Arabella-Cox
August 11, 2011 at 2:48 pm

50(T) Group RAF – 1940's Airfield Requirements And ORB.

All,

Does anyone might know where I might start looking to try and find information on requirements for airfields for pilot training by 50(T) Group RAF during WWII?

What I’m specifically after would be official memos, letters, documentation that states say around 1940 that 50 Group had a need for more airfields and thus what was available, what would have to be constructed and where. I’m trying to find the motivation or discussion about a couple built at the time.

Secondly, does anyone know if the 50(T) Group HQ ORB still exists? I know some are held by the PRO at Kew but despite looking in their catalogue I can’t seem to find it. There is one for 23 Group HQ so I was a bit hopeful.

Member for:

19 years 1 month

Posts:

100,651

Send private message

By: Arabella-Cox - 12th August 2011 at 13:10

Thanks Niall,

BTW. You’re not the NiallC who wrote a certain book about chaps only having a Bren gun are you?

Member for:

19 years 1 month

Posts:

Send private message

By: NiallC - 12th August 2011 at 10:46

1/8th Bit

50 Group ORB is at the PRO at Air 25/669. This covers the period April 1939 through May 1947. There are also Appendices at Air 25/670, but these seem (from the catalogue) to be for 1941 onwards.

Niall

Member for:

19 years 1 month

Posts:

100,651

Send private message

By: Arabella-Cox - 11th August 2011 at 20:55

Thanks for that,

Actually I cam across that site earlier today searching for info but sadly it didn’t have what I was after.

Specifically I’m interested in any details regarding or leading up to a conference held at 50(T) Group HQ, Reading, on 1st Jan 1942 where it appears CO’s of various group units were brought together and many were told of/allocated additional airfields and RLG for use.

I’m interested in the decision process/motivation for these new sites and if they were picked from pre-prepared sites available or specifically created at the request of 50 Group.

Member for:

19 years 1 month

Posts:

783

Send private message

By: Resmoroh - 11th August 2011 at 15:58

1/8th Bit,
Malcom Barrass’ excellent site at http://www.rafweb.org/ will give you the sorts of airfields that 50 (Training) Grp were looking for. Not, as far as I can see, places that could be flown from, but did not require too much funding/effort.
50 (Training) Group (and, indeed, HQ FTC) located in the Reading area. My neck of the woods. If I can help then I will!
HTH
Resmoroh