Dates: 1941 - 1974 RAF Gaydon is a former Royal Air Force station in Warwickshire in the UK. During World War II an RAF station was built near the village. This was a standard three-runway airfield similar to a number of other airfields nearby and was used mainly for training bomber crews, using Wellington Bombers or their training variants. Immediately after the war bomber training ceased and Gaydon became a training establishment for glider pilots and gliding instructors. The airfield was then placed under care and maintenance until the early 1950s when it was designated as a future V-bomber training base. The airfield was therefore completely remodelled with one single massively long and wide runway. V bombers were then cutting edge technology and the teaching of pilots who may have trained on 200mph Wellingtons to fly the new much larger heavier and faster, nuclear capable, jet bomber was viewed with much apprehension, although in the event many of the more alarmist views proved unfounded. On 1 January 1955 the first 138 Squadron operating Vickers Valiants reformed at Gaydon as the first V-bomber squadron and the airfield then settled down as the training unit for Valiant and later Victor squadrons. The airfield was used for operational bomber training until September 1965 at which point it became home to No 2 Air Navigation School, responsible for the initial training of all RAF Navigators. The contrast between the V Bombers and the Vickers Varsity training aircraft cannot have been more pronounced. The Varsity was a direct descendant of the wartime Wellington with a very similar performance. When it first flew in 1949 it was reasonably advanced but by the mid sixties was definitely long in the tooth and had earned the nickname "flying pig" from the crews. Although older aircrew were quite happy to accept the slow pace of life younger ones considered flying elderly piston engined aircraft,at less than 200mph,on seemingly endless preset courses, to be less than exciting. However although the base was ostensibly only a training establishment information released recently reveals that Gaydon was still part of the strategic plan and in the event of war it was one of bases to which Victor bombers would have dispersed ready to carry out nuclear strikes against an enemy. The Air Navigation School moved to RAF Finningley, Yorkshire in 1970 and after a short period as a maintenance facility Gaydon was reduced to a Care and Maintenance Status until closure. The station closed in 1974 and the airfield was bought in 1978 by British Leyland.
Memories of RAF Gaydon
Station band - RAF Gaydon in 1961Written by george jurish Contact this person >>  "Any of the guys in the band '61 - '62
remember me (George Jurish - Corporal)
I was in station workshops as a Gen.fitter. I have to admit that now the old memory's got a bit "gash" the only name I can readily recall is the Bandmaster, Flt.Sgt.Les Smith.
If you were there you may recall we had a parade at Wellesbourne when I was half way through "clearing" to be demobbed, (Sept.'62) and I turned out for a final blow. Everyone thought I was mad, but it was a lasr chance to "blow a raspberry" before I left. If there is anyone out there who remebers me, do get in touch.
All the best and as they say in the best of circles "Nil illegitami carborundum" !!!" RAF Gaydon, in 1955Written by john stevenson Contact this person >> "I had the honour belonging to the very first servicing team to work on Valiants carrying out acceptance checks on delivery from Vickers.If my memories serve me right WP206&WP207." RAF Gaydon, in 1967Written by Douglas Richards Contact this person >> "Nights out inLeamington Spa,Coventry. The Kinks appearing at the NAAFI. Being on duty at Christmas and whilst we took turns going to the pub in Kineton. Being duty electrician metc and hoping nothing went wrong. All the dances etyc. And being the station postman."
Forces Reunited Forum Posts involving RAF Gaydon
" My late brother 4201717 AC.1 William (Billy) Speers joined the RAF around 1957 RAF Gaydon Warwicks i think. My memories of Billy being in the RAF were when he was stationed at Ballykelly (late 60s early 70s.) As a child i used to spend weekends and school holidays with my brother and his family in ..."
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"Trying to trace RAF Halton Apprentice BRIAN FOSTER.Was at Halton from Jan 1959 until Dec 1961.Was posted to RAF Gaydon Jan 1962.Myself and many of his ex Halton friends would like contact with him.Any information about Brian would be greatly appreciated.Many thanks. "
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"Trying to trace RAF Halton Apprentice FRANK MERRITT.At Halton Jan 1959 until Dec 1961.Posted to RAF Gaydon Jan 1962.Myself and many of his ex RAF Halton friends would like contact with him.Any information abot Frank would be greatly appreciated.Many thanks. "
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" Quoting: julie childs hi t hanks for your reply yes i do have more information he was based at gaydon and he was there from 1964 1977 his company was called RAF BRUGGAN He died in 1988 in camberwell london he was married to a Patricia Mcphillips and i believe he had two sons paul and niall ..."
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"Served in RAF Gaydon, Station Flight 57-58 Air Radar Mech.anyone else from Station Flight at this time would be good to hear from you"
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