# RAF Shipton

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Former Royal Air Force base in Yorkshire, England

RAF Shipton Shipton-by-Beningbrough, North Yorkshire in England The bunker at Shipton Site information Type Royal Air Force station Operator Royal Air Force Controlled by RAF Fighter Command Location RAF Shipton Shown within North Yorkshire Show map of North Yorkshire RAF Shipton RAF Shipton (the United Kingdom) Show map of the United Kingdom Coordinates 54°02′55″N 1°10′20″W / 54.0485°N 1.1721°W / 54.0485; -1.1721 Site history Built 1918 (1918) In use September 1918 - 1993 (1993) Battles/wars European theatre of World War II Cold War Airfield information Elevation 14 metres (46 ft) AMSL

**Royal Air Force Shipton** (more commonly known as **RAF Shipton**) was a [First World War](/source/World_War_I) era airfield located north of the village of [Shipton-by-Beningbrough](/source/Shipton-by-Beningbrough), in [North Yorkshire](/source/North_Yorkshire), England. During the First World War, it was used by [No. 76 Squadron RAF](/source/No._76_Squadron_RAF) whose remit was to provide Home Defence (HD).

The site was utilised by the RAF in the [Second World War](/source/World_War_II) as a base for [No. 60 Maintenance Unit](/source/No._60_Maintenance_Unit_RAF) and in the [Cold War](/source/Cold_War) as a fighter control site for [No. 12 Group RAF](/source/No._12_Group_RAF), and command bunker in case of a nuclear event. The bunker site buildings are still extant, though they were sold into private hands in the 1990s.

## History

### First World War

RAF Shipton was brought into use in September 1916 as a landing site for No. 76 (Home Defence) Squadron, RAF. The site is 4 miles (6.4 km) south east of [RAF Linton-on-Ouse](/source/RAF_Linton-on-Ouse), 5 miles (8 km) north of [York](/source/York),[1] and 1.9 miles (3 km) north of Shipton by Beningbrough village.[2] No. 76 Squadron had their headquarters at [Ripon](/source/RAF_Ripon)[3] and like many other of the relief landing grounds they operated, it is unsure whether or not Shipton saw any flying activity. After the Armistice, the RAF disposed of the site in March 1919.[4]

### Second World War

It was resurrected in the Second World War as a base for No. 60 Maintenance Unit (originally No. 5 Salvage Unit)[5] who were required to strip everything of scrap value down for components that could be used. They had a remit to recover crashed aircraft as part of their recovery process, and for a while, the guard hut at Shipton was the upturned fuselage of a wrecked aircraft.[6] The area of responsibility that No. 60 MU covered included the [North York Moors](/source/North_York_Moors), the [Peak District](/source/Peak_District), and as far north as [Blyth](/source/Blyth%2C_Northumberland) in [Northumberland](/source/Northumberland) when they went to recover a crashed [Luftwaffe](/source/Luftwaffe) aircraft from the harbour area.[7][8][9] No. 60 MU recovered a crashed [Handley Page Halifax](/source/Handley_Page_Halifax) from [Whernside](/source/Whernside) which was scattered over a wide area. The crash occurred in December 1943 and the extreme cold and elevated location made the recovery very difficult, but all valuable parts were returned to the main site at Shipton by 6 January 1944.[10] During this time, Shipton was used as a *scatter airfield*[note 1] for the [Armstrong Whitworth Whitley](/source/Armstrong_Whitworth_Whitley) Bombers of [No. 58 Squadron](/source/No._58_Squadron_RAF) from nearby Linton-on-Ouse. The Whitleys were taken there to spread out the number of aircraft across a wider geographical area in case of an enemy raid at Linton.[13]

In 1946, No. 60 MU withdrew from the site and moved to [RAF Rufforth](/source/RAF_Rufforth),[14] although there is possible evidence that they had a small operation still ongoing at Shipton until 1959, when the headquarters was confirmed as being at [RAF Church Fenton](/source/RAF_Church_Fenton).[15]

