RAF Leeming: Difference between revisions

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{{Short description|Royal Air Force base in Yorkshire, England}}
{{Short description|Royal Air Force base in Yorkshire, England}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2020}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2025}}
{{Use British English|date=May 2013}}
{{Use British English|date=May 2013}}
{{Infobox military installation
{{Infobox military installation
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| partof =  
| partof =  
| location =  
| location =  
| nearest_town = [[Leeming, North Yorkshire|Leeming]], [[North Yorkshire]]
| nearest_town = [[Leeming, North Yorkshire]]
| country = England
| country = England
| image =C-17 above RAF Leeming's runway.jpg
| image =C-17 above RAF Leeming's runway.jpg
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| pushpin_label = RAF Leeming
| pushpin_label = RAF Leeming
| pushpin_map_caption = Shown within North Yorkshire
| pushpin_map_caption = Shown within North Yorkshire
| coordinates = {{Coord|54|17|33|N|001|32|08|W|region:GB_type:airport|display=inline,title}}
| coordinates = {{coord|54|17|33|N|001|32|08|W|region:GB_type:airport|display=inline,title}}
| gridref = SE305890{{sfn|Birtles|2012|p=36}}
| gridref = SE305890{{sfn|Birtles|2012|p=36}}
| type = Air combat support station
| type = Air combat support station
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| battles =  
| battles =  
| events =  
| events =  
| current_commander = [[Group Captain]] P.&nbsp;T.&nbsp;Hamilton<ref>{{cite web |title=Senior Appointments |url=https://www.raf.mod.uk/news/senior-appointments/#:~:text=Group%20Captain%20P%20T%20Hamilton%20MBE%20to%20be%20Officer%20Commanding%20RAF,to%20Group%20Captain%20G%20Prendergast. |website=raf.mod.uk |access-date=10 August 2024}}</ref>
| current_commander = [[Group Captain]] J.&nbsp;Lawson<ref>{{cite web |title=Senior Appointments |url=https://www.raf.mod.uk/news/senior-appointments/#:~:text=Group%20Captain%20P%20T%20Hamilton%20MBE%20to%20be%20Officer%20Commanding%20RAF,to%20Group%20Captain%20G%20Prendergast. |website=raf.mod.uk |access-date=7 July 2025}}</ref>
| past_commanders = <!-- past notable commander(s) -->
| past_commanders = <!-- past notable commander(s) -->
| garrison =  
| garrison =  
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* Mountain Rescue Team
* Mountain Rescue Team
''See [[#Based units|Based units]] section for full list.''
''See [[#Based units|Based units]] section for full list.''
| elevation = {{Convert|40.5|m|0}}
| elevation = {{convert|40.5|m|0}}
| IATA = QXL
| IATA = QXL
| ICAO = EGXE
| ICAO = EGXE
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| WMO = 03257
| WMO = 03257
| r1-number = 16/34
| r1-number = 16/34
| r1-length = {{Convert|2291|m|0}}
| r1-length = {{convert|2291|m|0}}
| r1-surface = [[Asphalt concrete|Asphalt]]
| r1-surface = [[Asphalt concrete|Asphalt]]
| website = {{Official website|https://www.raf.mod.uk/our-organisation/stations/raf-leeming/ }}
| website = {{Official website|https://www.raf.mod.uk/our-organisation/stations/raf-leeming/ }}
| footnotes ='''Source''': UK MIL AIP Leeming<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.aidu.mod.uk/aip/pdf/ad/EGXE-Leeming-Combined.pdf|title=UK MIL AIP Leeming|date=28 February 2019|website=UK Military AIP|publisher=No.1 Aeronautical Information Documents Unit|access-date=27 March 2019}}</ref>}}
| footnotes ='''Source''': UK MIL AIP Leeming<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.aidu.mod.uk/aip/pdf/ad/EGXE-Leeming-Combined.pdf|title=UK MIL AIP Leeming|date=28 February 2019|website=UK Military AIP|publisher=No.1 Aeronautical Information Documents Unit|access-date=27 March 2019}}</ref>}}


'''Royal Air Force Leeming''' or more simply '''RAF Leeming''' is a [[Royal Air Force]] [[List of Royal Air Force stations|station]] located near [[Leeming, North Yorkshire|Leeming]], [[North Yorkshire]], England. It was opened in 1940 and was jointly used by the RAF and the [[Royal Canadian Air Force]] (RCAF). Between 1950 and 1991, it operated mostly as a training base with [[Quick Reaction Force]] (QRF) [[Panavia Tornado ADV|Panavia Tornado F3]] fighters based there in the latter stages of the [[Cold War]] and into the early 21st century. Since 2006, it has become the home of the deployable RAF communications cadre ([[No. 90 Signals Unit RAF]]) and the home of [[No. 135 Expeditionary Air Wing]].
'''Royal Air Force Leeming''' or more simply '''RAF Leeming''' is a [[Royal Air Force station]] located near [[Leeming, North Yorkshire]], England. It was opened in 1940 and was jointly used by the [[RAF]] and the [[Royal Canadian Air Force]] (RCAF).  
 
Between 1950 and 1991, it operated mostly as a training base with [[Quick Reaction Force]] (QRF) [[Panavia Tornado ADV|Panavia Tornado F3]] fighters based there in the latter stages of the [[Cold War]] and into the early 21st century. Since 2006, it has become the home of the deployable RAF communications cadre ([[No. 90 Signals Unit RAF]]) and the home of [[No. 135 Expeditionary Air Wing]].


