Gate guardian Harrier Jump Jet GR3 XW917 at RAF Cottesmore. Photo by Ross Cannon
RAF Cottesmore opened in 1938 and originally was used mainly for training. The first aircraft used were Vickers Wellesleys, Fairey Battles and Handley Page Hampdens.
In 1954 Cottesmore became a Canberra base with No. 15, 44, 57 and 149 Squadrons arriving. These Canberra squadrons practised high-level bombing missions but their stay was short-lived, by 1955 they had all moved elsewhere.
For almost twenty years Cottesmore was a V Bomber base, with Handley Page Victor and later Avro Vulcan aircraft. These aircraft were on quick reaction duties and carried Britain's nuclear deterrent. After the V Bombers moved from Cottesmore several other squadrons moved in, including 231 Operational Conversion Unit (OCU), 98 and 360 Squadrons. 231 OCU eventually moved to RAF Marham in Norfolk with 360 Squadron moving to RAF Wyton near Huntingdon. After their departure Cottesmore was put under care and maintenance.