The R101 was constructed in the period 1976 to 79. The new Ops facilities were then in use until 1984 when a complete refurbishment took place. Whilst new equipment was being installed operational commitments were met by using a stripped down GL161 system, which had be shipped in from Wattisham. I have already written about this interim system here: http://ahistoryofrafsaxavord.blogspot.com/2010/10/interim-ops-room-1984.html
The move from the R10 to the R101 took place during the first weekend in June 1979 and it was in use until the late 90’s. By then the only sections left in the R101 were Comcen and IT Coord and they moved out soon after. The few Ops staff left had moved up to the Type 93 on the Tech Site. I have divided the few photos I have into 3 groups:
1. The early years - 1979 to the beginning of 1984
2. The refurbishment phase
3. The period after the new equipment had been installed until Ops staff left the building.
1979 to 1984
The first photo was taken in Sep 1979 and shows the OC Ops, Flt Lt Dick Waters, briefing the Rt Hon David Howell MP. At the time of the visit David Howell was the Secretary of State for Energy in the Conservative Government of the day: (Left click on photos to enlarge).
The next two pictures are copied from an article which appeared in the RAF News and were sent to me by Bob Jenner.
Refurbishment Phase
The sequence below shows various parts of the R101 during the refurbishment phase.
As the Link 11 Aerials were not erected until 1984 I presume this photo of the Link 11 console belongs in this part of this section:
The next 2 photos are of the ESM suite:
I’m not sure why the gentleman is sitting in the centre of the next picture – he’s Fg Off Nick Brittain, OC PSF (ie, an Administrator)
I don’t know the gentleman in the following shot either but I believe he’s from Trade Group 12 and belongs there (even if he’s not holding a chinagraph!). "Smeek" informs me that it may well be "Taxi" Marsden - Saxa 93./4 ish.
The last 4 photos were taken during visits by senior officers, I have added the names that I know and would be pleased to add others if anyone wishes to get in touch.
CONTENTS LIST
Picture 4
ReplyDeleteRight Console (Against wall) was the Shetrad console i'm sure, when i arrived in Aug 84. All i remember, was that it was hot, cramped and we'd have been crisp if there had been a fire.
The Shetrad office's were upstairs in the main part of the building - I still can't remember the names of the buildings
Thanks - didn't see any Flight Strips when checking the pics but useful knowledge. Still collecting for Shetrad Part 2 - have some material but expect it will be a few months yet!
ReplyDeleteCheers
Pictures 2 & 3 were taken in 1987 or early 1988, I believe. Have still got the RAF News issue tucked away somewhere...! Stan Stanford and Fg Off Fixter are two I recognise from picture 2 and I think that it is Dick Gilpin (sp?) with his back to the camera in picture 3. I arrived in Dec 85, leaving in May 88 and have fond memories of Saxa Vord
ReplyDeleteThanks wellfed. All data appreciated - you never know when something from one source ties in with facts from another - I collect anything I can get on Saxa data/anecdotes/photos. Currently working on a number of sections but they are quite difficult to research. Was up at Saxa yesterday taking some pics (easier to do when you live in Lerwick!
ReplyDeleteCheers
Gordon
The unknown TG12 person sat in front of the UC trying to look busy looks very much like 'Taxi' Marsden, 93/94 ish.
ReplyDeleteLooks like Tim Griffin to me - which would put this photo around 1991
DeleteThanks - all information on Saxa gratefully received - I've added a little bit to the text.
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