RNAS Lee - The Airfield Research Group

4.4 4.44 4.4
NAAFI NAAFI Shop Shop Shop (130)
(130)
The exact date or original function is unknown, but it was probably built at the same time as the
Institute as the NAAFI organisation would have operated both buildings. It was built on part of
same the site as the 1920s gymnasium which was demolished in 1934 for the construction of the
new institute.
Construction is in 9in red brick with a slate covered hipped-shaped roof. It has a rectangularshaped
plan-form, facing Vengeance Road. The front elevation is symmetrical with a central flat
roofed canopy supported by timber posts.
� NGR SU 5604 0116 (130)
4. 4.45 4.
Guardhouse Guardhouse 1309/24 1309/24 & & AL AL 513/39 513/39 (131) (131)
(131)
The guardhouse has always been the first, and last building on any RAF station since visitors
reported here on arrival for verification that they have the correct authority to enter the camp,
and sign from here when they leave. The guardhouse is the working office of an Orderly Officer
who operates the building in an efficient workmanlike manner so as to create a good impression.
Duties of the Orderly Officer include, the issuing of keys, basic investigations of crime, and
controlling station transport leaving the base. Other duties include controlling the operation of
street lighting, providing an escort when required, dealing with lost and found property and the
dress and discipline of airmen on the camp.
An important function of the guardhouse was the holding of prisoners pending their appearance
before either the Section Officer, or CO depending on the seriousness of their ‘crimes’.
The example built in 1926 at Lee-on-Solent is located on Eagle Road, close to where it joins with
Nottingham Place / Kings Road. It is the smaller version without fire party accommodation and
instead the fire party were provided with a detached building next door (132). The design
incorporates a characteristic gablet-shaped roof and a central bell-tower. The air-raid warning
siren when fitted was housed in the bell-tower.
In its original form, three service detention rooms were provided, also an enclosed exercise yard,
small arms ammunition store, Orderly Officer’s office, guardroom and latrines. In 1940, the
building was extended to include a boiler house for a new combination boiler. The new extension
also included more office space.
The closing in of the verandah in brick and glass was not a feature of the design, but a local
modification dating from before 1940. The building is in excellent condition and is complete with
all three cells and cell doors etc. A date stone of 1926 was noted. Other examples can be found
at Catterick, Bicester, Upper Heyford and Wittering.
� NGR: SU 5607 0112 (131)
4.4 4.46 4.4
Fire Fire Party Party Accommodation Accommodation & & Fire Fire Tender Tender House House 2345/25 2345/25 (132) (132)
Another important function of the personnel stationed in the guardhouse was to provide a fire
party to operate the station fire appliances. The fire party house is located in Eagle Road (north).
The fire engine was garaged in the fire tender house. The control panel for operating the air-raid
siren to sound either the attack warning alarm (wailing note) or, raiders past (steady note), was
here. The operation of the fire alarm bell from a bell-push located somewhere on the station,
also indicated to the fire party, the exact position of the push (and the approx., position of the
fire), by a doll’s eye. Another example is extant at Upper Heyford. In more recent times, the Lee
building has been used as a security office.
� NGR: SU 5606 1114
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