THE first ever reunion of RAF personnel who were stationed at the Air Traffic Control Unit, Barton Hall, near Preston, will take place in November at Blackpool.
Originally a radar station during the war, Barton Hall was one of three centres in Britain controlling all of the country's air traffic, both military and civilian.
Many National Servicemen as well as regular airmen were posted there and from the early 1960s, a large contingent of Local Service WRAF helped swell the ranks of teleprinter operators, operations clerks, movement clerks and ground wireless fitters/mechanics.
The airmen were billetted at RAF Weeton and RAF Freckleton, while the WRAF girls all lived at home in the Preston area. This did not prevent fraternization between the sexes and there were lots of romances - some resulting in marriage.
About 40 people have been contacted so far for the reunion, but many more need to be traced, especially officers and senior NCOs.
If you were stationed there, even if only briefly, I would like to hear from you.
RON FREER, 30 Althorpe Drive, Loughborough, Leics, LE11 4QU. Tel: 01509 268436.
Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article