RAF Weston-on-the-Green: Difference between revisions
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{{Infobox military installation |
{{Infobox military installation |
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| name = RAF Weston-on-the-Green |
| name = RAF Weston-on-the-Green |
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| ensign= |
| ensign=Ensign of the Royal Air Force.svg |
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| ensign_size=90px |
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| native_name = |
| native_name = |
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| partof = |
| partof = [[RAF Brize Norton]] |
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| location = |
| location = |
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| nearest_town = [[Bicester]], Oxfordshire |
| nearest_town = [[Bicester]], Oxfordshire |
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| country = England |
| country = England |
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| image = File:Weston-on-the-Green grass airfield for parachuting and gliding - geograph.org.uk - 387615.jpg |
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| image = |
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| caption = |
| caption = Airfield at RAF Weston-on-the-Green |
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| pushpin_map = Oxfordshire |
| pushpin_map = Oxfordshire |
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| pushpin_label = RAF Weston-on-the-Green |
| pushpin_label = RAF Weston-on-the-Green |
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| pushpin_label_position = left |
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| pushpin_map_caption = Shown within Oxfordshire |
| pushpin_map_caption = Shown within Oxfordshire |
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| coordinates = {{Coord|51|52|45|N|001|13|35|W|region:GB_type:airport|display=inline,title}} |
| coordinates = {{Coord|51|52|45|N|001|13|35|W|region:GB_type:airport|display=inline,title}} |
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| type = [[ |
| type = [[Drop Zone|Military Parachute Drop Zone]] |
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| code = |
| code = |
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| site_area = |
| site_area = 132 hectares |
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| height = |
| height = |
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| ownership = [[Ministry of Defence (United Kingdom)|Ministry of Defence]] |
| ownership = [[Ministry of Defence (United Kingdom)|Ministry of Defence]] |
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| operator = [[Royal Air Force]] |
| operator = [[Royal Air Force]] |
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| controlledby = |
| controlledby = [[No. 2 Group RAF|No. 2 Group (Air Combat Support)]] |
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| open_to_public = |
| open_to_public = |
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| condition = |
| condition = |
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| elevation = {{Convert|86|m|0}} |
| elevation = {{Convert|86|m|0}} |
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| IATA = |
| IATA = |
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| ICAO = |
| ICAO = |
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| FAA = |
| FAA = |
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| TC = |
| TC = |
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| website = |
| website = |
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}} |
}} |
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'''RAF Weston-on-the-Green''' is a |
'''RAF Weston-on-the-Green''' is a [[Royal Air Force]] station that was redeveloped after the Great War period. Much demolition took place (including the original 1916/1917 hangars). The former RFC Officers and Sergeant's messes are located on the opposite side of the road, and are now in commercial use. The station is located near the village of [[Weston-on-the-Green]] in Oxfordshire, England. |
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RAF Weston-on-the-Green is one of the few remaining active RAF bases with some original pre-RAF buildings. |
RAF Weston-on-the-Green is one of the few remaining active RAF bases with some original pre-RAF buildings. |
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==History== |
==History== |
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The airfield was used for the launch of the first modern hot air balloon in the UK in 1967, called the [[Bristol Belle]]. |
The airfield was used for the launch of the first modern hot air balloon in the UK in 1967, called the [[Bristol Belle]]. The airfield is the 3rd largest grass airfield still in operational use in the UK. It was previously used for the Hotspur gliders and Bristol Aircraft. |
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==Current use== |
==Current use== |
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The station comes under the control of the nearby [[RAF Brize Norton]], home of [[No.1 Parachute Training School RAF]]. The grass airfield at Weston is used regularly as a [[drop zone]] for military static line and freefall [[Parachuting|parachute]] training for the UK military, using [[C-130 Hercules]] aircraft based at [[RAF Brize Norton]].<ref> |
