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Lee-on-Solent
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Article Highlights
Post World War Two
After the war, the station became a barracks and depot and further improvements were made to the airfield and accommodation.
With the reduction of the role of the Fleet Air Arm, the Navy decided to move the Royal Naval Air Electrical School at Worthy Down into the station in 1958
The Fleet Air Arm re-formed the Air Engineering School in 1970 when HMS Condor (Arbroath) closed and its Air Mechanical Engineering School moved into HMS Daedalus.
The Fleet Air Arm re-named RNAS Lee-on-Solent was re-named HMS Ariel for a short time except between 1959 and 1965.
Although the main function of Lee was the Air Engineering School there were many other units within the establishment:
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Air Engineering Department
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FAA Field Gun Crew Air Department
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Southampton University Air Squadron (SUAS)
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Naval Air Trial Installation Unit
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HM Coastguard-Search and Rescue Flight
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Mobile Aircraft Repair Transport and Salvage Unit
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Accident Investigation Unit
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Hampshire Constabulary Optica Flight
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Naval Hovercraft Trials Unit
Lee was a very busy place post World War Two. In addition to the courses, many officers, ratings, Wrens and civilian staff were occupied in the day-to-day running of the establishment. Jobs on the airbase were varied, there were Cooks, Stewards, Writers (pay office and secretarial work), Photograhers, Medical Assistants, Stores Accountants, Meteorological Observers, Air Traffic Controllers and Physical Training Instructors as well as the Pilots and Observers.
The Air Engineering School based at Lee-on-Solent was responsible for all career and advanced specialist training for the Fleet Air Arm. The Schools main task was to provide technical training for officers and ratings, both male and female. The three main streams of career course trainees were Mechanics, Artificers and Air Engineering Officers. The technical content would be recognised by civilian qualifications such as City and Guilds and Ordinary National certificate.
The Naval Air Squadron provided the Royal Navy's air communications passenger and freight service using Sea Devon and Sea Heron aircraft. The fitted out the Squadron's two Wessex V helicopters for VIP transportation and used the Chipmunk aircraft for training.
A highlight for the public was the annual Air Display and Open Day, with displays of formation flying, historic aircraft and ground attractions.
To see more photos of the Air Day follow the link or find out more about Navy Air Days.
To see photos and the programme for the Queens Colour presentation follow the link.
From 1981 there was a gradual reduction of activities at the airfield. In 1988 the Royal Navy handed over the Search and Rescue flight to a civilian Search and Rescue team.
The airfield continued with Southampton University Air Squadron (SUAS), Bristow's Search and Rescue flight and the Hampshire Police helicopter until April 1993 when the SUAS moved to Boscombe Down.
Routine naval flying operations ceased apart from occasional exercises. Air Engineering continued until Christmas 1995 then transferred to HMS Sultan in nearby Gosport.
Lee-on-Solent finally closed in April 1996.
Follow the link to see more photos of the airstation when it closed in 1996
