Key buildings at RAF Northolt listed
Battle of Britain 70th anniversary.
Three at Grade II by Tourism and Heritage Minister John Penrose.
鈥淎s we celebrate the it seems entirely fitting to list these buildings which played such a pivotal role during the second World War and beyond,鈥� said .
鈥淭heir national significance and historical importance merit the protection provided to them by listing and serve as a reminder of the great sacrifice, courage and determination showed by all those who worked at RAF Northolt during the war years.鈥�
Churchill鈥檚 hangar
The buildings comprise a C-type hangar, former Squadron Watch office, and former 鈥榋鈥� sector Operations Block. The hangar was used throughout聽WWII to house Churchill鈥檚 personal aircraft in which he flew to many important meetings of the Allied leaders. The Watch office which also served as the Aircraft Readiness room during the Second World War had an undisputed role in the Battle of Britain and was the building from which RAF Northolt鈥檚 pilots were scrambled.聽 And the Operations Block was the prototype of the 鈥楧owding System,鈥� a method of communication allowing the command chain to communicate to intercept enemy aircraft, the first such system in the world.
鈥淭he nation has a duty to recognise the great sacrifices made by those serving in our Armed Forces,鈥� said Secretary of State for Defence, . 鈥淭he bravery that was displayed during the Battle of Britain continues to inspire generations of Servicemen and the Government鈥檚 decision to list these buildings will ensure the achievements of those who fought in the battle are never forgotten.鈥�
The decision to list the buildings are on the basis of advice from . Grade II listing means that the architectural merit of the buildings must be taken account of in any future applications to develop the site.