The station comes under the control of the nearby [[RAF Brize Norton]], home of [[No.1 Parachute Training School RAF]]. The grass airfield at Weston is used regularly as a [[drop zone]] for military static line and freefall [[Parachuting|parachute]] training for the UK military, using [[C-130 Hercules]] aircraft based at [[RAF Brize Norton]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2003/apr/19/2|title=RAF parachutist plunges to death|publisher=The Guardian |date= 19 April 2003|accessdate=1 August 2019}}</ref> No military aircraft are based at RAF Weston-on-the-Green and the airfield is manned only part-time by RAF personnel. |
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Sport skydiving also takes place at RAF Weston-on-the-Green under the auspices of the Royal Air Force Sports Parachute Association<ref>http://www.raf.mod.uk/skydive/disciplines/findingadropzone.cfm</ref> |
Sport skydiving also takes place at RAF Weston-on-the-Green under the auspices of the Royal Air Force Sports Parachute Association using civilian aircraft based on the airfield.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.raf.mod.uk/skydive/disciplines/findingadropzone.cfm|title=Finding a Drop Zone|publisher=RAF}}</ref> |
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There was, until 2011, a commercial parachute club, Skydive Weston, based at the field. However that was forced to move its base of operations away from Weston by MoD cuts.<ref> |
There was, until 2011, a commercial parachute club, Skydive Weston, based at the field. However that was forced to move its base of operations away from Weston by MoD cuts.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.oxfordmail.co.uk/news/9188582.skydiving-club-is-left-high-and-dry/|title=Skydiving club is left high and dry|website=Oxford Mail}}</ref> Some of the original buildings still stand, and the Skyvan aircraft originally used is now used during weekdays. |
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===Oxford Gliding Club=== |
===Oxford Gliding Club=== |
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Among the various organisations that use the airfield, [[Oxford Gliding Club]] use it now. They operate on the weekends with various club gliders, and about 30 private gliders. The club owns |
Among the various organisations that use the airfield, [[Oxford Gliding Club]] use it now. They operate on the weekends with various club gliders, and about 30 private gliders. The club owns one [[Schleicher ASK 13]], one [[Schleicher ASK 21]], 2 [[Schleicher K 8|K 8]]s, 2 [[Grob Astir]], one [[Glaser-Dirks DG-500|DG-505]] and a [[Slingsby T.21]]. The club uses the hangar in the northern side of the airfield, however the launch point varies according to the wind. The club celebrated its 75th anniversary in 2012. It is one of the oldest gliding clubs in the country. |
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==Current aircraft based at WOTG== |
==Current aircraft based at WOTG== |
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! Aircraft type !! Use/organization !! Registration |
! Aircraft type !! Use/organization !! Registration |
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|- |
|- |
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| [[ |
| [[Glaser-Dirks DG-500|DG-505]] || [[Oxford Gliding Club]] || G-CJSX |
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⚫ | |||
⚫ | |||
|- |
|- |
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| [[ |
| [[Schleicher ASK 21]] || [[Oxford Gliding Club]] || G-DEGZ |
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⚫ | |||
⚫ | |||
|- |
|- |
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| [[Schleicher ASK 13]] || [[Oxford Gliding Club]] || |
| [[Schleicher ASK 13]] || [[Oxford Gliding Club]] || G-DCGO |
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|- |
|- |
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| [[Schleicher |
| [[Schleicher K 8]] || [[Oxford Gliding Club]] || G-DEED on loan from Bicester GC, G-DHFW |
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|- |
|- |
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| [[Slingsby T.21]] || [[Oxford Gliding Club]] || WJ306 |
| [[Slingsby T.21]] || [[Oxford Gliding Club]] || WJ306 |
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|<ref name="Jefford1988p51">{{Harvnb|Jefford|1988|p=51.}}</ref> |
|<ref name="Jefford1988p51">{{Harvnb|Jefford|1988|p=51.}}</ref> |
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|- |
|- |
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|No. 20 (Pilots) Advanced Flying Unit RAF |
|[[No. 20 (Pilots) Advanced Flying Unit RAF]] |
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|1943–1945 |
|1943–1945 |
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| |
| |
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|Based at RAF Kidlington used Weston-on-the-Green as a Relief Landing Ground |
|Based at RAF Kidlington used Weston-on-the-Green as a Relief Landing Ground |
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|- |
|- |
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|No. 15 Flying Training School RAF |
|[[No. 15 Flying Training School RAF]] |
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|1940–1941 |
|1940–1941 |