==History==
==History==
The area at the extreme western edge of the base was used in the 1930s by local flying enthusiasts. It took the name of ''Londonderry Aerodrome'' as it was closest to the hamlet of [[Londonderry, North Yorkshire|Londonderry]] in North Yorkshire.{{sfn|Coupland|1997|p=xviii}}<ref>{{cite journal |title=Air Day Aerodromes|journal=Flight Magazine |date=24 May 1934 |volume=26 |issue=1,326 |page=508 |publisher=Royal Aero Club |location=London |issn=0015-3710}}</ref> In the late 1930s, the Royal Air Force bought up the aerodrome and most of the surrounding land to convert it into an RAF airfield, which became known as Royal Air Force Leeming. Part of the buildup of the base included building a decoy airfield at [[Burneston]], some {{convert|4|mi}} to the south.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Halpenny |first1=Bruce Barrymore |title=Action stations 4; Military Airfields of Yorkshire |date=1982 |publisher=Patrick Stephens |location=Cambridge |isbn=0-85059-532-0 |page=107 |edition=2}}</ref>
The area at the extreme western edge of the base was used in the 1930s by local flying enthusiasts. It took the name of ''Londonderry Aerodrome'' as it was closest to the hamlet of [[Londonderry, North Yorkshire|Londonderry]] in North Yorkshire.{{sfn|Coupland|1997|p=xviii}}<ref>{{cite journal |title=Air Day Aerodromes|journal=Flight Magazine |date=24 May 1934 |volume=26 |issue=1,326 |page=508 |publisher=Royal Aero Club |location=London |issn=0015-3710}}</ref> In the late 1930s, the Royal Air Force bought the aerodrome and most of the surrounding land to convert it into an RAF airfield, which became known as Royal Air Force Leeming. Part of the buildup of the base included building a decoy airfield at [[Burneston]], some {{convert|4|mi}} to the south.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Halpenny |first1=Bruce Barrymore |title=Action stations 4; Military Airfields of Yorkshire |date=1982 |publisher=Patrick Stephens |location=Cambridge |isbn=0-85059-532-0 |page=107 |edition=2}}</ref>


===1940s===
===1940s===
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The station opened in June 1940 as a bomber station during the [[World War II|Second World War]]. In 1943 the station was assigned to [[No. 6 Group RCAF|No. 6 Group]] [[Royal Canadian Air Force]] (RCAF) with a sub-station at [[RAF Skipton-on-Swale]]. The main aircraft operated were [[Handley Page Halifax]] [[bomber]]s.<ref>{{Harvnb|Halley|1988|pp=494–510.}}</ref><ref>{{Harvnb|Delve|1994|p=62.}}</ref><ref>{{Harvnb|Sturtivant and Hamlin|2007|pp=97, 125–126.}}</ref>
The station opened in June 1940 as a bomber station during the [[World War II|Second World War]]. In 1943 the station was assigned to [[No. 6 Group RCAF|No. 6 Group]] [[Royal Canadian Air Force]] (RCAF) with a sub-station at [[RAF Skipton-on-Swale]]. The main aircraft operated were [[Handley Page Halifax]] [[bomber]]s.<ref>{{Harvnb|Halley|1988|pp=494–510.}}</ref><ref>{{Harvnb|Delve|1994|p=62.}}</ref><ref>{{Harvnb|Sturtivant and Hamlin|2007|pp=97, 125–126.}}</ref>


