RAF Upavon
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Location: Swindon, Wiltshire
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My first ever visit to Upavon was on 16th June 1962 for the big "50th Anniversary of Military Aviation" air show there - I still have the programme. I was 12 years old and went with my Dad on a glorious summer's day (yes we DID have them in the '60s!). I recall a superb air show in pageant format starting with the ascent of a balloon and ending up with the first public appearance of the Hawker P.1127(prototype of the Harrier). then waves upon waves of aircraft formation flypasts and a mock attack by 38 Group using Hunters, Beverleys, Whirlwinds and Belvederes. Does anyone else remember this?
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1962 Air display anniversary RAF Upavon
I am a member of Upavon Golf Club and assisting in gathering memorabilia for the golf club centenary - I note you have a programme for the 1962 RAF Anniversary Flying Display - any chance of a copy of this please?
My first ever visit to Upavon was on 16th June 1962 for the big "50th Anniversary of Military Aviation" air show there
I also remember the 38 Group set piece and the Beverleys landing on the grass.
So the big question is - what will the RAF do for the 100th anniversary next year? A mass Tutor fly-past?
Gentleman Aviator
Should really be CFS celebrating next year I42, as they formed at Upavon in 1912...... [even fewer aircraft for the RAF in 2018 methinks 
]
...... remember once being mocked gently by a Guards officer for the CFS badge on my sweater: "Harrumph, bl%%dy crabs - no tradition" etc etc.
Then I found out he was Welsh Guards (formed 1915) ...what fun I had then ....!
]...... remember once being mocked gently by a Guards officer for the CFS badge on my sweater: "Harrumph, bl%%dy crabs - no tradition" etc etc.
Then I found out he was Welsh Guards (formed 1915) ...what fun I had then ....!
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I used to go there every month for the 1 Gp AT tasking meeting. Having checked the history, it must have been August 1993 when I turned up as usual to find a 'brown job' sitting in an office by the conference room. He was decidedly unhelpful. I phoned a colleague to discover that 1 Gp had moved to High Wycombe, or somewhere, and the meeting was there. No one told me personally about this. It may have been in a circular; the sort of thing that one files in the round filing cabinet under the desk. They managed without me so I sent my deputy after that - not the same driving along the M40 instead of through the country lanes of the Cotswolds. Had very nice fish and chips in Lechlade on the way back though.
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Upavon Golf Club
Hi, The new course is very good. Played it some years ago and wrote a review on site which you might have seen.
Missed the old second hole which was a beauty, and a chance for a quick birdie. Rather like the 9th, now 18th.
Cheers.. Don Got My Rosebowl... Aug. 1965, not damaged in earthquake.
Missed the old second hole which was a beauty, and a chance for a quick birdie. Rather like the 9th, now 18th.
Cheers.. Don Got My Rosebowl... Aug. 1965, not damaged in earthquake.
Following on from my post in Apr 09, you might be interested to know that Wyvern GC & the resident VGS are in the early planning stage to celebrate 100 years of aviation at Upavon in Jun 12. Will post details as they emerge. The event (or parts of it) will hopefully be open to all at Upavon & the surrounding villages. Any offers of a free fly by are most welcome. Incidentally, the hangers that were to be demolished are now being refurbished!
Excellent news about next year's planned event - that will be the first time back there for me since that fabulous 1962 show.
By the way chaps, its "hangar" please, not "hanger".
By the way chaps, its "hangar" please, not "hanger".
Dear all - Wyvern Gliding Club & 622 VGS are celebrating the Centenery of aviation at Upavon Airfield on the 23rd June. Sadly due to constraints on space we cannot accept anymore visiting aircraft but would be interested if you are flying in the area, preferably in a vintage or very fast & noisy flying machine & want to "fly past", PM me in advance for details.
I also need to confirm or bust a local myth - is it true that Douglas Bader re-soled from Upavon after losing his legs?
Many thanks
R2
I also need to confirm or bust a local myth - is it true that Douglas Bader re-soled from Upavon after losing his legs?
Many thanks
R2
Sounds correct Rocket 2
quote from this website
http://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rct...zfqHwu95TlKksA
seems quite a detailed bio
rgds LR
quote from this website
http://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rct...zfqHwu95TlKksA
In November 1939, Douglas went to the Central Flying School at RAF Upavon for assessment. Although not having flown for seven years, after just a few hours of refresher training Douglas was flying solo in a Tutor and progressed quickly to the Battle, Master and Hurricane. His final course report read: 'This officer is an exceptionally good pilot. He is very keen and should be ideally suited.to single-seat fighters.' In the section headed 'Ability as a Pilot', the Officer Commanding Refresher Squadron wrote 'Exceptional'.
seems quite a detailed bio
rgds LR
In my days as an instructor at 622 Old Sarum, the first duty of the day was to phone the met office at Upavon for the official RAF Gliding forecast. One morning, I had driven up from the south coast through very thick fog and, sitting in the gliding office, I couldn't see the airfield at all as I picked up the phone to call them.