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| |
| |
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|Based at RAF Kidlington used Weston-on-the-Green as a Relief Landing Ground |
|Based at RAF Kidlington used Weston-on-the-Green as a Relief Landing Ground |
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|- |
|- |
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|No. 130 Gliding School RAF |
|[[No. 130 Gliding School RAF]] |
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|1951–1955 |
|1951–1955 |
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|[[Slingsby Cadet]] |
|[[Slingsby Cadet]] |
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| |
| |
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|- |
|- |
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|No. 13 Operational Training Unit RAF |
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|1940 |
|1940 |
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|Bristol Blenheim |
|[[Bristol Blenheim]] |
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| |
| |
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|Based at RAF Bicester used Weston-on-the-Green as a Relief Landing Ground |
|Based at [[RAF Bicester]] used Weston-on-the-Green as a Relief Landing Ground |
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|- |
|- |
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|No. 28 Training Depot Station RAF |
|No. 28 Training Depot Station RAF |
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== See also == |
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* [[List of Royal Air Force stations]] |
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==References== |
==References== |
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===Bibliography=== |
===Bibliography=== |
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*{{wikicite|ref={{harvid|Jefford|1988}}|reference=Jefford, C.G |
*{{wikicite|ref={{harvid|Jefford|1988}}|reference=Jefford, C.G. ''RAF Squadrons, a Comprehensive Record of the Movement and Equipment of all RAF Squadrons and their Antecedents since 1912''. Shrewsbury, Shropshire, UK: Airlife Publishing, 1988. {{ISBN|1-84037-141-2}}.}} |
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* {{cite magazine |last=Smith |first=David |title=Airfield Archaeology: No. 6: Weston on-the-Green |magazine=[[FlyPast]] |date=February 1983 |pages=48–49 |issn=0262-6950}} |
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*{{wikicite|ref={{harvid|Sturtivant|2007}}|reference=Sturtivant, R. ''RAF Flying Training and Support Units since 1912''. Air Britain, 2007. ISBN |
*{{wikicite|ref={{harvid|Sturtivant|2007}}|reference=Sturtivant, R. ''RAF Flying Training and Support Units since 1912''. Air Britain, 2007. {{ISBN|0-85130-365-X}}.}} |
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==External links== |
==External links== |
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*[http://www.raf.mod.uk/skydive/ RAF Sports Parachute Association] |
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*[http://www.oxford-gliding-club.co.uk/ Oxford Gliding Club] |
*[http://www.oxford-gliding-club.co.uk/ Oxford Gliding Club] |
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*[https://www.aidu.mod.uk/aip/pdf/ad/Weston-On-The-Green-Textual.pdf UK Military Aeronautical Information Publication – Weston on the-Green] |
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*[https://www.raf.mod.uk/our-organisation/stations/raf-brize-norton/documents/weston-on-the-green-local-flying-times/ Weston on the Green Drop Zone – Scheduled Para Training Sorties] |
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{{authority control}} |
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[[Category:Military parachuting in the United Kingdom]] |
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[[Category:Royal Air Force stations in Oxfordshire|Weston-on-the-Green]] |
[[Category:Royal Air Force stations in Oxfordshire|Weston-on-the-Green]] |
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[[Category:Royal Air Force stations of World War II in the United Kingdom|Weston-on-]] |
Latest revision as of 12:36, 28 December 2023
RAF Weston-on-the-Green | |||||||||
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Part of RAF Brize Norton | |||||||||
Near Bicester, Oxfordshire in England | |||||||||
Coordinates | 51°52′45″N 001°13′35″W / 51.87917°N 1.22639°W | ||||||||
Type | Military Parachute Drop Zone | ||||||||
Area | 132 hectares | ||||||||
Site information | |||||||||
Owner | Ministry of Defence | ||||||||
Operator | Royal Air Force | ||||||||
Controlled by | No. 2 Group (Air Combat Support) | ||||||||
Site history | |||||||||
Built | 1916 | ||||||||
In use | 1916–present | ||||||||
Airfield information | |||||||||
Elevation | 86 metres (282 ft) AMSL | ||||||||
| |||||||||
|
RAF Weston-on-the-Green is a Royal Air Force station that was redeveloped after the Great War period. Much demolition took place (including the original 1916/1917 hangars). The former RFC Officers and Sergeant's messes are located on the opposite side of the road, and are now in commercial use. The station is located near the village of Weston-on-the-Green in Oxfordshire, England.
RAF Weston-on-the-Green is one of the few remaining active RAF bases with some original pre-RAF buildings.
