RAF Halton
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| RAF Halton | ||
|---|---|---|
| Image:Halton.gif Station Crest | ||
| Role | Ground Training | |
| Location | Near Aylesbury, England | |
| Date Founded | July 1914 (as Army camp) | |
RAF Halton is one of the larger Royal Air Force (RAF) stations in the United Kingdom, located near the village of Halton, Buckinghamshire.
History
The first recorded military aviation at Halton took place in 1913 when the then owner of the Halton estate, Alfred de Rothschild invited 3 Squadron of the Royal Flying Corps to conduct manoeuvres on his land. Following a gentleman's agreement between Alfred de Rothschild and Lord Kitchener, the estate was used by the British Army throughout the First World War. In 1916 the Royal Flying Corps moved its air mechanics school from Farnborough, Hampshire to Halton and in 1917 the school was permanently accommodated in workshops built by German PoWs. The whole estate was purchased by the British Government for the nascent Royal Air Force at the end of the First World War.
In 1919 Lord Trenchard established the No. 1 School of Technical Training at RAF Halton ( see aircraft apprentice) which remained at the Station until it moved to RAF Cosford in the early 1990s. Also in 1919, Halton House - a French style mansion built by the Lionel de Rothschild - was re-opened as the Station's Officers' Mess. Halton House continues to be used as the Station's principal Officers' Mess.
Princess Mary's RAF Hospital Halton was opened in 1927 as a large military hospital. In 1995 the Hospital closed and although the buildings still stand, they are derelict and the surrounding married quarters have been sold off for private housing.
During World War II RAF Halton continued its training role. Additionally, 112 Squadron and 402 Squadron of the Royal Canadian Air Force were based at Halton for part of the War.
On 31 October 1997 Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth presented RAF Halton with its own colour. RAF Halton was the first station to be granted the dignity of a Queen's colour.
Current Role
Now a non-technical ground training station, units based at Halton currently include:
- Recruit Training Squadron - initial training for all non-commissioned entrants to the RAF (except RAF Regiment Gunner entrants)
- Catering Training Squadron - specialist training for RAF caterers
- Airmens Command Squadron - NCO promotion courses
- Secretarial Training Squadron - specialist training for RAF administrators
- Defence Dental Centre
- Defence Centre of Training Support (DCTS)
Image:Halton Airfield.jpg The camp also includes a grass airfield primarily used for gliding (an Air Cadet Gliding Squadron and a civilian club), light aircraft training and microlighting. This is also the HQ of Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire Wing, Air Training Corps.
