [now Grade 2 listed]. The exhibition covers over 100 years of aviation history with emphasis on items relating to Filton, including Concorde 216, the final Concorde to be built and the last to fly, in a newly built structure.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.aerospacebristol.org/|title=Home|website=Aerospace Bristol|access-date=2016-07-18}}</ref>


==References==
==References==
Line 108: Line 119:


===Bibliography===
===Bibliography===
*{{cite book |last1=Jefford |first1= C G |title= RAF Squadrons. A comprehensive record of the movement and equipment of all RAF squadrons and their antecedents since 1912 |year=1988 |publisher= Airlife |location= [[Shrewsbury]] |isbn= 1-85310-053-6 |ref= {{harvid|Jefford|1988}} }}
*{{cite book |last1=Ashworth|first1=C |title= Action Stations: Vol 5. Military airfields of the South West |year=1990 |publisher= Patrick Stephens Limited |location= [[Wellingborough]] |isbn= 1-85260-374-7}}
*{{cite book |last1=Ashworth|first1=C |title= Action Stations: Vol 5. Military airfields of the South West |year=1990 |publisher= Patrick Stephens Limited |location= [[Wellingborough]] |isbn= 1-85260-374-7 |ref= {{harvid|Ashworth5|1990}} }}
*{{cite book |last1=Falconer|first1=J.|title=RAF Airfields of World War 2 |year=2012 |publisher= Ian Allan Publishing|location= UK|isbn=978-1-85780-349-5}}
*{{cite book |last=Harris |first=W. L. |year=1995 |title=Filton, Gloucestershire |isbn=0-9507387-1-9}}
''Filton, Gloucestershire'' by W.L.Harris {{ISBN|0-9507387-1-9}}
*{{cite book |last1=Jefford |first1= C. G. |title= RAF Squadrons. A comprehensive record of the movement and equipment of all RAF squadrons and their antecedents since 1912 |year=1988 |publisher= Airlife |location= [[Shrewsbury]] |isbn= 1-85310-053-6 }}
*{{cite book |last1=Lake |first1=A |title= Flying units of the RAF |year=1999 |publisher= Airlife |location= [[Shrewsbury]] |isbn= 1-84037-086-6 }}


==External links==
==External links==

Latest revision as of 09:30, 7 April 2024

RAF Filton
RFC Filton
Filton, Gloucestershire in England
RAF Filton is located in Gloucestershire
RAF Filton
RAF Filton
Shown within Gloucestershire
Coordinates51°31′09″N 002°34′43″W / 51.51917°N 2.57861°W / 51.51917; -2.57861
TypeRoyal Air Force station
Site information
OwnerAir Ministry
OperatorRoyal Air Force
Controlled byRAF Fighter Command 1939-41
* No. 10 Group RAF
* No. 11 Group RAF
RAF Transport Command 1941-
* No. 44 Group RAF
Site history
Built1915 (1915)
In use1916-1957 (1957)
Battles/warsFirst World War
European theatre of World War II
Cuban Missile Crisis
Airfield information
Elevation64 metres (210 ft)[1] AMSL
Runways
Direction Length and surface
11/27 1,994 metres (6,542 ft) Concrete
00/00  Concrete

Royal Air Force Filton or more simply RAF Filton is a former Royal Flying Corps (RFC) and Royal Air Force (RAF) station located 5 miles (8 km) north of the city centre of Bristol, England.

Throughout its existence, RAF Filton shared the airfield with the Bristol Aeroplane Company (later British Aircraft Corporation) whose works, now owned by BAE/Airbus, are situated on the south side of the main runway.

