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Resmoroh
11-10-2011, 10:08
I must admit I have never heard of RAF Leamington Spa, but someone (elsewhere) is asking whether an OTU was ever there? Do they mean Honiley?
TIA
Resmoroh
Carnaby
11-10-2011, 12:23
Honiley was a 9 Group fighter OTU. Gaydon, a 91 Group bomber OTU was granted freedom of the Borough of Royal Leamington Spa in 1959. Nearest airfield to the Spa was Warwick, 18 (P) AFU.
Resmoroh
11-10-2011, 12:49
Carnaby,
Tks yr info. Will QSP.
Resmoroh
PJH
11-10-2011, 13:25
The WWII Leamington airfield I know of was at Bishop's Tachbrook (also known as Leamington Hastings)and was actually a Civilian Repair Organisation site. It was operated by SS Motors (later to become Jaguar) and specialised in repairing and modifying Whitleys. The airfield was grass but it had a proper technical site, including a couple of Bellman hangars if my memory serves me correctly.

Technically not an RAF airfield then but certainly Leamington's one.
Resmoroh
11-10-2011, 13:39
PJH,
Tks dat.
Resmoroh
norwichpaul
11-10-2011, 19:17
Your memory serves you well Peter. BT's watch office
PNK
11-10-2011, 21:41
There is a plan of the aerodrome in Alfred Jenks book on Warwickshire Airfields between the wars.
PETERTHEEATER
12-10-2011, 11:41
Honiley was a 9 Group fighter OTU. Gaydon, a 91 Group bomber OTU was granted freedom of the Borough of Royal Leamington Spa in 1959. Nearest airfield to the Spa was Warwick, 18 (P) AFU.

Grief! I was a member (aged 19) of the RAF contingent on that parade but I'm still waiting for my key to the front door of Leamington Borough!
Resmoroh
12-10-2011, 17:35
Clearly, Peter, you had not bought some Scribblie in Stores, Egg 'n Chips in the NAAFI. Thus ensuring you had a "Deficiency Chit" for Boots, Rifle-sling, etc, etc, and thus not able to go on parade. My Stores Scribblie (we were on the same Square Bashing Flight at Hednesford!) kept me off parades at Waterbeach for ever. S'not what you know, but who you know!!
Resmoroh