A detachment of [[No. 219 Squadron RAF]] used the airfield between 4 October 1939 and 12 October 1940 when the main section of the squadron was at [[RAF Catterick]] flying the [[Bristol Blenheim]] IF.<ref name="Jefford1988p72">{{Harvnb|Jefford|1988|p=72.}}</ref>
A detachment of [[No. 219 Squadron RAF|No. 219 (Mysore) Squadron RAF]] used the airfield between 4 October 1939 and 12 October 1940 when the main section of the squadron was at [[RAF Catterick]] flying the [[Bristol Blenheim]] IF.<ref name="Jefford1988p72">{{Harvnb|Jefford|1988|p=72.}}</ref>
*[[No. 10 Squadron RAF]] between 8 July 1940 and 5 July 1942 flying the [[Handley Page Halifax]] Mks I & II.<ref name="Jefford1988p27">{{Harvnb|Jefford|1988|p=27.}}</ref>
*[[No. 10 Squadron RAF]] between 8 July 1940 and 5 July 1942 flying the [[Handley Page Halifax]] Mks I & II.<ref name="Jefford1988p27">{{Harvnb|Jefford|1988|p=27.}}</ref>
*[[No. 7 Squadron RAF]] reformed at the airfield on 1 August 1940 with the [[Short Stirling]] I before moving to [[RAF Oakington]] on 29 October 1940.<ref name="Jefford1988p26">{{Harvnb|Jefford|1988|p=26.}}</ref>
*[[No. 7 Squadron RAF]] reformed at the airfield on 1 August 1940 with the [[Short Stirling]] I before moving to [[RAF Oakington]] on 29 October 1940.<ref name="Jefford1988p26">{{Harvnb|Jefford|1988|p=26.}}</ref>
*[[No. 102 Squadron RAF]] between 25 August 1940 and 1 September 1940 flying the [[Armstrong Whitworth Whitley]] V before moving to [[RAF Prestwick]].<ref name="Jefford1988p54">{{Harvnb|Jefford|1988|p=54.}}</ref>
*[[No. 102 Squadron RAF|No. 102 (Ceylon) Squadron RAF]] between 25 August 1940 and 1 September 1940 flying the [[Armstrong Whitworth Whitley]] V before moving to [[RAF Prestwick]].<ref name="Jefford1988p54">{{Harvnb|Jefford|1988|p=54.}}</ref>
*[[No. XXXV Squadron RAF|No. 35 Squadron RAF]] between 20 November 1940 and 5 December 1940 using the Halifax I before moving to [[RAF Linton-on-Ouse]].<ref name="Jefford1988p37">{{Harvnb|Jefford|1988|p=37.}}</ref>
*[[No. 35 Squadron RAF|No. 35 (Madras Presidency) Squadron RAF]] between 20 November 1940 and 5 December 1940 using the Halifax I before moving to [[RAF Linton-on-Ouse]].<ref name="Jefford1988p37">{{Harvnb|Jefford|1988|p=37.}}</ref>
*[[No. 77 Squadron RAF]] between 5 September 1941 and 6 May 1942 flying the Whitley V before moving to [[RAF Chivenor]].<ref name="Jefford1988p48">{{Harvnb|Jefford|1988|p=48.}}</ref>
*[[No. 77 Squadron RAF]] between 5 September 1941 and 6 May 1942 flying the Whitley V before moving to [[RAF Chivenor]].<ref name="Jefford1988p48">{{Harvnb|Jefford|1988|p=48.}}</ref>
*[[No. 408 Squadron RCAF]] between 14 September 1942 and 27 August 1943 with the Halifax V and I before moving to [[RAF Linton-on-Ouse]].<ref name="Jefford1988p90">{{Harvnb|Jefford|1988|p=90.}}</ref>
*[[408 Tactical Helicopter Squadron|No. 408 Squadron RCAF]] between 14 September 1942 and 27 August 1943 with the Halifax V and I before moving to [[RAF Linton-on-Ouse]].<ref name="Jefford1988p90">{{Harvnb|Jefford|1988|p=90.}}</ref>
*1659 HCU RAF 1941–1942
*1659 HCU RAF 1941–1942
*[[No. 424 Squadron RCAF]] between 8 April 1943 and 3 May 1943 using the [[Vickers Wellington]] X before moving to [[RAF Dalton]].<ref name="Jefford1988p91">{{Harvnb|Jefford|1988|p=91.}}</ref>
*[[424 Transport and Rescue Squadron|No. 424 Squadron RCAF]] between 8 April 1943 and 3 May 1943 using the [[Vickers Wellington]] X before moving to [[RAF Dalton]].<ref name="Jefford1988p91">{{Harvnb|Jefford|1988|p=91.}}</ref>
*[[No. 427 Squadron RCAF]] between 5 May 1943 and 31 May 1946 when the squadron disbanded. The squadron initially used the Halifax V and III before switching to the [[Avro Lancaster]] Mk.I and III in March 1945.<ref name="Jefford1988p91"/>
*[[427 Special Operations Aviation Squadron|No. 427 Squadron RCAF]] between 5 May 1943 and 31 May 1946 when the squadron disbanded. The squadron initially used the Halifax V and III before switching to the [[Avro Lancaster]] Mk.I and III in March 1945.<ref name="Jefford1988p91"/>
*[[No. 429 Squadron RCAF]] between 13 August 1943 and 31 May 1946 when the squadron disbanded. The squadron initially used the Halifax V and III before switching to the Lancaster Mk.I and III in March 1945.<ref name="Jefford1988p91"/>
*[[429 Transport Squadron|No. 429 Squadron RCAF]] between 13 August 1943 and 31 May 1946 when the squadron disbanded. The squadron initially used the Halifax V and III before switching to the Lancaster Mk.I and III in March 1945.<ref name="Jefford1988p91"/>


===1950–1990===
===1950–1990===
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Leeming functioned as a training base until 1988 when it became a front line base in the air defence role equipped with [[Panavia Tornado ADV|Panavia Tornado F.3]]s. Its new runway was opened by Station Commander Wing Commander Kit Smith on 11 January 1988.{{sfn|March|1989|p=87}} Initially it hosted Nos [[No. 11 Squadron RAF|11(F)]], [[No. 23 Squadron RAF|23]], and [[No. XXV Squadron RAF|25(F)]] Squadrons, all flying the F3. 23 Squadron was disbanded on 1 March 1994 and its air and ground crews dispersed across the station's remaining two squadrons.{{sfn|Jefford|2001|p=35}} This left two Tornado squadrons, which were half of the air defence fighter squadrons of the RAF. 11 Squadron was disbanded in October 2005. The last Tornado squadron at Leeming, No 25(F) Squadron, disbanded on 4 April 2008.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.raf.mod.uk/news/articles/no-25-squadron-returning-to-fly-the-hawk-t2/|title=No. 25 Squadron returning to fly the Hawk T2|publisher=Ministry of Defence|access-date=6 July 2019}}</ref> [[No. 100 Squadron RAF]] with Hawk T.1As arrived on 21 September 1995 from RAF Finningley.{{sfn|March|1996|p=80}}
Leeming functioned as a training base until 1988 when it became a front line base in the air defence role equipped with [[Panavia Tornado ADV|Panavia Tornado F.3]]s. Its new runway was opened by Station Commander Wing Commander Kit Smith on 11 January 1988.{{sfn|March|1989|p=87}} Initially it hosted Nos [[No. 11 Squadron RAF|11(F)]], [[No. 23 Squadron RAF|23]], and [[No. XXV Squadron RAF|25(F)]] Squadrons, all flying the F3. 23 Squadron was disbanded on 1 March 1994 and its air and ground crews dispersed across the station's remaining two squadrons.{{sfn|Jefford|2001|p=35}} This left two Tornado squadrons, which were half of the air defence fighter squadrons of the RAF. 11 Squadron was disbanded in October 2005. The last Tornado squadron at Leeming, No 25(F) Squadron, disbanded on 4 April 2008.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.raf.mod.uk/news/articles/no-25-squadron-returning-to-fly-the-hawk-t2/|title=No. 25 Squadron returning to fly the Hawk T2|publisher=Ministry of Defence|access-date=6 July 2019}}</ref> [[No. 100 Squadron RAF]] with Hawk T.1As arrived on 21 September 1995 from RAF Finningley.{{sfn|March|1996|p=80}}