History

[edit]

First World War

[edit]

The first squadron to form at the airfield during the First World War was No. 33 Squadron RFC which formed during January 1916 and was composed of elements of No. 20 Squadron RFC which flew the Royal Aircraft Factory B.E.2.[2] The next squadron was 42 Squadron which moved to Filton during April 1916 from crews of 19 Squadron and again flew the B.E.2.[3]

Then No. 66 (Fighter) Squadron was formed in June 1916 with Sopwith Pup biplanes before the squadron moved on to France in March 1917.[4] The squadron was joined by 62 Squadron in August 1916 when the squadron was formed from elements of No. 7 Training Squadron which were equipped with the Bristol F.2 Fighter from May 1917.[5]

Between the wars

[edit]

No. 101 Squadron RAF was disbanded at Filton following its return from France in March 1919 where it had flown the Royal Aircraft Factory F.E.2 as a night bomber squadron.[6] In June 1929 No. 501 (Special Reserve) Squadron RAF was formed at Filton as a day bomber squadron flying Airco DH.9A biplanes.[7] Initially named 'City of Bristol' it was renamed 'County of Gloucester' Squadron in May 1930.[8] It became part of the Auxiliary Air Force in 1936. The Squadron flew Hawker Harts and then the Hawker Hind light bomber from 1938.[7]

Second World War

[edit]

During the Second World War it was home to the Filton Sector Operations Room which was part of No. 10 Group RAF of RAF Fighter Command.[9]

The first unit to use the airfield was No. 935 (County of Glamorgan) Barrage Balloon Unit (Auxiliary Air Force), which was at Filton from January 1939 with 2 Flights of 8 barrage balloons, and responsible for the defence of the Naval Yard at Plymouth as well as the airfield at Filton. The unit's allocation was increased to 24 Balloons during August 1940 as RAF Filton did not have a defensive fighter squadron attached to defend the airfield. No. 11 Balloon Centre at RAF Pucklechurch, north of Bristol, also came under the command of the RAF Filton station commander.

Squadrons stationed at RAF Filton from the beginning of the Second World War included 501 (County of Gloucester) Sqdn (Auxiliary Air Force), now flying Hawker Hurricane Ic fighters, until 10 May 1940 when the Squadron moved to France;[7] and 263 Squadron (reformed on 2 October 1939 at Filton) taking over some of the Gloster Gladiator I biplane fighters[10] previously with No. 605 Squadron RAF and still wearing that squadron's code letter (HE).[11] The Squadron went on to Norway in April 1940 operating from a frozen lake.[10]

Between May and June 1940, No. 236 Squadron was based at Filton with Bristol Blenheim twin-engined fighters,[12] flying defensive sweeps over the Channel.

In February 1941 No. 118 Squadron RAF was reformed at Filton flying Supermarine Spitfire Is until April 1941.[13]

Also in February 1941, Bristol University Air Squadron (UAS) was formed at Filton as part of 54 Group (along with Birmingham UAS). Initially flying the de Havilland Moth and later de Havilland Tiger Moth and North American Harvard trainers. It continued at Filton until it was disbanded in 1946.

No. 528 Squadron RAF was formed at Filton in June 1943, flying the Bristol Blenheim and de Havilland Hornet Moth[14] in the radar calibration role.[15]

During the Second World War the Station Warrant Officer at Filton was Alec (Tubby) Kerr. Described in the Bristol Evening World in 1957 as one of the best-known Station Warrant Officers the RAF has ever known. SWO Kerr was awarded the MBE on 13 June 1946.

The following units were also here at some point:[16]

The Filton 'Blitz'

[edit]

The airfield was attacked on 25 September 1940 just before mid-day by 58 Heinkel He 111 bombers with Messerschmitt Bf 110 fighter escort. The Luftwaffe raid was primarily aimed at the Bristol Aeroplane Company's works on the south side of the airfield. One of the air raid shelters on the airfield received a direct hit, five others seriously damaged and during the raid over 200 people were killed. Luftwaffe reconnaissance planes had determined that there were no fighter aircraft stationed at Filton prior to the attack but No. 504 (County of Nottingham) Squadron RAF (Auxiliary Air Force) was moved in from 26 September 1940, flying Hawker Hurricane Mk1 fighters, as a result of this raid.[29]

Post war years

[edit]
Camouflaged Vickers Valiant at Filton. Date uncertain but probably the mid-1960s
An Avro Vulcan B1A V bomber parked on one of the four rapid dispersal points at Filton during a public air display in the 1960s

