Bomber Bases

Air of Authority - A History of RAF Organisation

Bomber Command Bases

The expansion of Bomber Command in 1942 began to put a severe strain on the organisational administration of it's units resulting in the introduction of an intermediate level of command between Group HQ's and Station. As a result towards the end of the year it was decided to arrange airfields in the operational Groups into 'clutches' of three airfields with the principal airfield in the 'clutch' being known as the Base Station with an Air Commodore established to control all three airfields, both operationally and administratively as well as acting as Station Commander of the Base Station. A Group Captain was also established at the Base Station to act as Deputy Base Commander, and he could be delegated by the Base Commander to be the local commander of the Base Station if he wished. The other two stations in the 'clutch' were each commanded by a Group Captain and the Administrative Staff and Staff of the Services were all located at the Base Station. Cash and equipment accounting and aircraft major maintenance was also centralised at the Base Station, although subsidiary stores were provided at the sub-stations. MT was not centralised, and all postings were made to the Base Station.

Thus in March 1943 was born the Base system. Each Base was initially identified by the name and role of the Base, e.g. Topcliffe Training Base, Leeming Operational Base. However, from September 1943 Bases were re-designated by a two-number identifier, the first number indicating the Group and the second the number of the Base within that Group, the first in each Group being the Group's training Base. Maps showing the locations of the bases are available in the Members' Area. The introduction of this system was gradual and inititally AirCommodores were only appointed to command Bases which had more than 72 or more aircraft on strength.

Basic crew training was undertaken at Operational Training Units (OTU), controlled by the three training Groups and did not come under this system. However, having completed crew training, usually on Wellingtons, conversion to the four engined 'heavies' was conducted at a Heavy Conversion Unit (HCU). These HCU's were located at the group's training base until November 1944, when all HCU's were transferred to No 7 (Training) Group. On transfer the Base identifier changed, with the first number becoming a 7, still indicating the Group but the second number now indicated the base's original Group, e.g. 71 came from No 1 Group and 75 came from No 5 Group.

Besides the three training Groups (No's 91, 92 and 93), No's 8 and 100 Groups did not use this system. Dates for units are those for which the unit was under the control of the base but it may have existed prior to the base formation and/or continued in existence after the base closed

No 1 Group

No 11 Base - Lindholme

This was formed as No 1 Group Heavy Conversion Base on 1 July 1943 at Lindholme, being numbered No 11 on 16 September 1943. Initially the HCUs were to be equipped with Halifaxes except No 1656 which was to also have Lancasters but on 1 November the Lancasters were split off to form No 1 Lancaster Finishing School. It was transferred to No 7 Group and redesignated No 71 Base on 5 November 1944.

Base Commander: -

1 Jul 1943 A/Cdre G G Banting

Station	From	To	Units	Notes on units
Sub-Station Blyton	1 Jul 1943	5 Nov 1944	No 1662 HCU Fighter Affiliation Spitfire Flight 1 Flt, No 1 LFS	From 1 Jul 1943 From 1 Jul 1943 From 1 Nov 1943, to Hemswell 12 Feb 1943
Sub-Station Faldingworth	24 Jul 1943	6 Jan 1944	No 1667 HCU 1 Flt, No 1 LFS	From 8 Aug 1943, to Sandtoft Feb 1943 From 1 Nov 1943, to Hemswell 24 Jan 1943
Base Station Lindholme	1 Jul 1943	5 Nov 1944	No 1656 HCU No 1667 HCU HQ & 1 Flt, No 1 LFS No 1503 BAT Flt	From 1 Jul 1943 to Faldingworth from 8 Aug 1943 From 1 Nov 1943, to Hemswell 20 Jan 1943 Disbanded 12 Aug 1943
Sub-Station Sandtoft	10 Dec 1943	5 Nov 1944	No 1667 HCU 'D' Flying Instructors Flt	From 18 Feb 1944 From Jul 1943
Hemswell			No 1 Group Lancaster Operational Pool No 1 LFS	From 23 Aug 1943 From Jan 1943, disbanded
Binbrook			No 1481 (Bomber) Gunnery Flt	From 7 May 1943, to Ingham on 8-15 Mar 1944
Ingham			No 1481 (Bomber) Gunnery Flt No 1687 (Bomber Defence) Training Flt	From 7 Mar 1944, absorbed into No 1687 Flt 15 Mar 1944 Formed 15 Mar 1944
Sturgate			No 1520 BAT Flt	From 18 Sep 1944

Stations shown in the in italics were not Sub-stations of this Base but housed units under the control of this Base

No 12 Base - Binbrook,

This was formed as RAF Base, Binbrook on 25 April 1943, being redesignated No 12 Base on 16 September 1943. It initially controlled the stations at Grimsby and Wickenby with Kelstern being added in August but in December, Wickenby was transferred to No 14 Base (Ludford Magna). In April 1944 a flight of six crews was formed within the Base at Binbrook to act as a No 1 Group PFF team, being known as No Group Special Duties Flight. The Special Duties Flight carried out its first marking operation on 30 April on an ammunition dump near Chatres. After this first success the SDF continued to mark targets for the rest of No 1 Group as well as occasionally operating as 'Backers Up' for No 8 Group, however, from mid August references to the SDF on the Base records seem to disappear so it may have been disbanded or transferred to No 8 Group. The Base disbanded on 12 April 1945.