### Cold War

As part of Britains' early warning defence programme (known as [ROTOR](/source/ROTOR)), a bunker with three levels was built at the north west corner of the airfield site in 1953.[16] Initially, the operations were run from [Imphal Barracks](/source/Imphal_Barracks) in York,[17] but when the bunker was commissioned in 1954, the control was transferred to Shipton.[18] Shipton was one of six *Sector Operations Centres* (SOCs) dotted around Great Britain, (the other five being at [Barnton Quarry](/source/Barnton_Quarry) in [Edinburgh](/source/Edinburgh), [Bawburgh](/source/Bawburgh) near [Norwich](/source/Norwich), [Box](/source/Box%2C_Wiltshire) in [Wiltshire](/source/Wiltshire), [Goosnargh](/source/Goosnargh) near [Preston](/source/Preston%2C_Lancashire) and [Kelvedon Hatch](/source/Kelvedon_Hatch_Secret_Nuclear_Bunker) in [Essex](/source/Essex)).[19][20]

The initial role of the SOC was to direct air operations and counter-inception flights in the eastern side of England. Reports were fed into the site from radar stations dotted along the eastern coast of England. As befitting its air defence role, it was the headquarters of the northern sector ([No. 12 Group](/source/No._12_Group_RAF) [Fighter Command](/source/Fighter_Command))[21] and was in overall command of [19](/source/No._19_Squadron_RAF), [66](/source/No._66_Squadron_RAF), [92](/source/No._92_Squadron_RAF), [152](/source/No._152_Squadron_RAF), [264](/source/No._264_Squadron_RAF), [275](/source/No._275_Squadron_RAF), [607](/source/No._607_Squadron_RAF), [608](/source/No._608_Squadron_RAF) and [609 Squadrons](/source/No._609_Squadron_RAF) spread out between the airfields at Church Fenton, Linton-on-Ouse, [Ouston](/source/RAF_Ouston) and [Thornaby](/source/RAF_Thornaby).[22] During this period, some of the staff were drawn from the West Riding numbered Fighter Control Unit, No. 3609 Squadron.[23]

The site itself consisted of the main bunker complex, a guardhouse and a standby living accommodation, though the main living quarters were at the nearby base of RAF Linton-on-Ouse.[24] The site was only the lead SOC for three years before the centre at [RAF Boulmer](/source/RAF_Boulmer) assumed primacy in 1957.[25] During the 1970s, 80s and 90s, the bunker was a [regional seat of government](/source/Regional_seat_of_government) (RSG),[26] which later changed to the designation of Regional Government Headquarters (RGHQ).[27] A fourth floor was added in 1976 as part of a five-year refurbishment programme.[20]

A decision was taken in 1992 to sell off some of the nuclear bunkers deemed unnecessary after the end of the Cold War; Shipton was one of them,[28] with closure coming in 1993[24] and disposal in 1996.[18]

## Notes

1. **[^](#cite_ref-Scatter_Airfields_13-0)** A Scatter Airfield was an early Second World War system where large amounts of aircraft were flown to airfields away from their primary squadron home airbase so that if one of the locations was attacked, the aircraft losses would be minimised. It was assumed that intelligence gathered by the enemy would know the locations of individual squadrons and so many locations used their scatter, or satellite landing grounds to disperse their aircraft.[11][12]

