A History of Air Support Engineering
20 Works Group RE (Air Support)
Royal Engineers and Early Aviation
In 1862 two Royal Engineers officers, who had seen balloons being used in the American Civil War,
drew the attention of the War Office to the potential use of balloons for observation. These officers
demonstrated balloons to the army, but it was only in 1878 that the War Office directed Captain
James Templer RE, an army reservist and experienced balloonist, to set up a small unit of Royal
Engineers which became known as the School of Ballooning.
Royal Engineer observation
balloon at the siege of
Ladysmith, 1899
At Woolwich
Initially the School of Ballooning was based at the Royal Arsenal, Woolwich. In 1878 the school
constructed and flew a hydrogen-filled balloon of 10,000 cubic feet (280 m3) capacity. By 1879 the
unit had a total of 5 balloons.
At Chatham
In 1882 the School of Ballooning moved to the School of Military Engineering at Chatham where
they discovered that Goldbeater’s skin was superior balloon fabric than the material they had used
previously – in particular it was easier to stow for transport.
At Aldershot
In 1890 the School moved to Aldershot where a section of the Royal Engineers had been formed
to use balloons operationally. The School of Ballooning was renamed the Balloon Factory in 1897.
In 1899 the Factory increased production to supply balloons for use in the Boer War. The Factory
began experiments with “dirigible balloons” (airships) in 1902.
At Farnborough
The Factory moved to a site at the edge of Farnborough Common in 1904-1906. A 72 feet (22m)
high airship shed was built at the site. In 1906 Colonel John Capper took up command of the
School of Ballooning. In 1912 the Balloon Factory was renamed the Royal Aircraft Factory (RAF).
Royal Engineers and Early Aviation
In 1862 two Royal Engineers officers, who had seen balloons being used in the American Civil War,
drew the attention of the War Office to the potential use of balloons for observation. These officers
demonstrated balloons to the army, but it was only in 1878 that the War Office directed Captain
James Templer RE, an army reservist and experienced balloonist, to set up a small unit of Royal
Engineers which became known as the School of Ballooning.
Royal Engineer observation
balloon at the siege of
Ladysmith, 1899
At Woolwich
Initially the School of Ballooning was based at the Royal Arsenal, Woolwich. In 1878 the school
constructed and flew a hydrogen-filled balloon of 10,000 cubic feet (280 m3) capacity. By 1879 the
unit had a total of 5 balloons.
At Chatham
In 1882 the School of Ballooning moved to the School of Military Engineering at Chatham where
they discovered that Goldbeater’s skin was superior balloon fabric than the material they had used
previously – in particular it was easier to stow for transport.
At Aldershot
In 1890 the School moved to Aldershot where a section of the Royal Engineers had been formed
to use balloons operationally. The School of Ballooning was renamed the Balloon Factory in 1897.
In 1899 the Factory increased production to supply balloons for use in the Boer War. The Factory
began experiments with “dirigible balloons” (airships) in 1902.
At Farnborough
The Factory moved to a site at the edge of Farnborough Common in 1904-1906. A 72 feet (22m)
high airship shed was built at the site. In 1906 Colonel John Capper took up command of the
School of Ballooning. In 1912 the Balloon Factory was renamed the Royal Aircraft Factory (RAF).
British Army Dirigible No 1
Christened Nulli Secundus (Latin: “Second to none”) was a semi-rigid
airship that became Britain’s first military aircraft when she flew on 10 Sep
1907. Dirigibles were an improvement on earlier balloons as they could
be steered and propelled through the air using rudders and propellers
or other thrust mechanisms. The early design work was carried out by
Colonel James Templer RE, and it was completed by Colonel John Capper
RE. On 5 Oct 1907 she flew from Farnborough to London. After circling
St Paul’s Cathedral they attempted to return to Farnborough, but 18 mph
headwinds forced her to land at the Crystal Palace. The flight lasted for
over 3 hours and covered 50 miles.
British Army Aeroplane No. 1, Sep 1908
The Air Battalion Royal Engineers
In 1911, following the growth in early aviation activity, the War Office
issued instructions for the School of Ballooning to be expanded into a
battalion. An order was issued on 28 Feb 1911 for the formation of the
Air Battalion of the Royal Engineers effective 1 April the same year. The
initial establishment was 14 officers and 150 other ranks. Officers could
be selected from any branch of the Army whereas other ranks were
selected from the Corps of Royal Engineers. The battalion comprised
two companies and a headquarters based in Farnborough. It was
commanded by Major Alexander Bannerman RE.
No. 1 (Balloon) Company
Nulli Secundus
Length: 120 ft 0 in (36.59 m)
Diameter: 26 ft 0 in (7.93 m)
Volume: 55,000 ft3 (1,557 m3)
Engine: 50 hp (37 kW)
Maximum speed: 40 mph (64 km/h)
One company was equipped with airships and was under the command
of Captain Edward Maitland. No. 1 Company was located with the
headquarters at Farnborough. Maitland was an experienced balloon and
airship pioneer. He also helped pioneer the parachute and in 1913 made
the first parachute jump from an airship.