Base Commander: -

3 May 1943 A/Cdre A M Wray

Station	From	To	Unit	Notes
Base Station Binbrook	25 Apr 1943	12 Apr 1945	No 460 Sqn No 1481 (Bomber) Gunnery Flt	From 14/15 May 1943 From 7 May 1943 (Lodger from No 11 Base)
Sub-Station Grimsby/Waltham	25 Apr 1943	12 Apr 1945	No 100 Sqn No 550 Sqn	From 25 Apr 1943, to No 13 Base 2 Apr 1945 From 25 Nov 1943, to No 13 Base 1 Jan 1944
Sub-Station Kelstern	18 Aug 1943	12 Apr 1945	No 625 Sqn	From 1 Oct 1943
Sub-Station Wickenby	25 Apr 1943	16 Dec 1943	No 12 Sqn	From 25 Apr 1943, to No 14 Base 16 Dec 1943

No 13 Base - Elsham Wold,

This was supposed to have formed on 1 December 1943 at Elsham Wold but the unit records do not begin until 1 January 1944. In April 1944, the Base was selected by HQ Bomber Command to carry out experiment in the centralization of function on each station. The proposal was to place all flying units (Flying Echelon) under the control of the station commander, the administration elements under the Station Administrative Officer (Administrative Echelon) and all technical elements, including both station sections and and Servicing Echelons under the Chief Technical Officer (Technical Element), this was a system to one already in use at the OTUs. By July this system had been found successful and was adopted. The Base HQ disbanded on 15 December 1945.

Base Commanders: -

1 Jan 1944 Gp Capt L W Dickens (Acting pending posting of Base Commander)

3 Feb 1943 A/Cdre R Ivelaw-Chapman (shot down 7 May 1944)

7 May 1944 Gp Capt W C Sheen

17 May 1944 A/Cdre F R D Swain

Station	From	To	Unit	Notes
Base Station Elsham Wold	1 Dec 1943	15 Dec 1945	No 103 Sqn No 576 Sqn 100 Sqn	From 1 Dec 1943 From 1 Dec 1943, to No 15 Base 30 Oct 1944 From 2 Apr 1945
Sub-station Kirmington	1 Dec 1943	15 Dec 1945	No 166 Sqn No 153 Sqn	From 1 Dec 1943 From 7 Oct 1944, to No 15 Base 15 Oct 1944
Sub-station North Killingholme	1 Dec 1943	15 Dec 1945	No 550 Sqn	From 3 Jan 1944

No 14 Base -Ludford Magna,

This was formed on 1 January 1944, effective from 16 December 1943 at Ludford Magna with Faldingworth and Wickenby as sub-stations, although the latter is recorded as being transferred to the control of Ludford Magna on 1 October 1943. Initially Faldingworth was home to No 1667 HCU, which remained under the control of No 11 Base but it moved to Sandtoft on 18 February 1944 and on 1 March was replaced by No 300 Squadron, equipped with Wellingtons. It disbanded on 25 October 1945

Base Commander: -

1 Jan 1944 A/Cdre R S Blucke

12 Feb 1945 A/Cdre E H Fielden

28 Jun 1945 ?

9 Jul 1945 A/Cdre N H Fresson

Station	From	To	Unit	Notes
Base Station Ludford Magna	16 Dec 1943	25 Oct 1945	No 101 Sqn	From 16 Dec 1943
Sub-station Faldingworth	6 Jan 1944	25 Oct 1945	No 1667 HCU No 300 Sqn	From 6 Jan 1944, to Sandtoft 18 Feb 1944 From 1 Mar 1944
Sub-station Wickenby	1 Oct 1943	25 Oct 1945	No 12 Sqn No 626 Sqn	From 16 Dec 1943 From 16 Dec 1943

No 15 Base - Scampton,

This was formed on 7 October 1944 at Scampton when No 52 Base was transferred to No 1 Group, beginning operations on 18 October. It disbanded on 20 October 1945.

Base Commander: -

7 Oct 1944 Vacant

1 Nov 1944 A/Cdre G P H Carter

Station	From	To	Unit	Notes
Base Station Scampton	7 Oct 1944	20 Oct 1945	No 153 Sqn No 625 Sqn No 1687 BDT Flt No 1 Group Bomb Handling Training School	From Kirmington, 15 Oct 1944, disbanded 22 Sep 1945 From Kelstern, 5 Apr 1945, disbanded 7 Oct 1945 From Cammeringham, 3 Dec 1944 Formed 2 Mar 1945, moved to North Killingholme, 4 Apr 1945
Sub-station Dunholme Lodge	7 Oct 1944	18 Jun 1945	No 170 Sqn No 2799 Sqn RAF Regiment No 5024 (AC) Sqn C & M	From Kelstern, 22 Oct 1944, to Hemswell, 29 Nov 1944 From ?, to Hemswell, 9 Dec 1944 From 18 Dec 1944, to Hednesford, 15 Feb 1944 From 1 Dec 1944
Sub-station Fiskerton	17 Oct 1944	20 Oct 1945	No 150 Sqn No 576 Sqn No 2753 Sqn RAF Regiment	From 1 Nov 1944, to Hemswell 22 Nov 1944 From Elsham Wold, 31 Oct 1944, disbanded 19 Sep 1945 From Detling, 18 Dec 1944, to HQBC, 2 Feb 1945
Sub-station Hemswell	1 Dec 1944	20 Oct 1945	No 150 Sqn No 170 Sqn No 2799 Sqn RAF Regiment No 1687 BDT Flt	From Fiskerton, 22 Nov 1944 From Dunholme Lodge, 29 Nov 1944 From Dunholme Lodge, 9 Dec 1944 From Scampton, 2 Apr 1945
Sub-station Cammeringham	1 Dec 1944	18 Jun 1945	No 1687 BDT Flt C & M No 2733 Sqn RAF Regiment No 5025 (AC) Sqn No 5026 (AC) Sqn	To Scampton 3 Dec 1944 From 1 Dec 1944 From Kirton Lindsay, 18 Dec 1944 From 18 Dec 1944, to Hednesford, 15 Feb 1945 From ?, to Hednesford, 15 Feb 1945

