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RAF Chivenor

RAF Chivenor is a former Royal Air Force station situated near the village of Chivenor in North Devon, England, approximately three miles north of Barnstaple. Originally established as the Barnstaple and North Devon Aerodrome, a civil airfield, it opened on 23 June 1934. The site was requisitioned by the Air Ministry in May 1940 and formally commissioned as an RAF station on 25 October 1940, becoming a key asset within Coastal Command's 17 (Training) Group. During the Second World War, RAF Chivenor primarily functioned as an operational training unit (OTU) base, hosting No. 3 (Coastal) OTU and later No. 5 (Coastal) OTU from 1940 to 1942, where aircrews were trained to operate Bristol Beaufort torpedo bombers. From 1942 onward, it shifted to active anti-submarine warfare operations, accommodating squadrons such as Nos. 172, 407 (RCAF), 612, and 304 (Polish), which conducted patrols over the Atlantic and contributed to sinking at least 10 German U-boats, including during the intense Operation Musketry campaign in mid-1943. The station also played a pivotal role in testing the Leigh Light searchlight system in 1942 through No. 1417 Flight, which revolutionized night-time detection of submarines. Notable incidents included a Luftwaffe bombing raid on 15 April 1941 that damaged 19 aircraft and hangars, as well as the emergency landing of a captured Junkers Ju 88 on 26 November 1941 by a defecting Luftwaffe crew. In the post-war era, RAF Chivenor transitioned to advanced flying training, with No. 203 Advanced Flying School operating Spitfires from 1946. It later became home to No. 229 Operational Conversion Unit (OCU) from 1950 to 1974, training pilots on jet aircraft including de Havilland Vampires, Gloster Meteors, and Hawker Hunters. From 1979 until its closure to RAF flying operations in 1995, the station hosted advanced fast-jet training with British Aerospace Hawks. Throughout much of this period, from 1957 to 1995, it also maintained a vital search and rescue (SAR) capability, initially with Westland Whirlwind helicopters and later Westland Wessex and Sea King models, saving numerous lives along the Devon and Cornwall coasts. In 1995, the airfield was transferred from RAF control to the Royal Marines, renaming it Royal Marines Base (RMB) Chivenor. Today, it serves as a major training and logistics hub for the Royal Marines, housing the Commando Logistic Regiment, 24 Commando Regiment Royal Engineers, and 'A' Flight of No. 22 Squadron RAF for rotary-wing support, while retaining an operational runway for military transport aircraft. The site continues to support air cadet training through No. 722 Squadron of the Air Training Corps.

Site Overview

Location and Geography

RAF Chivenor is situated on the northern shore of the River Taw estuary in North Devon, England, approximately 3 miles north of the town of Barnstaple.^[1]^[2] This positioning places the site within a coastal landscape characterized by the estuarine environment of the Taw, where tidal influences shape the surrounding terrain.^[3] The airfield's coordinates are 51°05′00″N 004°09′00″W, encompassing an area of 222 hectares (548 acres) amid coastal dunes and tidal flats that extend toward the Atlantic Ocean.^[4]^[5] The site's proximity to the open Atlantic approaches, approximately 2 miles from the coast, contributed to its strategic value for maritime surveillance roles during its RAF tenure, with the local geography of sandy dunes and variable tidal waters providing a natural setting suited to such operations.^[1]^[6] As of 2025, the Ministry of Defence is investigating potential contamination from PFAS chemicals at the site.^[7] Originally developed as the civil Barnstaple and North Devon Aerodrome in the 1930s, the site was expanded and subsumed into the RAF station during World War II construction starting in February 1940, integrating the existing landing ground with new facilities on adjacent land.^[8]^[1] Following its RAF closure in 1995, the surrounding tidal waters have supported amphibious training for Royal Marines commando logistics.^[9]

