RAF Boulmer

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Template:Short description Template:Use British English Template:Use dmy dates Template:Infobox military installation Royal Air Force Boulmer or more simply RAF Boulmer Template:IPAc-en<ref name="Name differences" group="note">The majority of Royal Air Force personnel pronounce the station as Bulmer, however, the local version is pronounced Boomer.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref></ref> is a Royal Air Force station near Alnwick in Northumberland, England, and is home to the Air Command and Control Force, 19 Sqn - Control and Reporting Centre (CRC) Boulmer, 20 Sqn - Operational Conversion Unit (OCU) and 144 Signals Unit (SU).

The School of Aerospace Battle Management and support staff was based there until 26 July 2019; it has since moved to RAF Shawbury. Until 30 September 2015, it was also home to A Flight, No. 202 Squadron RAF, who flew the Westland Sea King HAR.3 in the SAR (Search and Rescue) role.

History

Second World War

In 1940 a decoy airfield was set up near the village of Boulmer to divert German attacks from nearby Royal Air Force (RAF) airfields such as RAF Acklington. As the air threat to the United Kingdom receded, the decoy airfield, with its grass runways and plywood and canvas Hurricanes, was abandoned.<ref name=abct>Template:Cite web</ref>

In March 1943 RAF Boulmer was reopened as a satellite airfield to house the advanced flights of No. 57 Operational Training Unit RAF (a Supermarine Spitfire training unit based at RAF Eshott, Boulmer's parent unit).Template:Sfn

Part of the airfield formed the basis of a caravan site with the runway and taxiway being used as an access road to the site. The site remains and is called Seaton Park.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

Cold War

By 1950, the threat of the atomic bomb had caused a serious rethink in the organisation of air defence and a plan, codenamed ROTOR, was brought in to replace many of the existing stations with new protected underground operations rooms. The site chosen for one of these new underground Ground-controlled interception (GCI) stations was close to the former RAF Boulmer which had been returned to agriculture at the end of the Second World War.<ref name=subterr>Template:Cite web</ref>

The station was to have a two-level underground operations room designated as an R3. The R3 was never intended to survive a direct hit from a nuclear weapon but was designed to withstand a near miss from Russian bombing with 2,200 lb armour-piercing high explosive bombs dropped from 35,000 feet.<ref name=subterr/>

A target date for completion of the station was set as 21 August 1953 and although not complete, the station opened on time with limited capabilities using an American AN/FPS3 long-range search radar and an AN/TPS10 height finder. The station became known as 500 Signals Unit under the control of RAF Acklington and part of 13 Group - the station motto 'Semper in excubitu vigilans' is taken from 500 Signals Unit's badge.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref> On completion of the R3 in September 1954 the station became fully operational.<ref name=subterr/>

In the autumn of 1957 RAF Boulmer was designated a Group Control Centre, with responsibility for the RAF Radar Stations at Buchan and Killard Point. By 1958, Boulmer was selected to be upgraded with the installation of the more modern-high powered Type 84 Surveillance radar. This increased the range of detection and was able to penetrate the latest Soviet jamming technology.<ref name=subterr/>

In 1971 Border Radar was established at Boulmer: this was a joint military/civil facility providing air traffic control services to co-ordinate civil and military traffic. Although still operational until the late 1980s, the unit closed when all Area Air Traffic Services were centralised between West Drayton and Prestwick.<ref name=subterr/>

By 1974 the Station had evolved to become both a Sector Operations Centre (SOC) and Control and Reporting Centre (CRC).<ref name=subterr/>

In 1978 RAF Boulmer took on an additional role as a search and rescue station following the closure of RAF Acklington,Template:Sfn a role that it fulfilled until 30 September 2015. Initially the station was equipped with Westland Whirlwind helicopters; however, in December 1978 the station was re-equipped with Westland Sea King aircraft.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

The next major change came in 1982 when the R3 bunker was vacated and work begun to upgrade it to an R3A. During this period the CRC was relocated to an above ground facility while the work was carried out.<ref name=subterr/>

In 1990, Boulmer's links with Air Defence were reinforced by the arrival of the School of Fighter Control from RAF West Drayton. Following an extensive refurbishment the bunker was returned to operations in 1993. However, with the end of the Cold War the CRC was used in a standby role only with the homeland defence task being conducted from RAF Buchan and RAF Neatishead.<ref name=subterr/>

Post Cold War

In 1994, No. 1 Air Control Centre (No 1 ACC) reformed at RAF Boulmer, providing the Royal Air Force with deployable fielded air command and control capability.<ref name=aoa>Template:Cite web</ref>

In 2002, the Station began a major refurbishment of the underground bunker and installation of new equipment as part of the UKADGE Capability Maintenance Programme (UCMP). Valued at £60 million, the first phase of the programme was declared operational at RAF Boulmer on 16 August 2004.<ref name=subterr/>

In 2004 RAF Boulmer's newly refurbished NATO Control and Reporting Centre (CRC) took over all air defence functions previously administered by the CRCs at RAF Buchan and RAF Neatishead.<ref name=subterr/>

