RAF Home Command

RAF Home Command. It was a major home defence and training formation of the Royal Air Force, established during the Second World War and continuing in various forms into the Cold War era. The command was responsible for protecting the United Kingdom from aerial attack and for overseeing a vast network of operational training and support units. Its creation consolidated functions previously scattered across several commands, centralizing the response to the threat posed by the Luftwaffe and later, potential Soviet Air Forces aggression.

History

The command was formed on 27 April 1940, merging elements of Fighter Command's training organization with the former Maintenance Command, in direct response to the evolving Battle of Britain. Its initial focus was on managing the Operational Training Units that prepared aircrew for frontline service in commands like Bomber Command and Coastal Command. Following the war, in 1968, as part of a major reorganization of the Royal Air Force, its functions were absorbed into the newly created Strike Command. Throughout its existence, its headquarters was located at Bentley Priory, which had also served as the famed nerve centre for Fighter Command during the Second World War.

Organisation

The structure of the command evolved significantly between its wartime and peacetime roles. During the Second World War, it was organized into several functional groups, including training groups for fighter and bomber crews, and later assumed control of the RAF Regiment for airfield defence. Post-war, it was divided into geographical sectors mirroring the NATO air defence network, such as the Southern Sector and Eastern Sector, coordinating with the United States Air Forces in Europe and other RAF commands. Its organization also encompassed specialist branches dealing with Royal Observer Corps liaison, civil defence coordination, and the management of the extensive Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve.

Operational role

Its primary operational role was the air defence of the United Kingdom, integrating radar stations, fighter aircraft, and anti-aircraft artillery, particularly after it assumed this responsibility from Fighter Command in the post-war period. It controlled the UK Air Defence Region and was a key component of NATO's integrated air defence architecture, working closely with the United States Air Force and Royal Navy. A second, equally critical role was the operational training of all Royal Air Force aircrew through a network of Operational Conversion Units and Operational Training Units, preparing them for deployment to global theatres. Additionally, it commanded the RAF Regiment for ground defence of airfields and vital points.

Major units and stations

The command controlled numerous key stations and wings across the country. Major fighter stations included RAF Wattisham, home to English Electric Lightning squadrons, and RAF Leuchars in Scotland, which hosted McDonnell Douglas Phantom interceptors. Significant training bases were RAF Finningley, a hub for V bomber crew conversion, and RAF Valley, renowned for its advanced jet training. Key sector operations centres were located at RAF Bawdsey, an early radar research site, and RAF Neatishead, a hardened Cold War operations bunker. Other vital installations were the Central Fighter Establishment at RAF West Raynham and the School of Fighter Control at RAF Rudloe Manor.

Commanders-in-Chief

Notable Commanders-in-Chief included distinguished officers from various branches of the service. Its first commander was Air Chief Marshal Sir Trafford Leigh-Mallory, who later commanded the Allied Expeditionary Air Force for the D-Day landings. He was succeeded by Air Marshal Sir Richard Saul, a veteran of the Battle of Britain. Post-war commanders included Air Chief Marshal Sir Thomas Pike, who later became Chief of the Air Staff, and Air Chief Marshal Sir Edmund Hudleston, who subsequently served as Commander-in-Chief, Far East Air Force. The final commander was Air Marshal Sir Christopher Hartley.

Category:Royal Air Force commands