Infrastructure and Facilities

RAF Chivenor originated as a grass airfield in the 1930s before its expansion in 1940, when construction began under the direction of George Wimpey Ltd to transform it into a major RAF Coastal Command station with concrete runways in a triangular configuration.^[1] The initial runways measured 1,450 yards for 09/27, 1,200 yards for 15/33, and 1,160 yards for 03/21, each 50 yards wide, later surfaced with asphalt; by 1944, the east-west runway was re-aligned to 10/28 and extended to 2,000 yards (1,829 meters), enabling operations with heavier jet aircraft such as the Hawker Hunter during later training roles.^[1] In 1942, further developments included the addition of taxiways and dispersal hardstands, particularly to support squadrons operating Bristol Beaufort and Vickers Wellington aircraft, alongside maintenance workshops equipped for Coastal Command's maritime patrol and strike needs.^[10] Key facilities at the airfield encompassed eight hangars arranged in two parallel rows—four prefabricated Bellman hangars and four earlier Hinaidi hangars—designed for efficient aircraft storage and servicing.^[1] A control tower was constructed by 1941 to manage the increasing air traffic, positioned centrally for oversight of operations.^[1] Support infrastructure included bomb stores, such as a phosphorus bomb bunker in nearby Cleave Wood Mine, and fuel depots to sustain training and operational sorties.^[11] Post-war enhancements incorporated radar installations to facilitate advanced training exercises, including ground-controlled interception simulations.^[1] To enhance security and operational resilience against Luftwaffe raids, the site featured perimeter fencing, dispersed hardstands for aircraft parking to minimize blast damage, and associated decoy sites like the Q-type night decoy at Braunton Burrows, which used simulated airfield lights from August 1941 to August 1942 to divert enemy bombers.^[12] These adaptations underscored the airfield's defensive engineering during its RAF tenure. In the 1980s, the infrastructure supported advanced training with Hawker Siddeley Hawk aircraft at the Tactical Weapons Unit.^[13]

Etymology and Naming

Origin of the Name

The name Chivenor originates from Old English, combining the genitive form of the personal name Cifa with ōra, denoting a "flat-topped ridge," thereby meaning "Cifa's flat-topped ridge." This etymology reflects the local geography of a prominent ridge running west to east along the north bank of the River Taw estuary, near the medieval farmstead that gave the area its identity.^[14] The place name first appears in historical records in 1285, spelled as Chivenore, within 13th-century charters documenting land holdings in Devon. These early references associate the name with agrarian features of the landscape, such as the ridge and associated farmsteads, rather than any military context.^[14] When the site was developed into an aerodrome in the 1930s, it was named after the nearby Chivenor Farm, whose lands—along with adjacent properties like Marsh Farm—were requisitioned and expanded to approximately 500 acres by the Air Ministry ahead of World War II.^[15] The name's pre-military linguistic roots have no inherent connection to aviation or defense, yet it persisted unchanged through the site's RAF era and into its 1995 redesignation as RM Chivenor.^[14]

Designations Over Time

The airfield at Chivenor was initially established as the civil Barnstaple and North Devon Aerodrome, officially opened on 23 June 1934 by local aviators Bob Boyd and Tommy Nash, serving private flying and scheduled services to Lundy Island.^[1] In May 1940, the site was requisitioned by the Air Ministry, with construction of military facilities commencing in May 1940; it was formally redesignated as RAF Chivenor and commissioned as an RAF station on 25 October 1940.^[1] ^[16] Administratively, RAF Chivenor fell under No. 17 (Training) Group of RAF Coastal Command from its opening in 1940, supporting operational training units during the early wartime period focused on anti-submarine warfare.^[1] In February 1941, it transferred to No. 19 Group, also within Coastal Command, where it remained for the duration of the war and into the post-war era, retaining its designation as an active RAF station with various training and operational roles.^[1] Following World War II, the base continued as RAF Chivenor, hosting flying schools and squadrons under Fighter Command and later Strike Command.^[1] In 1974, after the departure of No. 229 Operational Conversion Unit to RAF Brawdy, the station was placed on "care and maintenance" status, though it retained the designation RAF Chivenor (Training Wing) with limited gliding operations by No. 624 Volunteer Gliding School.^[1] The site was reactivated for full RAF use in the 1980s as home to the Tactical Weapons Unit. On 1 October 1995, following the cessation of RAF flying activities, control of the base transferred to the Royal Marines, leading to its redesignation as Royal Marines Base (RMB) Chivenor.^[16] ^[1] In modern references, it is often abbreviated as RM Chivenor and serves as a key facility under 3 Commando Brigade, housing the Commando Logistic Regiment Royal Marines and supporting amphibious operations.^[17]