## References

1. **[^](#cite_ref-1)** Chorlton, Martyn (2014). *Forgotten aerodromes of World War I : British military aerodromes, seaplane stations, flying-boat and airship stations to 1920*. Manchester: Crecy. p. 172. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [9780859791816](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/9780859791816).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-2)** "290" (Map). *York*. 1:25,000. Explorer. Ordnance Survey. 2015. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [9780319244876](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/9780319244876).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-3)** Halley, James J (1980). *The Squadrons of the Royal Air Force*. Tonbridge: Air-Britain. p. 361. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [0-85130-083-9](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/0-85130-083-9).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-4)** ["Shipton - Airfields of Britain Conservation Trust UK"](https://www.abct.org.uk/airfields/airfield-finder/shipton/). *www.abct.org.uk*. Retrieved 4 September 2019.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-5)** ["5 Salvage Centre, formed at Tollerton September 1939; later became 60 Maintenance Unit"](https://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/r/C4100726). *discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk*. Retrieved 6 September 2019.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEOtter2003287_6-0)** [Otter 2003](#CITEREFOtter2003), p. 287.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-7)** Wotherspoon, Nick; Clark, Alan; Sheldon, Mark (2009). *Aircraft wrecks : the walker's guide : historic crash sites on the moors and mountains of the British Isles*. Barnsley: Pen and Sword Aviation. p. 200. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-1-84415-9109](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-1-84415-9109).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-8)** Norman, Bill (2002). *Broken eagles 2 : Luftwaffe losses over Northumberland and Durham, 1939-1945*. Barnsley: Leo Cooper. p. 41. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [0-85052-913-1](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/0-85052-913-1).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-9)** Ranter, Harro. ["Accident Airspeed Oxford Mk I LX518, 18 Oct 1943"](https://aviation-safety.net/wikibase/159963). *aviation-safety.net*. Retrieved 4 September 2019.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-10)** Halpenny, Bruce Barrymore (1982). *Action stations 4* (2 ed.). Letchworth: Stephens. p. 171. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [0-85059-532-0](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/0-85059-532-0).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-11)** ["Glossary letter S"](http://www.abct.org.uk/airfields/glossary/?letter=s). *abct.org.uk*. Retrieved 7 September 2019.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-12)** Philpott, Ian M (2008). [*The Royal Air Force : an encyclopaedia of the inter-war years*](https://archive.org/details/royalairforceenc0000phil/page/264). Barnsley: Pen & Sword. p. [264](https://archive.org/details/royalairforceenc0000phil/page/264). [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-1-84415-391-6](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-1-84415-391-6).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-14)** Bean, Dan (14 April 2011). ["Bombing raid mystery is solved at RAF Linton-on-Ouse"](https://www.yorkpress.co.uk/news/8973454.bombing-raid-mystery-is-solved-at-raf-linton-on-ouse/). *York Press*. Retrieved 6 September 2019.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEDelve2006223_15-0)** [Delve 2006](#CITEREFDelve2006), p. 223.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEDelve2006305_16-0)** [Delve 2006](#CITEREFDelve2006), p. 305.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-17)** Twigge, Stephen; Scott, Len (2000). *Planning Armageddon : Britain, the United States and the command of Western nuclear forces 1945-1964*. Amsterdam: Harwood Academic. p. 270. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [90-5823-006-6](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/90-5823-006-6).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-18)** ["Sources for the Study of Sheffield and the Cold War, 1945 - 1991"](https://www.sheffield.gov.uk/content/dam/sheffield/docs/libraries-and-archives/archives-and-local-studies/research/Cold%20War%20Study%20Guide%20v1-0%20PDF.pdf) (PDF). *sheffield.gov.uk*. January 2013. p. 4. Retrieved 7 September 2019.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-MCC_19-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-MCC_19-1) McCamley, Nick (2013). *Cold War secret nuclear bunkers : the passive defence of the Western World during the Cold War*. Barnsley: Leo Cooper. p. 109. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-1-78303-010-1](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-1-78303-010-1).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-20)** Laurie, Peter (1979). *Beneath the city streets : a private enquiry into government preparations for national emergency*. London: Panther. p. 253. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [0-586-05055-8](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/0-586-05055-8).

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-SB_21-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-SB_21-1) ["Shipton Rotor Radar SOC and RGHQ – Subterranea Britannica"](https://www.subbrit.org.uk/sites/shipton-rotor-radar-soc-and-rghq/). *www.subbrit.org.uk*. Retrieved 4 September 2019.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-22)** Spence, Norman (1987). *Watchers over the broad acres : the story of the Royal Observer Corps in Yorkshire*. Harrogate: Ramsay. p. 88. [OCLC](/source/OCLC_(identifier)) [786209294](https://search.worldcat.org/oclc/786209294).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-23)** Delve, Ken (2005). *Bomber Command 1939-1945 : a reference to the men - aircraft & operational history*. Barnsley: Pen & Sword Aviation. p. 339. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [9781844151837](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/9781844151837).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-24)** Beaumont, Bill (24 October 1995). Hunter, A F C (ed.). "Fighter Command and the Air Defence of Great Britain". *Royal Air Force Historical Society* (16A). London: 135. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [0951-9824-6X](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/0951-9824-6X).

