Ex Rapido Sapper: De-Launching a Triple-Triple Bailey Bridge at RAF Leeming

摘要

THROUGHOUT the Cold War, RAF Leeming was home to front line fighter Squadrons. There was a requirement to provide emergency crash access into the surrounding fields and in 1971 a 28 bay, triple-triple Bailey bridge was constructed over the River Swale to the North of the Station. Forty two years later the bridge was reaching the end of its serviceable life and was no longer required. The RAF Leeming DCRE identified that this bridge needed to be removed, which could potentially be a very expensive task. 10 Field Squadron (Air Support) was based at RAF Leeming, but in May 2013 was formally disbanded as part of the Army 2020 restructuring. During the period between formal disbandment in May and the majority of personnel being posted in August, it was identified that there was a need to maintain focus and morale within the Squadron. The challenging strip out of a major bridge within the Station was therefore a perfect task on which to focus the Squadron effort.