[[No. 135 Expeditionary Air Wing]] was formed at Leeming on 1 April 2006 to create a deployable air force structure.<ref>{{Harvnb|Cotter|2008|p=33.}}</ref> Since that time it has deployed several times for [[Baltic Air Policing]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.raf.mod.uk/news/articles/raf-typhoon-scramble-intercepts-russian-aircraft-over-the-romanian-black-sea/|title=RAF Typhoon scramble intercepts Russian aircraft over the Romanian Black Sea {{!}} Royal Air Force |website=www.raf.mod.uk|language=en-gb|access-date=2018-07-28}}</ref>
[[No. 135 Expeditionary Air Wing]] was formed at Leeming on 1 April 2006 to create a deployable air force structure.<ref>{{Harvnb|Cotter|2008|p=33.}}</ref> Since that time it has deployed several times for [[Baltic Air Policing]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.raf.mod.uk/news/articles/raf-typhoon-scramble-intercepts-russian-aircraft-over-the-romanian-black-sea/|title=RAF Typhoon scramble intercepts Russian aircraft over the Romanian Black Sea {{!}} Royal Air Force |website=www.raf.mod.uk|access-date=28 July 2018}}</ref>


The station's air traffic control unit was named the best in the Royal Air Force in February 2012, winning the Raytheon Falconer Trophy.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/PeopleInDefence/LeemingsAirTrafficControlSquadronNamedBestInRaf.htm |title=Leeming's Air Traffic Control Squadron named best in RAF |date=27 February 2012 |publisher=Ministry of Defence |access-date=3 July 2012}}</ref>
The station's air traffic control unit was named the best in the Royal Air Force in February 2012, winning the Raytheon Falconer Trophy.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/PeopleInDefence/LeemingsAirTrafficControlSquadronNamedBestInRaf.htm |title=Leeming's Air Traffic Control Squadron named best in RAF |date=27 February 2012 |publisher=Ministry of Defence |access-date=3 July 2012}}</ref>
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607 (County of Durham) Squadron reformed at RAF Leeming on 5 January 2015. The Squadron formerly flew fighter aircraft and was disbanded in 1957. The squadron is a General Service Support (GSS) unit with many diverse roles such as chef, driver, intelligence analyst and suppliers.<ref>{{cite web |title=RAF 607 County of Durham |url=http://www.raf.mod.uk/organisation/reserves/607-Country-of-Durham.cfm |access-date=23 February 2016 |website=raf.mod.uk}}</ref>
607 (County of Durham) Squadron reformed at RAF Leeming on 5 January 2015. The Squadron formerly flew fighter aircraft and was disbanded in 1957. The squadron is a General Service Support (GSS) unit with many diverse roles such as chef, driver, intelligence analyst and suppliers.<ref>{{cite web |title=RAF 607 County of Durham |url=http://www.raf.mod.uk/organisation/reserves/607-Country-of-Durham.cfm |access-date=23 February 2016 |website=raf.mod.uk}}</ref>


In March 2019, the [[Ministry of Defence (United Kingdom)|Ministry of Defence]] indicated that RAF Leeming, alongside [[RAF Waddington]] and [[RAF Wittering]], was being considered as the future home of the [[Red Arrows|RAF Aerobatic Team]] the Red Arrows.<ref>{{cite news|date=18 March 2019|title=Three choices for new Red Arrows base|work=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-47617062|access-date=19 March 2019}}</ref> In May 2020 however it was confirmed that the team would move to Waddington.<ref>{{Cite news|date=18 May 2020|title=Red Arrows moving to RAF Waddington from RAF Scampton|language=en-GB|work=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lincolnshire-52709531|access-date=19 May 2020}}</ref>
In March 2019, the [[Ministry of Defence (United Kingdom)|Ministry of Defence]] indicated that RAF Leeming, alongside [[RAF Waddington]] and [[RAF Wittering]], was being considered as the future home of the [[Red Arrows|RAF Aerobatic Team]] the Red Arrows.<ref>{{cite news|date=18 March 2019|title=Three choices for new Red Arrows base|work=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-47617062|access-date=19 March 2019}}</ref> In May 2020 however it was confirmed that the team would move to Waddington.<ref>{{cite news|date=18 May 2020|title=Red Arrows moving to RAF Waddington from RAF Scampton|work=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lincolnshire-52709531|access-date=19 May 2020}}</ref>


