Role of royal engineers on RFC aerodromes

[danbetis]

Hi

Continuing my research on the RFC aerodrome at Yatesbury I'm interested in what was the role of the Royal Engineers there. There is a Royal Engineers yard in both camps at Yatesbury on the 1918/9 airfield plans. Does this mean there was a permanent unit of Royal Engineers there?

Does anyone have any information on what was the role of the Royal Engineers on home aerodromes during the First World War? Were they responsible for organising ground works etc and how can I find out any more...Were they in charge of the aerodrome infrastructure - eg water and lighting supplies or did local contractors do this?

I still dont know exactly who built Yatesbury but am sure that the RE would have organised it and they continued to have a presence there - what was their relationship with the RFC at the aerodrome?

Lots of questions and if anyone has any insights that would be great.

Best wishes

Dan

[centurion]

The RE ran Meteorological Sections throughout WW1. I'm sure that there would have been a certain degree of interest in and possibly cooperation with this by the RFC.

[danbetis]

Hi

Interesting - I hadnt thought of that link between the two.

thanks

dan

[centurion]

Whilst most of the RE Meteorological Sections were based at airfields in France there were some in Britain. The RE were responsible for weather balloons amongst other matters - a legacy of the days when they provided all the British Army's balloon services in pre RFC days. They eventually became an integral part of he Met Office.

[centurion]

The RE appear to have had a meteorology unit at Yatesbury as part of the Special Section attempting to improve techniques for forecasting of weather conditions for gas warfare. They have a diary "S Special Section" Yatesbury in the RE Museum - don't know how accessible it is but should make things clearer

[danbetis]

Hi

Do you have any details on the meterological unit at Yatesbury? I received the diary of the special section - well not really a diary but one sheet but it does say that hte special section was created for the erection of the aerodrome and doesnt mention anything about gas experimentation.

If you have any references to the meterological work at Yatesbury that would be great

Thanks

dan