No. 2 (Aeroplane) Company
The second company was equipped with aeroplanes and was
commanded by Captain John Fulton. No. 2 Company was located at
Larkhill on Salisbury Plain.
British Army Dirigible No 1
Christened Nulli Secundus (Latin: “Second to none”) was a semi-rigid
airship that became Britain’s first military aircraft when she flew on 10 Sep
1907. Dirigibles were an improvement on earlier balloons as they could
be steered and propelled through the air using rudders and propellers
or other thrust mechanisms. The early design work was carried out by
Colonel James Templer RE, and it was completed by Colonel John Capper
RE. On 5 Oct 1907 she flew from Farnborough to London. After circling
St Paul’s Cathedral they attempted to return to Farnborough, but 18 mph
headwinds forced her to land at the Crystal Palace. The flight lasted for
over 3 hours and covered 50 miles.
British Army Aeroplane No. 1, Sep 1908
The Air Battalion Royal Engineers
In 1911, following the growth in early aviation activity, the War Office
issued instructions for the School of Ballooning to be expanded into a
battalion. An order was issued on 28 Feb 1911 for the formation of the
Air Battalion of the Royal Engineers effective 1 April the same year. The
initial establishment was 14 officers and 150 other ranks. Officers could
be selected from any branch of the Army whereas other ranks were
selected from the Corps of Royal Engineers. The battalion comprised
two companies and a headquarters based in Farnborough. It was
commanded by Major Alexander Bannerman RE.
No. 1 (Balloon) Company
Nulli Secundus
Length: 120 ft 0 in (36.59 m)
Diameter: 26 ft 0 in (7.93 m)
Volume: 55,000 ft3 (1,557 m3)
Engine: 50 hp (37 kW)
Maximum speed: 40 mph (64 km/h)
One company was equipped with airships and was under the command
of Captain Edward Maitland. No. 1 Company was located with the
headquarters at Farnborough. Maitland was an experienced balloon and
airship pioneer. He also helped pioneer the parachute and in 1913 made
the first parachute jump from an airship.
No. 2 (Aeroplane) Company
The second company was equipped with aeroplanes and was
commanded by Captain John Fulton. No. 2 Company was located at
Larkhill on Salisbury Plain.
Colonel John Capper
RE Major-General Sir John Edward Capper KCB KCVO (7 Dec 1861 – 24
May 1955) was a capable engineering officer, who served in India and
Burma for most of the first 17 years of his career, principally employed
on military and public construction projects. In 1902 (by then Colonel
Capper) he became Superintendent of the Royal Balloon Factory, and
was placed in charge of developing Britain’s first military airship, the
Nulli Secundus. Capper along with Mr Samuel Cody, piloted the first
successful British airship flight in 1907. In October 1908 Samuel Cody
made the first aeroplane flight in Britain at Farnborough.
The “Cody carrier” kite, 1905
Samuel Cody went on to
experiment with man-lifting
kites at the School of Ballooning
and was appointed Chief
Instructor in Kiting! Capper
deployed to France in 1914
where he was pivotal in
establishing the tank as an
important feature of the
British Army. Although Capper
was sometimes described as
pompous and possessing poor
communication skills, earning
the nickname Stone Age for
his attitude towards the ideas
of junior officers in the Royal
Tank Corps. Major Alexander
Bannerman took over the
Balloon School from Colonel
Capper.
Royal Flying Corps
On 13 Apr 1912, King George V signed a royal warrant establishing the
Royal Flying Corps. The Air Battalion of the Royal Engineers became the
Military Wing of the RFC a month later on 13 May 1912. The Royal Flying
Corps remained the air arm of the British Army throughout the First
World War, until it merged with the Royal Naval Air Service on 1 Apr 1918
to form the Royal Air Force (RAF).
RAF No 3 Squadron (Royal Flying Corps)
Formed at Larkhill on 13 May 1912 by
renaming No. 2 (Aeroplane) Company RE.
Today, No 3 (F) Squadron of the Royal Air
Force operates the Typhoon F2, FGR4 and
T3 from RAF Coningsby, Lincolnshire. The
3 Squadron motto is Tertius primus erit,
meaning “The third shall be the first”. This is
because No. 2 (Aeroplane) Company RE was
the first British, Empire or Commonwealth
independent military unit to operate heavierthan-air flying machines.
