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RAF Central Photographic Establishment - Personnel, locations and units

 [Dec 1947 | Jan 1948 | Feb 1948 | Mar 1948 | Apr 1948 | May 1948 | Jun 1948 | Jul 1948 | Aug 1948 | Sep 1948 | Oct 1948 | Nov 1948 | Dec 1948 | Jan 1949 | Feb 1949 | Mar 1949 | Apr 1949 | May 1949 | Jun 1949 | Jul 1949 | Aug 1949 | Sep 1949 | Oct 1949 | Nov 1949 | Dec 1949 | Jan 1950 | Feb 1950 | Mar 1950]

This Establishment was formed on 15 August 1946 at Fifield House, Benson on the disbandment of No 106 Group.  It remained under the control of HQ Coastal Command until late 1947, when it assumed assumed Group status within the Command.

December 1947

Location Command Controlled
Fifield House, Benson Coastal Command

  • SHQ, RAF Benson

    • No 58 Squadron

    • No 82 Squadron

    • No 540 Squadron

    • No 541 Squadron

    • Air Photography Development Unit

  • Joint Air Photographic Intelligence Centre (UK)  - Nuneham Park*

  • No 237 Operational Conversion Unit - Chalgrove

*Operationally controlled by Air Ministry, ACAS (I) through AD of I (O)

 

Rank Name Date Notes
A/Cdre Gilbert E Nicholetts  7 Oct 1946 Air Officer Commanding, AFC*; later AM
Personal Appointment
SO B M Steuart  1 Oct 1947 PA to AOC
Air Staff
Gp Capt

Reginald C Field

 28 Oct 1946 later A/Cdre
Wg Cdr D C Torrens 11 Mar 1947  
Wg Cdr G J Buxton  5 Jun 1944 MBE
Sqn Ldr Andrew H Humphrey 21 Aug 1946 DFC, AFC*; later MRAF
Sqn Ldr E A Johnston  3 Nov 1947  
Administrative Staff
Wg Cdr G J Spence  5 Aug 1947 Senior Officer i/c Administration
Sqn Ldr J G Carsdale 26 Aug 1947 Senior Personnel Staff Officer
Staffs of the Services

Signals
Sqn Ldr R J Bedells  6 Jun 1946  

Source - December 1947 Confidential Air Force List (AIR 10/5244)

January 1948

Location Command Controlled
Fifield House, Benson Coastal Command

  • SHQ, RAF Benson

    • No 58 Squadron

    • No 82 Squadron

    • No 540 Squadron

    • No 541 Squadron

    • Air Photography Development Unit

  • Joint Air Photographic Intelligence Centre (UK)  - Nuneham Park*

  • No 237 Operational Conversion Unit - Chalgrove

*Operationally controlled by Air Ministry, ACAS (I) through AD of I (o)

 

Rank Name Date Notes
A/Cdre Gilbert E Nicholetts  7 Oct 1946 Air Officer Commanding, AFC*; later AM
Personal Appointment
SO B M Steuart  1 Oct 1947 PA to AOC
Air Staff
Gp Capt

Reginald C Field

 28 Oct 1946 later A/Cdre
Wg Cdr D C Torrens 11 Mar 1947  
Wg Cdr G J Buxton  5 Jun 1944 MBE
Sqn Ldr Andrew H Humphrey 21 Aug 1946 DFC, AFC*; later MRAF
Sqn Ldr E A Johnston  3 Nov 1947  
Administrative Staff
Wg Cdr G J Spence  5 Aug 1947 Senior Officer i/c Administration
Sqn Ldr J G Carsdale 26 Aug 1947 Senior Personnel Staff Officer
Staffs of the Services

Signals
Sqn Ldr R J Bedells  6 Jun 1946  

Source - January 1948 Confidential Air Force List (AIR 10/5245)

February 1948

Location Command Controlled
Fifield House, Benson Coastal Command

  • SHQ, RAF Benson

    • No 58 Squadron

    • No 82 Squadron

    • No 540 Squadron

    • No 541 Squadron

    • Air Photography Development Unit

  • Joint Air Photographic Intelligence Centre (UK)  - Nuneham Park*

  • No 237 Operational Conversion Unit - Chalgrove

*Operationally controlled by Air Ministry, ACAS (I) through AD of I (o)

 

Rank Name Date Notes
A/Cdre Gilbert E Nicholetts  7 Oct 1946 Air Officer Commanding, AFC*; later AM
Personal Appointment
SO B M Steuart  1 Oct 1947 PA to AOC
Air Staff
Gp Capt

Reginald C Field

 28 Oct 1946 later A/Cdre
Wg Cdr D C Torrens 11 Mar 1947  
Wg Cdr G J Buxton  5 Jun 1944 MBE
Sqn Ldr Andrew H Humphrey 21 Aug 1946 DFC, AFC*; later MRAF
Sqn Ldr E A Johnston  3 Nov 1947  
Administrative Staff
Wg Cdr G J Spence  5 Aug 1947 Senior Officer i/c Administration
Sqn Ldr J G Carsdale 26 Aug 1947 Senior Personnel Staff Officer
Staffs of the Services

Signals
Sqn Ldr R J Bedells  6 Jun 1946  

Source - February 1948 Confidential Air Force List (AIR 10/5245)

March 1948

Location Command Controlled
Fifield House, Benson Coastal Command

  • SHQ, RAF Benson

    • No 58 Squadron

    • No 82 Squadron

    • No 540 Squadron

    • No 541 Squadron

    • Air Photography Development Unit

  • Joint Air Photographic Intelligence Centre (UK)  - Nuneham Park*

  • No 237 Operational Conversion Unit - Chalgrove

*Operationally controlled by Air Ministry, ACAS (I) through AD of I (o)

