Dates: 1916 - 2007

RAF Cranwell ( ICAO: EGYD) is a Royal Air Force station in Lincolnshire close to the village of Cranwell, near Sleaford. It is currently commanded by Group Captain N Wharmby.

The history of military aviation at Cranwell goes back to November 1915 when the Admiralty requisitioned 2500 acres (10 km?) of land from the Earl of Bristol’s estate. And on the 1 April 1916 the Royal Naval Air Service, Training Establishment, Cranwell was officially born. The first commander was Commodore Godfrey M. Paine.

As the naval personnel were held on the books of HMS Daedalus, a hulk that was moored on the River Medway, this gave rise to a misconception that Cranwell was first established as HMS Daedalus.

With the establishment of the Royal Air Force as an independent service in 1918, the RNAS Training Establishment became RAF Cranwell. Cranwell became the entry point for all those who wished to become permanent officers in the RAF and the selection process was extremely stringent. Initially the course took two years but by the fifties this had expanded to three. Until 81 Entry, arriving in September 1959, all flying training took place at the College; basic training on Piston Provosts and advanced on either Vampires or Meteors. With the arrival of 81 Entry the Academic syllabus was improved to allow cadets to gain degrees in humanities or AFRAES. To enable this to happen in the three year course only basic training was carried out at Cranwell on the new Jet Provosts Mks 3 and 4.Cadets still received their wings on passing out of Cranwell but went on to advanced flying courses at either Oakington or Valley. In 1962 Whittle Hall was built to support the new syllabus, opened by Sir Frank Whittle. This meant that the old East and West Camps which had been used for lectures were re-deployed for other activities.

Memories of RAF Cranwell

RAF Cranwell, in 1968
Written by Ronald J. Bartle
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"- of being at a Garden Party hosted by Baptists for some active members (and friends-) of the Cranwell College Christian Union on the outskirts of Lincoln City when Flt. Lt. "Dinger-" Bell almost dropped in at ca. 300Knt/Hr - ^60’ - 80’ Still not sure if it was the table that was left shaking or just me. (Yes he was a notoriusly naughty person - and of course a crack airobatics pilot as well.) "

Forces Reunited Forum Posts involving RAF Cranwell

" If anyone knows the whereabouts of my brother? he was in the RAF from 1974-1998 appox .He was at RAF Cranwell then posted overseas then back in england ,I would like to try and find him because the family are missing him and have’nt heard from him in years .any help would be helpfull.many thanks dave"

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" Brian James Savage - Flight Sergeant Retired 1993 after 25 years of service Brian passed away suddenly on Saturday 25th September 2004 and his funeral will be held Tuesday 5th October 2004 at 3:30pm in Hastings. His two daughters would be pleased to hear from any of Brian’s old friends or ..."

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" I wonder if any ex RAF bods out there remember the three beautiful lasses who worked at RAF Cranwell latter end of 1949. Only remember their first names which were, Jacky (Jacqueline), Bobby (Roberta) and Billy (Wilhomena). Heres hoping just like to know how life is treating them now. Oh yes ..."

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" There can be no real contest between Mrs Thatcher and Tony Blair as PMs. They, in their different ways will be remembered for various things. Mrs Thatcher and the ’Poll Tax’ fiasco of course, and Blair for his ’Spinning and Lies’. As for Winston Churchill ...yes, he was a ..."

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" Rosemarie, That award is given to the outstanding (I think) officer cadet at RAF Cranwell.  I should think you’d have better results by writing to them, or e-mailing perhaps.  They’ve probably got a list of past winners on a wall somewhere. Regards. "

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