Can anyone out there remember the former RAF station, RAF Norton at Gledless the sqnds or units that where based there .and what year did this station close down.

I can remember the R.A.F. station at norton,the barage ballon's that flew there during the second world war,however I wasn't old enough to remember detail's about squadron's or dates.Sorry! :P 8)

thanks very much halevan for your help if you think of eney other info please post it on the forum

does eney one know where i can find out the history about this former raf station that has been around sheffield for over 60 years now their are no web sites at all that i can find thanks.......

Perhaps following some of the links on this page may help you in your quest:

http://www.raf.mod.uk/history/sources.html#archives

Nomme

I believe one of the buildings is reputed to be haunted!

I think the main South Yorkshire aircraft museum is at Doncaster, although there was a great small one at Firbeck between Maltby and Oldcotes. Does anyone know if it is still there and open?

Yes, I remember going to an air show there in the fifties with my parents, had a great time, no idea when it closed down though.

As far I know RAF Norton was a barrrage balloon depot during WW2 under the control of the RAF and not a fully operational areodrome.
Lots of referances in the city library.

Tony R Turner

Good God! Derek, do you remember it as well ? My overiding memory of that day was when a jet swooped really low, what a noise! I almost .. er.embarrassed myself, and my parents.

If you used to be known by the nickname SONNY can you please get in touch .

Raf Norton was No. 16 Balloon Centre.(Barrage Balloons).The centre comprised of three Squadrons.
939 (West Riding),940 (West Riding) and 941 (West Riding). Each squadron had three flights comprising 8 balloons each.
During the war years some form of military detention centre was also on the site.I have a friend who was aircrew who spent several days there following a pub brawl in Sheffield city centre.(Aircrew didn't drink did they??). In post war years an air display took place each year up to the late fifties.I remember seeing fly pasts by Meteors, Vampires,Canberras, V bombers and the like.There was of course no runway as such.There were military bands playing and static displays of jet engines etc in the balloon hangars. Who can remember the two 'Gate Guardian' aircraft on each side of the main gate?.There was a Spitfire and a Vampire (I think!), both painted silver with RAF markings.I used to ride past on my bicycle and stop to peer at them through the fence.When the station closed I remember reading in the 'Star' newspaper that these two aircraft had gone to the 'Strathallan' collection in Scotland.Hope this is of use.

Some info for anyone lookinf ro old service pals.

http://www.vimart.co.uk

The site has recently started up, but it looks like a great idea.


Moon Maiden

Oh! Norton Aeredrome is still standing is it--after I used to practice my driving on it in 1971 as an L Driver!!
See, I was a good driver after all!!

I believe that the Firbeck collection went to Doncaster, in full or part I cannot say. Firbeck has a long history of flying by the site of the old collection. I belive it's military history is detailed in one of the books about south yorkshire air bases.

graham_mca

REF. RAF Norton

There were only balloons there, it was built to look like an areodrome, to attract the german bombers away from the east end steelworks of, John Browns and The English Steel company who were making shells for the war.
They were build in many cities in the north and midlands.

Originally posted by "RowlandPayne"

Can anyone out there remember the former RAF station, RAF Norton at Gledless the sqnds or units that where based there .and what year did this station close down.
I was stationed at RAF NORTON DURING 1958 as a radar fitter.
The Station was the No 3 ground radar servicing section. 3GRSS.
I think the station closed in 1960.

My father in law worked at the R A F site after the war I believe he looked after the boiler and did general work on the night shift if my memory serves me correctly :shock:

I blame RAF Norton for my decision to enter the RAF when I was 'called up' in 1958. I had visited an 'open day' at RAF Norton a few years before, and thought the RAF was a neat service. Changed my mind after 5 years as a Wop/A.!!
I drove a circular bus (#3, I think) that went past Norton, this was in 1964, thought I remembered Norton still being open! Maybe not!

there was a aerodrome about where Jordenthorpe school is the site at lightwood was a balloon barage site during the war

As a small chid in the late 1940s I remember going past R.A.F Norton on the bus and seeing literally thousands of U.S Army "jeeps". When I asked why they were there I was told that they were all going to be scrapped, otherwise they would flood the secondhand car market at the time

There are plans to build a new housing estate, hotel and business park on the Norton Aerodrome site. These plans are available to view at the new Town Hall building (Howden House).
Having looked at the plans, there are no historic maps of the site until about the 1950's, probably due to the fact that it was kept secret during the war.
I live on the Charnock estate and I regularly walk through the aerodrome. One of my neighbours used to work there after the war. I dont know when the building work is due to commence but, for anyone interested, it might be worth having a last look at the site before is is developed on.

This is not the Barrage Ballon station at Norton, this was a proper airfield with landing strip and was located at the junction of Norton Lane and Dyche Lane, the site is now occupied by Rowlinson Junior School, I have read a book about the history of this airfield but cannot recall the title I think it was something like "Wartime memories of Norton"

The RAF station at Norton was an active base upto the 1950s. I remember that it had a spitfire or hurricane at the main gate .
I also believe that the only time the Great Yorkshire show was held outside Yorkshire it was held at the Norton airfield but I don't
know if that is a fact.

I think we are at cross purposes here, Norton Woodseats Airfield is Not the one where the Barrage Ballons were serviced, I lived next door to that one for many years.

So what was the airfield at norton/lightwood, which is now used as a driving centre used for? was it used inWW2?

Priory the only reason has to be that it wasnt in yorkshire in those days it was in derbyshire i believe.

The base at Lightwood was used in WW11 as a service and repair base for Barrage Ballons, and yes it would be in Derbyshire at that time.

I think that the airfield was used in WW1.Flying displays were there between the wars.A friend of mine frim Sheffield did his National Service there.

They probably did do flying displays but that would most likely have been the base at Norton/Woodseats where they had a landing strip and could take quite large aircraft [at the time] the Barrage Balloon base had no landing strip and is surrounded by trees.

I will try to locate the book I mentioned in earlier post, It has lots of history and pictures. give me a few days to find it.

If you wish to know about both Airbases at Norton you will find it in this book "Norton in wartime" by Norton History group, they can be contacted at, Mrs W N Gilmour, 264 Norton lane, Sheffield, S8 8HD.