On 22 April 2020, the government announced that [[alpha testing]] of a prototype of the government's [[COVID-19 app]] was in progress at RAF Leeming.<ref>{{cite news|last=Kelion|first=Leo|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-52381103|title=NHS coronavirus-tracing app is tested at RAF base|date=22 April 2020|work=BBC News|access-date=22 April 2020}}</ref>
On 22 April 2020, the government announced that [[alpha testing]] of a prototype of the government's [[COVID-19 app]] was in progress at RAF Leeming.<ref>{{cite news|last=Kelion|first=Leo|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-52381103|title=NHS coronavirus-tracing app is tested at RAF base|date=22 April 2020|work=BBC News|access-date=22 April 2020}}</ref>
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On 1 December 2020, it was announced that the [[Yorkshire Universities Air Squadron]] had relocated to RAF Leeming from RAF Linton-on-Ouse as part of the latter's closure by the end of 2021.<ref name=":RAF3:">{{cite web|title=RAF Leeming: And then there were two {{!}} RAF Leeming Station Facebook Page|website=[[Facebook]] |url=https://www.facebook.com/raf.leeming/posts/and-then-there-were-two-lets-give-a-very-warm-welcome-to-yorkshire-universities-/1779325358893625/|access-date=1 February 2021}}</ref>
On 1 December 2020, it was announced that the [[Yorkshire Universities Air Squadron]] had relocated to RAF Leeming from RAF Linton-on-Ouse as part of the latter's closure by the end of 2021.<ref name=":RAF3:">{{cite web|title=RAF Leeming: And then there were two {{!}} RAF Leeming Station Facebook Page|website=[[Facebook]] |url=https://www.facebook.com/raf.leeming/posts/and-then-there-were-two-lets-give-a-very-warm-welcome-to-yorkshire-universities-/1779325358893625/|access-date=1 February 2021}}</ref>


The first of nine [[BAE Systems Hawk|Hawk 167]] aircraft to be operated by a newly established Joint Qatar Emiri Air Force-RAF Hawk Training Squadron arrived at Leeming in early September 2021. The squadron will train pilots from both air forces and be home to the [[Qatar Emiri Air Force]]'s entire fleet of Hawks.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2 September 2021|title=RAF Leeming welcomes first Qatari Hawks|url=https://www.raf.mod.uk/news/articles/raf-leeming-welcomes-first-qatari-hawks/|access-date=11 September 2021|website=Royal Air Force|language=en-gb}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=1 April 2021|title=Royal Air Force and Qatar Emiri Air Force Expand Defence Partnership|url=https://www.raf.mod.uk/|access-date=1 April 2021|website=Royal Air Force|language=en-gb}}</ref> The RAF's [[No. 100 Squadron RAF|No. 100 Squadron]], operating the Hawk T1 in the [[Aggressor squadron|aggressor role]] disbanded on 31 March 2022.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Ryan |first1=Emma |date=5 April 2022 |title=Watch the moment Red Arrows perform flypast at RAF Leeming in Yorkshire |work=The Yorkshire Post |url=https://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/heritage-and-retro/heritage/red-arrows-in-yorkshire-watch-the-moment-red-arrows-perform-flypast-at-raf-leeming-in-yorkshire-3625562 |access-date=24 March 2022}}</ref>
The first of nine [[BAE Systems Hawk|Hawk 167]] aircraft to be operated by a newly established Joint Qatar Emiri Air Force-RAF Hawk Training Squadron arrived at Leeming in early September 2021. The squadron will train pilots from both air forces and be home to the [[Qatar Emiri Air Force]]'s entire fleet of Hawks.<ref>{{cite web|date=2 September 2021|title=RAF Leeming welcomes first Qatari Hawks|url=https://www.raf.mod.uk/news/articles/raf-leeming-welcomes-first-qatari-hawks/|access-date=11 September 2021|website=Royal Air Force}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|date=1 April 2021|title=Royal Air Force and Qatar Emiri Air Force Expand Defence Partnership|url=https://www.raf.mod.uk/|access-date=1 April 2021|website=Royal Air Force}}</ref> The RAF's [[No. 100 Squadron RAF|No. 100 Squadron]], operating the Hawk T1 in the [[Aggressor squadron|aggressor role]] disbanded on 31 March 2022.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Ryan |first1=Emma |date=5 April 2022 |title=Watch the moment Red Arrows perform flypast at RAF Leeming in Yorkshire |work=The Yorkshire Post |url=https://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/heritage-and-retro/heritage/red-arrows-in-yorkshire-watch-the-moment-red-arrows-perform-flypast-at-raf-leeming-in-yorkshire-3625562 |access-date=24 March 2022}}</ref>


