The former Royal Air Force Coltishall
Gate guardian SEPECAT Jaguar at RAF Coltishall. Photo by Bruce Martin
RAF Coltishall was opened in 1940 and was originally built as a bomber base. Coltishall was home to a variety of Aircraft including Blenheims, Hurricanes and Spitfires and after the Second World War became the home of Polish Squadron's until they returned home.
In later years other Aircraft were based at Coltishall including Mosquitos, Meteors, Javelins and Lightnings, and from 1963 The Historic Aircraft Flight now known as The Battle of Britain Flight. The last Lightnings left Coltishall in 1974 and later in the year Coltishall became a Jaguar base with the arrival of Number 54 Squadron. In fact the Jaguar served at Coltishall without a break for over 30 years.
Coltishall was also the home of Search And Rescue (SAR) Helicopters of 22 and 202 Squadrons. When Coltishall had it's full compliment of Jaguars, there were four Squadrons, Number 6, Number 16 R, Number 41 and Number 54. When it was announced that Coltishall was to close this was going to bring an end to this historic station, which was the RAF's last Battle of Britain base.
The first Jaguar Squadrons to disband were 16R and 41 Squadrons, who disbanded on 11th May 2005. With the final Squadrons Number 6 and 41 departing on 1st April 2006. RAF Coltishall finally closed it's gates on 30th November 2006 with a celebration which included a flypast by four Jaguars from Number 6 Squadron at RAF Coningsby, Lincolnshire and a flypast and display by a Hurricane from the Historic Aircraft Collection (HAC) based at the Imperial War Museum at Duxford, which was flown by Squadron leader Al Pinner OC BBMF.
Finally Coltishall's two gate guardians went to new homes, with the Hurricane going to High Wycombe in Buckinghamshire and the Jaguar moving down the road to Norwich in the grounds of Norfolk County Council.
Closing day at RAF Coltishall 2006 - Thursday 30th November 2006
The final curtain came down at RAF Coltishall on 30th December 2006, when a large group of enthusiasts and local people congregated outside Coltishall's historic headquarters to witness the last parade and fly past of this World War II fighter station. The RAF servicemen who took part in the parade were joined by the City of Norwich pipe band.
The reviewing Officer Air-vice Marshal David Walker CBE AFC took the salute as a flypast of four Jaguar Aircraft from Number 6 Squadron at RAF Coningsby over flew the parade. Closely followed by the Historic Aircraft Collection's Hurricane from Duxford which was flown by Squadron Leader Al Pinner Officer Commanding of the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight.
As the parade marched off the station a short ceremony was performed to lock Coltishall's gate for the last time. This was followed by Squadron Leader Pinner carrying out a spirited flying display in the Hurricane just outside the stations main gate.
Images courtesy of Bruce Martin
RAF Coltishall last enthusiasts day visiting Aircraft - 16th September 2005
RAF Coltishall opened it's gates to around 1,000 enthusiasts for the last time on the 16th September 2005 for the last ever Coltishall enthusiasts day. As well as Coltishall's resident Jaguars, Aircraft arrived from all around the Country and a few examples from far flung places. It was a diverse mix of Aircraft starting with World War II Aircraft such as a Mk II Hurricane from Duxford, through to classic Jets such as the Gnat and Jet Provost, to more modern Aircraft like the F-15 from Lakenheath and the Typhoons from Coningsby.
Weather conditions were not perfect but between the intermittent showers and sunshine a good day was had by all. With good access around the taxiways and pans for the Photographers and static displays in the Hangars. Probably the highlight of the day was a fly past by the Hurricane and a pair of Number 6 Squadron Jaguars.
As usual a fantastic effort by Mick Jennings and his helpers bringing together all these Aircraft and People for the final Coltishall Photocall.
Images courtesy of Bruce Martin
Coltishall Jaguars
RAF Coltishall was home to the Jaguar for over 30 years. After the Germany Jaguar Squadrons came back to this Country and the eventual move from Lossiemouth by 16 R Squadron, Coltishall was by then the home to four Squadrons of Jaguars.
With the gradual run down of the Jaguar force 16 R and 54 Squadron were the first to disband, followed by 41 Squadron which then left Number 6 Squadron, which moved to RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire on 1st April 2006.
Images courtesy of Hugh Trevor