 

Rank Name Date Notes
A/Cdre Gilbert E Nicholetts  7 Oct 1946 Air Officer Commanding, AFC*; later AM
Personal Appointment
SO B M Steuart  1 Oct 1947 PA to AOC
Air Staff
Gp Capt

Reginald C Field

 28 Oct 1946 later A/Cdre
Wg Cdr D C Torrens 11 Mar 1947  
Wg Cdr G J Buxton  5 Jun 1944 MBE
Sqn Ldr Andrew H Humphrey 21 Aug 1946 DFC, AFC*; later MRAF
Sqn Ldr E A Johnston  3 Nov 1947  
Administrative Staff
Wg Cdr G J Spence  5 Aug 1947 Senior Officer i/c Administration
Sqn Ldr J G Carsdale 26 Aug 1947 Senior Personnel Staff Officer
Staffs of the Services

Signals
Sqn Ldr R J Bedells  6 Jun 1946  

Source - March 1948 Confidential Air Force List (AIR 10/5245)

April 1948

Location Command Controlled
Fifield House, Benson Coastal Command

  • SHQ, RAF Benson

    • No 58 Squadron

    • No 82 Squadron

    • No 540 Squadron

    • No 541 Squadron

    • Air Photography Development Unit

  • Joint Air Photographic Intelligence Centre (UK)  - Nuneham Park*

  • No 237 Operational Conversion Unit - Chalgrove

*Operationally controlled by Air Ministry, ACAS (I) through AD of I (o)

 

Rank Name Date Notes
A/Cdre Gilbert E Nicholetts  7 Oct 1946 Air Officer Commanding, AFC*; later AM
Personal Appointment
SO B M Steuart  1 Oct 1947 PA to AOC
Air Staff
Gp Capt

Reginald C Field

 28 Oct 1946 later A/Cdre
Wg Cdr D C Torrens 11 Mar 1947  
Wg Cdr G J Buxton  5 Jun 1944 MBE
Sqn Ldr Andrew H Humphrey 21 Aug 1946 DFC, AFC*; later MRAF
Sqn Ldr E A Johnston  3 Nov 1947  
Administrative Staff
Wg Cdr G J Spence  5 Aug 1947 Senior Officer i/c Administration
Sqn Ldr J G Carsdale 26 Aug 1947 Senior Personnel Staff Officer
Staffs of the Services

Signals
Sqn Ldr R J Bedells  6 Jun 1946  

Source - April 1948 Confidential Air Force List (AIR 10/5246)

May 1948

Location Command Controlled
Fifield House, Benson Coastal Command

  • SHQ, RAF Benson

    • No 58 Squadron

    • No 82 Squadron

    • No 540 Squadron

    • No 541 Squadron

    • Air Photography Development Unit

  • Joint Air Photographic Intelligence Centre (UK)  - Nuneham Park*

  • No 237 Operational Conversion Unit - Chalgrove

*Operationally controlled by Air Ministry, ACAS (I) through AD of I (o)

 

Rank Name Date Notes
A/Cdre Gilbert E Nicholetts  7 Oct 1946 Air Officer Commanding, AFC*; later AM
Personal Appointment
SO B M Steuart  1 Oct 1947 PA to AOC
Air Staff
Gp Capt

Reginald C Field

 28 Oct 1946 later A/Cdre
Wg Cdr D C Torrens 11 Mar 1947  
Wg Cdr G J Buxton  5 Jun 1944 MBE
Sqn Ldr Andrew H Humphrey 21 Aug 1946 DFC, AFC*; later MRAF
Sqn Ldr E A Johnston  3 Nov 1947  
Administrative Staff
Wg Cdr G J Spence  5 Aug 1947 Senior Officer i/c Administration
Sqn Ldr J G Carsdale 26 Aug 1947 Senior Personnel Staff Officer
Staffs of the Services

Signals
Sqn Ldr R J Bedells  6 Jun 1946  

Meteorological
Mr R Cranna   MA, BSc

Source - May 1948 Confidential Air Force List (AIR 10/5246)

June 1948

Location Command Controlled
Fifield House, Benson Coastal Command

  • SHQ, RAF Benson

    • No 58 Squadron

    • No 82 Squadron

    • No 540 Squadron

    • No 541 Squadron

    • Air Photography Development Unit

  • Joint Air Photographic Intelligence Centre (UK)  - Nuneham Park*

*Operationally controlled by Air Ministry, ACAS (I) through AD of I (o)

 

Rank Name Date Notes
A/Cdre Gilbert E Nicholetts  7 Oct 1946 Air Officer Commanding, AFC*; later AM
Personal Appointment
SO B M Steuart  1 Oct 1947 PA to AOC
Air Staff
Gp Capt

Reginald C Field

 28 Oct 1946 later A/Cdre
Wg Cdr D C Torrens 11 Mar 1947  
Wg Cdr G J Buxton  5 Jun 1944 MBE
Sqn Ldr Andrew H Humphrey 21 Aug 1946 DFC, AFC*; later MRAF
Sqn Ldr E A Johnston  3 Nov 1947  
Administrative Staff
Wg Cdr G J Spence  5 Aug 1947 Senior Officer i/c Administration
Sqn Ldr J G Carsdale 26 Aug 1947 Senior Personnel Staff Officer
Staffs of the Services

Signals
Sqn Ldr R J Bedells  6 Jun 1946  

Meteorological
Mr R Cranna   MA, BSc

Source - June 1948 Confidential Air Force List (AIR 10/5246)