The Airbase at Norton Woodseats was No 2 Aircraft repair Depot and the other one was No 16 Ballon Centre Sheffield.

Sheffield archives On Shoreham St have a plan of the entire site ref,BUSH S586.

The book has lots of photos and maps of both sites so if you want to know about this you can order the book through your local library ISBN 0 9525395 0 0.

Thank you.

I was in the A.T.C. during 1958, and remember being on duty there during one of the open days and flypast events. It finished service I believe in 1960, being a radar service centre. The spitfire which was used as a gate guardian is now fully renovated and on display at the RAF museum at Hendon.

The Spitfire that used to be the "gate guardian" at RAF Norton was fully renovated, and is now displyed in the RAF museum at Hendon.

I did'nt know that, That museum is at the end of the M1 I believe, never been.

Check out new tread "RAF Norton Spitfire" for some more info

When my school used to take me there in the 60's everything was smart and in place. hutes - hangers - the grass cut - just like in the films. I know the station was not for aircraft but what's its real history.

Originally posted by Trekker
When my school used to take me there in the 60's everything was smart and in place. hutes - hangers - the grass cut - just like in the films. I know the station was not for aircraft but what's its real history.

Merged several similar threads so you should find something here. Good luck.

I was born in the RAF houses (I think they were anyway) that overlook the airfield. My Dad did his National Service in the late 50s in RAF, I don't know if thats why we ended up in those house or not.. I'll have to ask. I'm pretty sure it wasn't in use in 1964 when I was born.

Went to Herdings school 61-63 and vaguely remember small private planes using it, but did not see any RAF stuff.

I used to live opposite RAF Norton for several years and got to know it really well.

It was supposed to be a Convoy Assembly station and on open days had some very unconvincing photos of lage convoys, it was actually a wireless and radar repair station.

A lot of the people stationed there used to go in the Bagshawe Arms opposite on the few occasions they caused trouble the landlady (not landlord) used to throw them out.

Don't remeber ever seeing any planes and doubt if they could land "runways" not long enough.

Hiya......I lived and worked at lightwood in the 70's it was known as Lightwood house, it housed mentally and physically handicapped people, it was opened in approx 1974/75 previously it had been the old RAF Aradrome Lightwood Norton, the RAF houses had been done up and became housing for the staff, I was told while I was there that the staff housing used to be in Derbyshire and the hospital in Sheffield which was only across the carpark, hope this may be of help to someone.

Going back a bit earlier than the second world war, the site you’re talking about used to be an aerodrome during the 1920s and 30s. I remember going there with my parents to see an air display at a time when to see one aircraft in the sky was a novelty to be talked about for a week. I also recall that the main road leading to it — now a modern highway — was nothing more than a wide dirt drack. The areroplane I saw were stunt aircraft, with females doing handstands on the wings. Very exciting!

There was some sort of military site round the back of what used to be Rowlinson school at meadowhead when I was a kid. It would be just about where the all weather courts are at the top end.
I think that at some time there was an airfield of some sort that ran across where Jordanthorpe School field was,or so we were told by a teacher there. Just below the boys school but I think that may have been before the war.

There seems to be some confusion here, there were two RAF Aerodromes at Norton, one at Herdings near Gleadless which during the war was a Barrage Ballon maintenance site and after the war became a Radio/Radar maintenance unit, no planes ever landed there because there were'nt any runways, just narrow roadways which were later used for driver training, the other one was on Dyche Lane at Meadowhead, this one was an Aircraft repair facility and could take light to medium sized aircraft, it was also a base for a sort of flying circus with stunt planes, such as they were in those days, this is now replaced by Rowlinson School and there is very little evidence left.

I remember all those old buildings from when I was at school. For some reason it was always refered to as 'The Admiralty' , perhaps the navy used in WW2

I remember all those old buildings from when I was at school. For some reason it was always refered to as 'The Admiralty' , perhaps the navy used in WW2
Thanks for that Artisan I had been trying to think what it was known as.:) :thumbsup:

I had a newspaper cutting from the 1950's that showed a helicoper landing in a swirl of snow at RAF Norton, for some kind of trial work. Does anyone remember seeing this?

Forgot to mention that there is an aerial photo of RAF Norton being built, and a map showing the site in the 1960's, on line:

www.gleadless.net/pages/aerial/dscf1570.htm

www.gleadless.net/pages/maps/raf1967.htm

It was also a Radio training school for a short time My brothers partner's dad worked their. It moved to Finningley when the base closed.


I believe the land was purchased by the Trent Regional Health Authority and was to have been a new hospital the Southern General Hospital but the Hallamshire was built instead.

When Western Park Hospital was being built equipment was ordered, but the building was not ready, so it was stored for a short time at Norton in the building with it's windows bricked up next to the road.

The buildings have since been used for storage, the main thing used to be sweets, Kinder Eggs and Flumps! In the 80's I can remember kids sneaking into the wharehouses, avoiding the Group 4 security and nicking boxes of sweets, then sitting in Herdings Park to eat them.

I believe one of the buildings used to house a kitchen unit manufacturer.

I did read somewhere,that during WWII Bomber Command crewmen who cracked under strain (Combat fatigue not being recognised then) had their paybooks stamped LMF (LACKING MORAL FIBRE) and sent to a prison 'in Sheffield'. The book may have been one by Martin Middlebrook and I assumed the prison was at RAF Norton.

The buildings have since been used for storage, the main thing used to be sweets, Kinder Eggs and Flumps! In the 80's I can remember kids sneaking into the wharehouses, avoiding the Group 4 security and nicking boxes of sweets, then sitting in Herdings Park to eat them.

I believe one of the buildings used to house a kitchen unit manufacturer.

Correct!

Back in the 70's I think the old Norton Aerodrome site was owned by the NHS - the plan was to build a third big hospital for Sheffield on the site (Hallamshire and Northern General the two other big 'uns). Presumably that's why they put the ambulance station at Batemoor.

