Editing RM Chivenor

{{Short description|Military base in Devon, England}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2021}}
{{Use British English|date=September 2012}}
{{Infobox military installation
| name = RMB Chivenor
| ensign = Naval Ensign of the United Kingdom.svg
| ensign_size = 
| native_name = 
| partof = <!-- for elements within a larger site -->
| location = 
| nearest_town = [[Braunton]], [[Devon]]
| country = England
| image =  Heanton Punchardon, towards Chivenor airfield - geograph.org.uk - 514180.jpg
| alt = View looking south over RMB Chivenor
| caption = View looking south over RMB Chivenor
| image2 = [[File:RoyalMarineBadge.svg|100px]] 
| alt2 = Badge of the Royal Marines
| caption2 = Badge of the [[Royal Marines]]
| type = Royal Marines Base
| coordinates = {{coord|51|05|14|N|004|09|01|W|type:airport_region:GB|display=inline,title}}
| pushpin_map = Devon#UK
| pushpin_map_caption = Location in Devon
| pushpin_relief = 1  
| pushpin_label = RMB Chivenor
| pushpin_label_position = top
| ownership = [[Ministry of Defence (United Kingdom)|Ministry of Defence]]
| operator = {{Navy|UK}}
| controlledby = {{Marines|UK}}
| open_to_public = <!-- for out of use sites/sites with museums etc -->
| site_other_label = 
| site_other = 
| site_area = 222 hectares
| code = <!--facility/installation code, applies to US -->
| built = {{Start date|1940}}
| used = 1940–1995 ([[Royal Air Force]])<br>1995 – present (Royal Marines)
| builder = 
| materials = 
| height = <!-- height of tallest part, not above sea level -->
| length = <!-- for border fences or other DMZs -->
| fate = <!--changed from demolished parameter-->
| condition = Operational 
| battles = 
| events = 
| current_commander = [[Lieutenant colonel (United Kingdom)|Lt Col]] R. Alderson RM
| past_commanders =
| garrison =
| occupants = [[Commando Logistic Regiment]]<br/>[[24 Commando Engineer Regiment|24 Commando Regiment Royal Engineers]]<br/>[[Volunteer Cadet Corps]]
| website = [https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/locations-and-operations/bases-and-stations/rm-chivenor RM Chivenor - Royal Navy]
| footnotes = 
}}
'''Royal Marines Barracks Chivenor''' is a [[British military]] base used primarily by [[United Kingdom Commando Force|UK Commando Force]]. It is situated on the northern shore of the [[River Taw]] estuary, adjacent to the [[South West Coast Path]], on the north coast of [[Devon]], [[England]]. The nearest towns are [[Barnstaple]] and [[Braunton]].

Originally a civil airfield opened in the 1930s, the site was taken over by the [[Royal Air Force]] (RAF) and was operational between May 1940 and 1995 when it was transferred to the Royal Marines.

==Etymology==
The name ''Chivenor'' is first attested in 1285, as ''Chivenore''. This is thought to originate in [[Old English]] as a personal name, ''Cifa'', in its [[genitive case|genitive]] form ''Cifan'', combined with the Old English word ''ōra''  ('flat-topped ridge'). Thus the name once meant 'Cifa's flat-topped ridge'. The ridge in question runs from west to east along the north bank of the [[River Taw]], from [[Heanton Punchardon]] to [[Tutshill Wood]] on the northern fringe of [[Barnstaple]]. Like Heanton Punchardon, RM Chivenor lies at the west end of the ridge.<ref>{{Cite book |title=The Cambridge Dictionary of English Place-Names, Based on the Collections of the English Place-Name Society |publisher=Cambridge University Press |year=2004 |isbn=9780521168557 |editor-last=Watts |editor-first=Victor |location=Cambridge}}, s.v. ''Chivenor''.</ref>

== History ==
=== RAF Chivenor ===
{{Main|RAF Chivenor}}
[[File:Hawker Hunter FR.10 XE626 9 229 OCU CHIV 07.08.71 edited-2.jpg|thumb|[[Hawker Hunter]] FR.10 of 79 Squadron, 229 OCU, based at RAF Chivenor, in 1971|alt=|left]]
In the 1930s, a civil airfield was opened on or near the site of Chivenor farm. In February 1940 the [[Air Ministry]] took the site over, constructing an aerodrome  in May 1940 for use as a [[RAF Coastal Command]] Station. Known as '''RAF Chivenor''', the station opened on 25 October 1940 within No. 17 Group, Coastal Command.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.raf.mod.uk/organisation/stations.cfm?selectStation=9DFA3197-CC2D-F801-E458387013F4C49D|title=RMB Chivenor|publisher=RAF|access-date=20 November 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161121044346/http://www.raf.mod.uk/organisation/stations.cfm?selectStation=9DFA3197-CC2D-F801-E458387013F4C49D|archive-date=21 November 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref> Initially, two units were based there initially: [[No. 3 (Coastal) Operational Training Unit RAF]]<ref name="RAFWEBOTU">{{cite web|url=http://www.rafweb.org/Organsation/OTU_1.htm |title=No 3 (Coastal) Operational Training Unit |publisher=Air of Authority – A History of RAF Organisation|access-date=9 February 2016}}</ref> and [[No. 252 Squadron RAF]], both operating [[Bristol Beaufighter]]s, [[Bristol Blenheim]]s and [[Bristol Beaufort]]s.<ref name=Jefford>{{cite book|date=1988|author=C.G.Jefford |isbn=1-85310-053-6|title=RAF Squadrons|publisher= UK Airlife Publishing }}</ref>

