RAF Uxbridge

[Ice Tiger]

I came across these pictures at a boot sale today & having done a search am unable to find them on the forum so decided to share them.

The first is of trainee air gunners on the range in 1917

The second was taken in 1918 during the Kings visit. It shows a demonstration of how the gun is synchronised to fire through the prop. Note the location of the bullet holes in the tin disk in relation to the prop.

Andy

[birchp]

Andy

I hope this helps!

At Hillingdon End topographical changes followed the purchase in 1915 by the government of the Hillingdon House estate. In 1917 the Armament and Gunnery School of the Royal Flying Corps was established on the site. This unit was disbanded in 1919, and after 1920 the station was occupied by the Central Depot of the R.A.F. and, from time to time, other training, signals, and operational units. During the Second World War the station became an important Fighter Command Group headquarters controlling the air defence of London and south-east England. Buildings on the 180-acre site include a hospital, a sports stadium, and extensive living and recreational facilities. In 1963 there were 411 R.A.F. and W.R.A.F. personnel at Uxbridge, together with 274 civilians employed on the base.

Paul