I have always been interested in wartime airfields, especially the temporary or what I refer to as 'hostilities
only' airfields. These
were built on farmland that was requisitioned by the Air Ministry under the Emergency Powers Act (1939) The landowners had
little say in the matter, compensation was given, but in many cases long after the war ended. Most of these types
of airfield operated solely for the duration of the Second World War and abandoned shortly after the hostilities ended.
While walking the local airfields featured on this site, I would often meet other people. Sometimes
when engaging these other people in conversation, it occured to me that not many knew of the relative history of the
land they were on. I realised that the internet would be the medium to host such information.
Eight years on and this website is just one of a growing number that host information and images of former
wartime airfields. Other airfield enthusiasts host histories, and images online in an effort to educate and inform others
of airfields in their area thus creating quite a network. By looking really carefully much evidence can be found
of their former existance. But witheach year that passes, a little more is removed forever, until one day nothing will
remain.
For their four or five years of operational use, these temporary airfields were home to hundreds of air and ground
crews from all over the world including Great Britain, the Commonwealth countries, and the United States of America.
After the war was over they were abandoned, and quickly fell into disrepair. Many of the buildings were removed
if no other use could be found for them . The miles of concrete from the perimeter tracks and runways was lifted over time.
This to supply the hardcore-hungry roadbuilding market and releasing land once more to be put back under the plough.
It is a shame to see these once proud places slowly being eradicated from the British landscape. To me they are
probably just as important a part of Englands heritage as a castle or an old battlefield. For in reality battlefields they
once were. An army of personnel manned the various services that provided the support to make them functional and, of course,
not forgetting the aircrew that failed to return from the missions flown nor groundcrew involved in accidents on the ground.
For fast turning propellors claimed quite a few personnel at many airfields while working in close proximity to the aircraft
themselves.
Many have almost disappeared from sight now. In most cases the wide runways and perimeter tracks are just
mere pathways of a few feet wide. From the air, it is still possible to 'see' the outline of them, but not everyone has the
chance to view them in this way. So, like most they resort to foot in an effort to explore.
If you intend to see for yourself the remains of these airfields, try to adhere to a few basic points. Most farmers
are familiar with the history of the land they work, and many will understand the interest generated by an old wartime airfield,
the last thing they want is people walking through crops, or grazing land for livestock. Use common sense when visiting any
of the airfields listed here, or anywhere else.
Please remember that these airfields are located on someones land. If you do plan to visit, please gain permission
to enter, or, alternatively, use any public rights of way that may exist across these former airfields. CLOSE behind you,
any gates that you open. DO NOT drop litter. DO NOT park your vehicle blocking access to fields or farms, and please DO
NOT attempt to drive across private land.
