I wonder if Babs' father went back to Cranborne after the war.
This history of RATG says they did have them later.
https://zimfieldguide.com/harare/rhod...mmonwealth-war
Cranborne
Originally a flying school known as Hillside, but renamed Cranborne in 1939 and located 5 kilometres from the city centre. A SFTS was opened here in July 1940, as part of the RATG. From 28 November 1947 it acted as the main SRAF air base and included the Spitfire squadrons. The rapid post-war expansion of the city of Harare forced its closure in 1952, when New Sarum airbase opened. The area is now residential with Cranborne Barracks occupying part of the site.
Results 61 to 70 of 71
Thread: RAF Cranborne Rhodesia
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25-08-2019, 1:41 PM #61
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26-08-2019, 10:14 AM #62
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If you read through the document the RATG never had Spitfires in Southern Rhodesia. They did how ever have a few Hurricanes towards the end of 1944. There is no info as to which RATG airfield these were flying from.
The Spitfires that came to Southern Rhodesia were ex RAF Spitfire F.22's and these were delivered to the Southern Rhodesian Air Force after the RAF had closed some of its RATG facilities down including RAF Cranborne. RAF Belvedere and RAF Cranborne shut down on the following dates 16 November 19457 and September 1945.
The SRAF took over RAF Cranborne and flew the Spitfires from there until such time as New Sarum opened.
Here is a listing of all aircraft types used by the RATG & RAF in SR until the RAF left:
During WW2:
Training aircraft
Airspeed Oxford
North American Harvard
Tiger Moth
Avro Anson
Fairey Battle
Fairchild Cornell
Hurricane
After WW2:
North American Harvard
Tiger Moth
Avro Anson
DeHavilland Chipmunk
The Spitfire F.22's arrived in Southern Rhodesia in 1951 after RAF Cranborne had been shutdown and handed to the Rhodesian Air Force.
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26-08-2019, 6:46 PM #63
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My father was at Cranborne in the early 40s he too would have loved to have returned there. I have lots of photos of his time there and would be happy to get them to you. You can email me if you like jmstockerat austindotrrdotcom
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26-08-2019, 6:56 PM #64
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Posted in the wrong place before as I was on my phone. I have a lot of photos of Cranborne with a big group photo of the men who were there. Not sure if that is where your father was per the discussion about Spitfires If you email me I can send them to you.jmstockerataustindotrrdotcom. Jenny
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26-08-2019, 7:10 PM #65
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23-10-2019, 8:40 AM #66
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Hi! I know this is 10 years later but haven't seen much re the 237 squadron. My father-in-law was a rigger in the squadron - am busy typing out his diaries now.
He was Herbert (Bertie) LennoxLast edited by mavelen; 23-10-2019 at 8:47 AM. Reason: extra info
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23-10-2019, 7:29 PM #67
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Hi mavelen. Would it be possible to obtain a copy of your father-in-laws diary once you've typed it out. I know someone who is busy doing the history of 237 (Rhodesia) Sqn from its inception to its disbandment. I will ask him if he has any info on Herbert (Bertie) Lennox and if he has I will obtain a copy of it and post it for you. Regards Phillipevn
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30-10-2019, 2:06 PM #68
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Hi Phillipevn. Thanks for your quick response. It seems the family would prefer not to share the diary as it is quite personal in places. However I would be very grateful to have any info you could provide! Many thanks! Regards mavelen
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29-01-2021, 5:27 AM #69
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I don't know if this is still active but here's hoping.
My husband's father was in the RAF during ww2 and posted to South Rhodesia from 1943 under the Empire Air Training
Scheme. His name was Ronald Lawrence Lovatt or Ron Lovatt and he was from Stoke-on-trent.
He disembarked in South Africa then onto Moffat and finally No.26 Elementary Flying Training School at
Guinea Fowl. Given they operated Tiger Moth and Cornell trainers I suspect his role was more technical trade
supervision of ground weapon armoury.
Sometime later he was moved to RAF Station Cranbourne until he returned to the UK after the war.
I believe it was while he was stationed in Rhodesia he became friends with Ian Smith, who later became leader of Rhodesia.
I am hoping someone here might be able to help me.
Unfortunately I do not have any photos of him during his war years, so was hoping anyone who had relatives stationed in Rhodesia and has photo albums would look to see if there are any with him in them. If so if they would be willing to email me copies? Or if anyone has photos of unidentified servicemen I could look at, again trying to find him?
I would be very grateful for any and all help.
Thanks
Julie
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21-07-2021, 12:12 AM #70
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Hello, my grandfather robert william murray trained at cranborne as a spitfire mechanic in 1940. I have a couple of pictures of him and the 266 squadron. Would be delighted to swap photos.
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