The hangers were rented out as wharehouses (Gloystarne seems to ring a bell) and the runways used as for the driving "skid pan".

my warrant officer at RAF Wittering was stationed there, unfiortunately we never got a good chance to chat about it as he told me about it in my "demob" interview in 1996

Did I not hear that in the 1960's a local authority report was commissioned for a council owned "Sheffield International Airport"? The site was seriously considered for such a development and "could" have evolved in the same way that post WW2 Manchester Airport did. Had this have been the case, the south side of Sheffield as we currently see it could have been a completely different place (from Meadowhead Roundabout to Gleadless) - with the hussle and bustle of a major international gateway and a somewhat "smaller" Manchester airport that we see today. Some things are just not meant to happen. I guess instead, we got Bochum Parkway - wayhey!

There may be some confusion about Norton being called "The Admiralty", this in fact was the general term for The Naval Ordnance Inspection establishment which was on Janson St, Attercliffe. It closed in the late 70s.

there was a aerodrome about where Jordenthorpe school is the site at lightwood was a balloon barage site during the war
yes this air field was known as Coal aston for light air craft and shows Arthur.

yes this air field was known as Coal aston for light air craft and shows Arthur.

But Coal Aston has an airfield... located at Coal Aston - on a farm. Still operational today.

As far I know RAF Norton was a barrrage balloon depot during WW2 under the control of the RAF and not a fully operational areodrome.
Lots of referances in the city library.

Tony R TurnerArthur, I always understood the same as you Tony, by the way Steve Turley is coming to see me here in France next week [ He is my son- in -law!]

I lived behind norton aerodrome for years when I was Little it was three fields then before the driving school. The top one had three big hangers, three smaller ones and lots of small buildings and small roads,there was a big bunker built into the ground (looked like a mound of earth from a distance ) with two iron doors as kids we believed there were skeletons in there .A wall on a sand bank where we thought they shot people (we were kids). All this area was fenced in and a man with two Alsatians patrolled it, if he saw you he didn't think twice about setting the dogs on you, run for my life a few times we used to weave rushes up through the fence so we new where the gap was dogs couldn't get under only small kids. Middle field hand lots of concrete squares with big iron rings in them where I think they tide the barrage balloons. This became 2 football pitches, and the third field was over grown with a road that run down for the top field behind the middle field and ended up in a circle like a roundabout this had some kind of metal griding we called these the dog kennels, the circle was made into a skateboard area with climbing frames near by. the RAF houses were at the bottom end of Bowman drive and round that area and were always called the "army houses" from these houses we had lots of friends come and go over the years, now sold off. there were about five more houses off lightwood lane and we called these the officers houses this is my memory as a child and only what we though not all will be correct but I will ask my brother he was older and went up on to the camp (naughty boy )see if he will write some thing.

I was in the A.T.C. during 1958, and remember being on duty there during one of the open days and flypast events. It finished service I believe in 1960, being a radar service centre. The spitfire which was used as a gate guardian is now fully renovated and on display at the RAF museum at Hendon.
Hi there little malc I was also an air cadet, and our Squadron was moved up to Norton camp when they closed the old building in Hermatige St for the ''modernisation'' at the bottom of the Moor. I remember a Sunderland flying boat doing a fly past, it came from behind the hangers like a block of flats travelling at a fair rate of knots

There may be some confusion about Norton being called "The Admiralty", this in fact was the general term for The Naval Ordnance Inspection establishment which was on Janson St, Attercliffe. It closed in the late 70s.

I grew up in Coal Aston, & have only just discovered existence of RAF Norton.
Apparently, during WWII, my father worked at a branch of the Admiralty somewhere near the present Rowlinson school, which might account for the confusion. He & my mum both remember the airfield. Tho' my mum seems to think it was built before WWII...

Recently heard that part of the old runway of the Norton aerodrome was exposed when they were digging the foundations for the new Meadowhead school.

I came across a substantial amount of information regarding RAF Norton quite by accident at the National Archives at Kew the other day.
It has some absolute horror stories about the state of mainly aircrew and ground tradesmen there, who had suffered badly in service, from the sounds of it both mentally and physically.
Badly infested with lice,with severe infections to gums,teeth, ears and just about everything else.From what i could read from the descriptions these were men that had not coped well under wartime operational conditions, which if you read about life on fighter/ bomber bases was (often) nothing like the hollywood portrayals.
Extremely high instances of sick quarter leave and serious disciplinary issues are noted in daily logs by the CO, and i can only imagine it must have been a very depressing place,a haven from other hells,....... or a wierd mix of both ?

XS186 CREW

The base at Lightwood was used in WW11 as a service and repair base for Barrage Ballons, and yes it would be in Derbyshire at that time.

Just checked a map and it still is in Derbyshire. The Maps appers up-to-date.

There's a book in the City Libraries called 'From Bailey to Bailey, a short history of military buildings in Sheffield' by Stephen Johnson, which includes a history of both RAF Norton and the Coal Aston Aerodrome, which dated from the First World War. I'm sure it will tell you everything you want to know.

RAF Norton was indeed a radar repair unit until it closed. My cousin was stationed there for two years and whilst working in Saudi, I met two ex RAFInstrument engineeres who were stationed there also.

My dad was posted there, and i was born in the RAF houses on Bowman Drive.
My birth certificate says that it was in the parish of Eckington, DERBYSHIRE!!!
That was 1958, dont know when it became part of Sheffield, YORKSHIRE

My dad was posted there, and i was born in the RAF houses on Bowman Drive.
My birth certificate says that it was in the parish of Eckington, DERBYSHIRE!!!
That was 1958, dont know when it became part of Sheffield, YORKSHIRE

my ex husband's 1966 Birth Certificate states XXXX Road, Gleadless Townend, Sheffield, DERBYSHIRE, too. he was born only a few hundred yards from there.

I believe it was about 1967/8/ the derbyshire part of sheffield was incorporated within the city boundaries.

Another friend of mine was born in Hackenthorpe, in about '62, and his Birth Certificate says Hackenthorpe, Derbyshire, too!

(BTW, parish boundaries are different to civil boundaries)

Hackenthorpe was in Derbyshire as I had to attend a derbyshire school, Ridgeway Junior school when we moved out there in the 50's.
One spot where the county borders met was down the bottom of Intake where a stream ran under the main road. There was a sign there so you could have one foot in each County! Anyone remember ?