July 1948

Location Command Controlled
Fifield House, Benson Coastal Command

  • SHQ, RAF Benson

    • No 58 Squadron

    • No 82 Squadron

    • No 540 Squadron

    • No 541 Squadron

    • Air Photography Development Unit

  • Joint Air Photographic Intelligence Centre (UK)  - Nuneham Park*

*Operationally controlled by Air Ministry, ACAS (I) through AD of I (o)

 

Rank Name Date Notes
A/Cdre Gilbert E Nicholetts  7 Oct 1946 Air Officer Commanding, AFC*; later AM
Personal Appointment
SO B M Steuart  1 Oct 1947 PA to AOC
Air Staff
Gp Capt

Reginald C Field

 28 Oct 1946 later A/Cdre
Wg Cdr D C Torrens 11 Mar 1947  
Wg Cdr G J Buxton  5 Jun 1944 MBE
Sqn Ldr Andrew H Humphrey 21 Aug 1946 DFC, AFC*; later MRAF
Sqn Ldr E A Johnston  3 Nov 1947  
Administrative Staff
Wg Cdr G J Spence  5 Aug 1947 Senior Officer i/c Administration
Sqn Ldr J G Carsdale 26 Aug 1947 Senior Personnel Staff Officer
Staffs of the Services

Signals
Sqn Ldr R J Bedells  6 Jun 1946  

Meteorological
Mr R Cranna   MA, BSc

Source - July 1948 Confidential Air Force List (AIR 10/5247)

August 1948

Location Command Controlled
Fifield House, Benson Coastal Command

  • SHQ, RAF Benson

    • No 58 Squadron

    • No 82 Squadron

    • No 540 Squadron

    • No 541 Squadron

    • Air Photography Development Unit

  • Joint Air Photographic Intelligence Centre (UK)  - Nuneham Park*

*Operationally controlled by Air Ministry, ACAS (I) through AD of I (o)

 

Rank Name Date Notes
A/Cdre Gilbert E Nicholetts  7 Oct 1946 Air Officer Commanding, AFC*; later AM
Personal Appointment
SO B M Steuart  1 Oct 1947 PA to AOC
Air Staff
Gp Capt

Reginald C Field

 28 Oct 1946 later A/Cdre
Wg Cdr D C Torrens 11 Mar 1947  
Wg Cdr G J Buxton  5 Jun 1944 MBE
Sqn Ldr Andrew H Humphrey 21 Aug 1946 DFC, AFC*; later MRAF
Sqn Ldr E A Johnston  3 Nov 1947  
Administrative Staff
Wg Cdr G J Spence  5 Aug 1947 Senior Officer i/c Administration
Sqn Ldr J G Carsdale 26 Aug 1947 Senior Personnel Staff Officer
Staffs of the Services

Signals
Sqn Ldr R J Bedells  6 Jun 1946  

Meteorological
Mr R Cranna   MA, BSc

Source - August 1948 Confidential Air Force List (AIR 10/5247)

September 1948

Location Command Controlled
Fifield House, Benson Coastal Command

  • SHQ, RAF Benson

    • No 58 Squadron

    • No 82 Squadron

    • No 540 Squadron

    • No 541 Squadron

    • Air Photography Development Unit

  • Joint Air Photographic Intelligence Centre (UK)  - Nuneham Park*

*Operationally controlled by Air Ministry, ACAS (I) through AD of I (o)

 

Rank Name Date Notes
A/Cdre Gilbert E Nicholetts  7 Oct 1946 Air Officer Commanding, AFC*; later AM
Personal Appointment
SO B M Steuart  1 Oct 1947 PA to AOC
Air Staff
Gp Capt

Reginald C Field

 28 Oct 1946 later A/Cdre
Wg Cdr D C Torrens 11 Mar 1947  
Wg Cdr G J Buxton  5 Jun 1944 MBE
Sqn Ldr Andrew H Humphrey 21 Aug 1946 DFC, AFC*; later MRAF
Sqn Ldr E A Johnston  3 Nov 1947  
Administrative Staff
Wg Cdr G J Spence  5 Aug 1947 Senior Officer i/c Administration
Sqn Ldr J G Carsdale 26 Aug 1947 Senior Personnel Staff Officer
Staffs of the Services

Signals
Sqn Ldr R J Bedells  6 Jun 1946  

Meteorological
Mr R Cranna   MA, BSc

Source - September 1948 Confidential Air Force List (AIR 10/5247)

October 1948

Location Command Controlled
Fifield House, Benson Coastal Command

  • SHQ, RAF Benson

    • No 58 Squadron

    • No 82 Squadron

    • No 540 Squadron

    • No 541 Squadron

    • Air Photography Development Unit

  • Joint Air Photographic Intelligence Centre (UK)  - Nuneham Park*

*Operationally controlled by Air Ministry, ACAS (I) through AD of I (o)

 

Rank Name Date Notes
A/Cdre Gilbert E Nicholetts  7 Oct 1946 Air Officer Commanding, AFC*; later AM
Personal Appointment
SO B M Steuart  1 Oct 1947 PA to AOC
Air Staff
Gp Capt

Reginald C Field

 28 Oct 1946 later A/Cdre
Wg Cdr D C Torrens 11 Mar 1947  
Wg Cdr G J Buxton  5 Jun 1944 MBE
Sqn Ldr Andrew H Humphrey 21 Aug 1946 DFC, AFC*; later MRAF
Sqn Ldr E A Johnston  3 Nov 1947  
Administrative Staff
Wg Cdr G J Spence  5 Aug 1947 Senior Officer i/c Administration
Sqn Ldr J G Carsdale 26 Aug 1947 Senior Personnel Staff Officer
Staffs of the Services

