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29th June 2008

Yarnold Sanger Restoration

Visit any active RAF Station these days and you are sure to see concrete pillboxes located on the main gate and guarding strategic points around the airfield.

These modern day defences are known as ‘Yarnold Sangars’ and they are made up of 4 separate concrete segments. It is believed that the name, Yarnold, comes from Sqn Ldr Yarnold of the RAF Regiment who came up with the simple idea for the pillboxes. 

A Sangar is a small temporary fortified position with a breastwork originally of stone now built of sandbags and similar materials. The term was originally used by the British Indian Army to describe a small temporary fortified positions on the North West Frontier and in Afghanistan, and is still frequently used by the British Army. Sangar means "barricade" in Persian.

One of these icons of the cold war used to guard the entrance to the former RAF Cardington site. Fortunately before demolition of the site commenced it was donated to 134 (Bedford) Squadron and moved into the grounds of the unit.

Air Cadets from the unit have cleaned repaired and repainted the Sanger and it now displays a fresh NATO Green and Black camouflage finish. 

Warrant Officer Taylor said, “As part of their training syllabus Air Cadets are required to complete project work in and around their units. Refurbishing the Sangar gave us the opportunity to undertake some project work and tidy up the Squadron grounds.”