RAF Upavon
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RAF Upavon
I spent a couple of very happy years in Air Support Command Ops (ASCOC) way back in the early seventies. Upavon was very busy place despite its outward appearance of calm. Those who know history will know that this place was the birthplace of the RFC and home to Hugh Trenchard and all his glorious achievements. The bulk of the pilots from the 1914/18 war had trained here. The buildings and grounds were all in keeping with the time and all in all quite a magical place.I had occasion to visit Upavon this week on business and was excited at the prospect of seeing the old place again.
Since the RAF handed over to the Army the place is a disgrace. I do not level blame here on the current tennants but simply question how we could let such jewel in the crown of military history become so dilapidated and simply scruffy. I guess it becomes a finance casualty.
GGR
Since the RAF handed over to the Army the place is a disgrace. I do not level blame here on the current tennants but simply question how we could let such jewel in the crown of military history become so dilapidated and simply scruffy. I guess it becomes a finance casualty.
GGR
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Typical of a number of former RAF Stations. I was in the RAF at Upavon also, in 1 Group Operations during 1983-87. It was very smart and tidy even then and a great little camp.
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Thank you for that grim news I was there in 1953/54 when it was Headquarters Transport Command and I was on its Comm Flt , we had a varied band of aircraft 4 mk19 Ansons 5 Chipmunks and 2 Tiger Moths the Ansons were for the CinC and and other senior officers to fly around in the UK the rest was so the Umpteen Group Captains and below to keep their flying hours up an continue to collect and keep their Flying pay . As I had come back from overseas working on Shackletons it was a bit of a comedown but I grew to like it as if anyone was going to London [Hendon ] the Groundcrew had first pick of spare places after who ever ordered the flight had had his share and all we had to do if the flight was on Friday morning was to put the covers on the engines and wheels have a great weekend home and prepare the a/c on Monday morning for the flight back , hardly any "bull" NO AOCs parades Best blue was always extra smart though as we sometimes flew with the Cin C on other stations AOC inspections [First in line for the midday meal oh joy]I was demobbed from there after 5 glorious years Ah Memories.!!!!
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When I left in 1992....there was a massive rebuilding programme on the HQ building. It was being taken back to a basic shell for a complete re-wire and new double glazing for the new occupants. Sad to hear it has gone down hill since. There was of course the rather odd tale of the collapsing water tower...just after the Army said they didnt like it
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GGR
Just for you, they're old and they are grainy, but this is 240 OCU on its annual night flying phase at Upavon in the late 70's, though in some circles we were not popular
Enjoy
Just for you, they're old and they are grainy, but this is 240 OCU on its annual night flying phase at Upavon in the late 70's, though in some circles we were not popular
Enjoy
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Nice pictures!
Thanks NL for your photos.
Many pictures of helicopters miss the point somehow but these really do show the movement and describe what is happening very well! The grainy aspect I think actually helps in this case.
Lurking in the background on one is the field landing strip we called the Gallops, so called as the Army used to train horses used for gun carriage work in WW1. Lyneham C- 130's practiced field landings here and we, for our sins got to dust off the ubiquitous runway caravan and dice with death whilst the boys from Lyneham had immense fun seeing how close they could get to said caravan. A circuit or two was the reward if you were lucky.
Standing next to a Hercules with take off power set holding on the brakes, in a field, was a sight I will never forget.
Thanks again.
GGR
Many pictures of helicopters miss the point somehow but these really do show the movement and describe what is happening very well! The grainy aspect I think actually helps in this case.
Lurking in the background on one is the field landing strip we called the Gallops, so called as the Army used to train horses used for gun carriage work in WW1. Lyneham C- 130's practiced field landings here and we, for our sins got to dust off the ubiquitous runway caravan and dice with death whilst the boys from Lyneham had immense fun seeing how close they could get to said caravan. A circuit or two was the reward if you were lucky.
Standing next to a Hercules with take off power set holding on the brakes, in a field, was a sight I will never forget.
Thanks again.
GGR
Upavon Gallops:
That brings back many memories of happy days attacking the Gallops with the Whistling Wheelbarrow (otherwise known as the HS Argosy). I seem to remember that the flints on the strip used to cause problems with the tyres.
I went over there one day with my new boss to check him out for strip landings. After a couple of landings, I got out and made my way to the runway caravan for a cup of tea while he went off on his own.
I was watching the boss's first approach through the binoculars when I suddenly saw a red flashing light in the lea of the row of trees by the road on very short finals. The red light was attached to an Army Scout helicopter which was just about to get airborne right in front of the boss!
