RAF Bradwell Bay

RAF Bradwell Bay is a former Royal Air Force station located 9.5 mi east of Maldon, Essex, England and 3.1 mi south west of West Mersea, Essex.

History
The airfield was first used as grass landing strip for the nearby firing ranges before being turned into a RAF station with concrete runways and hangars. The station is unique as it was the only fighter station where the Fog Investigation and Dispersal Operation (FIDO) was used.

Based units

 * No. 418 Squadron RCAF.
 * No. 23 Squadron RAF.
 * No. 29 Squadron RAF.
 * No. 157 Squadron RAF.
 * No. 247 Squadron RAF.
 * No. 56 Squadron RAF.
 * No. 198 Squadron RAF.
 * No. 488 Squadron RAF.
 * No. 605 Squadron RAF.
 * No. 219 Squadron RAF.
 * No. 278 Squadron RAF.
 * No. 124 Squadron RAF.
 * No. 501 Squadron RAF.
 * No. 151 Squadron RAF.
 * No. 287 Squadron RAF.

Current use
Part of the site is currently being used by the Bradwell nuclear power station. Several of the hangers are still used as storage by the local farmers and the control tower is now a private house. Agricultural buildings, built in the 70's and 80's on runways one and two, are now home to several local businesses.