Colonel John Capper
RE Major-General Sir John Edward Capper KCB KCVO (7 Dec 1861 – 24
May 1955) was a capable engineering officer, who served in India and
Burma for most of the first 17 years of his career, principally employed
on military and public construction projects. In 1902 (by then Colonel
Capper) he became Superintendent of the Royal Balloon Factory, and
was placed in charge of developing Britain’s first military airship, the
Nulli Secundus. Capper along with Mr Samuel Cody, piloted the first
successful British airship flight in 1907. In October 1908 Samuel Cody
made the first aeroplane flight in Britain at Farnborough.
The “Cody carrier” kite, 1905
Samuel Cody went on to
experiment with man-lifting
kites at the School of Ballooning
and was appointed Chief
Instructor in Kiting! Capper
deployed to France in 1914
where he was pivotal in
establishing the tank as an
important feature of the
British Army. Although Capper
was sometimes described as
pompous and possessing poor
communication skills, earning
the nickname Stone Age for
his attitude towards the ideas
of junior officers in the Royal
Tank Corps. Major Alexander
Bannerman took over the
Balloon School from Colonel
Capper.
Royal Flying Corps
On 13 Apr 1912, King George V signed a royal warrant establishing the
Royal Flying Corps. The Air Battalion of the Royal Engineers became the
Military Wing of the RFC a month later on 13 May 1912. The Royal Flying
Corps remained the air arm of the British Army throughout the First
World War, until it merged with the Royal Naval Air Service on 1 Apr 1918
to form the Royal Air Force (RAF).
RAF No 3 Squadron (Royal Flying Corps)
Formed at Larkhill on 13 May 1912 by
renaming No. 2 (Aeroplane) Company RE.
Today, No 3 (F) Squadron of the Royal Air
Force operates the Typhoon F2, FGR4 and
T3 from RAF Coningsby, Lincolnshire. The
3 Squadron motto is Tertius primus erit,
meaning “The third shall be the first”. This is
because No. 2 (Aeroplane) Company RE was
the first British, Empire or Commonwealth
independent military unit to operate heavierthan-air flying machines.
20th Army Group RE (Airfields)
20th Army Group Royal Engineers (Airfields) served in the 8th Army during the Second
World War. It commanded three Airfield Construction Groups (14, 15 and 69). Airfield
Construction Groups were composed of Royal Engineer Road Construction Companies
and Pioneer Corps Companies. The main role of Airfield Construction Groups was to
construct airfields in forward areas.
This badge was worn by RE Airfield Construction Groups. The red and
blue in the badge are the colours of the Corps of Royal Engineers. The
red and green represented the Pioneers Corps. The white lines represent
a typical airfield runway layout.
20 Group was heavily involved in Op HUSKEY (the invasion of Sicily) in
1943 and in the subsequent campaign in mainland Italy.
At Pachino in Sicily, the retreating Italians had ploughed the airfield
up with deep furrows. Members of 20 Group repaired the runway and
provided other infrastructure support to the RAF. Supermarine Mark VB
Spitfires of No. 145 Squadron operated from the runway straight after
arriving from Malta.
North American Mustangs of No. 112 Squadron RAF, taxy to the runway
at Cervia, Italy, before taking off on a sortie in support of the 8th Army’s
spring offensive in the Po valley. A Mark III leads a Mark IV along the
taxiway covered with pierced steel planking (PSP).
20th Army Group RE (Airfields)
20th Army Group Royal Engineers (Airfields) served in the 8th Army during the Second
World War. It commanded three Airfield Construction Groups (14, 15 and 69). Airfield
Construction Groups were composed of Royal Engineer Road Construction Companies
and Pioneer Corps Companies. The main role of Airfield Construction Groups was to
construct airfields in forward areas.
This badge was worn by RE Airfield Construction Groups. The red and
blue in the badge are the colours of the Corps of Royal Engineers. The
red and green represented the Pioneers Corps. The white lines represent
a typical airfield runway layout.
North American Mustangs of No. 112 Squadron RAF, taxy to the runway
at Cervia, Italy, before taking off on a sortie in support of the 8th Army’s
spring offensive in the Po valley. A Mark III leads a Mark IV along the
taxiway covered with pierced steel planking (PSP).
20 Group was heavily involved in Op HUSKEY (the invasion of Sicily) in
1943 and in the subsequent campaign in mainland Italy.
At Pachino in Sicily, the retreating Italians had ploughed the airfield
up with deep furrows. Members of 20 Group repaired the runway and
provided other infrastructure support to the RAF. Supermarine Mark VB
Spitfires of No. 145 Squadron operated from the runway straight after
arriving from Malta.