No 3 Group

No 31 Base - Stradishall

This was formed at Stradishall, on 26 April 1943 being designated No 31 Base on 16 September1943. It transferred to No 7 Group as No 73 Base on 1 November 1944.

Base Commanders: -

xx xxx 1943 A/Cdre J Silvester

Station	From	To	Unit	Notes
Base Station Stradishall	26 Apr 1943	1 Nov 1944	No 1657 HCU	To Shepherd's Grove 14 May 1944, returned 5 Oct 1944
Sub-station Chedburgh	26 Apr 1943	1 Nov 1944	No 214 Sqn No 1653 HCU	From 26 Apr 1943, to Downham Market 10 Dec 1942 Formed 21 Nov 1943
Sub-station Feltwell	26 Apr 1943	7 Aug 1944	No 192 Sqn No 3 LFS	From 26 Apr 1943, to Foulsham 25 Nov 1943 Formed 21 Nov 1943
Sub-station Ridgewell	26 Apr 1943	1 Jun 1943	No 90 Sqn	From 26 Apr 1943, to Wratting Common 31 May 1943
Sub-station Waterbeach	26 Apr 1943	25 Aug 1943	No 1651 HCU	To Wratting Common, 20 Nov 1943
Sub-station Wratting Common	30 Apr 1943	1 Nov 1944	No 90 Sqn No 1651 HCU	From Ridgewell 31 May 1943, to Tuddenham 13 Oct 1943 From Waterbeach, 20 Nov 1943, to Woolfox Lodge, 9 Nov 1943
Sub-station Shepherd’s Grove	11 May 1943	1 Nov 1944	No 1657 HCU	From Stradishall, 14 May 1944, to Stradishall, 5 Oct 1944
Satellite Birch	31 Jul 1944	1 Nov 1944	no units
Satellite Gosfield	Oct 1944	1 Nov 1944	no units
Satellite Matching	Oct 1944	1 Nov 1944	no units

No 32 Base - Mildenhall,

This was formed on 1 March 1943 at Mildenhall, being numbered No 32 on 16 September 1943 and disbanded on 15 November 1945.

Base Commander: -

24 Mar 1943 A/Cdre A McKee

Station	From	To	Unit	Notes
Base Station Mildenhall	24 Mar 1943	15 Nov 1945	No 15 Sqn No 622 Sqn	From Bourn 14 Apr 1943 Formed 10 Aug 1943, disbanded 15 Aug 1945
Sub-station East Wretham	1 Mar 1943	7 Aug 1943	No 115 Sqn No 1678 HCU	From 24 Mar 1943, to Little Snoring 6 Aug 1943 Formed 18 May 1943, to Little Snoring 6 Aug 1943
Sub-station Lakenheath	24 Mar 1943	1 May 1944	No 149 Sqn No 199 Sqn	From 24 Mar 1943 From Ingham 21 Jun 1943, to North Creake 1 May 1944
Sub-station Newmarket	1 Mar 1943	28 Feb 1945	No 75 Sqn No 1483 Flt BDU No 1688 Flt	From 24 Apr 1943 From Marham 29 Jun 1943, disbanded 11 Mar 1944 From Feltwell 13 Sep 1943, to Feltwell 25 Feb 1945 Formed 15 Feb 1944, to Feltwell 25 Feb 1945
Sub-station Methwold	19 Sep 1943	15 Nov 1945	No 149 Sqn No 218 Sqn	From Lakenheath 15 May 1944 From Woolfox Lodge 4 Aug 1944, to Chedburgh 5 Dec 1944
Sub-station Tuddenham	1 Sep 1943	15 Nov 1945	no units
Satellite Birch	26 Sep 1945	15 Nov 1945	no units
Satellite Gosfield	26 Sep 1945	15 Nov 1945	no units

No 33 Base - Waterbeach

This was formed on 12 August 1943 at Waterbeach, being numbered No 33 on 16 September 1943 and disbanded on 1 September 1945.

Base Commanders: -

xx Oct 1943 A/Cdre O R Gayford

xx Aug 1944 ?