After the [[World War II|Second World War]], the station was largely used for training, particularly weapons training. During the 1950s and 1960s, [[No. 229 Operational Conversion Unit RAF]] (229 OCU) used [[Hawker Hunter]] aircraft for training. In 1974 229 OCU left for [[RAF Brawdy]] (where it was renamed as the Tactical Weapons Unit), with Chivenor placed into "care and maintenance" status for rebuilding, though [[No. 624 Volunteer Gliding Squadron]] (624 VGS) continued to fly from there.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theyworkforyou.com/wms/?id=2016-03-10.HCWS605.h|title=Air Cadet Aviation Relaunch|date=10 March 2016|publisher=Ministry of Defence|access-date=3 October 2019}}</ref>

The RAF returned in 1981, with 2 Tactical Weapons Unit (2 TWU) and their [[BAE Hawk]]s, moving in from [[RAF Lossiemouth]]. In 1992 2 TWU was renamed as [[No. 7 Flying Training School RAF|7 FTS]] before leaving in 1994 to merge with [[No. 4 Flying Training School RAF|4 FTS]] at [[RAF Valley]], and the airfield was handed over to the RM.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.northdevongazette.co.uk/news/raf100-chivenor-1-5457199|title=RAF 100: Soaring the skies at RAF Chivenor|work=North Devon Gazette|date=29 March 2018|access-date=8 November 2018}}</ref>

=== Transfer to Royal Marines ===

From 1 October 1995 onwards, the Royal Marines took control of the base, it being renamed Royal Marines Base Chivenor (RMB Chivenor). It became home to the [[Commando Logistic Regiment|Commando Logistics Regiment, Royal Marines]]<ref name="clr">{{cite web|url=http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/our-organisation/the-fighting-arms/royal-marines/3-commando-brigade/commando-logistic-regiment|title=Commando Logistic Regiment|publisher=Royal Navy|access-date=20 November 2016}}</ref> and 59 Independent Commando Squadron Royal Engineers, now [[24 Commando Regiment (United Kingdom)|24 Commando Regiment Royal Engineers]].<ref name="24comm">{{cite web|url=http://www.army.mod.uk/royalengineers/units/28645.aspx|title=24 Commando Engineer Regiment|publisher=British Army|access-date=20 November 2016}}</ref>

The airfield remained an operational airfield, used by the Royal Navy, Royal Marines and RAF Search and Rescue Force ([[No. 22 Squadron RAF]]) as well as [[No. 624 Volunteer Gliding Squadron RAF]] (624 VGS) operating [[Grob Vigilant T1]] motor gliders, providing flights for the [[Air Training Corps]] and [[Combined Cadet Force]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.chivenor.flyer.co.uk/|title=624 Volunteer Gliding Squadron|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090123034839/http://www.chivenor.flyer.co.uk/|archive-date=23 January 2009|url-status=dead}}</ref>

===Proposed closure===
''A Better Defence Estate'', published in November 2016, indicated that the Ministry of Defence would dispose of RMB Chivenor by 2027.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/576401/Better_Defence_Estate_Dec16_Amends_Web.pdf|title=A Better Defence Estate|date=7 November 2016|website=GOV.UK|publisher=Ministry of Defence|page=15}}</ref> However, following a concerted campaign to keep the base open, the [[Ministry of Defence (United Kingdom)|Ministry of Defence]] announced in February 2019 that the base would remain open.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.northdevongazette.co.uk/news/rmb-chivenor-to-remain-open-gavin-williamson-letter-confirms-1-5910273|title=RMB Chivenor will NOT be closing, Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson confirms|date=28 February 2019|work=North Devon Gazette|access-date=28 February 2019|language=en}}</ref>

== Based units ==
Notable units based at RMB Chivenor.'''<ref name="clr" /><ref name="24comm" />'''

=== Royal Navy ===
'''Royal Marines''' '''([[United Kingdom Commando Force|UK Commando Force]])'''

*[[Commando Logistic Regiment]]
** Headquarters Squadron
** Equipment Support Squadron
** Landing Force Support Squadron
** Logistic Support Squadron
** Medical Squadron
** Viking Squadron