In late July 2004 it was announced that RAF Boulmer would close by 2012, with the majority of its functions transferring to RAF Scampton. The first action taken in response to this announcement was for No 1 ACC to move to RAF Kirton in Lindsey, a former RAF Fighter Command airfield in Lincolnshire. This would bring the Air Command and Control elements of the Air Surveillance and Control System (ASACS) (the new CRC at RAF Scampton) geographically closer to the ISTAR elements such as the E3 Sentry AWACS force at RAF Waddington. No 1 ACC's move to Kirton was completed in early 2005.<ref name=subterr/>

On 10 January 2008 it was announced that a study had been conducted into where to locate the elements of the Air Surveillance and Control System (ASACS). The results concluded that the best option in both financial and operational terms is to retain RAF Boulmer as the ASACS hub and as a result the station would stay open beyond 2012.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

'A' Flight was one of the three operational flights of No. 202 Squadron RAF and was based at RAF Boulmer, the Sea King HAR.3 helicopter was used, 'A' Flight provided round-the-clock search and rescue cover for a large area, stretching from Fife in the north to Hartlepool in the south and encompassing the Lake District in the west.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

On 30 September 2015 'A' Flight of No. 202 Squadron departed RAF Boulmer and the provision of SAR from RAF Boulmer ceased. SAR is now carried out by HM Coastguard through a contract with Bristow Helicopters.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

The RAF School of Aerospace Battle Management (SABM), formerly the School of Fighter Control (SFC), was located at RAF Boulmer from 1990 to 2019. The school became part of the Defence College of Air and Space Operations on its creation in April 2016.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The SABM played a central part in delivering the training required for Weapons Controllers and Identification Officers of the Air Operations Branch and airmen and airwomen of the Air and Space Operations Specialists (Aerospace Systems) Trade Group. The school relocated to RAF Shawbury in Shropshire in August 2019.<ref>Template:Cite journal</ref>

In 2021, Boulmer's Control and Reporting Centre (CRC) was allocated the No. 19 Squadron number plate.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Based units

The following notable flying and non-flying units are based at RAF Boulmer.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Royal Air Force

No. 2 Group

Operations

RAF Boulmer's mission statement is to 'generate and sustain an operationally agile air command and control capability.'<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Air Command and Control (Air C2) Force

Homeland defence of the UK remains the cornerstone of the ASACS Force Command's operational output. However, the ASACS Force Command also has a wider responsibility in support of deployed operations worldwide. With the stand up of the ASACS Force Command Headquarters at RAF Boulmer in January 2006, the Station Commander also has the operational role of ASACS Force Commander responsible for the generation, sustainment and operational output of the ASACS organisation. According to The Daily Telegraph, there were 187 interceptions between 2005 and 2016.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

The Force Elements under the control of the Air C2 Force Commander are:

Control and Reporting Centre

The Control and Reporting Centre (CRC) at RAF Boulmer, named Hotspur,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> is tasked with compiling a Recognised Air Picture within NATO Air Policing Area 1, and providing tactical control of the Quick Reaction Alert Force.<ref name=subterr/> The CRC is manned 24/7 to support NATO and national Quick Reaction Alert requirements. Managing the UK's network-enabled capability for the Homeland Defence task, the CRC also supports the training of Air Surveillance and Control System personnel, UK and NATO partner aircrew for deployment on operations worldwide.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Resource Management Hub

The ASACS Force Resource Management Hub is based at RAF Boulmer. It currently employs 14 Civilian personnel, 12 located at RAF Boulmer and 2 at RAF Scampton. Its role is to provide specialist financial support & guidance to the ASACS Force Command whilst ensuring value for money and compliance with RAF Air Command's Corporate Governance policies.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Support Wing

Support Wing has approximately 100 service and civil servant personnel, who along with a large number of contractors<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> support operations. The wing comprises three squadrons: Force Development Squadron which is responsible for all the key elements necessary to deliver Force Development Training, including the Training and Development Flight, Physical Education Section, Regiment Section and the Learning Centre. Personnel Management Squadron which includes Personnel Services Flight, the Service Community Support Officer, HIVE, General Duties Flight and the Medical and Dental Centres. Management Support Squadron which comprises Catering, Retail and Leisure, Estates and Facilities Management, Media and Communications and the Station i-Hub and Central Registry.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

ASACS Engineering and Logistics Squadron

Elements of the ASACS Engineering and Logistics Squadron, which come under the control of the ASACS Force Commander provide engineering support to the base.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Other facilities

RAF Boulmer also has a Template:Convert shooting range that is often used by Air Cadets of Durham / Northumberland Wing, ATC using the L98A2 Cadet GP Rifle.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The station is the location of a Met Office automatic weather reporting station,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> used in the extended Shipping Forecast broadcast on BBC Radio 4.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>

