The History of Yorkshire Universities Air Squadron

The origins of Yorkshire Universities Air Squadron can be traced back to the World War II scheme to provide pre-service ground and flying training to potential officers. In 1941 was formed at Royal Air Force Driffield, and at Yeadon (now Leeds/Bradford Airport), both equipped with Tiger Moths.

Although they were disbanded later in the war as student numbers fell, they were reformed immediately post-war as part of the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, with the intention of maintaining a liaison between the Royal Air Force and the universities and to provide pre-service training to National Service pilots. Hull and Leeds UASs amalgamated to form Yorkshire UAS, at RAF Church Fenton, in 1968. Between 1975 and 1995 YUAS flew from RAF Finningley in South Yorkshire, before returning to its current home at Church Fenton. YUAS now draws its members from the eight major Yorkshire universities and is the second largest of the UASs with a total undergraduate establishment of 75.

It also incorporates No 9 Air Experience Flight with the task of providing flying to cadets of local Air Training Corps and Combined Cadet Force units. The Squadron re-equipped from the Bulldog aircraft to its present aircraft, the Grob 115E in August 2000. The Squadron currently has 5 Tutor aircraft, 3 full-time QFIs (Qualified Flying Instructors) and 1 part-time QFI.

The History of RAF Church Fenton

April 1947 saw the arrival of 19 Squadron, which were at the time equipped with DH Hornets. 19 Sqn was to stay until the end of Church Fenton's days as a fighter base some 12 years later. By November 1949, the station was home to no less than 5 Squadrons - one of Meteors, one of Hornets and three of Mosquitoes. In the following few years, as well as a T2 hangar being erected, all the squadrons on the base started to convert to Meteors, meaning that by 1951 there were no piston engined aircraft on the station.

During the 1950s, the station was home to three jet fighter squadrons - 19, 72 and 609. 19 Squadron was a day-fighter squadron. It was initially equipped with Meteor aircraft but later converted to Hunters. 72 Squadron soldiered on in the night-fighter role with Meteor 11s and 14s, before converting to the glamour of Javelins in April 1959 shortly before the base changed role.

Since the early 1960s Church Fenton has been primarily a training unit and its level of activity and role have seen many changes, including the recent disbandment of 85(R) Squadron. At various times a number of units have flown the Chipmunk and Jet Provost from the airfield, both in the pilot training roles. With the return of YUAS yet again to Church Fenton the pilot training role has been continued. This was initially with the Bulldog but, since August 2000, has been with the Grob Tutor.