Station	From	To	Unit	Notes
Base Station Waterbeach	25 Aug 1943	1 Sep 1945	No 1651 HCU No 1678 HCU No 514 Sqn	To Wratting Common 20 Nov 1943 From Foulsham 20 Nov 1943 From Foulsham 23 Nov 1943, disbanded 22 Aug 1945
Sub-station Mepal	25 Aug 1943	1 Sep 1945	No 75 Sqn	From Newmarket 28 Jun 1943, to Spilsby 21 Jul 1945
Sub-station Witchford	25 Aug 1943	1 Sep 1945	No 196 Sqn No 513 Sqn No 115 Sqn No 195 Sqn	From 25 Aug 1943, to Leicester East 18 Nov 1943 Formed 15 Sep 1943, disbanded 21 Nov 1943 From Little Snoring 26 Nov 1943 Formed 1 Oct 1944, to Wratting Common 13 Nov 1944

No 4 Group

No 41 Base -Marston Moor,

This was formed on 5 March 1943 at Marston Moor, being numbered No 41 on 16 September 1943. During early 1944, the Base was assisted by No 42 Base to fulfil its training commitment. It was transferred to No 7 Group as No 74 Base on 7 November 1944.

Base Commanders: -

24 Mar 1943 A/Cdre J L Kirby

xx xxx 1944 A/Cdre C D Adams

xx xxx 1944

Station	From	To	Unit	Notes
Base Station Marston Moor	23 Mar 1943	7 Nov 1944	No 1652 HCU	From 23 Mar 1943
Sub-station Rufforth	23 Mar 1943	7 Nov 1944	No 1663 HCU	From 23 Mar 1943
Sub-station Riccall	23 Mar 1943	7 Nov 1944	No 1658 HCU	From 23 Mar 1943
Acaster Malbis	1 Nov 1943	7 Nov 1944		Spare airfield

No 42 Base - Pocklington,

This was formed on 1 March 1943 at Pocklington, being numbered No 42 on 16 September 1943 and disbanded on 1 September 1945.

Base Commander: -

24 Mar 1943 A/Cdre G A Walker

Station	From	To	Unit	Notes
Base Station Pocklington	1 Mar 1943	1 Sep 1945	No 102 Sqn	From 24 Mar 1943
Sub-station Elvington	1 Mar 1943	1 Sep 1945	No 77 Sqn No 346 Sqn No 347 Sqn	From 24 Mar 1943, to Full Sutton 15 May 1944 Formed 15 May 1944 Formed 20 Jun 1944
Sub-station Melbourne	1 Mar 1943	15 Apr 1944	No 10 Sqn	From 24 Mar 1943, to No 44 Base 15 Apr 1944
Sub-station Full Sutton	27 Apr 1944	1 Sep 1945	No 77 Sqn	From Elvington 15 May 1944, to Broadwell 31 Aug 1945

No 43 Base - Driffield,

This was formed on 6 June 1943 at Driffield, being numbered No 43 on 16 September 1943 and disbanded on 1 September 1945.

Base Commanders: -

6 Jun 1943 A/Cdre F W Walker

xx Apr 1944 A/Cdre J R Whitley

Station	From	To	Unit	Notes
Base Station Driffield	6 Jun 1943	1 Sep 1945	No 466 Sqn No 462 Sqn No 426 Sqn	From Leconfield 3 Jun 1944 Reformed 12 Aug 1944 From Linton-on-Ouse 25 May 1945, to Tempsford 25 Jun 1945
Sub-station Leconfield	6 Jun 1943	1 Sep 1945	No 466 Sqn No 196 Sqn No 640 Sqn No 96 Sqn No 51 Sqn	From 6 Jun 1943 From 6 Jun 1943, to Witchford 19 Jul 1943 From 7 Jan 1944, disbanded 7 May 1945 Formed 21 Dec 1944, to Cairo West 30 Mar 1945 From Snaith 20 April 1945, to Stradishall 21 Aug 1945
Sub-station Lissett	6 Jun 1943	1 Sep 1945	No 158 Sqn	From 6 Jun 1943, to Stradishall 17 Aug 1945

No 44 Base - Holme-on-Spalding Moor,

This was formed on 15 April 1944 at Holme-on-Spalding Moor and disbanded on 1 September 1945.

Base Commanders: -

15 Apr 1944 A/Cdre G S Hodson

19 Oct 1944 A/Cdre D L Thomson

Station	From	To	Unit	Notes
Base Station Holme-on-Spalding Moor	15 Apr 1944	1 Sep 1945	No 76 Sqn	From Linton-on-Ouse 16 Jun 1943, to Broadwell 8 Aug 1945
Sub-station Melbourne	15 Apr 1944	1 Sep 1945	No 10 Sqn	From 15 Apr 1944, to Broadwell 6 Aug 1945
Sub-station Breighton	15 Apr 1944	1 Sep 1945	No 78 Sqn	From Linton-on-Ouse 16 Jun 1943

No 5 Group

No 51 Base - Swinderby,

Prior to the formation of RAF (Conversion) Base, on 5 March 1943 at Morton Hall near Swinderby with the Base HQ moving to RAF Swinderby on 24 October to enable Morton Hall to become a Group HQ. On 16 September 1943 it was numbered No 51 but on transfer to No 7 Group on 3 November 1944 it was redesignated No 75 Base .

