RAF Benson [entry point]
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RAF Benson is an RAF station located in Oxfordshire, 2 miles (4 km) north-east of Wallingford.
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RAF Benson opened in early 1939. Initially 103 Squadron and 150 Squadron used the station with Battles before moving to France in September 1939. 12 Operational Training Unit was formed at RAF Benson initially using Battles and Ansons but these were replaced by Wellingtons in 1940. In December 1940 a photographic reconnaissance unit (PRU) was established at RAF Benson under Coastal Command. The station was expanded in 1942 as was the PRU now comprising five squadrons flying Spitfires, Mosquitos and, later, P-51s. Photographs were sent to nearby RAF Medmenham for interpretation. Reconnaissance photos taken from RAF Benson played a key role in many Bomber Command operations including the attacks on the German Dams, Peenemunde and the V-weapons, the Normandy Campaign and the Tirpitz. It is still an operational RAF station.
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