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what is perhaps the most important period of its history
as an operational station.
1px-trans.gif, 43 bytesDuring 1951 a concrete runway, 6,000 ft by 150 ft was
constructed, radio facilities, lighting and underground fuel
storage tanks were added, accommodation was improved with
the object of making Jever an important contribution to the
North Atlantic Treaty Organisation Defence Scheme.
Development of the airfield has continued since 1955, when
it was nominated a N.A.T.O. main Fighter Base.
1px-trans.gif, 43 bytesIn March, 1951 No. 5352 Wing Detachment and a small
nucleus of administrative officers arrived to start the
work necessary to expand the station.   On 11th February,
1952, the first British jet, a Vampire, touched down at
Jever.   In early March the first three squadrons arrived,
Nos. 4, 93 and 112, all equipped with Vampires and Meteor
trainers, which served them faithfully until superseded by
Sabre IV's in May, 1953.   July of that year saw the departure
of 112 Squadron from Jever to Bruggen, leaving only 4 and
93 until April, 1955, when No. 98 and No. 118 Hunter
Squadrons moved in from Fassberg.   In June 1955, Nos. 4 and 93
were re-equipped with Hunters and in 1957 Nos. 98 and 118
Squadrons were disbanded.   In February 1958 No. 2 (F.R.)
Squadron
, equipped with Swifts moved in from Geilenkirchen.
1px-trans.gif, 43 bytesThe Mess itself was built for the German officers in
1938/39 at a cost which was high even for those days.   It is
said to have been lavishly furnished.   The paintings in the
Ante-Room are an indication of this, as they alone cost in
the region of 8,500,000 reichmarks.   They were painted in
situ by a Professor Paul Scheurich, born in New York in 1883,
pupil at the Berlin Academy of Arts and finally Professor at
the State-Porcelaine-Manufactory in Maissen.   He died during
the war.   The painting on the north wall shows events in
connection with the history of the Jade Busen during the
time of the Gross Kurfeurst (the Great Elector - Frederich
Willhelm, 1640-1688) by whom, it is understood, a harbour
was built for the Brandenburg-Prussian Fleet.   The painting
on the east wall has no known significance but it depicts the
eighteenth century and its title is believed to be "Rider
and Escort on Foot."
1px-trans.gif, 43 bytesAlterations to the Mess made by the Royal Air Force
consist of the addition of the dining-room and sleeping
accommodation and the extension of the kitchens.

Page 7 of Booklet for Headmaster's Visit to Jever - Monday 11th May 1959.

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