RAF Germany

RAF Germany
Unit name	Royal Air Force Germany
Dates	1959–1993
Country	United Kingdom
Branch	UK
Type	Command
Role	Air defence and offensive air operations
Garrison	RAF Rheindahlen
Garrison label	Headquarters
Notable commanders	Marshal of the Royal Air Force Sir John Grandy

RAF Germany. It was a major command of the Royal Air Force stationed in West Germany throughout the Cold War. Formed from the post-war British Air Forces of Occupation, its primary role was the air defence of the British Army of the Rhine and contributing to NATO's deterrent posture against the Warsaw Pact. The command was disbanded in 1993 following the fall of the Berlin Wall and the subsequent strategic drawdown of forces in Europe.

History

The command's origins lie in the Second Tactical Air Force, which provided crucial air support during the Normandy landings and the subsequent Allied advance from Paris to the Rhine. After Victory in Europe Day, this force was redesignated the British Air Forces of Occupation, headquartered at Bad Eilsen. With the onset of the Cold War and the formation of NATO, it was renamed RAF Germany in 1959. Its history is defined by the Berlin Blockade, the Cuban Missile Crisis, and constant vigilance along the Inner German border. The command's operational focus shifted following the Treaty on Conventional Armed Forces in Europe, leading to its eventual disbandment after the Gulf War and the dissolution of the Soviet Union.

Structure and organisation

RAF Germany was organized into two main operational groups, which controlled numerous front-line squadrons. No. 2 Group RAF was responsible for offensive strike and reconnaissance operations, while No. 4 Group RAF handled air defence and battlefield support. Key operational stations included RAF Gütersloh, RAF Laarbruch, and RAF Brüggen. The command's headquarters at RAF Rheindahlen was co-located with the headquarters of the British Army of the Rhine and Northern Army Group, facilitating close joint and combined operations with United States Air Forces in Europe and the German Air Force.

Aircraft and equipment

Throughout its existence, the command operated some of the most advanced aircraft in the Royal Air Force inventory. The nuclear strike role was fulfilled by the English Electric Canberra and later the formidable Panavia Tornado GR1. Air defence was provided by the Gloster Javelin, the English Electric Lightning, and ultimately the McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II and Panavia Tornado F3. Tactical reconnaissance utilized the Hawker Hunter and specialized variants of the McDonnell Douglas RF-4C Phantom II. Support aircraft included the Westland Whirlwind, Westland Wessex, and British Aerospace Harrier II for forward operations.

Major operations and exercises

While never engaged in full-scale combat, the command maintained high readiness through continuous participation in major NATO exercises. These included Exercise Reforger, which tested the reinforcement of Europe, and Exercise Cold Fire, focusing on rapid deployment. The annual Exercise Mallet Blow tested tactical air operations in support of ground forces. During the Gulf War, squadrons and personnel from RAF Germany were deployed to bases like RAF Muharraq and RAF Akrotiri to participate in operations such as Operation Granby and Operation Desert Storm.

Bases and locations

The command maintained a significant footprint across North Rhine-Westphalia and Lower Saxony. Major flying bases were concentrated near the Inner German border, including RAF Wildenrath, RAF Brüggen, and RAF Laarbruch in the north, and RAF Gütersloh as a forward base for helicopter and Harrier Jump Jet operations. The main headquarters complex was at RAF Rheindahlen, while other support installations included RAF Wegberg for communications and RAF Hospital Wegberg for medical services. Many of these locations, such as RAF Gatow in Berlin, held historical significance from the Berlin Airlift.

Commanders and personnel

The command was led by a senior officer holding the title Commander-in-Chief, RAF Germany, who was also the NATO Commander Allied Air Forces Central Europe. Notable commanders included Marshal of the Royal Air Force Sir John Grandy, Marshal of the Royal Air Force Sir Peter Harding, and Air Chief Marshal Sir David Cousins. Personnel lived in extensive married quarters patches, with communities centered around stations like RAF Bruggen and RAF Wildenrath. The service of families and civilian staff, such as those employed by the NAAFI, was integral to the command's operational endurance throughout the Cold War.

Category:Royal Air Force commands