RAF WEST RAYNHAM ASSOCIATION
                                                                                                 Canberras

​The Station re-opened for full time flying on 28 January 1972, when No 85 Squadron with Canberras (see right) moved to WR from Binbrook. A few days later, No 100 Squadron reformed, taking aircraft and personnel, from a large and unwieldy, 85 Squadron.  Target towing and other duties, were undertaken by these squadrons.

One of these duties, which spring happily to mind, was Practice Interceptions. I was lucky enough to be given an opportunity to go on a flight with 85 Squadron on a PI. The aircraft took off, flew low over the North Sea, then climbed as it returned to the English coastline. We were picked up on radar.  Fighters from Coltishall and other stations, including Americans, were scrambled to see who was entering British airspace.  You looked out of the window of the Canberra and two fully armed Lightnings were alongside. A little scary

Flying ceased in January 1976 when the Canberras moved to nearby RAF Marham

Photo credit

No1 unknown, WH904, No 85 Squadron; No2 Canberra prototype inspecting the Tower; No3 Canberra starting; No4 WE113 being refuelled; No5 WE113;  No6 ground crews of No100 Squadron; No7 WD948 No85 Squadron; No8 WP515 No85 Squadron; No9 Flight and ground crews No100 Squadron; No10 WK162 No85 Squadron; No11 85 Squadron; No12 WH703 No100 Squadron, photo Robin A Walker

Where not credited, photographer unknown, photos donated or purchased from collections or online auction sites

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  • Home Page
  • About
  • The Memorial
  • The Station HQ Project
  • Memorial Day 2014
  • Post Memorial News
  • West Raynham at War Part 1
  • West Raynham at War Part 2
  • Photo Gallery Part 1
  • Tower Bridge and Torrey Canyon
  • Bloodhounds
  • Canberras
  • Post Closure 2010 on
  • Post Closure 2010 Part 2
  • Post Closure Part 3
  • Post Closure - returning to life
  • Memories of time at RAF West Raynham
  • Personnel at Work and Play
  • Memory of time spent at WR Pag2
  • Ian Cave Collection
  • Tower Bridge and Torrey Canyon
  • The Station HQ Project