After the war years Filton again became home to No. 501 Squadron RAF, which was reformed in May 1946 as a Royal Auxiliary Air Force day-fighter squadron equipped with Spitfire XVI (LF)s. These were followed in 1948 by de Havilland Vampire F1s, and the FB5 from Spring 1951. 501 Squadron continued at Filton until it was disbanded in March 1957, when the remaining Royal Auxiliary Air Force flying units were stood down.[30]

Filton was also once again home to the Bristol University Air Squadron as part of 62 Group.[15] Initially flying de Havilland Tiger Moth T2s, these were replaced with de Havilland Canada DHC-1 Chipmunk T10 trainers;[31][11] and also No. 3 Air Experience Flight RAFVR which was formed on 8 September 1958, also with de Havilland Chipmunk trainers.[15]

Operating out of Filton from 1948 was No. 12 Reserve Flying School RAF (RFS) equipped with six de Havilland Tiger Moths for RAF Reserve Pilot training and (from 1949) initially two (later three) Avro Ansons for Navigator training. This school was operated under special contract to the Air Ministry by the Bristol Aeroplane Company as part of the Volunteer Reserve Pilot training scheme. This continued until March 1953 when No. 12 RFS closed.[15]

In the 1950s and early '60s, Filton was designated as a V bomber dispersal base. During the Cuban Missile Crisis (October 1962) Avro Vulcan V bombers were at Filton and kept at 'immediate readiness' status with engines idling.

Current use

[edit]

The airfield is now closed and the last aircraft to operate from the site were the NPAS (Western Counties Air Operations Unit) Police helicopter & the Great Western Air Ambulance Charity, who both moved to a nearby, purpose built site at Almondsbury in October 2018.

In 2017, part of the former RAF Filton site became home to Aerospace Bristol, an aerospace museum run by the Bristol Aero Collection Trust. A varied collection of exhibits is housed in the former RAF hangars [now Grade 2 listed]. The exhibition covers over 100 years of aviation history with emphasis on items relating to Filton, including Concorde 216, the final Concorde to be built and the last to fly, in a newly built structure.[32]

References

[edit]

Citations

[edit]
  1. ^ Falconer 2012, p. 93.
  2. ^ Jefford 1988, p. 36.
  3. ^ Jefford 1988, p. 39.
  4. ^ Jefford 1988, p. 45.
  5. ^ Jefford 1988, p. 44.
  6. ^ Jefford 1988, p. 54.
  7. ^ a b c Jefford 1988, p. 94.
  8. ^ "No 501 (City of Bristol) Squadron". Air of Authority - A History of RAF Organisation. Archived from the original on 11 February 2014. Retrieved 10 February 2014.
  9. ^ "RAF Fighter Command - Order of Battle - No. 10 Group". World War II Armed Forces — Orders of Battle and Organizations. Retrieved 10 February 2014.
  10. ^ a b Jefford 1988, p. 80.
  11. ^ a b "Unit History: RN Air Station Filton". Forces War Records. Retrieved 15 November 2015.
  12. ^ Jefford 1988, p. 75.
  13. ^ Jefford 1988, p. 57.
  14. ^ Jefford 1988, p. 96.
  15. ^ a b c d Ashworth 1990, p. 89.
  16. ^ "Filton". Airfields of Britain Conservation Trust. Retrieved 16 April 2022.
  17. ^ Lake 1999, p. 58.
  18. ^ Lake 1999, p. 61.
  19. ^ Lake 1999, p. 67.
  20. ^ Lake 1999, p. 159.
  21. ^ a b c Lake 1999, p. 291.
  22. ^ Lake 1999, p. 59.
  23. ^ Lake 1999, p. 62.
  24. ^ Lake 1999, p. 120.
  25. ^ Lake 1999, p. 42.
  26. ^ Lake 1999, p. 68.
  27. ^ a b c Lake 1999, p. 153.
  28. ^ Lake 1999, p. 70.
  29. ^ "Air Raid at Filton 25th September 1940". Aviation Archive: Aviation Heritage. Retrieved 10 February 2014.
  30. ^ Jefford 1988, p. 95.
  31. ^ "BUAS History". Royal Air Force. Retrieved 15 November 2015.
  32. ^ "Home". Aerospace Bristol. Retrieved 18 July 2016.

Bibliography

[edit]
[edit]