It was too late for anyone to do anything. Luckily, the Scout got airborne just miliseconds after the Argosy passed over the top. It transpired that the Scout and crew had been camped-out for the night and were so well hidden that nobody knew they were there!
That brings back many memories of happy days attacking the Gallops with the Whistling Wheelbarrow (otherwise known as the HS Argosy). I seem to remember that the flints on the strip used to cause problems with the tyres.
I went over there one day with my new boss to check him out for strip landings. After a couple of landings, I got out and made my way to the runway caravan for a cup of tea while he went off on his own.
I was watching the boss's first approach through the binoculars when I suddenly saw a red flashing light in the lea of the row of trees by the road on very short finals. The red light was attached to an Army Scout helicopter which was just about to get airborne right in front of the boss!
It was too late for anyone to do anything. Luckily, the Scout got airborne just miliseconds after the Argosy passed over the top. It transpired that the Scout and crew had been camped-out for the night and were so well hidden that nobody knew they were there!
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Upavon today
After a lifetime of involvement with aviation and computers, we were lucky enough to move to Upavon 4 years ago. John Prescott was threatening to shut it and Wilton for housing, which seems to have now receded as he did, there is still the cadet gliding school, but best of all we still get the Hercs on short strip practice, para dropping and Longbow apaches, Merlins and various choppers running around. The big far hangar, where they stored the caravans, is now diagnosed with concrete cancer, so presumably will be demolished without replacement- obviously we also get the big guns and morters on exercise with the armour and chain guns.
Finally I presume that all who served here will be pleased to know that The Ship and The Woodbridge (both refurb'd), The Antelope, Red Lion, Swan, etc., are all still alive and trading. Cheers
Finally I presume that all who served here will be pleased to know that The Ship and The Woodbridge (both refurb'd), The Antelope, Red Lion, Swan, etc., are all still alive and trading. Cheers
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Sorry forgot about this one, looking past the tower towards Larkhill and all those frightfully noisy Army chappies 
240 OCU pumas at rest
240 OCU pumas at rest
After a lifetime of involvement with aviation and computers, we were lucky enough to move to Upavon 4 years ago. John Prescott was threatening to shut it and Wilton for housing, which seems to have now receded as he did, there is still the cadet gliding school, but best of all we still get the Hercs on short strip practice, para dropping and Longbow apaches, Merlins and various choppers running around. The big far hangar, where they stored the caravans, is now diagnosed with concrete cancer, so presumably will be demolished without replacement- obviously we also get the big guns and morters on exercise with the armour and chain guns.
Finally I presume that all who served here will be pleased to know that The Ship and The Woodbridge (both refurb'd), The Antelope, Red Lion, Swan, etc., are all still alive and trading. Cheers
Finally I presume that all who served here will be pleased to know that The Ship and The Woodbridge (both refurb'd), The Antelope, Red Lion, Swan, etc., are all still alive and trading. Cheers
I was one of the last ever livers-in at RAF Upavon Officers Mess (as an MoD civilian working for the RAF), just before it became army and I simultaneoulsy bought a house in Upavon village. A wonderful village for which I've still enormous affection, although I moved away some years ago.
One particular memory is being one of maybe a dozen left there who celebrated a small but poignient 75th birthday of the RAF in the mess.
I was very much a Ship regular - does it still do the massive steaks?
Another memory just came to me - working at BDN a few years later and needing a quiet spot to do some aircraft noise measurements. I phoned OC flying (a major I think, and a very pompous one) at Upavon to ask about setting up and using Upavon. His response: "don't you know this is a 4 start headquarters, don't be impertinent". So much for joined up defence!
G
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Thank you ENTAXEI for those uplifting words at least the old place is alive and kicking it would be tragic if it was demolished I only hope it has not been changed out of recognition [looking at Google I still recognise most of it ]I must drive down there and see it 1 more time before D.V.L.A. take my driving liecence away because of age [Thinks, I saw our Queens Coronation in the N.A.A.F.I via a projection T.V. soon after I was posted there ]
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The Avon Club (NaaFI) 1967 / 68
Does anyone remenber this club at weekends. I was one of three that started this with our own records/equipement (Plugged into th PA system) in 1967...
We did all of this at our own expense, but had agreat time until the success was taken away and a studio built... I was first introduced at the time as DLT's cousin (not true) Ha Ha, but it worked with the females...
We did all of this at our own expense, but had agreat time until the success was taken away and a studio built... I was first introduced at the time as DLT's cousin (not true) Ha Ha, but it worked with the females...