==Role and operations==
==Role and operations==
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==Based units==
==Based units==
Flying and notable non-flying units based at RAF Leeming.<ref>{{cite web |title=RAF Leeming – Who's Based Here? |url=https://www.raf.mod.uk/our-organisation/stations/raf-leeming/ |access-date=25 April 2023 |website=Royal Air Force}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=90 Signals Unit – Who is at the Unit |url=https://www.raf.mod.uk/our-organisation/units/90-signals-unit/ |access-date=25 April 2023 |website=Royal Air Force |language=en-gb}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=About Our Aircraft |url=https://hunterteam.com/aircraft/ |access-date=11 April 2023 |website=Hawker Hunter Aviation |language=en-GB}}</ref>
Flying and notable non-flying units based at RAF Leeming.<ref>{{cite web |title=RAF Leeming – Who's Based Here? |url=https://www.raf.mod.uk/our-organisation/stations/raf-leeming/ |access-date=25 April 2023 |website=Royal Air Force}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=90 Signals Unit – Who is at the Unit |url=https://www.raf.mod.uk/our-organisation/units/90-signals-unit/ |access-date=25 April 2023 |website=Royal Air Force}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=About Our Aircraft |url=https://hunterteam.com/aircraft/ |access-date=11 April 2023 |website=Hawker Hunter Aviation}}</ref>
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{{Col-break|width=50%}}
{{col-break|width=50%}}
=== Royal Air Force ===
=== Royal Air Force ===
'''[[No. 1 Group RAF|No. 1 Group (Air Combat) RAF]]'''
'''[[No. 1 Group RAF|No. 1 Group (Air Combat) RAF]]'''
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*[[Air Training Corps]]
*[[Air Training Corps]]
**[[Air Training Corps#Regions|North Region Headquarters]]
**[[Air Training Corps#Regions|North Region Headquarters]]
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=== Qatar Emiri Air Force ===
=== Qatar Emiri Air Force ===
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=== Civilian ===
=== Civilian ===
* Hawker Hunter Aviation – [[Hawker Hunter|Hawker Hunter Mk 58 and T7/8]]
* Hawker Hunter Aviation – [[Hawker Hunter|Hawker Hunter Mk 58 and T7/8]]
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==Accidents and incidents==
==Accidents and incidents==


* 21 February 1944 – a RCAF Halifax, LV836, of No. 427 Sqn crashed into farmland at [[Romanby]], creating a fireball and killing all seven crew on impact. The aircraft had left RAF Leeming nine minutes earlier, at 00:15, on a bombing mission to [[Stuttgart]]. On 10 March 2010 a memorial to the crew was unveiled at the crash site, which is now part of Romanby Golf & Country Club.<ref>{{cite web|title=Memorial tribute to Halifax bomber crew unveiled at RAF Leeming|url=http://www.yorkpress.co.uk/news/5046553.Memorial_tribute_to_Halifax_bomber_crew_unveiled/|website=www.yorkpress.co.uk|date=8 March 2010 |access-date=25 August 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Leeming Memorial – Romanby Golf Course – Halifax LV836 |url=http://www.427squadron.com/news_file/leeming_memorial_pics.html |website=427 Squadron Association |access-date=25 August 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Air Crew Fallen Remembered at Memorial Unveiling|url=https://www.raf.mod.uk/news/archive.cfm?storyid=472D8793-5056-A318-A80F23E1B15B0156|website=www.raf.mod.uk/|access-date=25 August 2017}}</ref>
* 21 February 1944 – a RCAF Halifax, LV836, of No. 427 Sqn crashed into farmland at [[Romanby]], creating a fireball and killing all seven crew on impact. The aircraft had left RAF Leeming nine minutes earlier, at 00:15, on a bombing mission to [[Stuttgart]]. On 10 March 2010 a memorial to the crew was unveiled at the crash site, which is now part of Romanby Golf & Country Club.<ref>{{cite web|title=Memorial tribute to Halifax bomber crew unveiled at RAF Leeming|url=http://www.yorkpress.co.uk/news/5046553.Memorial_tribute_to_Halifax_bomber_crew_unveiled/|website=www.yorkpress.co.uk|date=8 March 2010 |access-date=25 August 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Leeming Memorial – Romanby Golf Course – Halifax LV836 |url=http://www.427squadron.com/news_file/leeming_memorial_pics.html |website=427 Squadron Association |access-date=25 August 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Air Crew Fallen Remembered at Memorial Unveiling|url=https://www.raf.mod.uk/news/archive.cfm?storyid=472D8793-5056-A318-A80F23E1B15B0156|website=www.raf.mod.uk/|access-date=25 August 2017|archive-date=6 April 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110406040325/http://www.raf.mod.uk/news/archive.cfm?storyid=472D8793-5056-A318-A80F23E1B15B0156|url-status=dead}}</ref>
* 13 August 1951 – two aircraft from RAF Leeming collided over [[Hudswell, North Yorkshire|Hudswell]], near to [[Richmond, North Yorkshire|Richmond]], [[North Yorkshire]]. A cadet in the [[No. 228 Operational Conversion Unit]] [[Vickers Wellington|Wellington]] aircraft was given the only serviceable parachute by Flight Lieutenant [[John Quinton]], shown how to operate it and ordered to bale out. The other eight crew members of both aircraft died when their aircraft hit the ground.<ref>{{cite web|title=Wellington PG367.|url=http://www.yorkshire-aircraft.co.uk/aircraft/planes/dales/pg367.html|website=www.yorkshire-aircraft.co.uk|access-date=25 August 2017}}</ref>
* 13 August 1951 – two aircraft from RAF Leeming collided over [[Hudswell, North Yorkshire|Hudswell]], near to [[Richmond, North Yorkshire|Richmond]], [[North Yorkshire]]. A cadet in the [[No. 228 Operational Conversion Unit]] [[Vickers Wellington|Wellington]] aircraft was given the only serviceable parachute by Flight Lieutenant [[John Quinton]], shown how to operate it and ordered to bale out. The other eight crew members of both aircraft died when their aircraft hit the ground.<ref>{{cite web|title=Wellington PG367.|url=http://www.yorkshire-aircraft.co.uk/aircraft/planes/dales/pg367.html|website=www.yorkshire-aircraft.co.uk|access-date=25 August 2017}}</ref>
* 22 October 1999 – a 100 Sqn Hawk struck a bridge and crashed into an unoccupied building near the village of [[Shap]], killing the pilot and navigator. The RAF Board of Inquiry suggested that aircrew fatigue may have contributed to the accident. A jury returned a verdict of accidental death.<ref>{{cite web|title=Fatal RAF jet crash linked to 'excessive' workload of pilot|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/fatal-raf-jet-crash-linked-to-excessive-workload-of-pilot-129461.html|website=www.independent.co.uk|date=27 November 2002 |access-date=26 August 2017}}</ref>
* 22 October 1999 – a 100 Sqn Hawk struck a bridge and crashed into an unoccupied building near the village of [[Shap]], killing the pilot and navigator. The RAF Board of Inquiry suggested that aircrew fatigue may have contributed to the accident. A jury returned a verdict of accidental death.<ref>{{cite web|title=Fatal RAF jet crash linked to 'excessive' workload of pilot|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/fatal-raf-jet-crash-linked-to-excessive-workload-of-pilot-129461.html|website=www.independent.co.uk|date=27 November 2002 |access-date=26 August 2017}}</ref>
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==External links==
==External links==
{{Commons category|RAF Leeming}}
{{commons category|RAF Leeming}}