Royal Engineers in the 8th Army
25th Armoured Engineer Brigade
1st Armoured Engineer Regiment
2nd
Armoured Engineer Regiment
170th Chief Engineer Works
1st Canadian Drilling Company
82nd
Workshop and Park Company
16th Army Group Royal Engineers
25th Road Construction Comp, Sth African Engineer Corps
173rd Army Field Park Company
21st General Headquarters Troops
• 228th Field Company
• 562nd Field Company
• 579th Field Company
1210th General Headquarters Troops
• 102nd Field Company
Royal Engineers in the 8th Army
25th Armoured Engineer Brigade
1st Armoured Engineer Regiment
2nd
Armoured Engineer Regiment
170th Chief Engineer Works
1st Canadian Drilling Company
82nd
Workshop and Park Company
16th Army Group Royal Engineers
25th Road Construction Comp, Sth African Engineer Corps
173rd Army Field Park Company
21st General Headquarters Troops
• 228th Field Company
• 562nd Field Company
• 579th Field Company
1210th General Headquarters Troops
• 102nd Field Company
• 107th Field Company
• 754th Field Company
466th Indian Corps Troops, Indian Engineers
• 1st Field Company
• 14th Field Company
• 97th Field Company
• 301st Field Corps Park Company
20th Army Group Royal Engineers (Airfields)
14th Airfield Construction Group
15th Airfield Construction Group
69th
Airfield Construction Group
24th Army Group Royal Engineers
Commander Royal Engineer Roads
South African Engineer Corps
• 21st Field Company, South African Engineer Corps
• 27th Road Construction Company, Royal Engineers
• 107th Field Company
• 754th Field Company
466th Indian Corps Troops, Indian Engineers
• 1st Field Company
• 14th Field Company
• 97th Field Company
• 301st Field Corps Park Company
20th Army Group Royal Engineers (Airfields)
14th Airfield Construction Group
15th Airfield Construction Group
69th
Airfield Construction Group
24th Army Group Royal Engineers
Commander Royal Engineer Roads
South African Engineer Corps
• 21st Field Company, South African Engineer Corps
• 27th Road Construction Company, Royal Engineers
• 803rd Road Construction Company, Royal Engineers
• 857th Quarrying Company, Royal Engineers
156th Commander Royal Engineer Works
• 567th Army Troops Company
• 288th Works Section
• 291st Works Section
• 171st Tunnelling Company
• 567th Army Troops Company (Palestinian)
• 1st Camouflage Company (Palestinian)
• 41st Harbour Construction Comp, South African Corps
Headquarters Oil Storage and Pipeline Construction Group
• 723rd Artisan Works Company
• 1st Pipeline Operation and Maintenance Unit
• 2nd Pipeline Operation and Maintenance Unit
• 36th Works Company, South African Engineer Corps
• 863rd Mechanical Equipment Company
• 139th Mechanical Equipment Company
• 803rd Road Construction Company, Royal Engineers
• 857th Quarrying Company, Royal Engineers
156th Commander Royal Engineer Works
• 567th Army Troops Company
• 288th Works Section
• 291st Works Section
• 171st Tunnelling Company
• 567th Army Troops Company (Palestinian)
• 1st Camouflage Company (Palestinian)
• 41st Harbour Construction Comp, South African Corps
Headquarters Oil Storage and Pipeline Construction Group
• 723rd Artisan Works Company
• 1st Pipeline Operation and Maintenance Unit
• 2nd Pipeline Operation and Maintenance Unit
• 36th Works Company, South African Engineer Corps
• 863rd Mechanical Equipment Company
• 139th Mechanical Equipment Company
Infrastructure Support to the RAF
RAF Airfield Construction Branch
Just before the start of the Second World War, the RAF
expanded rapidly and it was recognised
that the Royal Engineers would be very busy meeting
the needs of the Army. The RAF therefore recruited its
own engineers and formed what eventually became the
Airfield Construction Branch. The ACB built most of the
airfields in the UK during the war.
The RAF’s ACB raised 20 Airfield Construction Squadrons, some of whom
were equipped for rapid deployment and the construction of temporary
airstrips. Each of its Squadrons and their parent Wings, were given a
5000 series number. At its peak there were 30,000 men in the ACB. After
the Second World War the ACB maintained the RAF estate. Eventually it
disbanded on 1 April 1966 when all responsibility for construction was
transferred to the Royal Engineers. However, after the Cold War, the RAF
decided that it once again to have its own construction support. This
led, in 2000, to the reformation of 5001 (Expeditionary Airfield Facilities)
Squadron.
Throughout the Second World War, responsibility for work on RAF
airfields “in theatres of war” remained with the Royal Engineers however
there was a lack of clarity between the Army and RAF over who should
do what. Furthermore the Sappers were often too busy to help.
Nevertheless, the Royal Engineers were also heavily engaged throughout
the war. The photographs opposite are of Kandy airstrip in Ceylon, 1945.
This 2000 yard long, all-weather strip for Dakota aircraft was built in only
99 days using floodlights.
Infrastructure Support to the RAF
RAF Airfield Construction Branch
Just before the start of the Second World War, the RAF
expanded rapidly and it was recognised
that the Royal Engineers would be very busy meeting
the needs of the Army. The RAF therefore recruited its
own engineers and formed what eventually became the
Airfield Construction Branch. The ACB built most of the
airfields in the UK during the war.