Hackenthorpe was in Derbyshire as I had to attend a derbyshire school, Ridgeway Junior school when we moved out there in the 50's.
One spot where the county borders met was down the bottom of Intake where a stream ran under the main road. There was a sign there so you could have one foot in each County! Anyone remember ?

yes....near the old 95 bus terminus.

I remeber playing and bird nesting in the old hangers that ran along Chesterfield road before both the schools were built was built and that was in the mid 50s. They took the hangers down a few years after they built Jordanthorpe school and widened the road. I also remember doing illegel driver training along the old runways a bit further up before the other school was built. I can remember a fire station being there but not where sorry.

Can anyone out there remember the former RAF station, RAF Norton at Gledless the sqnds or units that where based there .and what year did this station close down.

I have a programme for RAF Norton Open Day dated 17th September 1960.At this time it was No.3 Ground Radio Servicing Squadron.The commanding officer is given as Wing Commander J.H.I.Stirling.There is a squadron badge which consists of two gauntlets with a lightning flash passing between them.The station motto is 'Test and Prove'.In the open day programme is a plan of the station giving locations for the cinema,hangars,lost children post,workshops etc.Attractions given are.......Raf Police Dog Team...Raf regional band...cinema showing aviation films....bars...hangars with displays of jet engines....survival equipment...armament...radio and radar equipment..the list goes on.I was there on the day aged about 14yrs.I vividly remember the flying display with Meteors ,Vampires Canberras and the like.Any one else remember these open day displays???????

I remember my dad taking me and my friend Jacqui to one of the open days sometime in the mid 50s. The Vulcan bomber had recently become operational and to everyones delight one flew over the base. My friends brother was in the A.T.C. He went on to join the R.A.F., became a pilot and reached the rank of Squadron Leader and I believe he flew Vulcans at one time.He was David Aston, does anyone remember him?

I believe one of the buildings is reputed to be haunted!

I think the main South Yorkshire aircraft museum is at Doncaster, although there was a great small one at Firbeck between Maltby and Oldcotes. Does anyone know if it is still there and open?

i have pictures of this aerodrome took around 3 years ago but cant access them as they are on an old hard drive. they are supposedly spooky ones of a man walking his dog etc and there is a rope noose hanging from the roof inside the hangar

Hackenthorpe was in Derbyshire as I had to attend a derbyshire school, Ridgeway Junior school when we moved out there in the 50's.
One spot where the county borders met was down the bottom of Intake where a stream ran under the main road. There was a sign there so you could have one foot in each County! Anyone remember ?

have you been under the road through the stream?. we walked under there and had almost got across when a barrage of water fell down from the grates in the road :hihi:

Recently heard that part of the old runway of the Norton aerodrome was exposed when they were digging the foundations for the new Meadowhead school.

the old air raid shelter is still there in the woods at the top of hazlebarrow drive.the mormon church there used to be ex servicemans club site an old tin hut ,it closed in the seventys.

I remember being taken to Norton to see an RAF air display circa '58, the only planes I can recall were Fairey Deltas mainly 'cause I subsequently got the airfix kit (droop snoot nose like the much later Concord)
Coal Aston airfield is still very much live and kicking on the hill upside of Apperknowle, regular light aircraft traffic particularly at weekends - there were also stories of a Cobham Flying Circus performance at Coal Aston proper ??
My Mother taught at Birley Spa, Frechville, which was in Derbyshire when she started there, maybe 1962, and in South Yorkshire when she retired 1970

I was stationed as R A F Norton with the RAF Police for 2 years
from 1952 to 1953 along with Corporals Peter Lowe from Liverpool,Cpl John Baines from Inverness, and Cpl Alf Seddon from Lancashire looking after the Guardroom and Station Security until being demobbed from there in Sept 1953 (after the Coronation.)
The Station Adjutant at that time was a Flying Officer Terry who was in overall charge.
During that time it was No. 3 GRSS ( Ground Radar Service )
and also a Motor Pool. I would be interested to hear from anyone
else who was stationed there around that time.

I'm sure I went to the RAF Norton dances held on a Saturday night. Would be late 50's.
hazel

A friend of mine did his N.S. there, talk about luck.

I was in the ATC in 1958, we did "duty" there at the summer display, i remember the fly over was a Shackleton, Lincoln bomber, Canberra, Valiant, Varsity, and aerobatic display from Chipmunks. A hanger display of engines and RAF bits n bobs, and the great thrill of being allowed to sit in the cockpit of the mk 24 Spitfire which was the gate guardian.
This is now in the RAF museum at Hendon.

Hi,
I was stationed at R.A.F nortonand demobed in1953
:D

Not really Norton Woodseats but Lightwood. I went to what was then Norton County School on Derbyshire Lane (now Mundella School)and a lot of RAF Personnels childen attended there in the 1950's. The RAF also had houses in the area incl warminster Road where personell were housed if they had families. In the entrance to Mundella School on the notice board outside the school office there used to be a wooden Shield presented to the school in the 1950's by the RAF.

As one of the other posters has stated - there were two places - is that correct?

One of them was on the other side of Norton Lane/Dyche Lane - near to where Rowlinson School is/was. The other one is located further up - (using a 1960s roadmap) - going up Norton Lane, past an estate house up towards the Water Tower - then a road junction - bear right and keep going and the other aerodrome is on the right? Is this correct?

I used to play in the buildings opposite Norton Lane - early/mid 1960s and I definitely remember watching airshows from my house which was on Norton Park...

[QUOTE=pwhs;2834512]As one of the other posters has stated - there were two places - is that correct?QUOTE]

Yep, I think the one at Rowlinson school may have had a runway. The other was at Lightwood and at some time it made or housed barrage balloons. Didnt have runway though.

My late mother was a WAAF here, it was 16 Balloon Command, Aircrew Refresher School, she called it a 'Discip' station. It was where the bad boys ended up - some Low Moral Fibre. One rule was you never asked why they were there. She met her fiancée there - a Lancaster rear gunner, he was sent back to fly again. He was shot down over Holland on a Berlin raid in March 1944. He was just 19 years old.

