No. 3 Radio School Royal Air Force Compton Bassett 1940-1964 
RAF Compton Bassett opened its gates in 1940, and was for a time, a recruit training station. In 1947, Telegraphist boy entrants were introduced to RAF Compton Bassett, where they did their eighteen month training in telegraphy
In 1950 a new trade structure was introduced for airmen and airwomen in ground trades. As a result Trade group eleven came into being, and was named as the "Ground Signalling Trade,"
In 1952, the Boy Entrants were transferred to RAF Cosford.
The following trades were taught at Compton Bassett. Wireless/Teleprinter operators, Teleprinter and cypher Mechanics,Tape Relay ops, Direction Finding ops, Teleg 2's, Teleg 1's, telephonists, and Ground Wireless mechanics. Ground Radar Technician training was introduced at a later stage
This site is designed in a light hearted way to allow ex comptonites to join in and chat on the forums, post and share any old pix they have of that time they spent at Compton, or perhaps to link up with old friends from yesteryear. So if you wish to share a memory, or you have a few pics of your time at Compton, why not send them to us, and we will post them on this site. We are available on the Contacts Page.
Compton Bassett
RAF Compton Bassett was built in 1940 and training started on
21st December 1944. Its main function during the whole of its existence
was to train men and women in communication skills.
Initially it trained :
RAF Regiment Officers and O. R's in signaling,
RAF and WAAF Wireless Operator Slip Readers,
RAF and WAAF Ground Wireless Operators
RAF Telegraphist Wireless Operators.
In March 1945 a total of 77 trainees successfully passed out from the
Station.
By June 1945 there were 93 RAF and 13 WAAF Officers, 1256 RAF
and 429 WAAF Other Ranks under training. This presumably was the
peak wartime establishment as the war in Europe had ended and the
Station began to run down.
A large number of redundant aircrew were posted to the camp awaiting
demobilization and by all accounts were not well treated by the station.
In 1946 it amalgamated with No. 5 Radio School from Oxford,
It continued to train Wireless, Teleprinter and Telephone Operators up to
its closure in August 1964.
In September 1964 the Eastern side building were put up for auction and