RAF Wittering

RAF Wittering. Located near Peterborough in Cambridgeshire, it is one of the oldest airfields in the Royal Air Force, with a history of continuous military aviation since 1916. The station has served as a vital hub for fighter, bomber, and training commands, evolving into a key support and engineering centre for the RAF's frontline aircraft. Its strategic importance has been underscored by its role in both World War I and World War II, and it remains an active and adaptable military installation.

History

The airfield opened in 1916 as a training base for the Royal Flying Corps during World War I, initially named RFC Stamford. Following the formation of the Royal Air Force in 1918, it was renamed RAF Wittering. In the interwar period, it became home to famous fighter squadrons like No. 23 Squadron RAF, which flew the Gloster Gladiator. During World War II, it served as a critical fighter station for RAF Fighter Command, hosting units equipped with Hawker Hurricane and Supermarine Spitfire aircraft during the Battle of Britain. Post-war, it transitioned through roles with RAF Bomber Command and later became the home of the Harrier Jump Jet, serving as the main operating base for the iconic BAE Harrier II until its retirement.

Role and operations

Today, it functions as the support and engineering hub for the RAF's Eurofighter Typhoon fleet under the No. 1 Group (RAF), providing deep maintenance and technical expertise. It is also the headquarters for the RAF A4 Force, which manages engineering and logistics for combat air. The station hosts the Centralised Engineering Wing and plays a pivotal role in training through units like the No. 3 Squadron RAF Operational Conversion Unit. Its strategic location supports rapid deployment and sustains close operational ties with nearby bases like RAF Coningsby and RAF Marham.

Based units

Flying and major support units based at the station include the No. 1 (Fighter) Squadron RAF, which operates the Eurofighter Typhoon for quick reaction alert duties. The No. 3 Squadron RAF Operational Conversion Unit trains Typhoon pilots. Key engineering formations are present, such as the Centralised Engineering Wing and elements of the No. 71 Inspection and Repair Squadron RAF. The station also houses the RAF A4 Force Headquarters and provides a home for the No. 5 Force Protection Wing RAF, responsible for base security.

Facilities

The airfield features a single, long operational runway capable of handling fast-jet operations and transport aircraft. It contains extensive engineering hangars and workshops operated by the Centralised Engineering Wing for Typhoon maintenance. The station has comprehensive living accommodations, a medical centre, and recreational facilities for personnel. Its infrastructure supports the No. 3 Squadron RAF simulators and houses the historic Station Armoury, which dates back to the station's early years.

Notable incidents

A significant accident occurred in 1958 when a Gloster Javelin from No. 46 Squadron RAF crashed on approach, resulting in fatalities. In 1979, a Hawker Siddeley Harrier experienced a technical failure during a display, crashing near the airfield without loss of life. A major fire in 1984 destroyed a large engineering hangar, causing substantial damage but no casualties. More recently, in 2007, a Panavia Tornado from RAF Marham made a precautionary landing following an in-flight emergency.

In popular culture

The station featured prominently in the 1969 film *Battle of Britain*, with its historic hangars and airfield used for filming sequences. It has been the subject of documentaries by the BBC, including episodes of *Airport* and *RAF: Inside the Air Force*. The base and its Harrier Jump Jet fleet were referenced in the novel *Harrier 809* by Rowland White. Its annual air shows and open days have made it a familiar backdrop in regional media and aviation photography.