The RAF’s ACB raised 20 Airfield Construction Squadrons, some of whom
were equipped for rapid deployment and the construction of temporary
airstrips. Each of its Squadrons and their parent Wings, were given a
5000 series number. At its peak there were 30,000 men in the ACB. After
the Second World War the ACB maintained the RAF estate. Eventually it
disbanded on 1 April 1966 when all responsibility for construction was
transferred to the Royal Engineers. However, after the Cold War, the RAF
decided that it once again to have its own construction support. This
led, in 2000, to the reformation of 5001 (Expeditionary Airfield Facilities)
Squadron.
Throughout the Second World War, responsibility for work on RAF
airfields “in theatres of war” remained with the Royal Engineers however
there was a lack of clarity between the Army and RAF over who should
do what. Furthermore the Sappers were often too busy to help.
Nevertheless, the Royal Engineers were also heavily engaged throughout
the war. The photographs opposite are of Kandy airstrip in Ceylon, 1945.
This 2000 yard long, all-weather strip for Dakota aircraft was built in only
99 days using floodlights.
Airfield Damage Repair
“All craters should be filled in within 24 hours at most, and every
case where a crater is unfilled for a longer period should be reported
to higher authorities. In order to secure this better service it will be
necessary to form some crater-filling companies. These should be
equipped with all helpful appliances and be highly mobile so in a
few hours they can be at work on any site which has been cratered.
Meantime at every aerodrome there must be accumulated stocks of
gravel, rubble and all appropriate materials.”
Winston Churchill, 1940
The ‘ADR Ballet’
bells on the vulnerability of airfields to precision weapons. Initially
the term Rapid Runway Repair (RRR) was used until it as replaced by
Airfield Damage Repair (ADR) in recognition of the need for more than
just hole-filling following an enemy attack. Initially the focus was on
Germany, however between 1983 and 1986, TA units were also raised to
support key airfields in Britain. By this time, ADR had become a major
specialisation within the Royal Engineers. The key activities in ADR are:
North Africa 1942
The importance of airfield repair was recognised during the Second
World War. However, the catalyst which revolutionised international
thinking on the survivability of airfields was the Six Day War in the
Middle East in 1967. The pre-emptive destruction of the Egyptian
Air Force on the ground by the Israelis triggered worldwide alarm
Airfield Damage Repair
“All craters should be filled in within 24 hours at most, and every
case where a crater is unfilled for a longer period should be reported
to higher authorities. In order to secure this better service it will be
necessary to form some crater-filling companies. These should be
equipped with all helpful appliances and be highly mobile so in a
few hours they can be at work on any site which has been cratered.
Meantime at every aerodrome there must be accumulated stocks of
gravel, rubble and all appropriate materials.”
Winston Churchill, 1940
Reconnaissance. The prime requirement is speed to allow the
identification of a likely minimum operating strip (MOS) from which
aircraft can take off and recover.
Explosive Ordnance Disposal. Access to intended repair sites will be
difficult, if not highly dangerous, until the RAF EOD teams clear a path.
Repair of Aircraft Operating Surfaces (RAOS). A high degree of skill is
needed to choreograph the “ADR ballet” around a repair site.
Restoration of Essential Services. The restoration of power, fuel and
airfield lighting demands a wide range of technical skills and a high
standard of specialist training.
The ‘ADR Ballet’
bells on the vulnerability of airfields to precision weapons. Initially
the term Rapid Runway Repair (RRR) was used until it as replaced by
Airfield Damage Repair (ADR) in recognition of the need for more than
just hole-filling following an enemy attack. Initially the focus was on
Germany, however between 1983 and 1986, TA units were also raised to
support key airfields in Britain. By this time, ADR had become a major
specialisation within the Royal Engineers. The key activities in ADR are:
North Africa 1942
The importance of airfield repair was recognised during the Second
World War. However, the catalyst which revolutionised international
thinking on the survivability of airfields was the Six Day War in the
Middle East in 1967. The pre-emptive destruction of the Egyptian
Air Force on the ground by the Israelis triggered worldwide alarm
Reconnaissance. The prime requirement is speed to allow the
identification of a likely minimum operating strip (MOS) from which
aircraft can take off and recover.
Explosive Ordnance Disposal. Access to intended repair sites will be
difficult, if not highly dangerous, until the RAF EOD teams clear a path.
Repair of Aircraft Operating Surfaces (RAOS). A high degree of skill is
needed to choreograph the “ADR ballet” around a repair site.
Restoration of Essential Services. The restoration of power, fuel and
airfield lighting demands a wide range of technical skills and a high
standard of specialist training.