The forecaster at Upavon read off the official RAF forecast and was copied by me onto the standard RAF form. An excellent forecast and no mention of fog whatsoever. So I said that this suggested that the fog would clear pretty quickly. "Fog?" he said. "You've got fog?".
To be fair, it did clear quite quickly into an brilliant gliding day.
The forecaster at Upavon read off the official RAF forecast and was copied by me onto the standard RAF form. An excellent forecast and no mention of fog whatsoever. So I said that this suggested that the fog would clear pretty quickly. "Fog?" he said. "You've got fog?".
To be fair, it did clear quite quickly into an brilliant gliding day.
Last edited by pulse1; 11th Jun 2012 at 17:08.
If you don't have any parking space available at Upavon, why don't you open up Upavon Gallops?
I landed on the Gallops many, many times in an Argosy. RAF Upavon used to send over a control wagon manned by a couple of lads and they made a very good cup of tea.
Incidentally, I was CFI of Chilterns RAFGSA Gliding Cub at Benson in 1970 when some local vandal set fire to our hangar and all of our lovely gliders went up in smoke.
We basically inherited the fleet of Moonrakers RAFGSA Club from RAF Upavon which had gone down the pan.
I landed on the Gallops many, many times in an Argosy. RAF Upavon used to send over a control wagon manned by a couple of lads and they made a very good cup of tea.
Incidentally, I was CFI of Chilterns RAFGSA Gliding Cub at Benson in 1970 when some local vandal set fire to our hangar and all of our lovely gliders went up in smoke.
We basically inherited the fleet of Moonrakers RAFGSA Club from RAF Upavon which had gone down the pan.
Last edited by JW411; 11th Jun 2012 at 17:37.
JW411 - I suspect the Gallops are unlandable now. The approach on the Western end of the airfield is now restricted by the new Airfield Managers Office which makes the approach interesting especially when 622 & Wyvern GC are operating together & there is a northerly wind component thrown in (curl over from the hangars).
Parking for aircraft further limited by new operational requirements, sorry out of my hands.
R2
Parking for aircraft further limited by new operational requirements, sorry out of my hands.
R2
Auction....when..?
I don't really know much about Upavon, but I think that they used to have a few Rapides there for parachuting. I gather at some point (Date anyone..?) they had a sale. A friends father bought some Rapides/Dominies, spares and a load of Queens. I'm not sure how many of the Rapides have survived, but I bought the engines some years ago.
Any photos or memories of the auction appreciated. I'm guessing mid to late 1960's.... Over to you guys...
Any photos or memories of the auction appreciated. I'm guessing mid to late 1960's.... Over to you guys...
The Rapides that you are thinking of were owned by the Army Parachute Association at Netheravon. The last three went as follows:
G-AGTM sold 08.03.78. Now flying with Air Atlantique.
G-AIDL sold 17.05.77. Now flying with Air Atlantique.
G-AJHO damaged in a forced landing on Salisbury Plain and disposed of 07.10.75. I believe she is being rebuilt somewhere.
G-AGTM sold 08.03.78. Now flying with Air Atlantique.
G-AIDL sold 17.05.77. Now flying with Air Atlantique.
G-AJHO damaged in a forced landing on Salisbury Plain and disposed of 07.10.75. I believe she is being rebuilt somewhere.
Just want to thank all the pilots of the Hawk, Tucanos, Swordfish, Sea Fury, Hunter, Spitfire & Army Historic Flight for their superb fly by's / displays & the sole visitor - JP's Auster from Netheravon who braved the gusty wind & rain yesterday, it was much appreciated guys & gals & the loud rounds of applause & smiles on everyones faces as you left said it all.
Superb, eveyone one of you.
R2
Superb, eveyone one of you.
R2
Rapides
Spent many a long night shift in ASCOC 1971/72 discussing with Flt Lt Harry Capp the joys of flying Hotel Oscar on para duties from Netheravon. He was amongst the lucky few ground touring Air Support Command pilots to get some time in. There was also G-AYRU Islander which I believe is still active in this roll.
GGR
GGR