Signals
Sqn Ldr R J Bedells  6 Jun 1946  

Meteorological
Mr R Cranna   MA, BSc

Source - October 1948 Confidential Air Force List (AIR 10/5248)

November 1948

Location Command Controlled
Fifield House, Benson Coastal Command

  • SHQ, RAF Benson

    • No 58 Squadron

    • No 82 Squadron

    • No 540 Squadron

    • No 541 Squadron

    • Air Photography Development Unit

  • SHQ, RAF Nuneham Park

    • Joint Air Photographic Intelligence Centre (UK)*

*Operationally controlled by Air Ministry, ACAS (I) through AD of I (o)

 

Rank Name Date Notes
Air Staff
Gp Capt

Reginald C Field

 28 Oct 1946 later A/Cdre
Wg Cdr D C Torrens 11 Mar 1947  
Wg Cdr G J Buxton  5 Jun 1944 MBE
Sqn Ldr Andrew H Humphrey 21 Aug 1946 DFC, AFC*; later MRAF
Sqn Ldr E A Johnston  3 Nov 1947  
Administrative Staff
Wg Cdr G J Spence  5 Aug 1947 Senior Officer i/c Administration
Sqn Ldr J G Carsdale 26 Aug 1947 Senior Personnel Staff Officer
Staffs of the Services

Signals
Sqn Ldr R J Bedells  6 Jun 1946  

Meteorological
Mr R Cranna   MA, BSc

Source - November 1948 Confidential Air Force List (AIR 10/5248)

December 1948

Location Command Controlled
Fifield House, Benson Coastal Command

  • SHQ, RAF Benson

    • No 58 Squadron

    • No 82 Squadron - Detached to Takoradi, West Africa

    • No 540 Squadron

    • No 541 Squadron

    • Air Photography Development Unit

  • SHQ, RAF Nuneham Park

    • Joint Air Photographic Intelligence Centre (UK)*

*Operationally controlled by Air Ministry, ACAS (I) through AD of I (o)

 

Rank Name Date Notes
A/Cdre Sidney N Webster 24 Nov 1948 Air Officer Commanding, CBE, AFC, later AVM
Air Staff
Gp Capt

Reginald C Field

 28 Oct 1946 later A/Cdre
Wg Cdr D C Torrens 11 Mar 1947  
Wg Cdr G J Buxton  5 Jun 1944 MBE
Sqn Ldr Andrew H Humphrey 21 Aug 1946 DFC, AFC*; later MRAF
Sqn Ldr E A Johnston  3 Nov 1947  
Administrative Staff
Wg Cdr G J Spence  5 Aug 1947 Senior Officer i/c Administration
Sqn Ldr J G Carsdale 26 Aug 1947 Senior Personnel Staff Officer
Staffs of the Services

Signals
Sqn Ldr R J Bedells  6 Jun 1946  

Meteorological
Mr R Cranna   MA, BSc

Source - December 1948 Confidential Air Force List (AIR 10/5248)

January 1949

Location Command Controlled
Beggar's Bush Hill, Benson Coastal Command

  • SHQ, RAF Benson

    • No 58 Squadron

    • No 82 Squadron - Detached to Takoradi, West Africa

    • No 540 Squadron

    • No 541 Squadron

    • Air Photography Development Unit

  • SHQ, RAF Nuneham Park

    • Joint Air Photographic Intelligence Centre (UK)*

*Operationally controlled by Air Ministry, ACAS (I) through AD of I (o)

 

Rank Name Date Notes
A/Cdre Sidney N Webster 24 Nov 1948 Air Officer Commanding, CBE, AFC, later AVM
Personal Appointment
Flt Lt J F Newell 19 May 1948 PA to AOC
Air Staff
Gp Capt R Cleland 19 Jul 1948 Senior Air Staff Officer, CBE
Wg Cdr D C Torrens 11 Mar 1947  
Wg Cdr L Mant 13 Jul 1948  
Sqn Ldr P D W Hackforth 24 May 1948  
Sqn Ldr E A Johnston  3 Nov 1947  
Sqn Ldr S R Hyland 27 Nov 1947 DFC, AFC
Administrative Staff
Wg Cdr S H E Mitchell 10 Aug 1948 Senior Officer i/c Administration, OBE
Sqn Ldr J R Butler 12 Oct 1948 Senior Personnel Staff Officer
Staffs of the Services

Signals
Sqn Ldr P E Pirie 15 Mar 1948  

Medical
Sqn Ldr R O Yerbury  5 Jul 1948 MB, BS, MRCS, LRCP

Meteorological
Mr R Cranna   MA, BSc

Source - January 1949 Confidential Air Force List (AIR 10/5249)

February 1949

Location Command Controlled
Beggar's Bush Hill, Benson Coastal Command

  • SHQ, RAF Benson

    • No 58 Squadron

    • No 82 Squadron - Detached to Takoradi, West Africa

    • No 540 Squadron

    • No 541 Squadron

    • Air Photography Development Unit

  • SHQ, RAF Nuneham Park

    • Joint Air Photographic Intelligence Centre (UK)*

*Operationally controlled by Air Ministry, ACAS (I) through AD of I (o)

 

Rank Name Date Notes
A/Cdre Sidney N Webster 24 Nov 1948 Air Officer Commanding, CBE, AFC, later AVM
Personal Appointment
Flt Lt J F Newell 19 May 1948 PA to AOC
Air Staff
Gp Capt R Cleland 19 Jul 1948 Senior Air Staff Officer, CBE
Wg Cdr D C Torrens 11 Mar 1947  
Wg Cdr L Mant 13 Jul 1948  
Sqn Ldr P D W Hackforth 24 May 1948  
Sqn Ldr E A Johnston  3 Nov 1947  
Sqn Ldr S R Hyland 27 Nov 1947 DFC, AFC
Administrative Staff
Wg Cdr S H E Mitchell 10 Aug 1948 Senior Officer i/c Administration, OBE
Sqn Ldr J R Butler 12 Oct 1948 Senior Personnel Staff Officer
Staffs of the Services

