The Luftmeldekorps (LMK; transl.Air Reporting Corps) was a Danish civil defence organisation which performed aircraft recognition during WWII, and a nuclear warning role from 1952,[1] whilst retaining the aircraft recognition role due to the proximity of Warsaw Pact countries until 1991. The LMK was disbanded in 2004.[2]

Air Reporting Corps
Luftmeldekorpset
Active1934–2004
Country Denmark
BranchHome Guard (from 1952)
TypeCivil defence organisation
RoleAircraft recognition and reporting (1934–1991)
Nuclear warfare analysis and fallout warning service (1952–2004)
Part ofHome Guard Command
EngagementsSecond World War (1939–1945)
Cold War (1947–1991)

Cooperation with the Royal Observer Corps

edit

Following the Second World War, the Danish Home Guard sought to develop the LMK, and looked to an organisation with a similar role, the Royal Observer Corps (ROC) of the United Kingdom.

Aircraft recognition competitions between the LMK and ROC took place annually until 1991, despite the ROC no longer having an operational role of aircraft recognition. Honours remained roughly even over the history of the competitions, with the four man ROC team taking the trophy in the final contest.[3]

Liaison visits were also organised between LMKHQ, located in the basement of the main Carlsberg brewery in Copenhagen, and ROCHQ, based at RAF Bentley Priory.

See also

edit

References

edit
  1. ^ "Flyverhjemmeværnet bliver 75 år i 2009" [The Air Force will be 75 years old in 2009]. Hjemmeværnet (in Danish). 18 November 2009. Archived from the original on 29 September 2020. Retrieved 13 July 2018.
  2. ^ "Luftmeldekorpsets historie" [History of the Luftmeldekorpset]. Hjemmeværnet (in Danish). [permanent dead link]
  3. ^ "Historisk Gruppe - HVE 233 Lolland-Falster". Luftmeldekorpset.dk. Archived from the original on 17 May 2022.