History[edit]
The airfield was used for the launch of the first modern hot air balloon in the UK in 1967, called the Bristol Belle. The airfield is the 3rd largest grass airfield still in operational use in the UK. It was previously used for the Hotspur gliders and Bristol Aircraft.
Current use[edit]
The station comes under the control of the nearby RAF Brize Norton, home of No.1 Parachute Training School RAF. The grass airfield at Weston is used regularly as a drop zone for military static line and freefall parachute training for the UK military, using C-130 Hercules aircraft based at RAF Brize Norton.[1] No military aircraft are based at RAF Weston-on-the-Green and the airfield is manned only part-time by RAF personnel.
Sport skydiving also takes place at RAF Weston-on-the-Green under the auspices of the Royal Air Force Sports Parachute Association using civilian aircraft based on the airfield.[2]
There was, until 2011, a commercial parachute club, Skydive Weston, based at the field. However that was forced to move its base of operations away from Weston by MoD cuts.[3] Some of the original buildings still stand, and the Skyvan aircraft originally used is now used during weekdays.
Oxford Gliding Club[edit]
Among the various organisations that use the airfield, Oxford Gliding Club use it now. They operate on the weekends with various club gliders, and about 30 private gliders. The club owns one Schleicher ASK 13, one Schleicher ASK 21, 2 K 8s, 2 Grob Astir, one DG-505 and a Slingsby T.21. The club uses the hangar in the northern side of the airfield, however the launch point varies according to the wind. The club celebrated its 75th anniversary in 2012. It is one of the oldest gliding clubs in the country.
Current aircraft based at WOTG[edit]
Aircraft type | Use/organization | Registration |
---|---|---|
DG-505 | Oxford Gliding Club | G-CJSX |
Schleicher ASK 21 | Oxford Gliding Club | G-DEGZ |
Grob Astir | Oxford Gliding Club | G-DDMH, 544 |
Schleicher ASK 13 | Oxford Gliding Club | G-DCGO |
Schleicher K 8 | Oxford Gliding Club | G-DEED on loan from Bicester GC, G-DHFW |
Slingsby T.21 | Oxford Gliding Club | WJ306 |
RAF units and aircraft[edit]
Unit | Dates | Aircraft | Variant | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|
No. 2 Squadron RAF | 1919–1920 | Armstrong Whitworth FK.8 | [5] | |
No. 18 Squadron RAF | 1919 | None | Cadre only.[6] | |
No. 90 Squadron RAF | 1939 | Bristol Blenheim | I | [7] |
No. 20 (Pilots) Advanced Flying Unit RAF | 1943–1945 | Based at RAF Kidlington used Weston-on-the-Green as a Relief Landing Ground | ||
No. 15 Flying Training School RAF | 1940–1941 | Based at RAF Kidlington used Weston-on-the-Green as a Relief Landing Ground | ||
No. 130 Gliding School RAF | 1951–1955 | Slingsby Cadet | I, II and TX3 | |
No. 13 Operational Training Unit RAF | 1940 | Bristol Blenheim | Based at RAF Bicester used Weston-on-the-Green as a Relief Landing Ground | |
No. 28 Training Depot Station RAF | 1918–1919 |
See also[edit]
References[edit]
Citations[edit]
- ^ "RAF parachutist plunges to death". The Guardian. 19 April 2003. Retrieved 1 August 2019.
- ^ "Finding a Drop Zone". RAF.
- ^ "Skydiving club is left high and dry". Oxford Mail.
- ^ Sturtivant 2007, p. 00.
- ^ Jefford 1988, p. 23.
- ^ Jefford 1988, p. 30.
- ^ Jefford 1988, p. 51.
Bibliography[edit]
- Jefford, C.G. RAF Squadrons, a Comprehensive Record of the Movement and Equipment of all RAF Squadrons and their Antecedents since 1912. Shrewsbury, Shropshire, UK: Airlife Publishing, 1988. ISBN 1-84037-141-2.
- Smith, David (February 1983). "Airfield Archaeology: No. 6: Weston on-the-Green". FlyPast. pp. 48–49. ISSN 0262-6950.
- Sturtivant, R. RAF Flying Training and Support Units since 1912. Air Britain, 2007. ISBN 0-85130-365-X.