RAF Syerston

RAF Syerston is a Royal Air Force station located in Nottinghamshire, England. Construction began in 1939, and it officially opened in 1940. During the Second World War, it served as a bomber base, initially hosting Polish and Royal Canadian Air Force crews flying Vickers Wellingtons and Handley-Page Hampdens. After a period of closure for concrete runway construction, it reopened in 1942 and became part of No. 5 Group, operating Avro Lancaster aircraft. Notable figures like Wing Commander Guy Gibson commanded 106 Sqn at Syerston before forming 617 Sqn. The station transitioned to bomber crew training in November 1943. Post-war, it was part of Transport Command and then Flying Training Command, hosting No. 22 Service Flying Training School and later No. 1 Flying Training School until 1970. The station was placed under care and maintenance from 1971 to 1975.

Most original buildings were demolished in 1997, with two hangars, the air traffic control tower, and one H-block remaining. Since 1975, RAF Syerston has been active again, primarily as a flying training station. It is currently home to the Headquarters No. 2 Flying Training School, the Royal Air Force Central Gliding School, and No. 644 Volunteer Gliding Squadron, operating Grob Viking T1 gliders. The station also parents four satellite airfields: RAF Kenley, RAF Kirknewton, RAF Topcliffe, and RAF Little Rissington. In 1958, the prototype Avro Vulcan VX770 crashed at RAF Syerston during a Battle of Britain air display, resulting in the deaths of the crew and three ground personnel.