I do remember the air raid shelter in fact I was metla detecting close by and found 5 spent lee enfield cartridges but they are dated 1949 can any body explain why they would be shooting at that point int ime

I do remember the air raid shelter in fact I was metla detecting close by and found 5 spent lee enfield cartridges but they are dated 1949 can any body explain why they would be shooting at that point int ime

because the base hadn't been decommissioned at that time? it wasn't decommissioned until the early 50's (1953, according to an earlier contributor, sbrocklesby)

I realise that but the site doesnt have a shooting range and these arent blank rounds that have been fired. Im ex army and pattern they were laid in leads me to believe they were shot in one place and not just throne there.

because the base hadn't been decommissioned at that time? it wasn't decommissioned until the early 50's (1953, according to an earlier contributor, sbrocklesby)

Hi PT,

RAF Norton was still open in the late 1950's, certainly about 1958 because I used to use the Sgt's Mess there. I wasn't actually in the RAF at that time but I had several friends who were serving there and they used to invite me on a weekly basis. That is probably part of the reason for my eventually joining the RAF in 1959.

RAF Norton, like most other camps, did have a rifle range where the troops would carry out their annual Ground Defence Training. Nothing very elaborate, just a brick built butts, filled with sand.

Mike

Hi PT,

RAF Norton was still open in the late 1950's, certainly about 1958 because I used to use the Sgt's Mess there. I wasn't actually in the RAF at that time but I had several friends who were serving there and they used to invite me on a weekly basis. That is probably part of the reason for my eventually joining the RAF in 1959.

RAF Norton, like most other camps, did have a rifle range where the troops would carry out their annual Ground Defence Training. Nothing very elaborate, just a brick built butts, filled with sand.

Mike

I nursed at the hospital that was built on the site, and grew up nearby. I was going on what sbrocklesby was saying about the "closing" date of 1953.

Hi PT,

If you read S.Brocklesby again, you will see that he did not say that it closed in 1953 but that he was demobbed in that year.

Regards,

Mike

Hi PT,

If you read S.Brocklesby again, you will see that he did not say that it closed in 1953 but that he was demobbed in that year.

Regards,

Mike

I beg your puffin ! ;)

I misread the post:- I interpreted it as the site was demobbed in 53.

Put it down to me having a bit of a "blonde" moment.

Any idea of the loction of the shooting butts as there is no referance on the maps availble so I can add it to the plan of the area that Iam doing ????/ also does anyone know of or have any pictures of the two anti aircraft guns. One just opposite the power station at norton roundabout and the one the was at the top of coalaton hill to the left of the farm

The question re DERBY/YORKS boundry it ran though the middle of the camp in the 50s
Iwas stationed there and can remember the question being asked who do we send for Police/fire service on checking maps it was found that the officers mess the dinning room was in DERBYSHIRE the anti room was in YORKSHIRE
In 1955 ther was a fire in the M.T Yard station fire brigade was turned out a small bantam truck with one fire man and is duty fire crew of station airmen
sheffield fire service were also called they arrived put out the fire and was on there way out of the camp when the station fire engine arrived at the m.t.yard being pushed by the firemen Iunderstand that sheffield fire service did state that it was a derbyshire job and we should have called them [nearest Ekington] I WAS THERE ONE OF MANY TALES OF MY THREE YEARS ON THE CAMP

MY FATHER WORKED ON PUTTING IN THE CENTROL HEATING AT NORTON RAF CAMP.
i THINK IT WAS THE LATE THIRTYS. I LEFT SHEFFIELD IN 1960 BUT I USE TO PLAY DOWN LIGHTWOOD LANE AS A KID.
ROY.

Hi Harmston,

Did you know?

John Hughes (RIP 2008) Sheffield lad

Bert Raby & Norman Green (I met them whilst working in Saudi).

I was in the ATC in 1957, and it was certainly open then, as we attended the air show there. I still have some photos of the aircraft flying over, Shackleton, Vickers Varsity and Valliant V bomber, to name a few. The RAF mountain rescue team also put on a display climbing the giant hanger walls with ropes etc.
I was particularly chuffed at being allowed to sit in the cockpit of the Spitfire that acted as gate guardian, this same machine is now on display at the RAF museum at Hendon, see seperate thread about this on forum.
The air show was I believe, an annual event, I wonder if anyone else remembers this?

Yes that Aerodrome between the old Coal Aston Rd. and Chesterfield Rd. took aircraft before WW2. I went past it many a time but never looked over the high hedge which surounded it. A Canadian who flew Hurricanes and Lancasters during the war told me his brother was flying spitfires out of Sheffield, I don't know how true this is but he didn't give me the impression he would lie. I do know Canadians were stationed there during the war.

ptrA sorry these name not known to me poss that is because i was up in officers mess and as senior bar srtaff we lived in spare officers quarters due to having late hours and parties for officers the W/C WAS A GREAT PARTY MAN

Hi ptaA

SORRY THESE NAME MEAN NOTHING TO ME POSS THAT I LIVED UP CAMP IN SPARE OFFICERS QUARTERS DUE TO A GOOD C.O WHO LOOKED AFTER STAFF DUE TO HAVING UNSOCIAL HOURS TO TO HIS LOVE OF PARTIES ANY REASON TO HAVE ONE ?

BOY DID WE HAVE SOME GOOD NIGHTS AND EARLY MORNINGS

Do You Know Where The Closest Usaf Base To Sheffield Was Located In 1951. Thanks

In February 1939 the RAF established an office at 641 Attercliffe Road and began enlisting men who undertook initial barrage balloon training in a factory on Bridge street.

The RAF then acquired a site at Lightwood, erected buildings, and in the summer of 1939 transferred from Attercliffe to what was called No 16 Balloon Centre at Lightwood.

Their role was to set up barrage balloon sites around Sheffield, prepare and supply equipment, carry out repairs, and train staff to operate the sites.

By the time war broke out, there were 3 squadrons ready for action, No 393 (WEST), No 940(ROTHERHAM), and No 941(CENTRAL). 941 was disbanded in April 1940 and staff transferred to the other 2. At full strength there were 72 balloons around Sheffield.

By 1943 the air threat to Sheffield had diminished, and most of the balloons were transferred to the defence of London. On the 1st July 1943 Lightwood was renamed RAF Norton. It was transferred to Signals Command and became No 3 Ground Radio Servicing Squadron.

This continued until 1965, when under an RAF reorganisation the Squadron was moved to Rutland. RAF Norton officially closed in January 1965.