History

Pre-RAF Development (1930s)

The Barnstaple and North Devon Aerodrome, located near Chivenor in North Devon, was established as a private grass airfield by the Barnstaple Flying Club, which had formed in December 1933.^[1] The site officially opened on 23 June 1934, initially operating from a 45-acre leased area with basic facilities including a civilian hangar and clubhouse.^[1]^[15] It primarily served light aircraft operations, such as joyrides and air-taxi services using aircraft like de Havilland Gipsy Moths and a Desoutter, and from April 1935 hosted scheduled passenger flights to Lundy Island under Atlantic Coast Air Services (later renamed Lundy and Atlantic Coast Airlines in 1937).^[1]^[18] As international tensions escalated in the late 1930s, the Air Ministry's interest in coastal airfields for potential military expansion grew, with Chivenor's strategic position along the North Devon coast making it a candidate for requisition.^[1] The site was surveyed as part of broader pre-war preparations to bolster RAF infrastructure against the rising German threat.^[1] By 1939, with war imminent, civilian operations at the aerodrome were progressively curtailed, though no major incidents occurred during this period.^[15] Infrastructure remained minimal, consisting of unmarked grass fields without permanent runways or concrete surfaces, suitable only for light civil use.^[1] The Air Ministry formally requisitioned the site in September 1939 at the outbreak of war, leading to a full RAF takeover in May 1940 and initial construction work commencing in June 1940 to transform it into a military station.^[18]^[19] This laid the groundwork for its expansion into a fully operational RAF base later that year.^[1]

World War II Operations (1940–1945)

RAF Chivenor was commissioned on 25 October 1940 as part of No. 17 (Training) Group within RAF Coastal Command, primarily serving as a training base for anti-shipping and torpedo bomber operations. The first unit to arrive was No. 3 (Coastal) Operational Training Unit on 27 November 1940, which focused on equipping crews with Bristol Beaufort torpedo bombers for strikes against Axis shipping. Training emphasized low-level torpedo drops and anti-submarine tactics, with an eight-week syllabus covering navigation, bombing, and night flying using Beauforts, Avro Ansons, and Bristol Blenheims. In April 1941, the station conducted its first operational mine-laying sortie, marking its transition from pure training to supporting Coastal Command's maritime efforts.^[1]^[20] By 1942, following the redesignation of No. 3 (C) OTU to No. 5 (C) OTU in August 1941 and its relocation in May 1942, Chivenor shifted emphasis to anti-submarine warfare amid the intensifying Battle of the Atlantic. No. 1417 Flight arrived in January 1942 to trial Leigh Light-equipped Vickers Wellingtons for night patrols against U-boats in the Bay of Biscay and Western Approaches, later forming No. 172 Squadron, which pioneered radar-assisted night attacks and sank seven U-boats during the war. Squadrons such as Nos. 77 and 51 operated Wellington patrols from June to October 1942, logging 535 sorties that contributed to disrupting German submarine operations. This period solidified Chivenor's role in Coastal Command's campaign to secure Atlantic convoys, with Leigh Light technology proving crucial for illuminating surfaced U-boats.^[1]^[10] From 1943 to 1944, the station expanded its training scope to include de Havilland Mosquito and Consolidated Liberator crews, alongside operational detachments for anti-shipping and reconnaissance. Units like No. 235 Squadron with Bristol Beaufighters, No. 407 Squadron RCAF, No. 612 Squadron, No. 304 Squadron (Polish), and No. 36 Squadron conducted patrols and strikes, supporting operations such as Musketry in the Bay of Biscay, which resulted in over 20 U-boat sinkings across Coastal Command efforts from the base. A notable incident occurred on 15 April 1941 when a Luftwaffe raid by Heinkel He 111s and Junkers Ju 88s damaged 19 aircraft and hangars, though subsequent defenses minimized further threats. Beaufort crew training methods, involving simulated torpedo runs at 70 feet and 160 mph, continued to refine anti-shipping techniques during this expansion.^[1]^[20] As the war concluded in 1945, operations at Chivenor wound down with the diminished U-boat threat, and demobilization began in July following the European victory. The station had logged over 1,000 sorties in anti-submarine roles by war's end, but training accidents claimed significant tolls, including 33 aircraft lost between 1940 and 1942 alone, with the final incident being a No. 407 Squadron Wellington crash on 7 March 1945 that killed three crew members. Overall, these losses highlighted the hazards of Coastal Command's demanding maritime training environment.^[1]^[10]

