Highball trials unit-where?

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Anyone any idea where these photos were taken? Part of a collection from my wife's late uncle. Appear to be postwar, a small trials unit and not 618 Sqdn. i.e. Leo Lane has a white cover on his cap (not worn during wartime?) and his WW2 medal ribbons. Also note there are a couple of FAA aircrew as part of the unit.

John:

Those pics are most interesting. I'm away from my data at the moment, but I have a reference to a Highball Trials Unit (perhaps part of the Marine Aircraft Experimental Establishment?) being stationed at Spilsby, I recall in approx 46. Presumably Spilby's proximity to The Wash ranges was the reason for the deployment.

I'm not sure when I can get access to my notes, but will post what data I can find.

Bill

Cant think why or how but Ellough (Nr Beccles) comes to mind for testing of the Highball post ww2?

You're correct Jenna, according to one of my books Beccles was used for training with 'Highball' for the Pacific. Though this was started in August 1944. The targets being marked-out on the runway.

The Air-Britain book "RAF Flying Training and Support Units Since 1912", by the late Ray Sturtivant and John Hamlin gives the following:

Highball Trials Flight

A detachment of MAEE sent 1.4.46 to Spilsby. To Coningsby 1.6.46 until 7.11.47. Aircraft: Sea Mosquito TR33 (TW228); Mosquito B.IV, FB.VI (PZ281).

No mention of Beccles as far as this unit was concerned.

It was 618 Squadron who were training with these. I also have a recording on video tape about the Highball experiments, though where that is now....?

Just read 'A most Secret Squadron' all about 618sqdn. It tells all about the trials of the bomb. Go to www.superbookshops.co.uk/Superbook
website and I paid £6.99.

Skitten was used as the base by 618 Sqn to attack Tirpitz in April 1943 using Highball but this thread is drifting. John's photographs are just post-war it would seem so the focus should be in that direction. Late war there was an intent to use Highball in the Far East but that was overtaken by events. What intrigues me is - if these images are postwar - is what was the interest in continuing trials on this bomb.