To go even further back, RAF Norton had a predecessor nearby.
In 1915 the RFC opened a training airfield and landing strip at Coal Aston, near to Norton Lane, just south of the now Norton Lane/Bochum Parkway junction. It eventually grew to cover a large area around what's now the 4 Lane Ends roundabout at Meadowhead.

This site, along with one at Ecclesfield and another next to the Redmires Camp were used for much of 1916 for night flights in defence of Sheffield.

Unlike the other 2 though,it remained as an RAF establishment well after the war ended.

To begin with it was home to No 17 Training Squadron, RFC, and for some of the time to flights from 33 Squadron, whose headquarters were at Gainsborough.

The squadrons flew BE2c aircraft from a grass strip, but as its need as a defensive site grew less, it became a unit for carrying out repairs to a variety of aircraft, and eventually became No 2 (Northern) Aircraft Repair Depot.

It became almost a small township with hangars, stores, messes, living quarters and a church. It even had its own railway. Women from the Army's Voluntary Aid Detachment eventually arrived to release RFC members for active service.

Towards the end of the War PoW's were housed on part of the site. Government interest in the site dwindled and by 1920 the airfield was unused. When it went up for sale in 1922, it is said the City Council showed an interest in acquiring it for the development of civil aviation, but nothing came of it.

Where Americans based there in 1951

Where Americans based there in 1951

I doubt it. I'm not sure where the nearest US base was, I suspect it might have been Burtonwood, near Warrington in Lancashire. Most US bases were further south, from Lincolnshire southwards.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/liverpool/content/articles/2006/11/30/local_history_burtonwood_feature.shtml

Brilliant that Algy, the most concise history of RAF Norton yet, many thanks

Hi ALGY as was said before a triffic history norton thank you

Re question about U.S. forces i think that they took over R.A.F. Lindhome nr doncaster do not know date after they pulled out it was turned in to a prison is
still there

I am stilled puzzled how any one can escape if all prisons are run like Lindhhome as an ex lorry driver bitter memorys of trying to get in and just as bad if not worce to get out

Thanks, but I can't take the credit, I got the information from a book called 'Bailey to Bailey' by Steven Johnson, it's a history of all the military buildings in Sheffield, and packed with information.:thumbsup:

In February 1939 the RAF established an office at 641 Attercliffe Road and began enlisting men who undertook initial barrage balloon training in a factory on Bridge street.

The RAF then acquired a site at Lightwood, erected buildings, and in the summer of 1939 transferred from Attercliffe to what was called No 16 Balloon Centre at Lightwood.

Their role was to set up barrage balloon sites around Sheffield, prepare and supply equipment, carry out repairs, and train staff to operate the sites.

By the time war broke out, there were 3 squadrons ready for action, No 393 (WEST), No 940(ROTHERHAM), and No 941(CENTRAL). 941 was disbanded in April 1940 and staff transferred to the other 2. At full strength there were 72 balloons around Sheffield.

By 1943 the air threat to Sheffield had diminished, and most of the balloons were transferred to the defence of London. On the 1st July 1943 Lightwood was renamed RAF Norton. It was transferred to Signals Command and became No 3 Ground Radio Servicing Squadron.

This continued until 1965, when under an RAF reorganisation the Squadron was moved to Rutland. RAF Norton officially closed in January 1965.

To go even further back, RAF Norton had a predecessor nearby.
In 1915 the RFC opened a training airfield and landing strip at Coal Aston, near to Norton Lane, just south of the now Norton Lane/Bochum Parkway junction. It eventually grew to cover a large area around what's now the 4 Lane Ends roundabout at Meadowhead.

This site, along with one at Ecclesfield and another next to the Redmires Camp were used for much of 1916 for night flights in defence of Sheffield.

Unlike the other 2 though,it remained as an RAF establishment well after the war ended.

To begin with it was home to No 17 Training Squadron, RFC, and for some of the time to flights from 33 Squadron, whose headquarters were at Gainsborough.

The squadrons flew BE2c aircraft from a grass strip, but as its need as a defensive site grew less, it became a unit for carrying out repairs to a variety of aircraft, and eventually became No 2 (Northern) Aircraft Repair Depot.

It became almost a small township with hangars, stores, messes, living quarters and a church. It even had its own railway. Women from the Army's Voluntary Aid Detachment eventually arrived to release RFC members for active service.

Towards the end of the War PoW's were housed on part of the site. Government interest in the site dwindled and by 1920 the airfield was unused. When it went up for sale in 1922, it is said the City Council showed an interest in acquiring it for the development of civil aviation, but nothing came of it.

This information concurs with my mother who says that 2 of her uncles who were in the Air Cadets (or similar to army's Territorials) were stationed at Norton, strangely enough, their surname was Norton.
I'll show her this information, many thanks for that.
Duffems

Hi WAVEY EXTAXMAN KATHY
If any of you are still interested some NORTON infomation for you sorry a bit late but only just startng on site
R.A.F. other ranks housing where on Bowman Drive
only two officers lived on camp in quarters the station C.O. and a transport officer
till about the end of 1954 when 5 houseing quarters where built down Lightwood Lane and I got the job of recieving and signing for everyt think which was supplied from the bedroom furniture to the nutcracker in the kitchen drawer in all 5 housers with the aid of any bad boys which were on punishment detail
The other rank did use the local Bagshaw Arms but the officers used the Nailmakers if not the officers mess bar which of course did not have any hours restrictons I know to my cost as duty bar man
The only aircraft able to land at Norton were helicopters the first to my knowledge was early 1955 whitch landed on the rugby pitch where the lightwood clinic is briinging home a army lad injured in Singapore to lodge moor hospital believe broken back

Harmston, you may be interested to hear my cousin lives in one of those houses now and he says he still has one of the original RAF wardrobes ! Could well have been one you signed in !

hi midge which house turn left off lightwood lane the first house was a detatch this was station commanders W/C Mummery A SMASHING GENTELMAN
then there is two block of two semi detatched these were for station F/L Dean Wilson
can not remember other two
hope this might be of interest to your cousin
Iam suprised to hear about the wardrobes should have thourt r.a.f. would have taken them but must have been made of good stuff not bad at 55 years old

hi Harmston. Just spoke with my cousin and he says theres a good reason the wardrobe is still there - it wont fit down the stairs !
Hes in one of the F/L houses.

