RAF Lyneham

RAF Lyneham
Name	RAF Lyneham
Location	Wiltshire, England
Coordinates	51, 30, 18, N...
Type	Royal Air Force station
Built	1938–1940
Used	1940–2012
Controlledby	Royal Air Force
Garrison	No. 38 Group RAF
Battles	Second World War, Cold War, Falklands War, Gulf War, War in Afghanistan (2001–2021), Iraq War

RAF Lyneham was a major Royal Air Force station located in Wiltshire, England, operating for over 70 years. It served as the RAF's primary tactical air transport base for much of its history, most notably as the home of the Lockheed C-130 Hercules fleet. The station played a critical role in numerous global conflicts and humanitarian operations before its closure in 2012, with its functions transferred to RAF Brize Norton.

History

The station's origins lie in the pre-Second World War expansion period, with construction beginning in 1938 under the supervision of the Air Ministry. It opened in May 1940 as a training base for Bristol Blenheim and Vickers Wellington aircrews under No. 2 Group of RAF Bomber Command. During the war, it transitioned to a transport role, hosting Douglas Dakota aircraft of the RAF Transport Command for operations including the D-Day landings and the Berlin Airlift. The Cold War saw Lyneham become the permanent home of the RAF's Hercules force in 1967, a role it maintained for over four decades. Throughout this period, it was instrumental in supporting British Army operations worldwide, from Northern Ireland to the Falklands War.

Role and operations

RAF Lyneham's primary function was as the hub for the RAF's tactical airlift capability. The station's No. 38 Group and later the No. 2 Group headquarters coordinated global transport and air-to-air refueling missions. Its squadrons operated the C-130K Hercules in various models, performing vital roles in paratrooper drops, aerial reconnaissance, and special forces support. The base was a constant participant in major humanitarian efforts, such as disaster relief following the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami and the 2010 Haiti earthquake. It also served as the nation's dedicated Repatriation Centre for fallen service personnel from conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, with processions through nearby Wootton Bassett gaining international attention.

Based units

The airfield was home to all of the RAF's operational Hercules squadrons, including No. 24, No. 30, No. 47, and No. 70 Squadron RAF. These units fell under the command of the No. 2 Group headquarters. Support functions were provided by No. 33 Squadron (RAF Regiment) for airfield defence, and No. 4626 Squadron RAuxAF for aeromedical evacuation. The station also hosted the RAF Lyneham Transport and Training Aircraft Simulation unit and various elements of the Defence Equipment and Support organisation.

Facilities

The station featured a single, long runway capable of handling heavy transport aircraft and a large, hardened technical site for aircraft maintenance. Its facilities included extensive hangars operated by Marshall Aerospace and the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, a major Brize Norton-controlled No. 1 Parachute Training School RAF detachment, and the purpose-built Davidson Hangar for Hercules deep maintenance. On-site accommodation, a station church, and the RAF Lyneham Memorial were key parts of the community infrastructure.

In popular culture

The distinctive sight and sound of the Hercules from Lyneham featured in numerous television documentaries and news reports covering British military operations. The station and its aircraft appeared in films such as The Living Daylights and the BBC drama The State Within. Its role in repatriations was solemnly documented in national media, profoundly influencing public perception of the Afghanistan conflict.

Closure and future use

As part of the Strategic Defence and Security Review 2010, the decision was made to consolidate all RAF air transport at RAF Brize Norton. The last Hercules departed Lyneham in July 2011, with the station formally closing in December 2012. The site was subsequently purchased by the Wiltshire Council and is being redeveloped into Lyneham Enterprise Campus, a technology and business park. A significant portion of the airfield also became MOD Lyneham, the new home of the Defence School of Electronic and Mechanical Engineering, relocating from Bordon and Arborfield.

Category:Royal Air Force stations in Wiltshire Category:Military installations closed in 2012