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-PS_25-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-PS_25-1) [Historic England](/source/Historic_England). ["Shipton Sector Operations Centre (1489559)"](https://www.heritagegateway.org.uk/Gateway/Results_Single.aspx?uid=1489559&resourceID=19191). *Research records (formerly PastScape)*. Retrieved 4 September 2019.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-26)** [Historic England](/source/Historic_England). ["RAF Boulmer (1488866)"](https://www.heritagegateway.org.uk/Gateway/Results_Single.aspx?uid=1488866&resourceID=19191). *Research records (formerly PastScape)*. Retrieved 4 September 2019.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-27)** ["Regional Government Headquarters 2.1 Shipton By Beningbrough, Huby"](https://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/r/8f986949-1627-44bb-8de3-3a25e845f813). *discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk*. Retrieved 4 September 2019.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-28)** ["Civil Defence: From the First World War to the Cold War"](https://historicengland.org.uk/images-books/publications/iha-civil-defence/heag145-civil-defence-iha/) (PDF). *historicengland.org.uk*. October 2016. p. 18. Retrieved 7 September 2019.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-29)** ["Government Bunkers - Hansard"](https://hansard.parliament.uk/Commons/2001-11-14/debates/2d03d6c7-36ff-4204-b823-67832764b060/GovernmentBunkers). *hansard.parliament.uk*. Retrieved 3 September 2019.

### Bibliography

- Delve, Ken (2006). *Northern England : Co. Durham, Cumbria, Isle of Man, Lancashire, Merseyside, Manchester, Northumberland, Tyne & Wear, Yorkshire*. Marlborough: Crowood. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [1-86126-809-2](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/1-86126-809-2).

- Otter, Patrick (2003). *Yorkshire Airfields in the Second World War*. Newbury: Countryside Books. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [1-85306-542-0](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/1-85306-542-0).

## External links

- [Diagram of typical bunker layout](http://www.vulcans.co.uk/bunkers.htm)

v t e Royal Air Force Formations and units Units Commands Groups Wings Squadrons Flights Conversion units Operational Training units Schools / Training units Ferry units Glider units Misc units Stations Active Former Satellite Landing Grounds Station description Regiment Wings Squadrons Flights Branches and components Air Force Board RAF Regiment RAF Chaplains Branch RAF Intelligence RAF Legal Branch RAF Medical Services Princess Mary's RAF Nursing Service RAF Police RAF ground trades RAF Music Services RAF Search and Rescue Force RAF Mountain Rescue Service RAF Marine Branch RAF Air Cadets Operations Reserve forces Royal Auxiliary Air Force RAF Volunteer Reserve Equipment List of RAF aircraft current future List of RAF missiles List of equipment of the RAF Regiment Personnel Officer ranks Other ranks List of notable personnel List of serving senior officers Personnel numbers Appointments Chief of Air Staff Assistant Chief of the Air Staff Air Member for Personnel Air Secretary Air Member for Materiel Commandant-General of the RAF Regiment Warrant Officer of the RAF Symbols and uniform Badge Ensign Heraldic badges Roundels Squadron standards and battle honours Uniform Associated civil organisations Air Training Corps Combined Cadet Force (RAF section) RAF Association RAF Centre of Aviation Medicine RAF Benevolent Fund RAF Football Association RAF Museum History Timeline Future

v t e Royal Air Force stations in Yorkshire Flying stations Active Leeming Topcliffe1 Former Acaster Malbis Bellasize Beverley Bircotes Bramham Breighton2 Burn2 Carnaby Catfoss Catterick Church Fenton2 Clifton Coal Aston Cottam Croft Dalton Dishforth Doncaster Driffield East Moor Elvington Finningley2 Firbeck Full Sutton Hedon Helperby Holme-on-Spalding Moor Hornsea Mere Howden Hutton Cranswick Leconfield Lindholme Linton-on-Ouse Lissett Manywells Height Marske Marston Moor Melbourne Pocklington Redcar Riccall Ripon Rufforth2 Scorton Sherburn-in-Elmet2 Skipton-on-Swale Snaith Tholthorpe Thornaby Wombleton Yeadon2 Non-flying stations Active Fylingdales3 Menwith Hill3 Staxton Wold3 Former Bawtry Bempton3 Bent Rigg3 Bowes Moor Bridlington Cowden Danby Beacon3 Goldsborough3 Harrogate Holmpton3 Hunmanby Moor Misson Northallerton4 Norton Oxenhope Moor3 Patrington3 Shipton3 Sutton on Hull Notes 1: used for only for RAF gliders 2: now used for civilian aviation 3: communications or radar sites 4: RAF hospital

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Adapted from the Wikipedia article [RAF Shipton](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RAF_Shipton) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RAF_Shipton?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.