I vividly remember the flying display with Meteors ,Vampires Canberras and the like. Any one else remember these open day displays???????

I remember going in the late fifties, I think there were also Hawker Hunter aircraft doing their fly-past. (only jet aircraft in world to be able to recover from a spin in free-fall)

This has been mentioned before, but just for anyone who does not know, the MK24 Spitfire that used to be the gate guardian at Norton is now on display at the RAF museum in Hendon.

This has been mentioned before, but just for anyone who does not know, the MK24 Spitfire that used to be the gate guardian at Norton is now on display at the RAF museum in Hendon.

Yes, and it is a fantastic day out at Hendon. Quite a way to travel, but it is free entry, and an absolute must for any full-on raf anoraks like us!!! Also, despite being in London, the cafe prices are very reasonable.:) Having done a lot of research on RAF Norton, it was great seeing the spitfire gate guardian which so many people remember at the site.

Yes Vulcan, the Hendon museum is terrific, but for all us Yorkshire folk, don't forget our local air museum at Elvington near York, well worth a visit, and for a one off experience you can have a conduted tour of the Halifax bomber, the only one in Britain available for you to actually get inside.

Yes Vulcan, the Hendon museum is terrific, but for all us Yorkshire folk, don't forget our local air museum at Elvington near York, well worth a visit, and for a one off experience you can have a conduted tour of the Halifax bomber, the only one in Britain available for you to actually get inside.

Spot on Malc, Elvington is a fabulous museum and retains it's wartime feel with the control tower and accomodations. It is very atmospheric, particularly the garden of remembrance, and an excellent teaching aid for younger generations who may not appreciate the sacrifices made.

A party of us from Scarborough Historical Aircraft Club are going to Elvington this Friday, most of the guys are ex RAF, a couple from WW2, the tour round the Halifax is going to be the highlight.
I feel very privledged to know these men who actually flew in WW2, on of the guys was an air-gunner in Hampden bombers, which were already obsolete at the start of the war.
interestingly, one of the founders of the club was "Ginger" Lacey, the WW2 battle of Britain fighter ace. He was a Bridlington man, a plaque is dedicated to him in Bridlington Priory.

I remember going to an air display in the early 50s The most memorable was to see an Avro Vulcan V bomber fly low overhead then climb almost vertical with a tremendous roar of its jet engines to vanish into the sky.

Im concinced that as a child in the 70's, I went to some kind of show/display there. I recall seing an F1 style racing car whizzing around a make shift track, being followed by a police Range Rover.

My parents dont remember this so could I have dreamt it, or did these kind of displays actually exist on the aerodrome?

I was in the ATC in 1957, and was on duty at Norton, acting as stewards, for the annual flying display. The aircraft I can remember giving display were;- Avro Shackleton, Valliant V-bomber, Handley Page Hastings, Chipmunk trainers, Hawker Hunter, I took great delight in sitting in the cockpit of the Mk24 Spitfire which was the gate guardian.
there was also internal displays of radar equipment, a RR Griffon engine, and other bits and pieces.
The RAF mountain rescue squad also gave a display of climbing the huge hanger wall with ropes etc. It was a warm sunny day, and I recall it was packed with people who had come for the show, I believe it was spread over a Saturday and Sunday, a very popular annual event in Sheffield.

I thought the last Spitfires were developed only to Mk19?

After the MK XIX came the Mk XX, Mk 21, Mk 22 and finally the Mk 24.

Thanks for the info, BayenBlade.

Anyone know what is happening to the old Norton aerodrome. There are rumours that it has been bought we wondered what was going to be on it. We were told the Sheffield College were interested in the site, any info anyone??

I was born in Lister Crescent, just off White Lane and the "Balloon Barage" as we called it was about half an hours walk up the hill towards Graves Park. I am just old enough to remember the balloons in ww2 and as a youngster after the war I was into 9.5mm cine (an old kodak camera from Sheffield Photo Co) which I used to film the air displays there (they couldn't land!) sometimes.
I went to a little "private" school called "Gleadless High School" run By Mrs Reynolds, anyone remember this or her, I think that her daughter was called Margaret.? Lister Crescent was then just outside the Yorkshire boundary (it was the stream at the bottom of our garden).
I now live in Brittany.

Happy days, Brian Cooper

Heres an old plaque from RAF Norton. The chain signifies all things are only as strong as their weakest link

http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee192/thebear843/074.jpg

War Pig IF I AM RIGHT THIS PLAQUE IS R.A.F.NORTON STATION BADGE FOR THE GROUND RADAR SERVICING SECTION witch was at this camp early 50s to when it closed in60s
It used to send maintanance crews out to r.a.f. station to service there radar gear
it also recieved ground radar vehs from the makers and then brought them up to requred spec and tested them before sending them out, quiet a number of these convoys up to 15 vehs were sold to other countrys some of witch had to be painted sand colour
Its station name was 90GROUP SIGNALLS AND IN THE MID 50 the c.o was W/C K MUMMERY

War Pig IF I AM RIGHT THIS PLAQUE IS R.A.F.NORTON STATION BADGE FOR THE GROUND RADAR SERVICING SECTION witch was at this camp early 50s to when it closed in60s
It used to send maintanance crews out to r.a.f. station to service there radar gear
it also recieved ground radar vehs from the makers and then brought them up to requred spec and tested them before sending them out, quiet a number of these convoys up to 15 vehs were sold to other countrys some of witch had to be painted sand colour
Its station name was 90GROUP SIGNALLS AND IN THE MID 50 the c.o was W/C K MUMMERY

Thanks for the info. I find the history of this area fascinating. I saw the plaque at the aviation museum in Doncaster

http://www.aeroventure.org.uk/

There often seems to be some confusion over the names of the RAF sites around Norton, perhaps you can help clarify..

The museum refered to the site next to Lightwood Lane as RAF Norton, and the site at Rowlinson School as RAF Coal Aston. The latter extended either side of Dyche Lane, with a narrow guage railway taking goods between the two.