Base Commanders: -

xx Nov 1942 Gp Capt H L Patch ('Clutch HQ')

1 Feb 1943 Gp Capt W N McKechnie

15 Mar 1943 Gp Capt-A/Cdre I E Bussell (A/Cdre from 24 Mar 1943)

Station	From	To	Unit	Notes
Base station Swinderby	15 Mar 1943	7 Nov 1944	No 1660 HCU	From 15 Mar 1943
Sub-station Barkston Heath	15 Mar 1943	1 Nov 1943	USAAF use
Sub-station Winthorpe	1 Mar 1943	3 Nov 1944	No 1661 HCU	From 15 Mar 1943
Sub-station Wigsley	1 Mar 1943	3 Nov 1944	No 1654 HCU	From 15 Mar 1943
Sub-station Syerston	21 Nov 1943	1 Oct 1944	No 1668 HCU No 5 LFS	From Balderton, 17 Nov 1943, redesignated No 5 LFS, 21 Nov 1943 From 21 Nov 1943
Balderton			No 1668 HCU	From 15 Aug 1943, to Syerston 17 Nov 1943

No 52 Base - Scampton,

This was formed in No 5 Group, as RAF Base, Scampton on 10 May 1943, being redesignated No 52 Base on 16 September 1943. Six days after its formation, one of its units, No 617 Squadron, carried out the spectacular 'Dambusters Raid'. On 1 September 1943 Scampton closed to flying to allow the laying of runways, its two squadrons having moved to other bases at the end of August, thereby leaving only two squadrons under its control. This situation was remedied with the arrival of No 619 Squadron from Coningsby. The Base was disbanded on 2 October 1944 and five days later was transferred to No 1 Group, being redesignated No 15 Base. On disbandment No 49 Squadron remained at Fiskerton until 16 October, being controlled directly by HQ, No 5 Group until moving to Fulbeck. The bulk of the Base's personnel was transferred to No 56 Base at Syerston.

Base Commanders: -

10 May 1943 A/Cdre J H N Whitworth

21 Aug 1943 Gp Capt A D Davies

4 Dec 1944 A/Cdre J A Gray

xx xxx 1944 Gp Capt A D Davies

17 Feb 1944: A/Cdre S L G Pope

Station	From	To	Unit	Notes
Base station Scampton	10 May 1943	2 Oct 1944	No 57 Sqn No 617 Sqn No 1518 BAT Flt No 2774 Sqn RAF Regiment No 2815 Sqn RAF Regiment Closed for flying* No 1690 BAT Flt	From 10 May 1943, to East Kirkby, 29 Aug 1943 From 10 May 1943, to Coningsby, 30 Aug 1943 From 10 May 1943, to Edzell 14 Jun 1943 From ?, to Aldershot 1 Feb 1944 From Syerston, 5 Feb 1944 From 1 Sep 1943, re-opened (Day), Jul 1944 From Syerston, Jul 1944, to Metheringham, 27 Sep 1944
Sub-station Fiskerton	10 May 1943	2 Oct 1944	No 49 Sqn No 1514 BAT Flt	From 10 May 1943, to Fulbeck, 16 Oct 1944 From Apr 1944
Sub-station Dunholme Lodge	10 May 1943	2 Oct 1944	No 44 Sqn No 619 Sqn	From 10 May 1943, to Spilsby, 30Sep 1944 From Coningsby, 17 Apr 1944, to Strubby 28 Sep 1944

*for the laying of runways

No 53 Base - Waddington,

This was formed in No 5 Group, on 14 November 1943 at Waddington and disbanded on 15 November 1945.

Base Commanders: -

1 Dec 1943 A/Cdre A Hesketh

23 Apr 1945 A/Cdre S L G Pope

Station	From	To	Unit	Notes
Base Station Waddington	14 Nov 1943	15 Nov 1945	No 463 Sqn No 467 Sqn No 617 Sqn	From 25 Nov 1943, to Skellingthorpe, 3 Jul 1945 From 14 Nov 1943, to Metheringham, 15 Jun 1945 From Woodhall Spa, 16 Jun 1945
Sub-station Skellingthorpe	14 Nov 1943	15 Nov 1945	No 50 Sqn No 61 Sqn	From 14 Nov 1943, to Sturgate, 16 Jun 1945 From 16 Nov 1943, to Coningsby, 12 Jan 1944
Sub-station Bardney	14 Nov 1943	15 Nov 1945	No 9 Sqn No 189 Sqn	From 14 Nov 1943, to Waddington, 6 Jul 1945 From 8 Apr 1945, to Metheringham, 15 Oct 1945

No 54 Base - Coningsby,

This was formed in No 5 Group, on 1 January 1944 at Coningsby, but it was three weeks before the first Base Commander arrived, only to leave again after a week on his appointment to command No 91 Group. The base soon developed a reputation for its units to carry out precision bombing attacks, using No 617 Sqn in a Pathfinder role. As a result the Base was tasked with acting in the pathfinder role for other units of No 5 Group. With the end of the war in Europe the Base began to prepare for future operations in the Far East, as many of its units and personnel had been earmarked for inclusion in 'Tiger Force'. However, the end of hostilities in the Far East curtailed these plans and it disbanded on 15 November 1945.