Post-War Reorganization (1946–1950)

Following the end of World War II, RAF Chivenor underwent significant reorganization to adapt to peacetime operations while preparing for emerging Cold War demands. In 1946, the station was reorganized under RAF Transport Command, where it served primarily as a training facility for Dakota and Valetta aircrews, contributing indirectly to the logistical support of the Berlin Airlift through enhanced transport capabilities.^[21] This shift leveraged the base's existing infrastructure from its prior role in Coastal Command, facilitating a smoother transition amid demobilization efforts.^[21] By 1947–1948, Chivenor transitioned to No. 42 Group, focusing on target towing operations using Oxford aircraft, alongside minor expansions to accommodate radar training programs.^[21] These activities emphasized defensive and support roles, reflecting the RAF's broader post-war emphasis on efficiency and readiness. In 1949, the station was integrated into Fighter Command, marking the introduction of Gloster Meteor jets to initiate the RAF's transition to jet propulsion, with the first squadron arriving in March.^[21] Throughout this period, RAF Chivenor faced notable challenges, including acute personnel shortages due to widespread demobilization, which reduced the base population to approximately 500 by 1950.^[21] These constraints strained operations but underscored the station's adaptability in a rapidly evolving geopolitical landscape.

Cold War Training Role (1951–1974)

In 1951, RAF Chivenor was designated as the base for No. 229 Operational Conversion Unit (OCU), a key facility for training RAF fighter pilots during the early Cold War period.^[22] The unit relocated from RAF Leuchars on 28 March 1951 and remained at Chivenor until its departure in 1974, focusing on converting pilots to advanced jet aircraft amid escalating tensions with the Soviet Union.^[23] Initially equipped with de Havilland Vampires, the OCU conducted intensive 8-week courses, accommodating up to 28 pilots at a time with 14 new trainees arriving every four weeks to build operational proficiency in fighter tactics.^[23] By the mid-1950s, No. 229 OCU transitioned to the Hawker Hunter as its primary aircraft, marking a significant evolution in training for supersonic-era operations.^[24] Hunter training commenced in May 1955, emphasizing air-to-air combat, formation flying, and ground attack maneuvers, with the aircraft's swept-wing design and Rolls-Royce Avon engines enabling pilots to master transonic speeds up to Mach 0.94.^[24] The unit's role expanded to include armament practice, incorporating gunnery exercises over the adjacent Braunton Burrows firing range to simulate real-world interception and strike missions.^[20] This period saw No. 229 OCU train thousands of pilots, including those from allied air forces, solidifying Chivenor's status as a cornerstone of RAF Fighter Command readiness.^[25] Throughout the 1960s, the station hosted a peak of four Hunter-equipped squadrons under the OCU umbrella, including reserve formations such as Nos. 145 and 234, which conducted advanced tactical exercises and display teams like the Black Dragons.^[26] These units honed skills essential for NATO defense, with Hunters serving in roles from high-altitude intercepts to low-level reconnaissance.^[27] However, by the early 1970s, shifting priorities and aircraft modernization led to a decline in operations, culminating in the OCU's relocation to RAF Brawdy on 2 September 1974, after which Chivenor entered care and maintenance status.^[23]

Revival and Closure (1975–1995)

