Talk:RAF Belize

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RAF Belize - precise location

As this probably constitutes original research, I accept it cannot be incorporated into the article, but it may help another editor piece together the full picture one day.

The RAF detachment in Belize operated a combination of Harriers and helicopters (e.g. Pumas), both of which could operate out of any small jungle clearing. And the few photos released by the MOD typically suggested a primitive jungle clearing as a base. Hence it cannot automatically be assumed that RAF Belize would correspond to any known airport. However, the RAF transport aircraft that kept the detachment functioning, using C-130, Belfast, Britannia, VC-10, etc, all require a proper runway. Likewise the occasional photo-reconaissance Canberra PR.9 that was posted to Belize. Obviously for them we are now talking about Belize International Airport, which became Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport in 1988.

Immediately to the north of Belize airport, but separate from it, is Price Barracks, which was previously known as 'Airport Camp'. Despite the name, it is not part of the airport itself. The article states that the vast majority of RAF Belize units were garrisoned at this camp, but that doesn't necessarily include the aircraft or helicopters themselves, just the personnel. We also learn that 1563 Flt Pumas were based at something known as the Williamson Hangar, and indeed I eventually found a photo from 1982 showing a Puma and a Harrier inside this wonderful structure. Fast forward to 2023 and I find two useful news reports, both mentioning the 'Williamson Hangar Complex', and a village called Ladyville (pop. 5,458).

Firstly, an unfortunate industrial accident resulting in the death of a maintenance technician.[1]

Secondly, the arrival of a brand new Cessna Caravan for the Belize Defence Force, serial BDF-08.[2]

Then it was just a little detective work combined with close examination of satellite imagery.

I can now confirm that the Williamson Hangar complex can be found tucked away approximately 200m south of the main terminal building at Belize International Airport, which is located near Ladyville. There is a narrow taxiway linking the hangar complex to the main body of the airport. This Youtube video [3] shows the Cessna BDF-08, and mentions Ladyville, but you need sharp eyes to spot the control tower in the background, otherwise there is very little to suggest you are at the Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport !

Hence, the RAF Belize that we associate with Harriers and Pumas was indeed located at the international airport, even if the personnel and support units were bivouacked off site at Price Barracks.

It is not a shocking revelation that RAF Belize was indeed within the general boundaries of the main airport, but I feel that my research is slightly better than the vagueness that existed before. That is all.

WendlingCrusader (talk) 04:07, 15 November 2024 (UTC)[reply]