The History of RAF Cowden: A Legacy of Training and UXO Risk Management

RAF Cowden, a former air weapons range located on the East Yorkshire coast, played a significant role in past military training and now presents ongoing challenges due to unexploded ordnance (UXO).

With a history spanning from World War II to its closure in 1998, the site was used by various branches of the UK and NATO armed forces. Over the years it has been known under several different names, including Cowden Range, Cowden Air Range, AWR Cowden, RAF Cowden AWR, RAF Cowden, RAF Cowden Sands, RAF Great Cowden and Aldbrough RAC.

Rapid coastal erosion has led to a continuous UXO risk, requiring dedicated management efforts. Brimstone UXO is currently responsible for this work, after winning a competitive tender.

Early Military Use: World War II

The history of RAF Cowden dates back to 1940 when land at Great Cowden was requisitioned for military training. Initially known as the Aldbrough RAC (Royal Armoured Corps) Range, the site was used by the British Army for tank gunnery training and artillery practice. Local Home Guard units also used the range, likely for training involving a variety of explosive ordnance, including mortars and light artillery.

The establishment of the range led to the permanent displacement of residents from the villages of Great and Little Cowden. Their buildings were demolished to clear space for military training, marking a significant and lasting impact on the local community.

Despite being used extensively for training in WWII, the site went on to be abandoned in 1946.

RAF Cowden as an Air Weapons Range (1950s–1998)

In 1953, the War Office purchased 200 acres of clifftop land to further develop the site. The range expanded to a total of 600 acres and played a key role in air-to-ground gunnery and bombing exercises.

RAF Cowden was used extensively by the RAF and NATO forces, including the US Air Force. It was equipped with:

• Two target railways, used for tank training, allowing moving target practice.
• Static land and sea targets.
• Four reinforced concrete quadrant towers.

A variety of aircraft trained at RAF Cowden, including the Hawker Hunter, Avro Vulcan, and the Fairchild Republic A-10 Warthog. Notably, Avro Vulcans used the range for bombing practice in preparation for Operation Black Buck, the long-range bombing of Port Stanley Airport during the Falklands War in 1982.

It is said that pilots would often run south eastwards over RAF Cowden, using Hornsea Mere as a landmark and waypoint to guide them onto the range.

Coastal Erosion and the Closure of RAF Cowden

The site’s closure in 1998 was primarily due to extreme coastal erosion. The Holderness coastline, where RAF Cowden is located, experiences some of the fastest erosion rates in Europe, averaging 2.5 metres per year. As the cliffs eroded, UXO from the range began appearing on the public beach, posing a serious public safety risk.

Following the site closure, substantial explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) efforts were made to manage the UXO risk to the public. The RAF had an EOD team based permanently at the site until 2013, when regular visits were implemented instead.

UXO Risk at Cowden and Mappleton Beach

Despite its closure, the former air weapons range remains a hazardous site due to UXO contamination. Over 2.5 million ammunition items were expended at the range during its operational years, with thousands of UXO items appearing on the beach annually. The rapid coastal erosion causes buried ordnance from the former range to be deposited onto the shoreline, making UXO clearance an ongoing necessity.

The public is strongly advised to follow safety precautions when visiting the area. Under the RAF Cowden Byelaws 1977, it is illegal to remove any military materials from the site. If UXO is found within the former range danger area, do not touch it and leave it alone – the Brimstone UXO team will deal with the items under our current operational obligations. If ordnance is located elsewhere on the beach (outside the Cowden beach range danger area), it should be reported immediately to the police or coastguard.

Brimstone’s Role in UXO Management

Brimstone UXO was awarded a long-term contract by Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) to manage the UXO risk at Mappleton Beach. This marked a significant moment as it was the first time DIO had entrusted a commercial organisation with clearing explosive ordnance on public land.

Brimstone’s work on this 275-hectare site includes:

• On-site UXO clearance: A permanent team of bomb disposal officers operate at the site, conducting regular controlled demolitions.
• Sustainable UXO disposal: Innovative methods have reduced plastic explosive usage, cutting costs by 50% and minimising environmental impact.
• Public safety measures: Brimstone works with local authorities, landowners, and environmental agencies to mitigate risks and inform the public about ongoing clearance efforts.

Since taking on the project, Brimstone has safely destroyed or removed over 200,000 UXO items. The company’s presence at FAWR Cowden ensures that the area remains as safe as possible for visitors while maintaining historical and environmental considerations.

Managing the Legacy of RAF Cowden

RAF Cowden’s history reflects its critical role in UK and NATO military training. However, the legacy of UXO contamination remains a challenge due to the relentless coastal erosion. Brimstone UXO’s ongoing work at the site is essential to mitigating these risks, ensuring that the public can safely enjoy the coastline while preserving the historical significance of this former air weapons range.

For more information on UXO risk management and safety, visit our website.

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