| Royal Air Force Station West Beckham | |
|---|---|
| Active | 1938–1958 |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Branch | Royal Air Force |
| Type | Radar station |
| Size | closed |
| Royal Air Force Ensign | |
RAF West Beckham a former Chain Home Radar station located in Norfolk, England. RAF West Beckham opened in 1938 and closed in 1958.
Contents |
RAF West Beckham was located between the towns of Sheringham and Holt in Norfolk, England. The station was large and included a transmitter site, receiver site, generator site, underground reserves as well as two camps for personnel to live in.
During World War II, several WAAFs were stationed here and B Site 'Marl Pit WAAF camp' located in nearby Lower Bodham is well known to the local population. The other accommodation site was known as C Site, home to Royal Norfolk Regiment in 1940, followed by Military Police and then RAF Regiment.
The radar site itself located at West Beckham was known as A Site.
The station Commander during World War II was famous dance band leader Marius B. Winter (1898–1956). Due to his background in the entertainment industry he was able to get good people in to entertain the people at the camp. Every Sunday night, a dance would be held at B Site which was popular with the RAF, Army and locals alike. Marius B Winter was at West Beckham from 1942 until 1946. Other Commanding Officers included F/L Gardner and F/L Ingham before Marius B Winter assumed command. During the 1950s the Commanding Officers were F/L J.H.W Griffith, F/L T.Bradford, F/L R.W Chaston, F/L C.A Brown, F/L Keith Yexley followed by F/L William R. Jones. Sometime during the late 1940s there was a F/L Melville in charge. F/L Turpin an Australian and former Lancaster pilot was a radar officer at the station and sometimes acting CO.
In the 1950s very few dances were held at the station, maybe the number was in single figures. However each Friday night an event known as the Bodham Hop was held in Bodham village hall and was very popular with airmen and local girls alike.
During the war shift changes at RAF West Beckham were at 8 am, 1 pm and 6 pm. During the 1950s radar at West Beckham was done on a dawn til dusk basis apart from during the odd exercise when 24 hours coverage was often provided.
After World War II, C Site when into care and maintenance. A Site closed in 1956, B Site Closed in 1958. B Site lasted longer as it was also used by personnel from RAF Bard Hill.
The station close links with local fighter station RAF Matlaske.
RAF West Beckham reported to the filter room at RAF Watnall which was HQ to No. 12 Group during its life. Originally RAF West Beckham was parented to RAF Bircham Newton, then RAF Wittering and finally RAF Coltishall. The distance of Bircham Newton and especially Wittering proved a major disadvantage. Daily trips to RAF Coltishall were made for supplies.
There were four metal transmitter pylons which were 360 feet (110 m) high and four wooden receiver pylons which were 240 ft (73 m) high. The wooden masts were blown up in the summer of 1957, the metal masts were taken down in late 1957 and early 1958.
For a selection of historical photos of RAF West Beckham please visit the following link:- http://www.flickr.com/photos/rafwestbeckham/
and a videos at:- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o36WhgqR3_s and http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ekTw_zHHQY
The station fence lasted until the early 1980s by when it had almost rusted away.
Today the station is in private ownership. Many buildings remain. The owner of the Transmitter site is researching the station. If you or a family member served at RAF West Beckham please contact him at miked3038@hotmail.com