Page 35 - Cranwell Photographs

Right: Despite several German air raids on the airfield, the College Hall escaped damage from enemy action. The only serious war-time damage came on the night of 19th March 1942 when A.W. Whitley P5052 of Cranwell-based No.3 (Coastal) OTU crashed onto the roof of the building during a night exercise, killing the 3-man crew and injuring three airmen in the college. The ensuing fire seriously damaged the west end of the building. Temporary repairs were carried out with more permanent rebuilding not being undertaken until 1946.
Centre right: The first post-war royal visit took place on 13th June 1945 when King George VI inspected members of No.19 FTS who still occupied the college building, the college proper not re-opening until October 1946.
Above: Next morning the extent of the damage caused by Whitley P5052 was evident.
Bottom right: The North American Harvard was
one of the first American types to enter service
with the RAF when the first aircraft were
delivered to RAF Spitalgate in December 1938.
The first Harvards arrived at Cranwell in
September 1944 to join the strength of 19 FTS.
When 19 FTS departed from the station in April
1947, Harvards remained at Cranwell to form
'A' Flight of the re-opened college's flying
wing. When the flying wing was re-organised
into two squadrons in September 1948, No.2
Squadron comprised three flights of Harvards,
with the type remaining in service at Cranwell
until 1954. Harvard II FT302, coded GJ of 19 • FTS was photographed in November 1945,
whilst formating with another of the same type. The 1940s
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