12 Engineer Group
San Carlos FOB, Op CORPORATE, 1982
12 Engineer Group was formed in July 1960. In 1966
it became a Brigade, took on Air Support in 1982 and
finally reverted back to an Engineer Group (Air Support)
The Harrier aircraft played an essential role during the Falklands
War. However, based on the aircraft carriers HMS Ark Royal and HMS
Invincible they were highly vulnerable to Argentine attack. A Forward
Operating Base (FOB) was therefore built by 11 and 59 Squadron at Port
San Carlos.
On 25 May the SS Atlantic Conveyor was hit by two Exocet missiles.
It sank with a large quantity of specialised AM2 aluminium runway
matting and aircraft refuelling equipment. This was a huge blow to the
construction of the FOB. The Sappers had to scrounge matting material
from everywhere, pierced steel planking (PSP), trackway, bomb damage
repair matting, MEXE pads and even the materials used for temporary
helicopter pads on the many civilian ships were assembled and used
instead.
Finally a 260 m runway was established by 28 May allowing RAF GR3
and RN Sea Harriers to relocate operations. Based at sea, the normal
Harrier sortie was 75 minutes long which included a 65 minute journey
to and from the carriers, only 10 minutes effective mission time. The FOB
allowed the Harriers to complete their transit and refuel a number of
times before flying back to the aircraft carriers.
Commander Royal Engineers (Airfields)
On the demise of the RAF Airfield Construction Branch, CO of 39
Engineer Regiment, Lt Col Mitchley was appointed the first CRE
(Airfields). His post was established in 1966 in Waterbeach as the station
was transferred from the RAF to the Army. One Field Squadron (Airfields)
was allocated to each of key RAF stations in Germany and required to
deploy there from time to time for training (51 to RAF Gütersloh, 52 to
RAF Brüggen, 53 to RAF Laarbruch).
RE Support to the Harrier Force
Royal Engineer units were trained to build Forward Operating Bases for
the Harrier. 11 Field Squadron was formed on 1 January 1970 to provide
specialist support. It accompanied the Harriers to the Falklands in 1982.
San Carlos FOB
12 Engineer Group
San Carlos FOB, Op CORPORATE, 1982
12 Engineer Group was formed in July 1960. In 1966
it became a Brigade, took on Air Support in 1982 and
finally reverted back to an Engineer Group (Air Support)
The Harrier aircraft played an essential role during the Falklands
War. However, based on the aircraft carriers HMS Ark Royal and HMS
Invincible they were highly vulnerable to Argentine attack. A Forward
Operating Base (FOB) was therefore built by 11 and 59 Squadron at Port
San Carlos.
On 25 May the SS Atlantic Conveyor was hit by two Exocet missiles.
It sank with a large quantity of specialised AM2 aluminium runway
matting and aircraft refuelling equipment. This was a huge blow to the
construction of the FOB. The Sappers had to scrounge matting material
from everywhere, pierced steel planking (PSP), trackway, bomb damage
repair matting, MEXE pads and even the materials used for temporary
helicopter pads on the many civilian ships were assembled and used
instead.
Finally a 260 m runway was established by 28 May allowing RAF GR3
and RN Sea Harriers to relocate operations. Based at sea, the normal
Harrier sortie was 75 minutes long which included a 65 minute journey
to and from the carriers, only 10 minutes effective mission time. The FOB
allowed the Harriers to complete their transit and refuel a number of
times before flying back to the aircraft carriers.
Commander Royal Engineers (Airfields)
On the demise of the RAF Airfield Construction Branch, CO of 39
Engineer Regiment, Lt Col Mitchley was appointed the first CRE
(Airfields). His post was established in 1966 in Waterbeach as the station
was transferred from the RAF to the Army. One Field Squadron (Airfields)
was allocated to each of key RAF stations in Germany and required to
deploy there from time to time for training (51 to RAF Gütersloh, 52 to
RAF Brüggen, 53 to RAF Laarbruch).
RE Support to the Harrier Force
Royal Engineer units were trained to build Forward Operating Bases for
the Harrier. 11 Field Squadron was formed on 1 January 1970 to provide
specialist support. It accompanied the Harriers to the Falklands in 1982.
San Carlos FOB
Methods of Repair
Crater repair is a prime task facing an ADR commander. The objective is
simply to fill the hole with material which, when compacted and capped,
will successfully resist the pressures imposed by the wheels of modern
jets and enable air operations to continue.
Trialling rapid concrete repair in the Falklands, 1985
For many years the REs relied on the Class 60 Bomb Damage Repair Mat
(BDRM) as standard equipment. Once carried to the site and positioned
by the heavy tractor, the mat is unrolled and secured to the surrounding
pavement with holding down bolts. The fill can be provided in one
of two ways; the “clean bowl” method entails removing fall back from
within the crater, pushing the ejected and heaved pavement off the
strip, filling in the hole with selected aggregates and capping with a
BDRM. The alternative method of “dynamic compaction” involves most
of the rubble and concrete being pushed back into the hole and then
compacted by dropping a 5-ton weight from a height of 10 metres from
a special crane before the mat is laid. Both techniques demand a high
standard of individual training on the part of plant operators and the
collective experience of working in teams on concurrent repairs.