Base Commanders: -

1 Jan 1944 Gp Capt A C Evans-Evans (pending appointment of Base Commander)

22 Jan 1944 A/Cdre J A Gray

29 Jan 1944 Gp Capt A C Evans-Evans (Temp)

9 Feb 1944 A/Cdre A C H Sharp

xx Sep 1944 A/Cdre H V Satterly

14 Apr 1945 Gp Capt W C Sheen (Temp)

23 Apr 1945 A/Cdre A Hesketh

Station	From	To	Unit	Notes
Base Station Coningsby	1 Jan 1944	15 Nov 1945	No 617 Sqn No 61 Sqn No 619 Sqn No 83 Sqn No 97 Sqn	From 1 Jan 1944, to Coningsby 9 Jan 1944 From Skellingthorpe, 12 Jan 1944, to Skellingthorpe 15 Apr 1944 From Woodhall Spa, 9 Jan 1944, to Dunholme Lodge, 17 Apr 1944 From Wyton, 18 Apr 1944 From 16 Apr 1944
Sub-station Woodhall Spa	1 Jan 1944	15 Nov 1945	No 619 Sqn No 617 Sqn No 627 Sqn No 109 Sqn	From 1 Jan 1944, to Coningsby 9 Jan 1944 From Coningsby 9 Jan 1944, to Waddington 17 Jun 1945 From Oakington 15 Apr 1944, redesignated No 109 Sqn 1 Oct 1945 From 1 Oct 1945
Sub-station Metheringham	1 Jan 1944	15 Nov 1945	No 106 Sqn	From 1 Jan 1944

No 55 Base - East Kirkby,

This was formed from RAF Base, East Kirkby (which had probably been formed on 24 November 1943) on 15 April 1944 at East Kirkby with sub-stations at Spilsby and and Strubby. Between 15 April and mid September 1944 Strubby was loaned to No 16 Group and housed Nos 280, 144 and 404 Sqns. Following VE-Day units and personnel under the control of the Base began to prepare for inclusion in 'Tiger Force' for service in the Pacific but these plans ended on 17 August following the Japanese capitulation. The Base disbanded on 15 November 1945.

Base Commanders: -

15 Apr 1944 Gp Capt R T Taafe

xx xxx 1944 A/Cdre H N Thornton

Station	From	To	Unit	Notes
Base Station East Kirkby	15 Apr 1944	15 Nov 1945	No 57 Sqn No 630 Sqn No 460 Sqn	From 15 Apr 1944 From 15 Nov 1943, disbanded 18 Jul 1945 From 27 Jul 1945
Sub-station Spilsby	15 Apr 1944	15 Nov 1945	No 207 Sqn No 44 Sqn No 75 Sqn	From 15 Apr 1944, to Methwold 30 Oct 1945 From 30 Sep 1944, to Mepal 21 Jul 1945 From Mepal 21 Jul 1945
Sub-station Strubby	15 Apr 1944	15 Nov 1945	No 619 Sqn No 227 Sqn	From 28 Sep 1944, to Skellingthorpe 30 Jun 1945 From 5 Apr 1945, to Graveley 8 Jun 1945

No 56 Base - Syerston,

This was formed on 1 October 1944 at Syerston with many of its personnel being transferred from No 52 Base, which was transferred to No 1 Group. It disbanded on 25 April 1945.

Base Commander: -

1 Oct 1944: A/Cdre S L G Pope

Station	From	To	Unit	Notes
Base Station Syerston	1 Oct 1944	25 Apr 1945	No 5 LFS No 49 Sqn	From 1 Oct 1944 From 22 Apr 1945
Sub-station Fulbeck	1 Oct 1944	25 Apr 1945	No 49 Sqn No 189 Sqn	From Fiskerton, 16 Oct 1944, to Syerston, 22 Apr 1945 From Bardney, 2 Nov 1944, to Bardney, 8 Apr 1945
Sub-station Balderton	1 Oct 1944	25 Apr 1945	No 227 Sqn	From Bardney, 12 Oct 1944, to Strubby, 5 Apr 1945

No 6 (RCAF) Group

No 61 Base - Topcliffe,

This was formed on 1 March 1943 at Topcliffe as No 6 (RCAF) Group Training Base, being renamed No 61 Base on 16 September 1943, it was transferred to No 7 Group on 9 November 1944 as No 76 Base.

Base Commanders: -

5 Apr 1943 A/Cdre C M McEwen RCAF

25 Jun 1943 A/Cdre B F Johnson RCAF

17 Feb 1944 A/Cdre R E McBurney RCAF

16 May 1944 A/Cdre F G Wait RCAF

1 Sep 1944 A/Cdre J L Hurley RCAF

19 Sep 1944 A/Cdre F R Miller RCAF

Station	From	To	Unit	Notes
Base Station Topcliffe	25 Mar 1943	9 Nov 1944	No 1659 HCU	From 25 Mar 1943
Sub-station Dishforth	1 Mar 1943	9 Nov 1944	No 1664 HCU	Formed 10 May 1943
Sub-station Dalton	1 Mar 1943	9 Nov 1944	No 424 Sqn No 428 Sqn No 1666 HCU No 1691 Flt No 1695 Flt	From Leeming 3 May 1943, to North Africa 16 May 1943 From 25 Mar 1943, to Middleton St George 4 Jun 1943 Formed 5 Jun 1943, to Wombleton 21 Oct 1943 Formed 26 Jun 1943, absorbed into No 1695 Flt 15 Feb 1944 Formed 15 Feb 1944
Sub-station Wombleton	1 Aug 1943	9 Nov 1944	No 1666 HCU No 1679 HC Flt	From Dalton 21 Oct 1943 From 13 Dec 1943, merged into No 1666 HCU 27 Jan 1944

No 62 Base - Linton on Ouse,

This was formed 18 June 1943 as Linton-on-Ouse Operational Base but was renamed No 62 Base on 16 September 1943. It disbanded on 14 July 1945, when all it’s units were transferred to Eastern Air Command as part of the proposed ‘Tiger Force’.

