(small metal strips) in progressive
patterns close to the Pas De Calais,
whilst below small boats towed radar
reflective balloon. The aim was to
simulate a large fleet of naval vessels
and draw the German forces away from
the real invasion area. Bomber crews
flew their modified Stirlings in precise
elongated circuits with replacement
aircraft merging seamlessly to avoid
gaps.
The bombers were staged in two mile
gaps parallel to the French coast. Once
in position they would spend two and
a half minutes flying toward the coast,
dropping chaff at 15 second intervals.
Aircraft then turned to head away from
the coast for 2 minutes 10 seconds. By
repeating this circuit, the wide cloud of
‘window’ edged toward the coast just
like a real naval fleet.
These complicated orbits produced
the desired effect of simulating a small
invasion force heading across the
English Channel towards Boulogne.
The operation was noted as follows:
“Very successful operation, 218
Squadron completed Glimmer exactly
to schedule, with no casualties,
and simulated an extremely
effective convoy”.
After 218 Squadron moved away
from Woolfox Lodge, 1651 Heavy
Conversion Unit (HCU) moved in to the
airfield where they trained crews for the
RAF’s transport squadrons.
Post-World War II Woolfox
Lodge was a relief landing ground
but by spring 1954 the runways
had deteriorated, forcing the
airfield to cease flying. In the late
1950s the Air Ministry reclaimed
part of the airfield as a Bloodhound
Surface to Air Missile (SAM)
site, acting as a defence for the
nearby V Bomber bases and
Thor Intermediate Range Ballistic
Missile IRBM sites.
62 Sqn operated the missiles at
Woolfox Lodge from 1960 through
to 1964 in a secure site close to
the side of the A1 trunk road, as
part of the 151 Wing, RAF North
Luffenham. The site is now used
for industrial and commercial
purposes and several former
military buildings remain on the
site, including the derelict airfield
watch office.
Stirling bomber as used by 218 Squadron
on Operation Glimmer
(Newark Air Museum Archive)
41