Signals
Sqn Ldr P E Pirie 15 Mar 1948  

Medical
Sqn Ldr R O Yerbury  5 Jul 1948 MB, BS, MRCS, LRCP

Meteorological
Mr R Cranna   MA, BSc

Source - February 1949 Confidential Air Force List (AIR 10/5249)

March 1949

Location Command Controlled
Beggar's Bush Hill, Benson Coastal Command

  • SHQ, RAF Benson

    • No 58 Squadron

    • No 82 Squadron - Detached to Takoradi, West Africa

    • No 540 Squadron

    • No 541 Squadron

    • Air Photography Development Unit

  • SHQ, RAF Nuneham Park

    • Joint Air Photographic Intelligence Centre (UK)*

*Operationally controlled by Air Ministry, ACAS (I) through AD of I (o)

 

Rank Name Date Notes
A/Cdre Sidney N Webster 24 Nov 1948 Air Officer Commanding, CBE, AFC, later AVM
Personal Appointment
Flt Lt J F Newell 19 May 1948 PA to AOC
Air Staff
Gp Capt R Cleland 19 Jul 1948 Senior Air Staff Officer, CBE
Wg Cdr D C Torrens 11 Mar 1947  
Wg Cdr L Mant 13 Jul 1948  
Sqn Ldr P D W Hackforth 24 May 1948  
Sqn Ldr E A Johnston  3 Nov 1947  
Sqn Ldr S R Hyland 27 Nov 1947 DFC, AFC
Administrative Staff
Wg Cdr S H E Mitchell 10 Aug 1948 Senior Officer i/c Administration, OBE
Sqn Ldr J R Butler 12 Oct 1948 Senior Personnel Staff Officer
Staffs of the Services

Signals
Sqn Ldr P E Pirie 15 Mar 1948  

Medical
Sqn Ldr R O Yerbury  5 Jul 1948 MB, BS, MRCS, LRCP

Meteorological
Mr R Cranna   MA, BSc

Source - March 1949 Confidential Air Force List (AIR 10/5249)

April 1949

Location Command Controlled
Beggar's Bush Hill, Benson Coastal Command

  • SHQ, RAF Benson

    • No 58 Squadron

    • No 82 Squadron - Detached to Eastleigh, East Africa

    • No 540 Squadron

    • No 541 Squadron

    • Air Photography Development Unit

  • SHQ, RAF Nuneham Park

    • Joint Air Photographic Intelligence Centre (UK)*

*Operationally controlled by Air Ministry, ACAS (I) through AD of I (o)

 

Rank Name Date Notes
A/Cdre Sidney N Webster 24 Nov 1948 Air Officer Commanding, CBE, AFC, later AVM
Personal Appointment
Flt Lt J F Newell 19 May 1948 PA to AOC
Air Staff
Gp Capt R Cleland 19 Jul 1948 Senior Air Staff Officer, CBE
Wg Cdr D C Torrens 11 Mar 1947  
Wg Cdr L Mant 13 Jul 1948  
Sqn Ldr P D W Hackforth 24 May 1948  
Sqn Ldr E A Johnston  3 Nov 1947  
Sqn Ldr S R Hyland 27 Nov 1947 DFC, AFC
Administrative Staff
Wg Cdr S H E Mitchell 10 Aug 1948 Senior Officer i/c Administration, OBE
Sqn Ldr J R Butler 12 Oct 1948 Senior Personnel Staff Officer
Staffs of the Services

Signals
Sqn Ldr P E Pirie 15 Mar 1948  

Medical
Sqn Ldr R O Yerbury  5 Jul 1948 MB, BS, MRCS, LRCP

Meteorological
Mr G W Hurst   BSc, ARCS

Source - April 1949 Confidential Air Force List (AIR 10/5250)

May 1949

Location Command Controlled
Beggar's Bush Hill, Benson Coastal Command

  • SHQ, RAF Benson

    • No 58 Squadron

    • No 82 Squadron - Detached to Eastleigh, East Africa

    • No 540 Squadron

    • No 541 Squadron

    • Air Photography Development Unit

  • SHQ, RAF Nuneham Park

    • Joint Air Photographic Intelligence Centre (UK)*

*Operationally controlled by Air Ministry, ACAS (I) through AD of I (o)

 

Rank Name Date Notes
A/Cdre Sidney N Webster 24 Nov 1948 Air Officer Commanding, CBE, AFC, later AVM
Personal Appointment
Flt Lt J F Newell 19 May 1948 PA to AOC
Air Staff
Gp Capt R Cleland 19 Jul 1948 Senior Air Staff Officer, CBE
Wg Cdr D C Torrens 11 Mar 1947  
Wg Cdr L Mant 13 Jul 1948  
Sqn Ldr P D W Hackforth 24 May 1948  
Sqn Ldr E A Johnston  3 Nov 1947  
Sqn Ldr S R Hyland 27 Nov 1947 DFC, AFC
Administrative Staff
Wg Cdr S H E Mitchell 10 Aug 1948 Senior Officer i/c Administration, OBE
Sqn Ldr J R Butler 12 Oct 1948 Senior Personnel Staff Officer
Staffs of the Services

