RAF Sturgate

Royal Air Force Sturgate or more simply RAF Sturgate is a former Royal Air Force station located 10 miles (16 km) north of Lincoln, Lincolnshire, England.

RAF Sturgate
Summary
Airport typeMilitary
OwnerAir Ministry
OperatorRoyal Air Force
United States Air Force
LocationLincoln, Lincolnshire, England
Built1944 (1944)
In use1944-1946
1953-1964 (1964)
Elevation AMSL52 ft / 16 m
Coordinates53°22′50″N 000°42′01″W
Map
RAF Sturgate
Location in Lincolnshire
Runways
Direction Length Surface
ft m
00/00 0 0 Asphalt
00/00 0 0 Asphalt
00/00 0 0 Asphalt

Royal Air Force use

The airfield was opened in 1944 at Royal Air Force Sturgate.[1] Originally used for blind flying training two operational Lancaster squadrons arrived in June 1945 but both then moved to RAF Waddington in January 1946. The station closed to flying between 1946 and 1953.

RAF units and aircraft
Unit Dates Aircraft Variant Notes
No. 50 Squadron RAF 1945-1946 Avro Lancaster I & III Four-engined heavy bomber.[2]
No. 61 Squadron RAF 1945-1946 Avro Lancaster II Four-engined heavy bomber.[3]

United States Air Force use

In 1953 the station was allocated for use by the United States Air Force Strategic Air Command and the 508th Strategic Fighter Wing operating the Republic F-84 Thunderjet. It was also used to house SAC bombers on temporary duty (TDY) from the United States. From 1959, it was used for logistical support facilities for 99th Munitions Maintenance Squadron (USAF) located at the PGM-17 Thor missile unit at nearby RAF Hemswell. The airfield was closed in 1964.

Current use

A corner of the original airfield is now used as an unlicensed aerodrome for civil use as Sturgate Airfield.

References

Citations
  1. RAF Sturgate www.controltowers.co.uk
  2. Jefford 1988, p. 41.
  3. Jefford 1988, p. 44.

Bibliography
  • Jefford, C.G. RAF Squadrons, a Comprehensive Record of the Movement and Equipment of all RAF Squadrons and their Antecedents since 1912. Shrewsbury, Shropshire, UK: Airlife Publishing, 1988. ISBN 1-84037-141-2.
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