Flying returned to Barkston Heath
in 1948-1966 as a RLG - again
for RAF Cranwell’s Harvards, and
later Piston and Jet Provosts. In
1983 Bloodhound SAM missiles
were moved from RAF Germany.
It is currently home to the Joint
Elementary Flying Training School
(JEFTS), run by Babcock PLC and
operating Mk II Firefly two seat
trainers for all three branches of the
British forces.
Squadrons from Barkston Heath took
part in D-Day (Operation Overlord)
dropping men of the 82nd Airborne
Division in France.
They also participated in the
Arnhem campaign (Operation Market
Garden) helping to deploy the 1st
Parachute Brigade of the British 1st
Airborne Division by glider in Holland
in September 1944. The 61st TCG
moved to France in March 1945 and
was replaced at Barkston Heath the
following month by the 349th TCG with
23rd, 312th, 313th & 314th TCS with
their Curtis C-46 and C-47 aircraft; who
then also moved to France.
Awaiting their departure to
infiltrate behind enemy lines at
Arnhem are the paratroopers from
the 1st Parachute Battalion.
‘We Shall Remember Them ...’
A new memorial has been created at RAF Barkston Heath to commemorate its
own vital role in Operation Overlord and Operation Market Garden and that of key
satellite airfields. Hewn from local stone and with engraved panels listing dates
and activities, the memorial sits just within the perimeter fence near the guard
room. It can be viewed by appointment.
The current control tower at RAF Barkston Heath
11