=== British Army ===
'''[[Royal Engineers]] (UK Commando Force)'''

* [[24 Commando Regiment (United Kingdom)|24 Commando Regiment]] 
**56 Commando Headquarters and Support Squadron
**54 Commando Engineer Squadron
**59 Commando Engineer Squadron
**131 Commando Engineer Squadron
**24 REME Workshop

===Cadets===
In December 2020 the [[Volunteer Cadet Corps]] started a unit of Royal Marines Cadets at RMB Chivenor.  Due to COVID-19, face to face activities were put on hold but as of October 2021 the first cadets and adult volunteers will be starting training on site.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/ChivenorRMVCC|title=Chivenor|via=Facebook|access-date=27 January 2021}}</ref>

== Role and operations ==
{{multiple image
| align = left
| direction = vertical
| width = 
| header = 
| image1 = Supacat Jackal.jpg
| alt1 = 
| caption1 = A [[Jackal (vehicle)|Jackal]]
| image2 = MAN military trucks at RMB Chivenor (10).jpg
| alt2 = 
| caption2 = Military vehicles use by 24 Commando Engineer Regiment, on display at RMB Chivenor at an open day
}}

=== Commando Logistic Regiment ===
The [[Commando Logistic Regiment]]'s role is to ensure the re-supply of ammunition, water, fuel and food, known as "combat supplies" to the ground forces, and to provide first-line medical care to any service person or civilian. It also provides specialist services to sustain the brigade's operation.<ref name=clr/>

=== 24 Commando Regiment Royal Engineers ===
Formed in April 2008, [[24 Commando Regiment (United Kingdom)|24 Commando Engineer Regiment]] is a unit of the British Army's Royal Engineers which supports 3 Commando Brigade Royal Marines.<ref name=24comm/>

== RMB Chivenor in the media==
On 21 November 2008 the BBC [[Top Gear (current format)|Top Gear]] series filmed segments near to Chivenor. In the segments the presenter Jeremy Clarkson takes part in a mock battle on the beach at [[Instow]] with around 30 marines from Chivenor and elsewhere.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.westernmorningnews.co.uk/gear-takes-marines-8211-fiesta/story-11757260-detail/story.html|title=Top Gear takes on Marines – in a Fiesta|date=24 November 2008|publisher=Western Morning News|access-date=20 November 2016}}{{dead link|date=April 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>

The Sea Kings from 22 squadron A-Flight at Chivenor took a starring role in Episode 6 of the [[National Geographic Channel]] documentary television series [[Sea Patrol UK]], with B-Flight of 22 Squadron at AAC Wattisham alongside Royal Navy and Coastguard units.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tvbuzer.com/tv-shows/Sea-Patrol-UK/Season-1|title=Sea Patrol UK|publisher=TV Buzer|access-date=20 November 2016}}</ref>

The 2011 BBC television series ''[[The Choir (TV series)|The Choir: Military Wives]]'' featured Chivenor. The programme documented choirmaster [[Gareth Malone]] forming a choir of wives and partners of Chivenor personnel deployed on active service in the [[War in Afghanistan (2001–present)|Afghanistan War]]. In forming a choir, Malone aimed to raise the women's morale and raise their profile in the public perception.<ref name=gm-programmes>{{cite web|title=The Choir III: Military Wives|url=http://www.garethmalone.com/programmes/military-wives|work=Gareth Malone official website|access-date=7 December 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120103115553/http://www.garethmalone.com/programmes/military-wives|archive-date=3 January 2012}}</ref> The song ''[[Wherever You Are (2011 song)|Wherever You Are]]'' was recorded by the Military Wives Choir and was released as a single in December 2011, with proceeds going to the [[Royal British Legion]] and [[Soldiers, Sailors and Airmens Families Association|SSAFA Forces Help]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Military Wives: Wherever You Are|url=http://www.garethmalone.com/cd|work=Gareth Malone official website|access-date=7 December 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120427051646/http://www.garethmalone.com/cd/|archive-date=27 April 2012}}</ref>

== References ==
{{reflist}}

== External links ==
* [https://www.volunteercadetcorps.org Volunteer Cadet Corps]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20050422102650/http://www.624vgs.co.uk/ 624 Volunteer Gliding Squadron]
* [http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/devon/3746844.stm BBC News, 15 October 2004]
* [http://www.chivenoraircadets.org.uk 722 (Chivenor) Sqn ATC]

{{Royal Navy shore establishments}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Chivenor}}
[[Category:Organisations based in Devon]]
[[Category:Airports in Devon]]
[[Category:Volunteer Gliding Squadron|624 VGS]]
[[Category:Royal Marines bases]]
[[Category:Barnstaple]]
[[Category:Royal Air Force stations in Devon]]
[[Category:Military history of Devon]]
[[Category:Royal Navy bases in England]]