RAF Honington

Construction of Honington airfield, which was undertaken by John Laing & Son, began in 1935, and the station was opened on 3 May 1937.

[4] Squadrons of RAF Bomber Command using the airfield prior to the Second World War were: IX Squadron flew the first RAF bombing raid of the Second World War on 4 September 1939 flying a sortie against the Kriegsmarine in the Baltic resulting in the loss of two Wellingtons.

[12] USAAF Station Units assigned to RAF Honington were:[12] Regular Army Station Units included: Under USAAF control, an additional facility, called Troston, was constructed to the west of the main airfield as a specialized air depot for the repair of badly-damaged B-17 Flying Fortress bombers and supporting the 3d Bomb Division located in the area.

[14] The group consisted of the following squadrons:[15] The 364th FG flew escort, dive-bombing, strafing, and patrol missions in France, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Germany.

[15] Converted from Lockheed P-38 Lightnings to North American P-51 Mustangs in the summer of 1944 and from then until the end of the war flew many long-range escort missions heavy bombers that attacked oil refineries, industries, and other strategic objectives at Berlin, Regensburg, Merseburg, Stuttgart, Brussels, and elsewhere.

[16] The 364th also flew air-sea rescue missions, engaged in patrol activities, and continued to support ground forces as the battle line moved through France and into Germany.

Took part in the effort to invade the Netherlands by air, September 1944; the Battle of the Bulge, December 1944 – January 1945; and the assault across the Rhine, March 1945.

[16] Although the last mission by the 364th took place on 25 April 1945, the group did not depart until November, returning to Camp Kilmer, New Jersey, for inactivation.

Even then, Honington remained the lone Eighth Air Force outpost in the UK becoming Fighter Command HQ on 5 October.

[18] In 1965 the station was put into reserve to accommodate the proposed General Dynamics F-111 fleet: the married quarters were used for evacuees from the Aden Emergency at that time.

237 OCU (Operational Conversion Unit) was formed at Honington when the RAF took over Buccaneer training from the Royal Navy.

[18] On 15 July 1992, it was announced that the Tornados would depart Honington and that the station would relinquish its primary flying role and become the RAF Regiment Depot.

22 Group (Training) Royal Engineers Defence Medical Services RAF Honington's badge, awarded in June 1956, features the head of St. Edmund in front of two crossed arrows pointing downwards.

[31] The station's motto (Pro anglia valens) is in Latin and translates into English as Valiant for England.

[32] The forts were designed to be lowered into the ground while not in use; as such they would be inconspicuous and would not interfere with the passage of taxiing aircraft or vehicles.

The forts could be raised to about 2 feet 6 inches (0.76 m) above ground level where each would pose a physical impediment to aircraft and vehicles and from where a small crew could fire rifles or light machine guns.

The outer structure and lifting heads of both remain in good condition, and the example which is in working order, with its principal internal fittings intact, is of particular interest.

"[32] The following units were here at some point:[34] This article incorporates public domain material from the Air Force Historical Research Agency

Aerial photography of RAF Honington, 25 January 1944 oriented north. The pre-World War II Honington Airfield is on the right, the 1st Strategic Air Depot is to the left. Note the large number of B-17 Flying Fortress aircraft parked on numerous hardstands at both the airfield and depot
North American P-51D-15-NA Mustangs of the 385th Fighter Squadron. 44-15493 "Jeannie II" in foreground, 44-14322 "Coffin Wit Wings" behind
The US flag comes down for the last time at RAF Honington in February 1946
The US flag comes down for the last time at RAF Honington in February 1946
A Panavia Tornado GR1 of No. 45 Squadron otherwise known as the Tornado Weapons Conversion Unit.
A Panavia Tornado GR1 of No. 45 Squadron otherwise known as the Tornado Weapons Conversion Unit.
The turret of a Pickett-Hamilton fort, fully raised and manned during the Second World War.
The turret of a Pickett-Hamilton fort , fully raised and manned during the Second World War .