RAF Honington 1937 to 1942
IX (B) Squadron Wellingtons
Early WW2
During the early part of the war from 1939 to 1942, IX (B) Squadron and 311 Squadron with their Vickers Wellington Bombers were involved in numerous operational missions over Germany.
RAF Honington 1942 to 1946 the USAAF Years
USAAF Ist Strategic Air Depot
When the United States Army Air Force (USAAF) arrived in Britain during 1942, Honington eventually became the largest strategic Air Depot in Europe. The 1st Strategic Air Depot provided the major overhaul, repair and modification of both bomber and fighter aircraft in support of the Combat Groups.
364th Fighter Group 8th Air Force
At the start of 1944, three squadrons of the 364th FG arrived at Honington. These were the 383rd, 384th and 385th which were initially all equipped with P-38 Lightnings. Due to the limited range capability of these aircraft the 3 squadrons converted to the P-51 Mustang in July of that year. These aircraft played a significant role in supporting Bombing missions.
RAF Honington 1947 to 1952
Royal Air Force Transport Command
The Station was returned to the RAF in 1946. No 1 Transport Modification Unit was formed as a central depot for the modification of Transport Command aircraft. In addition the Station carried out the role as the Transport Command Signals Training Unit. At this time a Training School was also formed for
air wireless and air radar mechanics servicing Transport Command aircraft.
The Berlin Airlift "Operation Plain Fare"
When Soviet forces blockaded rail, road, and water access to Allied-controlled areas of Berlin in June 1948, The No 1 Tac MU (Tactical Maintenance Unit) played a significant role in this operation by modifying the aircraft which carried coal, fuel and other supplies to Berlin from Allied airbases in Western Germany. These aircraft included the Hastings, Valettas and Avro York.
RAF Honington 1952 to 1958
The Canberra Bomber Squadrons
During the period of 1952 to 1954 Honington reverted to Bomber Command and prepared the runway and Station for the first of jet aircraft to land. In 1955 four squadrons of a Canberra Wing arrived, consisting of Nos 10, 15, 44 and 57 Squadrons.
Operation Musketeer - The Suez Crisis
These Squadrons took part in training sorties and exercises in various locations, until the Suez crisis in October of 1956 when based in Cyprus they carried out attacks on Egyptian airfields.
RAF Honington 1957 to 1965
The Cold War Era of the V-Force
During 1957 the first Vickers Valiant V-Bomber arrived at Honington, which marked the re-formation of 90 Squadron. The Valiant, which initially had a bombing role, were converted to operate in the air to air refueling role during 1961.
Quick Reaction Alert (QRA)
In 1960 55 Squadron reformed at Honington with Handley Page Victor Mk1s and were later joined by 57 Squadron, where they formed part of the two Squadron Victor Wing. These squadrons remained in their Nuclear Deterrent role until 1965, when they transferred to RAF Marham, where they were converted for the air to air refueling role.
RAF Honington 1969 to 1984
Blackburn Buccaneer
No 12 Squadron became the first of the Buccaneer equipped units based at Honington. Their role was now maritime/attack/recce in support of the Royal Navy against shipping and inland coastal targets.
Royal Navy Buccaneers at Honington
A Operational Conversion Unit No 237 OCU was established at Honington in 1971 with the role for all conversion and refresher training of both pilots and navigators on Buccaneers for the RAF and the RN.
RAF Honington 1981 to 1992
Panavia Tornado Weapons Conversion Unit
(No 45 Squadron)
The Tornado Weapons Conversion Unit (TWCU), was established in 1984 at Honington and was one of a number of reserve and training units which received a 'shadow' squadron number to be used during times of war. The number assigned was that of 45 (Reserve) Squadron,
IX (B) Tornado Squadron
No IX (B) Squadron re-formed at Honington as the first RAF Tornado GR1 Squadron in June 1982. Originally designed during the Cold War to carry nuclear weapons and was capable of various missions like strike, reconnaissance, and electronic warfare.