List of Station Commanders

  • 14 December 1959, Group Captain Cyril Stanley John West DFC (29 January 1918 - 14 March 1977),<ref>Times Monday 14 December 1959, page 17</ref><ref>Newcastle Journal Monday 28 December 1959, page 4</ref> he had a road accident in March 1962, which killed a doctor.<ref>Morpeth Herald Friday 23 March 1962, page 2</ref>
File:The Battle of Britain HU54418.jpg
Peter Malam Brothers, third from right
  • c.1963, Group Captain Peter Malam Brothers DFC (1917-2008), former Battle of Britain pilot with 257 Squadron, and head of 57 Squadron at RAF Waddington, flying the Avro Lincoln<ref>Lincolnshire Echo Thursday 5 August 1965, page 3</ref>
  • 8 October 1965, Group Captain John R Gibbons DFC,<ref>Times Monday 11 October 1965, page 7</ref> aged 42, he attended Birkenhead School, he flew in the war with 103 Squadron<ref>Alnwick Mercury, Friday 5 November 1965, page 6</ref>
  • 19 September 1966, Group Captain Eric Batchelar,<ref>Times Monday 19 September 1966, page 19</ref><ref>Alnwick Mercury Friday 30 September 1966, page 5</ref> a former wartime fighter pilot with 17 and 135 Squadron<ref>Alnwick Mercury Friday 29 March 1968, page 5</ref>
  • 10 February 1969, Wing Commander I Boyd,<ref>Times Monday 10 February 1969, page 12</ref><ref>Berwick Advertiser Thursday 31 August 1972, page 3</ref>
  • 2 August 1974, Group Captain James Kenneth Rogers (20 January 1924 * 18 April 2006),<ref>Times Monday 29 July 1974, page 14</ref> a navigator, from Wrexham, who joined the RAF, after a navigation course in Canada, and flew nightfighter Mosquito aircraft with 169 Squadron at RAF Little Snoring in Norfolk, awarded the OBE in the 1967 Birthday Honours<ref>Berwick Advertiser Thursday 22 August 1974, page 3</ref>
  • c.1976, Group Captain Peter Graham Botterill, from 1962-64 as Sqn Ldr, he commanded the 74 Squadron, Tiger Squadron, an aerobatic squadron of Lightning aircraft at RAF Leuchars<ref>Peter Botterill</ref>
  • 17 November 1978, Group Captain (John) Barrie Blakeley<ref>Times November 1978</ref>
  • 6 February 1981, Group Captain Peter Gordon Naz,<ref>Times Monday 2 February 1981, page 16</ref> he attended Welwyn Garden City Grammar School, where he lived on Beechfield Road,<ref>Hertford Reformer Friday 6 March 1953, page 1</ref>
  • 28 January 1983, Group Captain Chris William Bruce,<ref>Times Monday 24 January 1983, page 12</ref>
  • 11 January 1985, Group Captain John H W Davis<ref>Times Monday 7 January 1985, page 16</ref><ref>Berwick Advertiser Thursday 24 January 1985, page 3</ref>
  • March 1987, Group Captain Richard Cloke<ref>Times Monday 9 March 1987, page 14</ref>
  • March 1989 Group Captain Simon Bostock,<ref>Newcastle Journal Friday 31 March 1989, page 3</ref><ref>Southern Reporter Thursday 27 December 1990, page 10</ref> from Tixall in Staffordshire<ref>Staffordshire Sentinel Thursday 18 March 1965, page 1</ref><ref>Wolverhampton Express and Star Saturday 7 May 1988, page 15</ref>
  • March 1991, Group Captain Edward R Ward<ref>Times Tuesday 5 March 1991, page 12</ref><ref>Newcastle Journal Friday 8 March 1991, page 6</ref>
  • 1 March 1993, Group Captain Tim C Willbond<ref>Times Monday 1 March 1993, page 18</ref><ref>Alnwick Mercury Friday 11 August 1995, page 1</ref>
  • 4 August 1995, Group Captain Mike J Good<ref>Times Monday 31 July 1995, page 18</ref>
  • December 1997, Group Captain Martyn Bettel,<ref>Alnwick Mercury Friday 5 December 1997, page 3</ref> attended Harrogate Grammar School from 1963-66<ref>Pateley Bridge Herald Friday 20 February 1998, page 11</ref>
  • February 2000, Group Captain Brian Rogers<ref>Alnwick Mercury Thursday 10 February 2000, page 1</ref>
  • May 2002, Group Captain Nick Gordon<ref>Alnwick Mercury Thursday 30 May 2002, page 14</ref>
  • September 2004, Group Captain Malcolm Crayford<ref>Alnwick Mercury Thursday 9 September 2004, page 9</ref>
  • 17 November 2006, Group Captain Jayne Millington, later Air Commodore, died of cancer aged 55 in May 2017<ref>Times Monday 27 November 2006, page 52</ref><ref>Times obituary Wednesday 2 August 2017, page 52</ref>
  • 6 July 2012, Group Captain P W Atkinson<ref>Times Monday 4 June 2012, page 41</ref>
  • July 2016, Group Captain R G Jacob<ref>Times Wednesday 24 June 2015, page 55</ref>

See also

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Notes

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References

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Bibliography

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