* {{Official website}}
* {{Official website}}
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[[Category:Royal Air Force stations of World War II in the United Kingdom]]
[[Category:Royal Air Force stations of World War II in the United Kingdom]]
[[Category:Military history of North Yorkshire]]
[[Category:Military history of North Yorkshire]]
[[Category:Military airbases established in 1940]]

Latest revision as of 23:58, 10 October 2025

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Royal Air Force Leeming or more simply RAF Leeming is a Royal Air Force station located near Leeming, North Yorkshire, England. It was opened in 1940 and was jointly used by the RAF and the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF).

Between 1950 and 1991, it operated mostly as a training base with Quick Reaction Force (QRF) Panavia Tornado F3 fighters based there in the latter stages of the Cold War and into the early 21st century. Since 2006, it has become the home of the deployable RAF communications cadre (No. 90 Signals Unit RAF) and the home of No. 135 Expeditionary Air Wing.

History

The area at the extreme western edge of the base was used in the 1930s by local flying enthusiasts. It took the name of Londonderry Aerodrome as it was closest to the hamlet of Londonderry in North Yorkshire.Template:Sfn[1] In the late 1930s, the Royal Air Force bought the aerodrome and most of the surrounding land to convert it into an RAF airfield, which became known as Royal Air Force Leeming. Part of the buildup of the base included building a decoy airfield at Burneston, some Script error: No such module "convert". to the south.[2]

1940s

File:Royal Air Force 1939-1945- Bomber Command CH3139.jpg
This Stirling, N3641/MG-D, seen being prepared for a flight, was the second Stirling to be delivered to No. 7 Squadron at Leeming and took part in their first raid over Rotterdam on the night of 10–11 February 1941.

The station opened in June 1940 as a bomber station during the Second World War. In 1943 the station was assigned to No. 6 Group Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) with a sub-station at RAF Skipton-on-Swale. The main aircraft operated were Handley Page Halifax bombers.[3][4][5]

A detachment of No. 219 (Mysore) Squadron RAF used the airfield between 4 October 1939 and 12 October 1940 when the main section of the squadron was at RAF Catterick flying the Bristol Blenheim IF.[6]

1950–1990

Following the war, the station became a night-fighter base, equipped initially with de Havilland Mosquito and then Gloster Meteor and Gloster Javelin aircraft before becoming a Flying Training Command airfield in 1961. The station was then home to No. 3 Flying Training School, equipped with the BAC Jet Provost aircraft.[14]

There were also several other units using the airfield during the same period, these were:

In January 1987, the airfield closed for one year to allow installation of hardened aircraft shelters (HAS). RAF Leeming became the home base for three Tornado squadrons over the next twenty years.[19]

1990–present

Leeming functioned as a training base until 1988 when it became a front line base in the air defence role equipped with Panavia Tornado F.3s. Its new runway was opened by Station Commander Wing Commander Kit Smith on 11 January 1988.Template:Sfn Initially it hosted Nos 11(F), 23, and 25(F) Squadrons, all flying the F3. 23 Squadron was disbanded on 1 March 1994 and its air and ground crews dispersed across the station's remaining two squadrons.Template:Sfn This left two Tornado squadrons, which were half of the air defence fighter squadrons of the RAF. 11 Squadron was disbanded in October 2005. The last Tornado squadron at Leeming, No 25(F) Squadron, disbanded on 4 April 2008.[20] No. 100 Squadron RAF with Hawk T.1As arrived on 21 September 1995 from RAF Finningley.Template:Sfn

No. 135 Expeditionary Air Wing was formed at Leeming on 1 April 2006 to create a deployable air force structure.[21] Since that time it has deployed several times for Baltic Air Policing.[22]

The station's air traffic control unit was named the best in the Royal Air Force in February 2012, winning the Raytheon Falconer Trophy.[23]