Base Commanders: -

18 Jun 1943 A/Cdre C M McEwen RCAF

29 Feb 1944 A/Cdre A D Ross RCAF

28 Jun 1944 A/Cdre J E Farquier RCAF

19 Sep 1944 A/Cdre J L Hurley RCAF

31 May 1945 A/Cdre J G Kerr RCAF

Station	From	To	Unit	Notes
Base Station Linton-on-Ouse	18 Jun 1943	14 Jul 1945	No 426 Sqn No 408 Sqn	From Dishforth 18 Jun 1943, to Driffield 25 May 1945 From Leeming 27 Aug 1943, to Canada 14 Jun 1945
Sub-station East Moor	18 Jun 1943	14 Jul 1945	No 1679 HC Flt No 415 Sqn	From 18 Jun 1943, to Wombleton 13 Dec 1945 From Bircham Newton 26 Jul 1944, disbanded 15 May 1945
Sub-station Tholthorpe	18 Jun 1943	14 Jul 1945	No 434 Sqn No 431 Sqn No 420 Sqn No 425 Sqn	Formed 15 Jun 1943, to Croft 11 Dec 1943 From Burn 15 Jul 1943, to Croft 10 Dec 1943 From Dalton 12 Dec 1943, to Canada 12 Jun 1945 From Dishforth 10 Dec 1943, to Canada 13 Jun 1945

No 63 Base - Leeming

This was formed on 1 May 1944 at Leeming and disbanded on 30 August 1945.

Base Commanders: -

1 May 1944 A/Cdre J G Bryans RCAF

13 Jan 1945 A/Cdre F R Miller RCAF

30 May 1945 A/Cdre J G Kerr RCAF

Station	From	To	Unit	Notes
Base Station Leeming	1 May 1943	30 Aug 1945	No 427 Sqn No 429 Sqn	From Croft 5 May 1943 From East Moor 13 Aug 1943
Sub-station Skipton on Swale	1 May 1944	30 Aug 1945	No 424 Sqn No 433 Sqn	From 1 May 1944 From 1 May 1944
Sub-station Dishforth	6 Apr 1945	30 Aug 1945	No 1695 Flt	From Dalton 23 Apr 1945

No 64 Base - Middleton St George

This was formed on 1 May 1944 at Middleton St George, disbanding on 14 June 1945, when all it’s units were transferred to Eastern Air Command as part of the proposed ‘Tiger Force’. It controlled the stations at ) and ).

Base Commanders: -

1 May 1944 A/Cdre R E McBurney RCAF

22 Jan 1945 A/Cdre C R Dunlap RCAF

25 Apr 1945 A/Cdre H B Godwin RCAF

30 May 1945 A/Cdre H T Miles RCAF

Station	From	To	Unit	Notes
Base Station Middleton St George	1 May 1944	14 Jun 1945	No 419 Sqn No 428 Sqn	From 1 May 1944, to Canada 1 Jun 1945 From Dalton 4 Jun 1943, to Canada 31 May 1945
Sub-station Croft	1 May 1944	14 Jun 1945	No 431 Sqn No 434 Sqn	From Tholthorpe 10 Dec 1943, to Canada 7 Jun 1945 From Tholthorpe 11 Dec 1943, to Canada 10 Jun 1945

No 7 Group

No 71 Base - Lindholme

This was formed on 5 November 1944 by redesignating No 11 Base at Lindholme when No 7 Group took control of all the Bases housing the Heavy Conversion Units. From December 1944 the last Halifaxes were retired leaving the HCUs as all Lancaster units. It disbanded on 15 November 1945

Base Commander: -

3 Nov 1944 A/Cdre G G Banting

Station	From	To	Units	Notes
Sub-Station Blyton	5 Nov 1944	4 Jun 1945	No 1662 HCU	No 1662 HCU, disbanded 6 Apr 1945. Station transferred to direct control of No 7 Group, 4 Jun 1945
Base Station Lindholme	5 Nov 1944	10 Nov 1945	No 1656 HCU	No 1656 HCU, disbanded 10 Nov 1945
Sub-Station Sandtoft	5 Nov 1944	9 Nov 1945	No 1667 HCU	No 1667 HCU, disbanded 9 Nov 1945
Sub-Station Sturgate	2 Nov 1944	15 Nov 1945	No 1 Air Crew School* No 1520 BAT Flt	From 2 Nov 1944, transferred to No 1 Group 29 May 1945 From 18 Sep 1944, disbanded 30 May 1945
Sub-Station Finningley	11 Jun 1945			Operational control of HQ Bomber Command, Admin control of No 71 Base
Satellite Worksop	11 Jun 1945			Operational control of HQ Bomber Command, Admin control of No 71 Base

*Lodger unit under the control of HQ, No 7 Group

No 72 Base - Bottesford

This was formed on 7 October 1944 at Bottesford when No 7 Group took control of all the Bases housing the Heavy Conversion Units and disbanded on 1 April 1945.

