There is always an air of anticipation and excitement when Phil Dawe MBE, Building 27 Restoration Team Manager, and RAF Northolt (Home to 32 Squadron) located in Greater London announce the date, timing and potential attendees for its next ‘RAF Northolt nightshoot’. It was no different on the occasion when AeroResource were present for the 30th edition (RAF Northolt Nightshoot XXX) of this event on March 7, 2024. Pleasingly for everyone, the weather played ball and it did not rain; no mean feat in the current climate!

Rather than simply reporting on the event, it is important at times to reflect on the importance and context for these RAF Northolt photo shoots which over many years has built a reputation for excellence and for pushing boundaries when it comes to participation. RAF Northolt has certainly been a ‘trail blazer’ in this respect; creating a product and model for night photography that many have tried to copy throughout the United Kingdom and elsewhere.

Historic Context

The first RAF Northolt nightshoot took place some 15 years ago on January 29, 2009 with 60 people attending to photograph the six aircraft present from Ireland (Lear Jet 45), United Kingdom (Merlin HC3A, HS125 CC3, two AG109E) and the United States (Cessna UC-35A Citation). Donations received from this event would go towards the restoration of Building 27 at RAF Northolt which had been scheduled to be demolished in 2007 as part of programme for the redevelopment and modernisation of RAF Northolt’s infrastructure (Project MODEL). The photo shoots were seen as a method of raising funds for the restoration of this building but in truth, this only sets the tone for what was to follow. For starters, the building still had to be secured. Thankfully, Building 27 was reprieved from demolition and importantly was listed as Grade II by English Heritage. As a result of this, the decision was taken that the ‘Ops Room’ would be restored as it was in its final form in 1940. Sounds very simple until one considers that no public funds were to be used in its restoration, a volunteer work force would undertake the work with restoration materials paid for by donations; hence the need for night photoshoots. Easy!!!!

Building 27

Built in 1928/29, Building 27 became RAF Northolt’s Sector Operations Building, which was part of the ‘Dowding’ system of Air Defence. With war looking increasingly likely in Europe, Air Marshall Sir Hugh Dowding used the building between 1936 and 1939 to develop what was to become the world’s first Integrated Air Defence System. As an operational operations building it closed on June 17, 1940 due to its vulnerability to air attack from Luftwaffe bombers. History confirms that RAF Northolt played a vital role in the defence of the United Kingdom during the Battle of Britain hosting Polish fighter squadrons hence the close links with the Polish Air Force.

RAF Northolt Photo shoots

There is no other way to say this but mention RAF Northolt photo shoots and one man comes to mind; Phil Dawe. Phil as we all know him has given his heart and soul to Building 27 from the outset although he always recognises the support he has received from RAF Northolt Senior Command, and especially Lee Barton and his family; Seb and Sam, who have supported him diligently from day 1. For years, Phil not only organised the nightshoots in conjunction with RAF Northolt and his close knit team, he remained the one constant throughout in physically restoring the building for the last 15+ years. It therefore came as no surprise when Phil received an MBE in the Queens New Years Honours list for 2022 for Voluntary Service to Military Aviation Heritage. As a consequence of the Covid pandemic, Phil eventually received his MBE from His Majesty King Charles III at Windsor Castle on 31st January 2023. It was richly deserved. Fifteen years on, the total raised as a result of these night photo shoots now exceeds £200,000 which is an incredible total.

Participation

Over the years, the list of nations providing military support with fast jet, fixed and rotary wing aircraft comprises Brazil, Belgium, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Ireland, Netherlands, Poland, Sweden, United Kingdom and the United States. The variety of basic military types exceeds 50 and this number increases significantly if one includes variants of type. For example, the Westland Sea King Mk3, Mk4, Mk5, ASaC7 etcetera. Added to this is a list of former military types commercially owned. It is almost certain the number of types will grow further. 

In terms of personal highlights, for a range of reasons Phil cites the Sécurité Civile Conair Turbo Firecats, Swedish Air Force Sabreliner (Tp86), RAF C-130K Hercules, ‘pink’ RAF Tornado GR4, Belgium Air Force Allouette III and the German Navy Lockheed P-3C which attended the 30th edition. A low point was the understandable cancellation of the March 2017 event at short notice following the horrendous and tragic terrorist attack on Westminster Bridge, and the COVID pandemic which halted all such events. One oddity was night photo shoot III on May 7, 2009 which was the Fly Navy 100 anniversary event. This was planned to be a night shoot but become a day time shoot when the 20 Royal Navy helicopters attending (Lynx, Merlin and Sea King) changed their arrival plans!