Signals
Sqn Ldr P E Pirie 15 Mar 1948  

Medical
Sqn Ldr R O Yerbury  5 Jul 1948 MB, BS, MRCS, LRCP

Meteorological
Mr G W Hurst   BSc, ARCS

Source - May 1949 Confidential Air Force List (AIR 10/5250)

June 1949

Location Command Controlled
Beggar's Bush Hill, Benson Coastal Command

  • SHQ, RAF Benson

    • No 58 Squadron

    • No 82 Squadron - Detached to Eastleigh, East Africa

    • No 540 Squadron

    • No 541 Squadron

    • Air Photography Development Unit

  • SHQ, RAF Nuneham Park

    • Joint Air Photographic Intelligence Centre (UK)*

*Operationally controlled by Air Ministry, ACAS (I) through AD of I (o)

 

Rank Name Date Notes
A/Cdre Sidney N Webster 24 Nov 1948 Air Officer Commanding, CBE, AFC, later AVM
Personal Appointment
Flt Lt J F Newell 19 May 1948 PA to AOC
Air Staff
Gp Capt J E G H Thomas 17 Jan 1949 Senior Air Staff Officer, DFC
Wg Cdr R E Drake  1 Mar 1949 OBE, AFC
Wg Cdr L Mant 13 Jul 1948  
Sqn Ldr P D W Hackforth 24 May 1948  
Sqn Ldr S R Hyland 27 Nov 1947 DFC, AFC
Sqn Ldr R Pollitt 16 May 1949  
Administrative Staff
Wg Cdr S H E Mitchell 10 Aug 1948 Senior Officer i/c Administration, OBE
Sqn Ldr J R Butler 12 Oct 1948 Senior Personnel Staff Officer

Equipment
Sqn Ldr E M Maurice 16 Sep 1948 OBE
Staffs of the Services

Accountant
Sqn Ldr L Firth 11 Jun 1949 later AVM

Engineer
Wg Cdr H E Blake  9 Sep 1948 OBE

Signals
Sqn Ldr P E Pirie 15 Mar 1948  

Medical
Sqn Ldr C C Vidot 11 Jan 1949 MRCS, LRCP

Meteorological
Mr G W Hurst   BSc, ARCS

Source - June 1949 Confidential Air Force List (AIR 10/5250)

July 1949

Location Command Controlled
Beggar's Bush Hill, Benson Coastal Command

  • SHQ, RAF Benson

    • No 58 Squadron

    • No 82 Squadron - Detached to Eastleigh, East Africa

    • No 540 Squadron

    • No 541 Squadron

    • Air Photography Development Unit

  • SHQ, RAF Nuneham Park

    • Joint Air Photographic Intelligence Centre (UK)*

*Operationally controlled by Air Ministry, ACAS (I) through AD of I (o)

 

Rank Name Date Notes
A/Cdre Sidney N Webster 24 Nov 1948 Air Officer Commanding, CBE, AFC, later AVM
Personal Appointment
Flt Lt J F Newell 19 May 1948 PA to AOC
Air Staff
Gp Capt J E G H Thomas 17 Jan 1949 Senior Air Staff Officer, DFC
Wg Cdr R E Drake  1 Mar 1949 OBE, AFC
Wg Cdr L Mant 13 Jul 1948  
Sqn Ldr P D W Hackforth 24 May 1948  
Sqn Ldr S R Hyland 27 Nov 1947 DFC, AFC
Sqn Ldr R Pollitt 16 May 1949  
Administrative Staff
Wg Cdr S H E Mitchell 10 Aug 1948 Senior Officer i/c Administration, OBE
Sqn Ldr J R Butler 12 Oct 1948 Senior Personnel Staff Officer

Equipment
Sqn Ldr E M Maurice 16 Sep 1948 OBE
Staffs of the Services

Accountant
Sqn Ldr L Firth 11 Jun 1949 later AVM

Engineer
Wg Cdr H E Blake  9 Sep 1948 OBE

Signals
Sqn Ldr P E Pirie 15 Mar 1948  

Medical
Sqn Ldr C C Vidot 11 Jan 1949 MRCS, LRCP

Meteorological
Mr G W Hurst   BSc, ARCS

Source - July 1949 Confidential Air Force List (AIR 10/5251)

August 1949

Location Command Controlled
Beggar's Bush Hill, Benson Coastal Command

  • SHQ, RAF Benson

    • No 58 Squadron

    • No 82 Squadron - Detached to Eastleigh, East Africa

    • No 540 Squadron

    • No 541 Squadron

    • Air Photography Development Unit

  • SHQ, RAF Nuneham Park

    • Joint Air Photographic Intelligence Centre (UK)*

*Operationally controlled by Air Ministry, ACAS (I) through AD of I (o)

 

Rank Name Date Notes
A/Cdre Sidney N Webster 24 Nov 1948 Air Officer Commanding, CBE, AFC, later AVM
Personal Appointment
Flt Lt J F Newell 19 May 1948 PA to AOC
Air Staff
Gp Capt J E G H Thomas 17 Jan 1949 Senior Air Staff Officer, DFC
Wg Cdr R E Drake  1 Mar 1949 OBE, AFC
Wg Cdr L Mant 13 Jul 1948  
Sqn Ldr P D W Hackforth 24 May 1948  
Sqn Ldr S R Hyland 27 Nov 1947 DFC, AFC
Sqn Ldr R Pollitt 16 May 1949  
Administrative Staff
Wg Cdr S H E Mitchell 10 Aug 1948 Senior Officer i/c Administration, OBE
Sqn Ldr J R Butler 12 Oct 1948 Senior Personnel Staff Officer

