Topcliffe
TOPCLIFFE: Military aerodrome
Note: This picture (2018) was obtained from Google Earth ©
Military users: WW2: RAF Bomber Command 7 Group
76 RCAF Base
102 Sqdn (Armstrong-Whitworth Whitleys, later Handley Page Halifaxs)
405 & 419 (RCAF) Sqdns (Vickers Wellingtons) 405 Sqdn then converted to the Halifax
427 (RCAF) Sqdn (Halifaxes) – but was this a temporary posting of one Flight perhaps?)
1659 HCU (Halifaxs)
Post 1945: RAF Training Command CFS (Tucano) Squadron
1 FTS (Bulldogs)
1975: (Varsitys also AAC DHC.1 Beavers & Westland Scout helicopters)
Location: S of A61, E of A167, W of A168, 2nm SW of Thirsk
Period of operation: 1940 to present day
Note: This map is reproduced with the kind permission of Pooleys Flight Equipment Ltd. Copyright Robert Pooley 2014.
Runways: WW2: 03/21 1829x46 hard 13/31 1280x46 hard
08/26 1280x46 hard
1990: 03/21 1841x46 hard 13/31 1262x46 hard
2000: 03/21 1837x46 hard 13/31 1262x46 hard
NOTES: Whilst based here, 405 Squadron eventually converted from Vickers Wellingtons to the Handley Page Halifax, and were ‘loaned’ to Coastal Command from the 25th October 1942 to February 1943. Presumably whilst still flying Wellingtons?
SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT?
The machinations of the senior officers actually tasked with organising the RAF during WW2 pretty much beggars belief today as they frantically moved squadrons around, swopped them from Command to Command, and generally did quite a lot in their power to ‘obviously’ assist the enemy. Today this is, I’m told by those who should know, be regarded as incompetence, rather than a deliberate act to aid the enemy. Quite frankly in my opinion, a conclusion really quite hard to believe today given the recorded facts?
In 1985 listed as being under Army control. In 2000 RAF aerodrome again.
In later years regular parachuting activity occurred here.
Les Lowe
This comment was written on: 2017-07-28 10:02:07I am researching my ancestry and believe that my Grandfather Richard Lowe owned a property/farm close to the airfield at Topcliffe. This property/farm was purchased from him about the start of WW2 to enable the runways to be extended. I am looking for any information on this purchase and the property. Any information would be appreciated. Thanks
Reply from Dick Flute:
Hi Les, I think I would start looking at two possible sources. The Airfield Research Group and the Public Records Office at Kew. Another suggestion is the Imperial War Museum and the Royal Air Force Museum. Lastly, if Topcliffe has a town council, they may well still hold records. Best regards, Dick
Phil Plumb
This comment was written on: 2018-01-05 13:14:2277 squadron (Whitleys) were also at Topcliffe 1941/42. Currently researching a relative who flew the Whitleys from there. In doing that I too am amazed at the comings and goings of squadrons between bases that were only a few miles apart ...to what end? Some might be excused for the purpose of relaying hard runways over grass strips an so the station was out of use for period.
Ian
This comment was written on: 2018-04-25 11:02:53I lived there as a child, I was born in nearby when my father was stationed at Topcliffe. We left for Wildenrath in 1962 then returned in 1965. My dad worked on Varsity and Valletta aircraft I think. I remember a lot of Jet Provosts busily flying around. We lived on Chestnut Avenue first posting and Sycamore avenue for the second. I was there yesterday briefly. its now called Alanbrooke Barracks and 4 Regt RA are stationed there
Gary Tedford
This comment was written on: 2019-04-17 08:12:09Hi, I served on the airfield between 85 and 89 as a member of the British Army, I would very much like to visit the Topcliffe again, can anyone suggest how I can make this happen i.e. How can I get MOD permission to visit etc. Any Info would be very much appreciated.
DAVID CHATTERTON
This comment was written on: 2019-08-21 10:50:35I was stationed there 1957 to 1958 during National Service, and worked in the Electrical Section as Ground Electrical Mechanic....
Stephen Reevell
This comment was written on: 2021-05-03 21:44:05I was stationed at Topcliffe as a Nat/ Svcman 1954 to 1956 as a photographer.Neptune A/Cwere based here and used for photo recognition of sea going vessels. I produced the Staion's Xmas card 1955 and have a copy with sevaral others .
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