RAF Northolt Nightshoot XXX

In terms of participation this event more than lived up to expectations with over 300 enthusiasts (largest number ever) attending and 11 aircraft on display. Aircraft attending were:

07 709-FI Pilatus PC-21 EAC 00.315 BA709/Cognac/Châteaubernard

17 709-FS Pilatus PC-21 EAC 00.315 BA709/Cognac/Châteaubernard

078 YE Embraer 121AA Xingu EAT 00.319/Avord

60+03 Lockheed P-3C Orion MFG3/Nordholz 

270 Airbus Helicopters EC135P2 Irish Air Corps 302 Squadron/Baldonnel

280 Pilatus PC-12/47E Irish Air Corps 104 Squadron/Baldonnel

284 Casa C-295W Persuader Irish Air Corps 101 Squadron/Baldonnel 

XV666 Westland Sea King HU5 HeliOperations/Portland

ZJ135 T Leonardo Helicopters Merlin HC4 Royal Navy 846 NAS/RNAS Yeovilton

ZM404 Airbus A400M Atlas C1 RAF 24/30/70 Squadron/RAF Brize Norton

G-BZXZ/XX629 Scottish Aviation Bulldog T,1

Staunch supporters of the event, there is no doubting the ‘striking’ quality and colour of the aircraft attending from the French Air and Space Force. Once again, BA709 based at Cognac/Châteaubernard used the event as a cross country navigational training exercise for its aircrew, whilst the Xingu from EAT 00.319 at Avord was sporting its 40 years (1983-2023) anniversary markings.

The Irish Air Corps have supported the event from the outset and it was no different on this occasion with three aircraft arriving from Baldonnel/Casement airport near Dublin. This included one of their two recently delivered (June 2023) CASA 295W Persuader Maritime Patrol Aircraft, and two special marked aircraft in the shape a PC-12/47E Spectre and EC135P2. All three arrived during the day with the EC135P2 conducting a training flight through the London Helicopter lanes before briefly stopping at London City Heliport, Battersea on the River Thames. This proved to be quite an event for the aircrew as another global ‘aviator’ was also present and available for a photo; the one and only Tom Cruise aka ‘Maverick’. Now there’s a story to tell the kids about!

Two other helicopters were present in the shape of a Merlin HC4 from the Royal Navy’s Commando Helicopter Force based at RNAS Yeovilton, and a Westland Sea King HU5 from HeliOps based at Portland in Dorset. ‘Damien’ as its affectionately known on account of its registration XV666 was extremely welcome. RAF support comprised an A400M Atlas C1 which warmed up those gathered arriving during the event around 19:30 and departing for home soon after the evening ended. Two of the Irish Air Corps soon followed. The privately owned Bulldog was also a welcome visitor.

For various reasons, the attendance of the German Navy P-3C Orion from MFG3 based at Nordholz requires special mention. Not only was this the first visit by the type at the night photo shoot, but this was one of the final flights for this aircraft with a German aircrew before it is repainted and delivered to the Portuguese Air Force as 24812. The aircraft’s arrival at Northolt around 14:00 told only part of its mission to the UK as ‘GNY4523′. After departing Nordholz, the aircraft continued to Cornwall in the south west UK where it conducted multiple touch and goes at RNAS Culdrose. It then headed east to RNAS Yeovilton in Somerset for another touch and go before proceeding to RAF Northolt at a relatively low level. Like many global operators, Germany has taken the decision to replace its P-3C Orion fleet with the Boeing P-8A Poseidon. Currently eight are on order with deliveries commencing in 2026. Whilst this could well be the last P-3C Orion to visit Northolt, one would not rule out Phil Dawe and RAF Northolt Ops team bringing another to the event!

The long term outlook

Standard bearers for night photography supported by donations for a worthy cause has helped to ensure great results long term. The natural hope for all participants is that the quality of the purpose and product is maintained. These hopes were raised by the comments of Station Commander RAF Northolt & Regional Commander South East Stations Jonathan T W Hough ADC MA BSc RAF in his opening address to photographers as follows;

“RAF Northolt is pleased to welcome back our long-standing photographer community to our 30th night photoshoot. We’re delighted to be able to host fellow aviation enthusiasts for our display of an array of aircraft in a setting not normally accessible to the general public. RAF Northolt is also grateful for the ongoing interest and support which enables us to continue the restoration and preservation not only of buildings which played a key part in the RAF and Battle of Britain’s story, but of our own local history and heritage”.

There is no doubting the quality of this event over the years which has been enhanced recently following the introduction of new LED lighting and donations for a worthy cause has always helped to ensure great results. The natural hope is therefore that the quality of the purpose and product is maintained. In this respect, the best photographic results are achieved with a great atmosphere, quality aircraft positioned front three-quarter if at possible to help remove aircraft glare and to provide photographic options. 

The team at Aeroresource would like to extend their thanks to Phil Dawe and everyone involved in the RAF Northolt nightshoots, with a special mention to all the nations and aircrew supporting this and other events. There would be no event and no Building 27 restoration without them.

You can find out more about the RAF Northolt Nightshoots here: https://www.northoltnightshoots.com

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