Page 46 - William B. Lake

11 PDRC Personnel Despatch & Reception Centre
Padgate (Warrington, Lancashire)
From 28-July-44 to 22-Aug-44

The 11 PDRC (RAAF) Aircrew Holding Centre was normally located at Brighton. However, during
the period from May to August 1944 the centre was transferred to a RAF base located on the
eastern outskirts of Warrington. This temporary relocation was required due to the southern coast
of England at the time becoming congested with troops, their equipment and support personnel.
Padgate PDRC would have been a temporary holding unit for RAAF aircrews prior to their next
mustering at the training sites located throughout the UK. The site’s accommodation was of
purpose built Nissen huts which was significantly different from the seaside hotels at Brighton
even with their wartime makeovers.

Location of the temporary aircrew holding centre 11 PDRC at Padgate