Following a period of reduced activity, RAF Chivenor was reactivated in 1979 under No. 22 Group of RAF Training Command to support the introduction of advanced jet training capabilities. The station hosted initial trials for the Tactical Weapons Unit (TWU) with the Hawk T1, as part of preparations for transitioning from Hunter aircraft to the new British Aerospace trainer. These efforts laid the groundwork for dedicated weapons training operations at the base.^[28]^[29] In 1981, No. 2 TWU was formally established at Chivenor, equipped with BAE Hawks for fast-jet weapons training. The unit comprised squadrons such as No. 63 and No. 151 (Reserve), focusing on tactical skills for pilots transitioning to frontline aircraft like the Tornado. By the mid-1980s, operations had intensified, with the unit conducting a high volume of training sorties to meet RAF demands. No. 2 TWU operated until 1992, emphasizing air-to-air and air-to-ground proficiency using the Hawk's versatility as a lead-in fighter trainer.^[30]^[31] On 1 April 1992, No. 2 TWU was redesignated as No. 7 Flying Training School (FTS), continuing Hawk-based advanced training for both RAF and Royal Navy pilots. The school integrated reserve squadrons like Nos. 19 and 92, delivering a syllabus that included weapons delivery, formation flying, and low-level tactics to prepare aircrew for operational roles. This phase marked Chivenor's final role in RAF flying training before rationalization efforts under the UK's defence reviews.^[30] In 1994, No. 7 FTS began relocation to RAF Valley, merging with No. 4 FTS to consolidate advanced training at a single site. RAF flying operations at Chivenor ceased on 30 September 1995, culminating in handover ceremonies to the Royal Marines, after which the base transitioned to non-flying military use. The closure reflected broader post-Cold War reductions in RAF infrastructure.^[30]^[32]

RAF Units and Aircraft

Training Units and Squadrons

During World War II, RAF Chivenor hosted No. 3 (Coastal) Operational Training Unit, established on 27 November 1940 to provide specialized training for crews operating Bristol Beaufort torpedo bombers in anti-shipping roles for RAF Coastal Command.^[20] This unit focused on conversion and operational crewing for Beaufort squadrons, emphasizing torpedo delivery and strike tactics amid the intense demands of the Battle of the Atlantic.^[1] In August 1941, it was redesignated No. 5 (Coastal) Operational Training Unit, continuing Beaufort torpedo training until it moved to RAF Turnberry in May 1942.^[20]^[1] In the post-war era, No. 229 Operational Conversion Unit was moved to Chivenor on 28 March 1951, taking over from earlier fighter training elements and specializing in converting pilots to jet operations with the Hawker Hunter.^[23] The unit's mandate centered on advanced fighter tactics and weapons training, equipping squadrons like Nos. 1, 19, 92, and 127 with Hunter variants for air defense roles during the Cold War.^[23] It operated until 1974, when Chivenor entered a care-and-maintenance status, having trained hundreds of pilots on Hunter ground-attack and reconnaissance missions.^[22] No. 2 Tactical Weapons Unit activated at Chivenor on 1 April 1981, comprising Nos. 63 and 151 (Reserve) Squadrons to deliver lead-in fighter training using the BAe Hawk T1 for advanced weapons handling and tactical maneuvers.^[31] The unit emphasized simulated combat scenarios and instructor development, supporting the transition from basic flight to operational fast-jet squadrons.^[28] During its tenure until 1992, it recorded several accidents, including a mid-air collision on 29 July 1983 involving Hawks XX353 and XX336 during tail-chase exercises over North Devon, where two crew ejected safely from XX353 but both aircraft were written off.^[33] Notable commanders included Wing Commander Derek Sharpe, who oversaw early Hawk integration amid rising training demands.^[31] On 1 April 1992, No. 2 Tactical Weapons Unit's assets reformed as No. 7 Flying Training School at Chivenor, incorporating Nos. 63 (Reserve) and 151 (Reserve) Squadrons—later renumbered No. 92 (Reserve)—to conduct advanced jet training syllabi for multi-engine transitions and weapons instruction on the Hawk.^[34] The school focused on preparing pilots for front-line service, including tactical weapons delivery and formation flying, until its merger with No. 4 Flying Training School at RAF Valley in September 1994.^[34] Other notable units included No. 172 Squadron in the 1940s, which operated Leigh Light-equipped Vickers Wellington bombers from Chivenor for anti-submarine night patrols under Coastal Command affiliations.^[10]

Operational Squadrons

During World War II, RAF Chivenor also hosted several operational squadrons for anti-submarine warfare, including Nos. 172, 407 (RCAF), 612, and 304 (Polish), which conducted patrols over the Atlantic and contributed to sinking at least 10 German U-boats. These units shifted from training to active operations from 1942 onward, focusing on the Bay of Biscay and convoy protection.