RAF Norton
http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee192/thebear843/078.jpg

RAF Coal Aston
http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee192/thebear843/080.jpg
http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee192/thebear843/085.jpg

RAF Norton was at Lightwood and existed from 1939 to the 1960's. RAF Coal Aston was a WW1 site mainly involved with maintenance and repair of aircraft. It closed in the 1920's. It was very big and even had its own railway.

See post 102 on this thread.

ALGY THANKS FOR RETURN have you read this thread right through started 17/2/03
I was stationed there oct 54 june 57 worked in officers mess was the last building on the site nearest to lightwood lane the building still standig brick built witch has just lost its roof was the station sick quarters Aproblem with the site was that it sat on the yorkshire -derbyshire boundry the officers mess dinning room was in derbyshire the antiroom in yourshire the m t section in derbyshire the gaurd room in yorkshire
rather confusing if civil police -fire people were called on site
Sorry dont know any thing about COAL ASTON except what i have read on thread
A s well as signalls and radar section on camp there was a terriorial R.A.F.regiment C.O in my time were F/L AMES-F/T STUBLEY ALSO A A.T.C SQUADRON i believe this is still in being some where in the district JOHN

War Pig sorry 131 addressed to algy was meant for you had senior moment

Thanks harmston

Nice to discover there are folk on here that knew the site.

Ive noticed that at the far end of the site, closest to Bowman Drive, there are still floor tiles visible even though the building that once stood there was demolished long ago.

War Pig from the main gate now blocked off with earth to the right of the electricit sub station one right was the guard room opp was the station fire brigade one small bantam truck next was staton headquaters next was the n.a.f.f.i shop and airmans n.a.f.f f.i. next was the airmans mess this could be your tile floor opp side of the road was the airmen living quaters all these building were wooden built
Sorry forgot sgt mess this was between the n.a.f.f.i and airman mess

with regards ,raf station norton,In 1947 my father alfred harrison ,an air ministry police sergent was posted to camp,as we knew it 33mu,maintinnce unit.W had abungalow which as far as i can remember was previously used as a medical unit.Myself and three sisters had the time of our lives livig there ,and i remember the air shows,one in particular.An ambulance which was part of the show going a mite to fast tipped over onto its side,we thought as children that it was very exciting,and later as we ran to tell our dad ,DID YOU SEE THAT AMBULANCE FALL OVER DAD,he replied,SEE IT I WAS IN IT.Wehad some greattimes ,and i started school about two miles away ,and was always dropped off in a jeep,i canstill remember the smell of oil to this day,i am now 65.I also remember a colonel lindop,whos daughter ,audry erskine lindopp was quite a famous writer.We lef to live in stockport as my father was transfered to 64 mu handforth cheshire.I and my sisters will always remember our wonderfull days there,and if by chance anyone remembers the harrisons,sheila,june,margaret ,and myself robert ,i wold love to hear fromyou.

I used to work at what was the Gleadless Townend Co-op (think it's a betting shop now) at the end of the 50s.
There were cigarette machines outside the store which were regularly broken into; this usualy took place the night before payday at the camp.

I reakon some things dont change.

I used to work at what was the Gleadless Townend Co-op (think it's a betting shop now) at the end of the 50s.
There were cigarette machines outside the store which were regularly broken into; this usualy took place the night before payday at the camp.

Yes, I remember going into the co-op as a child in the 70's. I think it occupied the building that is now Ladbrokes and Blockbuster video.

what was on the RAFsite before it became an air minastery site ?

in 1948 i used to get a lift to school in an army jeep evry day,as my father was a police officer at the camp,great times.

reading your replies brought back memories of when I was a kid and visited the airshows there. I remember a vulcan bomber going overhead once, very low and the noise was tremendous. Happy days eh!

they certainly were,things change,but evrything remains the same.our children and grandchildren will have the same memories ,just a different time.keep rocking.

As a kid, in the thirties, we used to go to an airshow which we knew as Coal Aston. Ive often wondered since where exactly this was, but your posts lead me to believe this was R.A.F. Coal Aston. Possibly these shows were done by Sir Alan Cobham's Flying Circus . My main memory is that one year the main attraction was a fella who strapped birds wings to his arms and jumping out of the plane was to flap his way to the ground, but he got killed trying this.

dont remember it as coal aston,just norton mu 33.but i was only four years old.i will ask my sister who is ten years older than me if she has any recolections about the name.shame about the flying man,but i beleive that there was a lot of it going about at the time ha ha.keep the memories coming.

As a kid, in the thirties, we used to go to an airshow which we knew as Coal Aston. Ive often wondered since where exactly this was, but your posts lead me to believe this was R.A.F. Coal Aston. Possibly these shows were done by Sir Alan Cobham's Flying Circus . My main memory is that one year the main attraction was a fella who strapped birds wings to his arms and jumping out of the plane was to flap his way to the ground, but he got killed trying this.

From my understanding RAF Coal Aston wasnt actually located in Coal Aston, but instead was located at Meadowhead, (where the new Audi dealership is-previously Rowlinson School), and RAF Norton was on the land next to Lightwood Lane/Bochum Parkway roundabout.

There used to be large shows (before Finningly) at the old airport in Doncaster, which was located where the Aeroplane museum is, next to the Doncaster Dome/Asda

And to confuse things further, there is a small landing strip in a field behind Coal Aston in a little village called Apperknowle.

I wish ASDA or someone would build a supermarket there, my nearst one is bloody ages away.

I read an article in the star other day, (on or about 5th Novermber 2009) and it said that 25 years ago they wanted too but didn't because it was 'green belt land'

If your reading, big ASDA, TESCO, Morrisons or Sainsbury's boss, please build me a big shop. Thank you.

The land used to belong to "United Sheffield Hospitals". Who owns it now?

Just seen this, might be of interest to some.

http://nwex.co.uk/showthread.php?t=1317

Does anyone have photos of the Officers houses on Lightwood Lane, preferably when they were under RAF use?

DON 56 do not know of any photos of this might be some in the a.t.c. cadets which were on norton camp in the 50s i believe now are down in eckington might be worth trying to find them i think it is just through the lights going from sheffield on the right If you look back in this thread you will find more obout Norton camp I might be able to give you some info as i was stationed there i 54 57 and opened these officers married quarters up as this was the first brick built on the camp in 1955