Equipment
Sqn Ldr E M Maurice 16 Sep 1948 OBE
Staffs of the Services

Accountant
Sqn Ldr L Firth 11 Jun 1949 later AVM

Engineer
Wg Cdr H E Blake  9 Sep 1948 OBE

Signals
Sqn Ldr P E Pirie 15 Mar 1948  

Medical
Sqn Ldr C C Vidot 11 Jan 1949 MRCS, LRCP

Meteorological
Mr G W Hurst   BSc, ARCS

Source - August 1949 Confidential Air Force List (AIR 10/5251)

September 1949

Location Command Controlled
Beggar's Bush Hill, Benson Coastal Command

  • SHQ, RAF Benson

    • No 58 Squadron

    • No 82 Squadron - Detached to Eastleigh, East Africa

    • No 540 Squadron

    • No 541 Squadron

    • Air Photography Development Unit

  • SHQ, RAF Nuneham Park

    • Joint Air Photographic Intelligence Centre (UK)*

*Operationally controlled by Air Ministry, ACAS (I) through AD of I (o)

 

Rank Name Date Notes
A/Cdre Vacant    
Personal Appointment
Flt Lt J F Newell 19 May 1948 PA to AOC
Air Staff
Gp Capt J E G H Thomas 17 Jan 1949 Senior Air Staff Officer, DFC
Wg Cdr R E Drake  1 Mar 1949 OBE, AFC
Wg Cdr L Mant 13 Jul 1948  
Sqn Ldr P D W Hackforth 24 May 1948  
Sqn Ldr S R Hyland 27 Nov 1947 DFC, AFC
Sqn Ldr R Pollitt 16 May 1949  
Administrative Staff
Wg Cdr S H E Mitchell 10 Aug 1948 Senior Officer i/c Administration, OBE
Sqn Ldr J R Butler 12 Oct 1948 Senior Personnel Staff Officer

Equipment
Sqn Ldr E M Maurice 16 Sep 1948 OBE
Staffs of the Services

Accountant
Sqn Ldr L Firth 11 Jun 1949 later AVM

Engineer
Wg Cdr H E Blake  9 Sep 1948 OBE

Signals
Sqn Ldr P E Pirie 15 Mar 1948  

Medical
Sqn Ldr C C Vidot 11 Jan 1949 MRCS, LRCP

Meteorological
Mr G W Hurst   BSc, ARCS

Source - September 1949 Confidential Air Force List (AIR 10/5251)

October 1949

Location Command Controlled
Beggar's Bush Hill, Benson Coastal Command

  • SHQ, RAF Benson

    • No 58 Squadron

    • No 82 Squadron - Detached to Eastleigh, East Africa

    • No 540 Squadron

    • No 541 Squadron

    • Air Photography Development Unit

  • SHQ, RAF Nuneham Park

    • Joint Air Photographic Intelligence Centre (UK)*

*Operationally controlled by Air Ministry, ACAS (I) through AD of I (o)

 

Rank Name Date Notes
A/Cdre Vacant    
Personal Appointment
Flt Lt J F Newell 19 May 1948 PA to AOC
Air Staff
Gp Capt J E G H Thomas 17 Jan 1949 Senior Air Staff Officer, DFC
Wg Cdr R E Drake  1 Mar 1949 OBE, AFC
Wg Cdr L Mant 13 Jul 1948  
Sqn Ldr P D W Hackforth 24 May 1948  
Sqn Ldr S R Hyland 27 Nov 1947 DFC, AFC
Sqn Ldr R Pollitt 16 May 1949  
Administrative Staff
Wg Cdr S H E Mitchell 10 Aug 1948 Senior Officer i/c Administration, OBE
Sqn Ldr J R Butler 12 Oct 1948 Senior Personnel Staff Officer

Equipment
Sqn Ldr E M Maurice 16 Sep 1948 OBE
Staffs of the Services

Accountant
Sqn Ldr L Firth 11 Jun 1949  

Engineer
Wg Cdr H E Blake  9 Sep 1948 OBE

Signals
Sqn Ldr P E Pirie 15 Mar 1948  

Medical
Sqn Ldr C C Vidot 11 Jan 1949 MRCS, LRCP

Meteorological
Mr G W Hurst   BSc, ARCS

Source - October 1949 Confidential Air Force List (AIR 10/5252)

November 1949

Location Command Controlled
Beggar's Bush Hill, Benson Coastal Command

  • SHQ, RAF Benson

    • No 58 Squadron

    • No 82 Squadron - Detached to Takoradi, West Africa

    • No 540 Squadron

    • No 541 Squadron

    • Air Photography Development Unit

  • SHQ, RAF Nuneham Park

    • Joint Air Photographic Intelligence Centre (UK)*

*Operationally controlled by Air Ministry, ACAS (I) through AD of I (o)

 

Rank Name Date Notes
A/Cdre Vacant    
Air Staff
Gp Capt J E G H Thomas 17 Jan 1949 Senior Air Staff Officer, DFC
Wg Cdr R E Drake  1 Mar 1949 OBE, AFC
Wg Cdr L Mant 13 Jul 1948  
Sqn Ldr P D W Hackforth 24 May 1948  
Sqn Ldr S R Hyland 27 Nov 1947 DFC, AFC
Sqn Ldr R Pollitt 16 May 1949  
Administrative Staff
Wg Cdr S H E Mitchell 10 Aug 1948 Senior Officer i/c Administration, OBE
Sqn Ldr J R Butler 12 Oct 1948 Senior Personnel Staff Officer

