During my research for this page I discovered lesser-known bases in north-east Warrington called HMS Ariel, HMS Gosling and RAF Croft.
www.rafburtonwood.org has a section about RAF Croft on its website, and I thought you might like to see some photos of it and an account of life there from one of the Burtonwood Association members who was stationed there in 1950. It was based on Lady Lane in Croft.
In November 2011 a planning application was lodged with Warrington Borough Council to demolish the remaining buildings on the site of RAF Croft and to build new houses. I visited the site on 7 March 2012 and spoke to a local resident who confirmed that the plan had been withdrawn by the developer, which was confirmed in the press the following day. I noticed there was a health and safety notice regarding asbestos on the gate.
Since then, housing has been developed on the site.
Here is another website about HMS Gosling. It is remembered today in Gosling Road off New lane in Croft.
Reader Memory
This was a “transit” camp for RAF Personnel’s families in the early 1950s. My father was in RAF and posted to Kai Tek in HK. Our family joined him there in 1948.
However when we returned we were housed as temporary measure at RAF Croft. All the families there were in similar situation….awaiting to be allocated married quarters in the new station their husband/father had been posted to.
As it happened my dad was posted to RAF Padgate so instead of being allotted a MQ there we had to stay at Croft for a couple of years.
Our accommodation was in H block and depending on size of family, number of children etc. we’re allocated a number of rooms off the main corridor. There were ‘ablutions’ in the centre area. All meals were in communal canteen block. Payment taken from dads wages for both accommodation and food.
I attended Newton-le-Willows GS …two bus rides away. My younger brother was sent to Culcheth. My little brother attended a nursery at Croft.
M. Harrison
mywarrington 