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Post Info TOPIC: Central Signals Establishment/115 Squadron Hastings


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Central Signals Establishment/115 Squadron Hastings


If you served/flew on this Squadron/Unit, why not share your experience



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RE: Central Signals Establishment Hastings


Was there a connection between the CSE & 116 Squadron eg was IRIS II a part of this unit?



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A picture here of WJ338 when IRIS III at RAF Odiham http://www.abpic.co.uk/images/images/1099479F.jpg



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Central Signals Establishment/115 Squadron Hastings


I served with the Central Signals Establishment (CSE) at Watton from the end of December 1956 to September 1961 as an airframe fitter.  For the first two years I was on the CSE's Development Squadron and for the remainder of the time on the Aircraft Servicing Flight doing second line work.   I was only involved with the IRIS Hastings (IRIS III) on a couple of occasions as this aircraft spend large amounts of time away from it's base at Watton, touring the world, or more to the point the far-flung RAF bases that we had in those days policing the RAF's air traffic control  and radio communications units.   The Inspectorate of Radio Installations and Services (IRIS), headquartered at RAF Medmenham, Bucks, was established in 1946 as a unit within 90 (Signals) Group and wasn't actually a part of the CSE.   CSE Watton, being the only operational airfield within 90 (Signals)Group, looked after the IRIS aircraft.  The first IRIS aircraft was a converted Avro Lancaster PA447 and was replaced by Hastings TG560 as IRIS II in April 1950.    IRIS II was looked after but not part of 116 Squadron until sometime in 1956 when the CSE Development Squadron took over the care and maintenance of the aircraft.   IRIS II was replaced by Hastings WJ338 (IRIS III) in July 1958.   On 21 August 1958 116 Squadron was renumbered to 115 Squadron and moved from Watton to RAF Tangmere, still as part of the CSE.    In 1963 115 Squadron returned to Watton and took over the care of IRIS III.   The IRIS aircraft were 'owned' by the Inspectorate and were never 'on the establishment strength' of the CSE units that looked after them. 

Peter J. 



-- Edited by Peter J on Monday 11th of August 2014 08:55:20 AM

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RE: Central Signals Establishment Hastings


Thanks for that information Petersmile



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