Equipment
Sqn Ldr E M Maurice 16 Sep 1948 OBE
Staffs of the Services

Accountant
Sqn Ldr L Firth 11 Jun 1949  

Engineer
Wg Cdr H E Blake  9 Sep 1948 OBE

Signals
Sqn Ldr P E Pirie 15 Mar 1948  

Medical
Sqn Ldr C C Vidot 11 Jan 1949 MRCS, LRCP

Meteorological
Mr G W Hurst   BSc, ARCS

Source - November 1949 Confidential Air Force List (AIR 10/5252)

December 1949

Location Command Controlled
Beggar's Bush Hill, Benson Coastal Command

  • SHQ, RAF Benson

    • No 58 Squadron

    • No 82 Squadron - Detached to Takoradi, West Africa

    • No 540 Squadron

    • No 541 Squadron

    • Air Photography Development Unit

  • SHQ, RAF Nuneham Park

    • Joint Air Photographic Intelligence Centre (UK)*

*Operationally controlled by Air Ministry, ACAS (I) through AD of I (o)

 

Rank Name Date Notes
A/Cdre Vacant    
Air Staff
Gp Capt J E G H Thomas 17 Jan 1949 Senior Air Staff Officer, DFC
Wg Cdr R E Drake  1 Mar 1949 OBE, AFC
Wg Cdr L Mant 13 Jul 1948  
Sqn Ldr P D W Hackforth 24 May 1948  
Sqn Ldr S R Hyland 27 Nov 1947 DFC, AFC
Sqn Ldr R Pollitt 16 May 1949  
Administrative Staff
Wg Cdr S H E Mitchell 10 Aug 1948 Senior Officer i/c Administration, OBE
Sqn Ldr J R Butler 12 Oct 1948 Senior Personnel Staff Officer

Equipment
Sqn Ldr E M Maurice 16 Sep 1948 OBE
Staffs of the Services

Accountant
Sqn Ldr L Firth 11 Jun 1949  

Engineer
Wg Cdr H E Blake  9 Sep 1948 OBE

Signals
Sqn Ldr P E Pirie 15 Mar 1948  

Medical
Sqn Ldr C C Vidot 11 Jan 1949 MRCS, LRCP

Meteorological
Mr G W Hurst   BSc, ARCS

Source - December 1949 Confidential Air Force List (AIR 10/5252)

January 1950

Location Command Controlled
Beggar's Bush Hill, Benson Coastal Command

  • SHQ, RAF Benson

    • No 58 Squadron

    • No 82 Squadron - Detached to Takoradi, West Africa

    • No 540 Squadron

    • No 541 Squadron

    • Air Photography Development Unit

  • Joint Air Photographic Intelligence Centre (UK)*- Nuneham Park

*Operationally controlled by Air Ministry, ACAS (I) through AD of I (o)

 

Rank Name Date Notes
A/Cdre Vacant    
Air Staff
Gp Capt J E G H Thomas 17 Jan 1949 Senior Air Staff Officer, DFC
Wg Cdr R E Drake  1 Mar 1949 OBE, AFC
Wg Cdr L Mant 13 Jul 1948  
Sqn Ldr P D W Hackforth 24 May 1948  
Sqn Ldr S R Hyland 27 Nov 1947 DFC, AFC
Sqn Ldr R Pollitt 16 May 1949  
Administrative Staff
Wg Cdr S H E Mitchell 10 Aug 1948 Senior Officer i/c Administration, OBE
Sqn Ldr J R Butler 12 Oct 1948 Senior Personnel Staff Officer

Equipment
Sqn Ldr E M Maurice 16 Sep 1948 OBE
Staffs of the Services

Accountant
Sqn Ldr L Firth 11 Jun 1949  

Engineer
Wg Cdr H E Blake  9 Sep 1948 OBE

Signals
Sqn Ldr P E Pirie 15 Mar 1948  

Medical
Sqn Ldr C C Vidot 11 Jan 1949 MRCS, LRCP

Meteorological
Mr G W Hurst   BSc, ARCS

Source - January 1950 Confidential Air Force List (AIR 10/5253)

February 1950

Location Command Controlled
Beggar's Bush Hill, Benson Coastal Command

  • SHQ, RAF Benson

    • No 58 Squadron

    • No 82 Squadron - Detached to Takoradi, West Africa

    • No 540 Squadron

    • No 541 Squadron

    • Air Photography Development Unit

  • Joint Air Photographic Intelligence Centre (UK)*- Nuneham Park

*Operationally controlled by Air Ministry, ACAS (I) through AD of I (o)

 

Rank Name Date Notes
A/Cdre Vacant    
Air Staff
Gp Capt J E G H Thomas 17 Jan 1949 Senior Air Staff Officer, DFC
Wg Cdr R E Drake  1 Mar 1949 OBE, AFC
Wg Cdr L Mant 13 Jul 1948  
Sqn Ldr P D W Hackforth 24 May 1948  
Sqn Ldr S R Hyland 27 Nov 1947 DFC, AFC
Sqn Ldr R Pollitt 16 May 1949  
Administrative Staff
Wg Cdr S H E Mitchell 10 Aug 1948 Senior Officer i/c Administration, OBE
Sqn Ldr J R Butler 12 Oct 1948 Senior Personnel Staff Officer

Equipment
Sqn Ldr E M Maurice 16 Sep 1948 OBE
Staffs of the Services

Accountant
Sqn Ldr L Firth 11 Jun 1949  

Engineer
Wg Cdr H E Blake  9 Sep 1948 OBE

Signals
Sqn Ldr P E Pirie 15 Mar 1948  

Medical
Sqn Ldr C C Vidot 11 Jan 1949 MRCS, LRCP

Meteorological
Mr G W Hurst   BSc, ARCS

Source - February 1950 Confidential Air Force List (AIR 10/5253)

It disbanded on 1 March 1950, its units being absorbed into No 1 Group, Bomber Command.

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