Key Aircraft Types and Operations

During the early years of World War II, RAF Chivenor served as a key training base for Coastal Command, where the Bristol Beaufort twin-engine torpedo bomber was the primary aircraft from 1940 to 1943.^[10] These aircraft were employed in anti-shipping strikes, leveraging their ability to carry torpedoes or bombs against enemy naval targets in the Atlantic approaches.^[20] Chivenor-specific operations included equipping Beauforts with Air-to-Surface Vessel (ASV) radar for enhanced convoy patrol and reconnaissance missions, allowing crews to detect surfaced vessels at night or in poor visibility during training exercises over the Bristol Channel.^[35] From 1942 to 1945, the Vickers Wellington medium bomber became a staple at Chivenor, particularly the Leigh Light-equipped variants designed for nocturnal anti-submarine warfare.^[36] Leigh Light Wellingtons supported Coastal Command's efforts to hunt German U-boats in the Bay of Biscay by illuminating targets with powerful searchlights after initial radar detection.^[10] Local night-flying circuits around Chivenor enabled pilots to practice low-level approaches and depth-charge drops, refining tactics that contributed to a marked decline in U-boat operations.^[37] In the Cold War era, the Hawker Hunter jet fighter dominated Chivenor operations from 1951 to 1974 as the primary advanced trainer.^[38] The FGA.9 variant, with reinforced wings for external stores, was specifically adapted for ground-attack practice, simulating strikes using rockets and bombs on nearby North Devon firing ranges. Squadrons such as No. 234 were assigned to these Hunters for operational conversion. The BAE Hawk T1 advanced jet trainer arrived at Chivenor in 1981 and remained until 1995, serving as a weapons systems platform for simulated air-to-air and air-to-ground combat.^[28] Armed configurations included a 30 mm ADEN cannon in a centerline pod and ASRAAM air-to-air missiles on underwing pylons, enabling realistic dogfight training and weapons delivery profiles over instrumented ranges.^[39] No. 63 Squadron primarily operated these Hawks for tactical weapons instruction.^[29]

Transfer and Post-RAF Use

Handover to Royal Marines (1995)

In late 1993, the Ministry of Defence announced proposals to cease flying training operations at RAF Chivenor from 1 October 1994 as part of broader RAF rationalization efforts following the end of the Cold War, with the station placed on care and maintenance status from 1 October 1995.^[40] This decision aligned with the merger of No. 7 Flying Training School at Chivenor with No. 4 Flying Training School at RAF Valley, freeing up infrastructure for alternative military use.^[1] The formal handover to the Royal Marines occurred on 1 October 1995, marking the end of RAF control and the renaming of the site as Royal Marines Base Chivenor.^[1] RAF personnel stationed there were redeployed to other bases, primarily RAF Valley, while the Royal Marines began relocating units, including approximately 156 Commando families by early 1996.^[41] The transfer process involved close coordination between the RAF and Royal Marines to ensure a smooth transition of assets beyond basic equipment like catering and domestic supplies.^[41] Initial adaptations focused on converting the former RAF infrastructure for Royal Marines requirements, with an estimated £19.5 million allocated for capital works to modify facilities such as barracks and support areas.^[41] The runway was retained but placed on care and maintenance, allowing for limited occasional use while primary operations shifted to ground-based logistics. A feasibility study confirmed the site's suitability, including adequate local infrastructure for schools and roads, with no major upgrades needed beyond the planned investments.^[41] The rationale for the handover centered on utilizing the base's spare capacity to house Royal Marines units, particularly to support logistics for 3 Commando Brigade through elements like the Commando Logistics Regiment. This move provided cost-effective accommodation alternatives to existing sites like Plymouth, contributing to overall defence efficiencies estimated in the millions annually across related rationalizations.

Current Role as RM Chivenor (1995–Present)