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Avon Club
Today the old Avon Club is the Sgts mess! I actually parked behind on my recent depressing trip previously entered in here. Where do I start.........myself and my late pal Ian Terry where the 2 DJ's at the Avon Club in 1970/71/72. Ian was a consumate fettler and built the new sound and light system along the back wall in the annex. We installed a stage and off we went! We had Jonny Walker, DLT, Alan Freeman, to name but 3 and as a result of these great radio names coming to Upavon Ian and me were hired to provide equipment at less well engineered places. look at www.manchesterbeat.com go to DJ page and find Graham Green. Name got changed to Green as Rothwell didnt come across too well on my brief but interesting Radio career. Ian eventually left to become pro and did really well in Home Counties and Hants. Sadly he was killed in a microlight crash in 1987, he had left the music business and was a well respected marine engineer based in Lymington Hants. Going back to the Avon Club, we also had some classy bands every other week booked via Tony Morton from Ace Music in Salisbury who also became our agent. Did a gig at Salisbury City hall with the Fortunes! wow big time..........:-) Keep the memories coming. Best to all ex Upavon crew.
GGR
GGR
For ENTAXEI & others all of the hangers are now vacated & are to be demolished when funds are available, the only building that remains occupied on the site is the Wyvern GC clubhouse (which I believe was the old Ops building / crew room) & a couple of garages to the rear. Sadly Wyvern GC & the Air Cadets have to operate out of a range of portakabins, trailers & ISO containers.
Such a shame but the airfield lives on.
R2
Such a shame but the airfield lives on.
R2
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Thanks for the update R2, even when living in the village, you tend not to get information!.
Changing the subject slightly, in the dining room of the Antelope when we first came in 2005, there were a series of framed photographs around the wall, obviously taken during the war in a Wellington squadron, featuring takeoffs, personnel, etc.. During 2007/8 before the current landlord arrived, we had four wouldbe landlords, who came and went very quickly - during the same period all the photo's vanished - now the question is - does anybody know which squadron it was, I've checked Upavon's history and Wellingtons were never based here. Presumably it may be connected to one of the postwar licensees.
Cheers
Changing the subject slightly, in the dining room of the Antelope when we first came in 2005, there were a series of framed photographs around the wall, obviously taken during the war in a Wellington squadron, featuring takeoffs, personnel, etc.. During 2007/8 before the current landlord arrived, we had four wouldbe landlords, who came and went very quickly - during the same period all the photo's vanished - now the question is - does anybody know which squadron it was, I've checked Upavon's history and Wellingtons were never based here. Presumably it may be connected to one of the postwar licensees.
Cheers
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raf upavon
Hi there
I am wondering if you can help me. I since came across a presentation cake set through a house clearance.
It as so much info but no enough to track down its owner or surviving relative.The set is engraved with RAF UPAVON SOUTH YORKS WING SUMMER CAMP 1984.
The underneath of the box as been signed by many people not sure if you rcognise anyone such as SGT Nadin R cpl D Wilson SGT Farra D Clarkson 2388 cpl P Andrew cpl Reedman there are so many more.
I would like to pass on this to a possible relative.
I look forward to your kind response.
Kevin James
I am wondering if you can help me. I since came across a presentation cake set through a house clearance.
It as so much info but no enough to track down its owner or surviving relative.The set is engraved with RAF UPAVON SOUTH YORKS WING SUMMER CAMP 1984.
The underneath of the box as been signed by many people not sure if you rcognise anyone such as SGT Nadin R cpl D Wilson SGT Farra D Clarkson 2388 cpl P Andrew cpl Reedman there are so many more.
I would like to pass on this to a possible relative.
I look forward to your kind response.
Kevin James
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That sounds to me like it may have been an Air Training Corps Summer Camp. Try the current HQ which is is: South & West Yorkshire Wing , Wing HQ, Healdfield Road, Castleford, West Yorkshire, WF10 4SF. Sorry, I don't have their phone number but I'm sure they'll have one!
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I saw thread above with Sgt R Nadin name within, and I thought thats an unusual name and I know one of them! I've checked and sure enough it was Ric Nadin now OC of 644VGS at Syerston. I've pointed him towards this thread so expect him to surface soon. He is very interested in said memrobilia.
I had some good times at 622VGS at Upavon when my home VGS (615) was without a hangar or aircraft due to a fire.
I had some good times at 622VGS at Upavon when my home VGS (615) was without a hangar or aircraft due to a fire.
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