Base Commander: -

xx xxx 1944 ?

Station	From	To	Unit	Notes
Base station Bottesford	7 Oct 1944	1 Apr 1945	No 1668 HCU	From 7 Oct 1944
Sub-Station Langer	7 Oct 1944	1 Apr 1945	No 1669 HCU	From 7 Oct 1944, disbanded 16 Mar 1945
Sub-Station Saltby	7 Oct 1944	20 Mar 1945	no units

No 73 Base - North Luffenham

This was formed on 1 November 1944 by redesignating No 31 Base at Stradishall when No 7 Group took control of all the Bases housing the Heavy Conversion Units. However at the same time the Base was re-located to RAF North Luffenham, with Stradishall (No 1657 HCU) becoming a satellite. The Base was disbanded on 1 August 1945.

Base Commander: -

xx Nov 1944 A/Cdre C D Adams

Station	From	To	Unit	Notes
Base Station North Luffenham	1 Nov 1944	1 Aug 1945	No 1653 HCU	From Chedburgh 27 Nov 1943
Sub-station Woolfox Lodge	1 Nov 1944	1 Aug 1945	No 1651 HCU	From Wratting Common 9 Nov 1944, disbanded 13 Jul 1945
Sub-station Bottesford	1 Apr 1945	1 Aug 1945	No 1668 HCU	From 1 Apr 1945
Sub-station Langer	1 Apr 1945	1 Aug 1945	No 1669 HCU	From 1 Apr 1945, disbanded 16 Mar 1945
Satellite Stradishall	1 Nov 1944	7 Nov 1944	No 1657 HCU	From 1 Nov 1944, disbanded 15 Dec 1944

No 74 Base - Marston Moor

This was formed on 7 November 1944 by redesignating No 41 Base at Marston Moor when No 7 Group took control of all the Bases housing the Heavy Conversion Units and disbanded on 10 June 1945.

Base Commander: -

xx xxx 1944 ?

Station	From	To	Unit	Notes
Base station Marston Moor	7 Nov 1944	10 Jun 1945	No 1652 HCU	From 7 Nov 1944
Sub-station Rufforth	7 Nov 1944	10 Jun 1945	No 1663 HCU	From 7 Nov 1944, disbanded 28 May 1945
Sub-station Riccall	7 Nov 1944	10 Jun 1945	No 1658 HCU	From 7 Nov 1944, disbanded 13 Apr 1945
Sub-station Acaster Malbis	7 Nov 1944	10 Jun 1945	no units
Sub-station Stradishall	7 Nov 1944	15 Dec 1944	No 1657 HCU	From 7 Nov 1944, disbanded and station reverted to No 3 Group on 15 Dec 1944

No 75 Base - Swinderby,

This was formed on 3 November 1944 by redesignating No 51 Base at Swinderby when No 7 Group took control of all the Bases housing the Heavy Conversion Units. In late 1944/early 1945 the HCUs re-equipped from Stirlings to Lancasters, meaning there was no longer any need for No 5 LFS. No 75 Base disbanded on 1 October 1945.

Base Commander: -

30 Nov 1944 A/Cdre E I Bussell

Station	From	To	Unit	Notes
Base station Swinderby	3 Nov 1944	1 Oct 1945	No 1660 HCU	From 3 Nov 1944
Sub-station Winthorpe	3 Nov 1944	1 Oct 1945	No 1661 HCU	From 3 Nov 1944
Sub-station Wigsley	3 Nov 1944	1 Oct 1945	No 1654 HCU	From 3 Nov 1944

No 76 Base - Topcliffe,

This was formed on 9 November 1944 by redesignating No 61 Base at Topcliffe when No 7 Group took control of all the Bases housing the Heavy Conversion Units and disbanded on 1 September 1945.

Base Commanders: -

9 Nov 1944 A/Cdre F R Miller RCAF

13 Jan 1945 A/Cdre J G Kerr RCAF

1 Aug 1945 A/Cdre N W Timmerman RCAF

Station	From	To	Unit	Notes
Base station Topcliffe	9 Nov 1944	1 Sep 1945	1659 HCU	From 9 Nov 1944
Sub-station Dalton	9 Nov 1944	1 Sep 1945	No 1695 B (D) Flt	From 9 Nov 1944, disbanded 28 Jul 1945
Sub-station Dishforth	9 Nov 1944	1 Sep 1945	No 1664 HCU	From 9 Nov 1944, disbanded 6 Apr 1945
Sub-station Wombleton	9 Nov 1944	1 Sep 1945	No 1666 HCU	From 9 Nov 1944, disbanded 3 Aug 1945

AOCs of unknown bases:

1944 - 1945 A/Cdre H H Down

Possible Base Commanders?

A/Cdre A McKee (24 Mar 1943)

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