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Top Picture: Wg Cdr Mike Bracken and the visitors to RAF Northolt around the original plotting table of the RAF Northolt Sector Operations Centre

On 27th March 2025, a small group of London Masons and their family were treated to a fascinating visit to RAF Northolt, West London. This event – and others – were all subsequent to a Charity Gala Dinner which was arranged by W Bro Mike Bracken MBE at the Royal Air Force Club in London in November 2024; which raised over £13,500 for the London Air Ambulance Appeal.

RAF Northolt is currently used by both military and civilian aircraft and is home to a variety of units from all parts of the Armed Services and the Ministry of Defence including 32 (The Royal) Squadron, The King's Colour Squadron, The RAF Band, The RAF Bomb Disposal Squadron and the British Forces Post Office to name but a few. 

The air base has a long and illustrious history. It predates the establishment of the Royal Air Force (RAF) by almost three years, making it the oldest RAF base in existence. The station played a key role in World War Two and the Battle of Britain, as it was home to several fighter squadrons, including the famous No. 303 Polish Fighter Squadron, immortalised with a memorial nearby.

Visitors were welcomed on arrival by the Station Commander, Group Captain Jon Hough, who gave a short talk about the air base; followed by a tour of RAF Northolt’s fully restored Sector Operations Centre (SOC) which is now known as the Sir Keith Park building. The SOC has been restored to how it would have looked on 15th September 1940, the turning point of the Battle of Britain. The Ops Room includes the plotting table, tote boards and a huge number of original fixtures and fittings from the time.

During the visit, the group was treated to an explanation of the importance of the building and the people who worked there by Mr Phil Dawe. During a buffet lunch in the historic RAF Officers Mess, Mr Richard Kornicki gave an enthralling presentation about the role of the Polish Air Force during WW2 and the bravery and skill of the pilots stationed at RAF Northolt. The group was also able to view Polish Air Force memorabilia. Finally, the group visited 32 (The Royal) Squadron where they were greeted by the Executive Officer, who explained the history and role of the Royal Squadron; including the Aircraft types and its role transporting members of the Royal Family, Government Ministers and VIPs around the UK and further afield.

This article is part of the Arena Magazine Issue 58 – Summer 2025 edition.
Arena Magazine is the official online magazine of the London Freemasons – Metropolitan Grand Lodge and Metropolitan Grand Chapter of London.

Read more articles in Arena Issue 58 here.

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