Since its handover to the Royal Marines in 1995, RMB Chivenor has served as a key logistics and support hub for the UK's Commando Force, focusing on enabling amphibious and rapid reaction operations within 3 Commando Brigade. The base hosts the Commando Logistic Regiment Royal Marines (CLR), which provides essential combat supplies including ammunition, fuel, water, and medical support to frontline units. Comprising approximately 780 personnel from the Royal Marines, Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, and medical services, the regiment includes a headquarters element, an equipment support squadron for vehicle and weapons maintenance, and a medical squadron equipped for field hospital operations. These sub-units ensure sustained logistical backing during deployments, such as those in support of NATO missions and global contingencies.^[42]^[43] In 2000, the base expanded its engineering capabilities with the arrival of the 24 Commando Regiment Royal Engineers, a specialist unit trained to the Commando standard for close support of Royal Marines operations. The regiment, based at Chivenor with around 492 personnel, includes four squadrons: 54 Commando Squadron (headquarters and support), 56 Commando Field Squadron, 59 Independent Commando Field Squadron for explosive ordnance disposal and route clearance, and 131 Commando Squadron (the Army Reserve element). These squadrons excel in tasks like assault bridging, mine warfare, and counter-improvised explosive device operations, contributing to exercises that simulate high-intensity conflict environments. For instance, elements of 24 Commando participated in Exercise CATAMARAN in June 2025, the amphibious phase of the larger POLARIS 25 deployment off the Devon coast, where they facilitated tactical landings of troops and equipment by air and sea to test integrated NATO rapid response.^[44]^[45]^[46] The airfield at Chivenor remains available for occasional military aviation, including transport aircraft and training exercises, but hosts no permanent flying units following the disbandment of No. 22 Squadron RAF 'A' Flight in 2015 and the transfer of search and rescue responsibilities to civilian contractors in 2016.^[47] The base supports air cadet training through No. 722 Squadron of the Air Training Corps; gliding operations ended with the disbandment of No. 624 Volunteer Gliding Squadron in 2016.^[48] Recent developments underscore Chivenor's enduring strategic value. In February 2019, the Ministry of Defence reversed a 2016 proposal to close the base by 2027, confirming its retention as part of a five-year estate strategy to maintain operational readiness. As of 2025, the site sustains around 1,200 personnel, including regulars, reserves, and support staff, amid ongoing adaptations to modern threats. In April 2025, the MoD initiated an environmental investigation into potential PFAS contamination at Chivenor, prompted by concerns over legacy firefighting foams leaching into local water sources and ecosystems, with sampling and remediation assessments underway to mitigate risks to nearby communities. These efforts align with the base's role in supporting 3 Commando Brigade's global deployments, ensuring logistical and engineering resilience into the future.^[49]^[50]^[7]