More recently, the concrete slab method of repair was used. A series
of precast slabs flush with the pavement onto a level, compacted
surface. Following removal of the ejecta from the crater area, a square or
rectangular cut is made in the surrounding pavement using a special saw
or hammer before the fill is inserted, levelled and rolled.
Methods of Repair
Crater repair is a prime task facing an ADR commander. The objective is
simply to fill the hole with material which, when compacted and capped,
will successfully resist the pressures imposed by the wheels of modern
jets and enable air operations to continue.
Trialling rapid concrete repair in the Falklands, 1985
For many years the REs relied on the Class 60 Bomb Damage Repair Mat
(BDRM) as standard equipment. Once carried to the site and positioned
by the heavy tractor, the mat is unrolled and secured to the surrounding
pavement with holding down bolts. The fill can be provided in one
of two ways; the “clean bowl” method entails removing fall back from
within the crater, pushing the ejected and heaved pavement off the
strip, filling in the hole with selected aggregates and capping with a
BDRM. The alternative method of “dynamic compaction” involves most
of the rubble and concrete being pushed back into the hole and then
compacted by dropping a 5-ton weight from a height of 10 metres from
a special crane before the mat is laid. Both techniques demand a high
standard of individual training on the part of plant operators and the
collective experience of working in teams on concurrent repairs.
More recently, the concrete slab method of repair was used. A series
of precast slabs flush with the pavement onto a level, compacted
surface. Following removal of the ejecta from the crater area, a square or
rectangular cut is made in the surrounding pavement using a special saw
or hammer before the fill is inserted, levelled and rolled.
CRE (Airfields) & Works Group RE (Airfields)
Maintaining RAF Priority One Stations
A report published by the Defence Work Planning Team
in February 1990 recommended that the RAF should
incorporate Royal Engineer infrastructure specialists in
its peace time work organisation, the RAF Infrastructure
Organisation (RAFIO). Following the report, it was
decided that the Royal Engineers would provide an
Established Works Consultant (EWC) on each Priority
One station, reliant from support from a central RE cell.
529 STRE’s forward office at Basra airport, Iraq, Op TELIC, 2005
529 STRE (Air Sp)
529 Specialist Team Royal Engineers (Air Support)
was formed in 1998 to provide the technical
design necessary to prepare deployed bases for air
operations. Since its inception, 529 STRE (Air Sp)
has been fully committed to operations. Working
alongside the air support squadrons in 39 Engineer
Regiment, 529 has helped develop a highly responsive
‘design and build’ capability.
DCRE Stations
CRE (Airfields) & Works Group RE (Airfields)
Maintaining RAF Priority One Stations
A report published by the Defence Work Planning Team
in February 1990 recommended that the RAF should
incorporate Royal Engineer infrastructure specialists in
its peace time work organisation, the RAF Infrastructure
Organisation (RAFIO). Following the report, it was
decided that the Royal Engineers would provide an
Established Works Consultant (EWC) on each Priority
One station, reliant from support from a central RE cell.
529 STRE’s forward office at Basra airport, Iraq, Op TELIC, 2005
529 STRE (Air Sp)
529 Specialist Team Royal Engineers (Air Support)
was formed in 1998 to provide the technical
design necessary to prepare deployed bases for air
operations. Since its inception, 529 STRE (Air Sp)
has been fully committed to operations. Working
alongside the air support squadrons in 39 Engineer
Regiment, 529 has helped develop a highly responsive
‘design and build’ capability.
DCRE Stations
Commander Royal Engineers (Airfields)
Consequently, a unit was formed under Air Command with the title,
Commander Royal Engineers (Airfields), CRE Airfields, in Sep 92. This
should not be confused with a title of the same name formed 20 years
earlier on the demise of the RAF Airfields Construction Branch. Between
Sep 92 and Dec 96, Deputy Commander Royal Engineers (DCREs) were
established at RAF Ascension Islands, Brize Norton, Bruggen, Coningsby,
High Wycombe, Kinloss, Laarbruch, Leeming, Leuchars, Lossiemouth,
Marham, Odiham and Waddington.
Air Traffic Control facility, Afghanistan, Op HERRICK
Works Group Royal Engineers (Airfields)
Gioia del Colle airbase in Italy, enabled to support the air campaign
over Libya, 2011
Commander Royal Engineers (Airfields)
Consequently, a unit was formed under Air Command with the title,
Commander Royal Engineers (Airfields), CRE Airfields, in Sep 92. This
should not be confused with a title of the same name formed 20 years
earlier on the demise of the RAF Airfields Construction Branch. Between
Sep 92 and Dec 96, Deputy Commander Royal Engineers (DCREs) were
established at RAF Ascension Islands, Brize Norton, Bruggen, Coningsby,
High Wycombe, Kinloss, Laarbruch, Leeming, Leuchars, Lossiemouth,
Marham, Odiham and Waddington.
