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RAF Dispersal 150ft 'Frying Pan' type. 337mm(W) x 225mm(H) 13 inches x 9 inches(H)
There were a number of aircraft dispersals employed during, and indeed after the Second World War.
The subject of this base is the 'Frying Pan' (FP) type. So named for obvious reasons, they came in two sizes, 125ft diameter and 150ft diameter and could be used by the largest RAF bombers in service. They were circular in shape and with either a widening triangular or straight taxiway which linked the dispersal to the perimeter track. A typical RAF base would initially have up to thirty of these although this was slightly increased in number to thirty six, usually in groups of three. At a push, two bombers, depending on size, could occupy one dispersal but this wasn't recommended.
In 1942, the USAAF started offensive operations from the United Kingdom, and some RAF bases were transferred to American control. The number of hardstandings was again increased to around fifty per base. In addition to the 'Frying Pan' type, the USAAF employed the 'Loop' of 'Spectacle' type dispersal. Slightly more intricate than the FP, the 'Loop' came in two sizes. Firstly, the smaller 'Double Loop'. This was effectively two diamond-shaped concrete dispersal tracks split by a central track linked to the perimeter. The second type of loop was larger and straddled the perimeter track. It consisted of half a 'Double Loop' on one side of the perimeter and a larger triangular track exactly opposite on the other side of the perimeter. The 'Loop' allowed easier entry and departure of aircraft onto the dispersal than the FP type.
The dispersals of both type were constructed of concrete blocks approximately or around 10ft by 20ft, but there is a degree of variation. This is especially so when one takes into consideration repairs made to the dispersals or blocks being 'cut to fit' damaged sections. Other factors were dependant on which contractor made the blocks. Some were later covered in asphalt. Another feature of the FP-type was a series of anchor rings embedded into the central blocks in a ring pattern. These were to allow aircraft tie downs to be fitted.
Few of these dispersals exist today, but a few are still present at what used to be RAF Middleton St George, (the present day Teesside International Airport) in County Durham. Home to the Royal Air Force and Royal Canadian Air Force during the Second World War, Middleton St George was handed over to the Ministry of Civil Aviation in 1964.
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