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The airfield, by then known as the Barnstaple and North Devon Aerodrome, was officially opened on 23rd June 1934 by Bob Boyd and 'Tommy' Nash.
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[26]
THE ROYAL AIR FORCE, 1950-1969 | Imperial War Museums
Formed by Flight Lieutenant Lee Jones in 1958, The Black Dragons became one of the few prominent display teams established by an Operational Conversion Unit.
[27]
229 OCU / 145 Sqn Hunter F6/T7 Query!!! | Key Aero
Number 229 OCU was established at RAF Chivenor in the early 1950's to train jet fighter pilots, first on Vampire's and later Hunter's. One of the early.
[28]
Hawk Flight and Tactical Training - Key Aero
Feb 3, 2024 · Number 2 Tactical Weapons Unit operated with Hunters from Lossiemouth as a temporary measure until Chivenor could be re-activated. Their move ...Missing: 1975 trials
[29]
XPlanes - Hawk - Frontline Trainer - DriveArchive
Today, the RAF's Hawk T1/1A fleet, now in an overall gloss black paint scheme, is concentrated at RAF Valley with Nos 19 and 208 Squadrons, and at RAF Leeming ...Missing: reactivation Group
[30]
Stations-C - rafweb.org
RAF Chivenor badge. Main units (continued): -. 404 Sqn (22 Jan - 2 Apr 1943). 59 ... No 2 Tactical Weapons Unit (1 Apr 1981 - 1 Apr 1992) comprising: -. 63 ...
[31]
1981 - 1992 - 151 Squadron
151(P) Squadron was re-formed at Chivenor on September 18 1981 as one of two Squadrons of No 2 T.W.U. (Tactical Weapons Unit). It was equipped with 24 British ...
[32]
Raf Chivenor - Hansard - UK Parliament
May 10, 1995 · Hansard record of the item : 'Raf Chivenor' on Wednesday 10 May 1995 ... Chivenor by the Royal Air Force, Royal Navy and Royal Marines.
[33]
Accident BAe Hawk T.1 XX353, Friday 29 July 1983
Hawk T.1 XX353 of 151 Squadron (No.2 Tactical Weapons Unit) at Greenham Common on 23/07/1983 XX353 photo 03-166-2HawkT1.jpg. Revision history: Date/time ...Missing: establishment | Show results with:establishment
[34]
Sqn Histories 16-20_P - rafweb.org
However, on 23 September 1992 No 19 (Reserve) Squadron was formed by re-numbering No 63 (Reserve) Squadron, which was part of No 7 FTS at Chivenor. With the ...
[35]
Sqn Histories 96-100_P - rafweb.org
No 98 Squadron badge. Formed at Harlaxton on 30 August 1917 as a day bomber ... No 99 Squadron possibly holds the RAF record for the number of new types ...<|control11|><|separator|>
[36]
Bristol Beauforts World War Two - Key Aero
Feb 20, 2022 · Once again 32 OTU mounted armed anti-submarine and torpedo patrols and kept torpedo armed strike aircraft on standby. ... With the ASV radar ...Missing: Chivenor 1940-1943
[37]
https://www.historyofwar.org/air/units/RAF/172_wwII.html
[38]
No. 172 Squadron (RAF) during the Second World War
No.172 Squadron was the first squadron to be equipped with the Leigh Light Wellington, and played a major role in the early development of Coastal Command.
[39]
[PDF] Flying the Hawker Hunter -
In 1972/73 he was the Strike. Command Hunter display pilot at RAF Chivenor when he flew some 50 public displays over the two seasons. Isle of Wight College.
[40]
Hawk T1 - Royal Air Force
The Hawk T1 is a two-seat, agile, transonic jet used as a training aircraft and by the Red Arrows, and is a successful trainer jet.Missing: Chivenor 1975-1980
[41]
Raf Chivenor - Hansard - UK Parliament
Apr 28, 1994 · On 7 December 1993, Official Report, column 177, I announced proposals to cease flying training at RAF Chivenor from 1 October 1994 and to ...
[42]
House of Commons Hansard Written Answers for 21 Nov 1995 (pt 5)
Soames: The Royal Air Force and Royal Marines have worked closely together on the handover of Chivenor. Beyond such things as catering and domestic equipment, ...
[43]
Commando Logistic Regiment - Royal Navy
Commando Logistic Regiment is to act as 3 Commando Brigade's dedicated logistic unit, providing essential supplies (such as food, water, ammunition and fuel)Missing: Chivenor sub-
[44]
'Commando Logistic Regiment RM' | ͏
Based at Chivenor in North Devon, the Regiment is home to about 780 personnel from all three services, including Royal Marines, Mechanical Engineers, Medics ...Missing: sub- | Show results with:sub-
[45]
24 Commando Royal Engineers | The British Army
Our Location. 24 Commando RE are based at RMB Chivenor, near Barnstaple in picturesque North Devon. The Reservist element, 131 Commando Squadron, has a ...
[46]
24 Regiment - British Army units from 1945 on
24 Commando Engineer Regiment. 2008.04, England: RM Chivenor, Barnstaple, North Devon, 54 Cdo HQ & Sp, 56 & 59 Cdo Fd Sqns support 3 Commando Brigade RM. Oct 08 ...
[47]
Exercise CATAMARAN Phase of POLARIS 2025 | Joint Forces News
Jun 7, 2025 · This exercise took place off the coast of Devon in south-west England and involved landing troops and equipment by air and sea in a tactical context.Missing: 2024 | Show results with:2024
[48]
Defence Secretary announces five-year plan for key military sites
Within this update the Defence Secretary has confirmed that a number of bases will be retained, including RM Chivenor, Norton Manor Camp, Condor Airfield, Rock ...Missing: proposal | Show results with:proposal
[49]
RMB Chivenor "will continue to have a role to play” says minister
Jan 9, 2019 · “There are some 1200 personnel based at Chivenor at any one time, but that can fluctuate due to the military needs of the time and to the ...<|separator|>
[50]
Fears that UK military bases may be leaking toxic 'forever chemicals ...
Apr 19, 2025 · The Ministry of Defence (MoD) will investigate RAF Marham in Norfolk, RM Chivenor in Devon and AAC Middle Wallop in Hampshire after concerns ...