In 1997 CRE (Airfields) was renamed Works Group Royal Engineers
(Airfields), Wks Gp RE (Airfields). Between Jan 97 and Mar 05, the DCREs
at RAF Ascension Islands, Bruggen, Kinloss, Laarbruch, Lossiemouth
and Waddington were transferred to Defence Estates (the forerunner
of the Defence Infrastructure Organisation). In May 2009 Wks Gp RE
(Airfields) transferred to Land Command and relocated from RAF Benson
to Waterbeach Barracks. In doing so it, came under 12 (Air Support)
Engineer Group, part of 8 Force Engineer Brigade and took under
command 529 STRE (Air Sp). The main role of the Works Group therefore
shifted more towards support to operations, but it retained its facilities
management role in support of the UK Main Operating Bases.
Air Traffic Control facility, Afghanistan, Op HERRICK
Works Group Royal Engineers (Airfields)
Gioia del Colle airbase in Italy, enabled to support the air campaign
over Libya, 2011
In 1997 CRE (Airfields) was renamed Works Group Royal Engineers
(Airfields), Wks Gp RE (Airfields). Between Jan 97 and Mar 05, the DCREs
at RAF Ascension Islands, Bruggen, Kinloss, Laarbruch, Lossiemouth
and Waddington were transferred to Defence Estates (the forerunner
of the Defence Infrastructure Organisation). In May 2009 Wks Gp RE
(Airfields) transferred to Land Command and relocated from RAF Benson
to Waterbeach Barracks. In doing so it, came under 12 (Air Support)
Engineer Group, part of 8 Force Engineer Brigade and took under
command 529 STRE (Air Sp). The main role of the Works Group therefore
shifted more towards support to operations, but it retained its facilities
management role in support of the UK Main Operating Bases.
20 Works Group RE (Air Support)
20 Works Group (Air Support)
In 2012, on the closure of Waterbeach Barracks,
the Works Group moved to RAF Wittering and
was re-designated 20 Works Group RE (Air
Support), 20 Wks Gp RE (Air Sp). Following the large-scale restructuring
of the Defence Infrastructure Organisation, the Works Group reduced
down to 4 Main Operating Bases; Waddington, Coningsby, Marham
and Wattisham. The old “DCRE” sub-units at each Station were each redesignated as STREs.
Typhoon facilities built at RAF Northolt
as part of the security plan for London 2012
Supporting the London Olympics, 2012
As part of the overall security plan for the London Olympics of 2012,
Typhoon jets were based in RAF Northolt in West London. This was
the first time that these aircraft had been operated from expeditionary
facilities away from their main operating bases. Members of the Works
Group based at RAF Coningsby routinely worked alongside these aircraft
and so led the project to build the facilities at Northolt. Members of 529
STRE (Air Sp) and others from across the other Main Operating Bases
were called in to support. Through a combination of contractor and
military construction force (both RE and RAF), the work was completed
on time. The project was not without its significant challenges; a new
forward firing barrier had to be designed and approved for use and the
runway approaches required innovative structural adjustments; not least
was the requirement to stop traffic on the public road in order to avoid
aircraft hitting high sided traffic.
20 Works Group RE (Air Support)
20 Works Group (Air Support)
In 2012, on the closure of Waterbeach Barracks,
the Works Group moved to RAF Wittering and
was re-designated 20 Works Group RE (Air
Support), 20 Wks Gp RE (Air Sp). Following the large-scale restructuring
of the Defence Infrastructure Organisation, the Works Group reduced
down to 4 Main Operating Bases; Waddington, Coningsby, Marham
and Wattisham. The old “DCRE” sub-units at each Station were each redesignated as STREs.
Typhoon facilities built at RAF Northolt
as part of the security plan for London 2012
Supporting the London Olympics, 2012
As part of the overall security plan for the London Olympics of 2012,
Typhoon jets were based in RAF Northolt in West London. This was
the first time that these aircraft had been operated from expeditionary
facilities away from their main operating bases. Members of the Works
Group based at RAF Coningsby routinely worked alongside these aircraft
and so led the project to build the facilities at Northolt. Members of 529
STRE (Air Sp) and others from across the other Main Operating Bases
were called in to support. Through a combination of contractor and
military construction force (both RE and RAF), the work was completed
on time. The project was not without its significant challenges; a new
forward firing barrier had to be designed and approved for use and the
runway approaches required innovative structural adjustments; not least
was the requirement to stop traffic on the public road in order to avoid
aircraft hitting high sided traffic.
20 Works Group RE (Air Support)