RAF Leeming had been host to a BAE Systems reverse assembly line process (Reduce to Produce (RTP)) programme in which redundant Tornado aircraft were brought into one of the hangars at RAF Leeming and stripped of all usable components. The process started with the F3 variant of the aircraft as it was the first to be withdrawn completely from service, and moved onto the GR4 variant later. In October 2017, it was announced that the full retirement of the Tornado aircraft from RAF service in 2019 meant that this process would end with the loss of 245 British Aerospace jobs between RAF Leeming and RAF Marham.[24][25][26]

607 (County of Durham) Squadron reformed at RAF Leeming on 5 January 2015. The Squadron formerly flew fighter aircraft and was disbanded in 1957. The squadron is a General Service Support (GSS) unit with many diverse roles such as chef, driver, intelligence analyst and suppliers.[27]

In March 2019, the Ministry of Defence indicated that RAF Leeming, alongside RAF Waddington and RAF Wittering, was being considered as the future home of the RAF Aerobatic Team the Red Arrows.[28] In May 2020 however it was confirmed that the team would move to Waddington.[29]

On 22 April 2020, the government announced that alpha testing of a prototype of the government's COVID-19 app was in progress at RAF Leeming.[30]

On 1 December 2020, it was announced that the Yorkshire Universities Air Squadron had relocated to RAF Leeming from RAF Linton-on-Ouse as part of the latter's closure by the end of 2021.[31]

The first of nine Hawk 167 aircraft to be operated by a newly established Joint Qatar Emiri Air Force-RAF Hawk Training Squadron arrived at Leeming in early September 2021. The squadron will train pilots from both air forces and be home to the Qatar Emiri Air Force's entire fleet of Hawks.[32][33] The RAF's No. 100 Squadron, operating the Hawk T1 in the aggressor role disbanded on 31 March 2022.[34]

Role and operations

The deployable elements of the station structure form the core of an Expeditionary Air Wing, No. 135 Expeditionary Air Wing. For Exercise 'Griffin Strike 2016' in April 2016, No. 135 EAW became the combined French-British No. 135 Combined Expeditionary Air Wing.[35]

Based units

Flying and notable non-flying units based at RAF Leeming.[36][37][38]

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Accidents and incidents

  • 21 February 1944 – a RCAF Halifax, LV836, of No. 427 Sqn crashed into farmland at Romanby, creating a fireball and killing all seven crew on impact. The aircraft had left RAF Leeming nine minutes earlier, at 00:15, on a bombing mission to Stuttgart. On 10 March 2010 a memorial to the crew was unveiled at the crash site, which is now part of Romanby Golf & Country Club.[39][40][41]
  • 13 August 1951 – two aircraft from RAF Leeming collided over Hudswell, near to Richmond, North Yorkshire. A cadet in the No. 228 Operational Conversion Unit Wellington aircraft was given the only serviceable parachute by Flight Lieutenant John Quinton, shown how to operate it and ordered to bale out. The other eight crew members of both aircraft died when their aircraft hit the ground.[42]
  • 22 October 1999 – a 100 Sqn Hawk struck a bridge and crashed into an unoccupied building near the village of Shap, killing the pilot and navigator. The RAF Board of Inquiry suggested that aircrew fatigue may have contributed to the accident. A jury returned a verdict of accidental death.[43]
  • 28 January 2016 – during a training sortie, the pilot of a 100 Sqn Hawk experienced partial loss of vision. The base commander considered instructing the pilot to eject over the North Sea, but instead scrambled another Hawk, flown by an instructor. The two aircraft flew in formation to Leeming, and conducted a successful talk down landing.[44]

Heritage

Station badge

File:Tornado F3 ZH552 gate guardian RAF Leeming.jpg
A Tornado F3 stands as a gate guardian outside the main gate, RAF Leeming

The station badge was awarded in April 1942 and shows a "sword erect point uppermost Gules hilted Argent". The sword reflects the fighting spirit of the station, and the motto is Straight and True.Template:Sfn[45][46]

Gate Guardian

Leeming's gate guardian is now a Tornado F3,[47] commemorating its history as an air defence base, and the fact that many Tornados were scrapped/Reduced To Produce here.[48] The previous gate guardian XA634 is the world's only surviving Gloster Javelin FAW4, which spent most of its life as a testbed at the Gloster Aircraft Company and was offered for sale by tender in September 2014 by the Ministry of Defence.[49] In December 2014 it was announced that Gloucestershire Jet Age Museum had won the tender and purchased the aircraft.[50]

See also

References

Citations

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  7. ↑ Script error: No such module "Footnotes".
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  10. ↑ Script error: No such module "Footnotes".
  11. ↑ Script error: No such module "Footnotes".
  12. ↑ Script error: No such module "Footnotes".
  13. ↑ a b c Script error: No such module "Footnotes".
  14. ↑ History of Airfield Template:Webarchive from RAF Leeming Noise Insulation Grant Scheme survey report
  15. ↑ Script error: No such module "Footnotes".
  16. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  17. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  18. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
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  21. ↑ Script error: No such module "Footnotes".
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  24. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
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  26. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  27. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  28. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  29. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  30. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  31. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  32. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  33. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  34. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  35. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  36. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  37. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
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  40. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
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  43. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  44. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  45. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  46. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  47. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  48. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  49. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  50. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".

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Bibliography

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External links

Template:Sister project

Script error: No such module "Military navigation". Template:Royal Air Force stations Template:RAF stations in Yorkshire Template:Authority control

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