BEDFORDSHIRE,
HUNTINGDONSHIRE & CAMBRIDGESHIRE WW1 & 2 AIRFIELDS
|
For
detailed information read 'Cambridgeshire Airfields in the Second
World War'
by Graham Smith, published by Countryside Books - ISBN 1-85306-456-4
The
Bomber Command Groups effective in this
area are listed at the Bottom of the page. For the various commands
of the RAF see the RAF
Commands website.
|
|
Airfield |
County |
Opened |
Forces |
Details |
Alconbury |
Huntingdonshire |
1938 |
|
Alconbury
was opened as satellite to Upwood with Battles
of 63 Squadron, and became a satellite to Wyton
in September 1939. It went on to be used by 15, 40 and 156 Operational
Bomber Squadrons. The airfield was transferred to 8th USAAF control
in August 1942. The 93rd Bomb Group ('Travelling Circus') were stationed
here between September 1942 and November 1942 operating B-24's.
From December 1942 to September 1943, 92nd Bomb Group ('Fames Favored
Few') moved here from Bovingdon with B-17's as a CCRU. In 1943 this
was reformed as a combat group, the first operational missions being
flown in May 1943 before moving to Podington. From 15th April 1943
to June 1943 95th Bomb Group where based here with B-17's. Then
from September 1943 to June 1945, 482nd Bomb Group, a Pathfinder
unit with B-17 and B-24's, moved in. In March 1944 the station became
an operational radar development unit. |
Bassingbourn |
Cambridgeshire |
1938 |
|
Bassignbourn
was originally an operational R.A.F. Bomber Command Station. The
Squadrons based here were 35, 98, 104, 108, 215 - (mainly with Wellingtons).
The airfield was then transferred to 8th U.S.A.A.F. Command in October
1942. From 14th October 1942 to 25th April 1945, 91st Bomb Group,
commanded by Colonel Stanley Wray, moved here from Kimbolton.
The airfield is famous as the base of the B-17 'Memphis Belle' and
was immortalised in the wartime film of the same name with many
scenes shot here. The 91st Bomb Group ('The Ragged Irregulars')
flew 340 combat missions in B-17s from here between 7th November
1942 and 25th April 1945.
|
Bottisham |
Cambridgeshire |
1940 |
|
During
early summer 1940 a stretch of farmland was prepared as an auxiliary
landing ground for Waterbeach. In July
1941 the airfield was handed over to Army Co-operation Command and
one of its squadrons, No 241, arrived with Westland Lysander II's.
On 3rd July 1942 No 168 Squadron moved into Bottisham flying Tomahawks
which were joined by Mustands in November the same year. In the
same month the Squadron moved out to Pidham in Hampshire. They were
replaced by No 652 AOP (Air Observation Post) flying Tiger Moths
and Taylorcraft Austers. these remained here until January 1943.
Between February and April Bottisham was the temporary home of No.
2 Squadron flying Mustangs. From April 1943 fresh construction work
took place extending the runways and more accomodation sites being
built.
From
November 1943 the airfield was allocated to the 8th Air Force, 361st
Fighter Group flying Republic P-47D or Thunderbolt. In January 1944
the runway was extended a further 1,470 yards. The 21st January
1944 saw the group fly its first mission. During the second week
May 1944 all P-47's were replaced Mustang P-51Bs and Cs. The 361st
left Bottisham on 26th September 1944 virtually closing it. |
Bourn |
Cambridgeshire |
1941 |
|
The
airfield at Bourn was constructed during 1940/41 as a satellite
for Oakington. In July 1941 testing landings were carried out Wellingtons
of 101 Squadron. In the autumn Wellingtons and Stirlings of 7 Squadron
were dispersed here and towards the end of the year three large
hangars were built for the use of Short Brothers to repair damaged
Stirlings of No 3 Group.
On
11th February 1942 101 Squadron moved in from Oakington
starting with Wellington ICs but eventually converting to Mark IIIs;
the squadron moved to Stradishall in Suffolk on 11th August 1942.
They were replaced Stirlings of XV Squadron from Wyton,
these were upgraded to Mark IIs a the start of 1943. The XV flew
their last mission from Bourn on 10th/11th April 1943.
Bourn
was transferred to No 8 Group, No 97 ('Straits Settlement') PFF
flying Lancasters who flew their first mission from Bourn 26/27th
April 1943. The losses, and therefore reduction in strength of the
squadron, caused the squadron to be loaned to No 5 Group, leaving
for Coningsby 18th April 1944.
On
23rd March 1944 the first Mosquitos arrived from Marham belonging
to 105 Squadron. The squadron was equipped in March 1944 with Mosquito
BIXs and BXVIs. On 18th December 1944 a further Mosquito Squadron,
No 162, was formed at Bourn. The 2/3rd May 1945 saw the last operastion
for both 105 and 162 Squadrons. |
Cambridge |
Cambridgeshire |
1938 |
|
Farmland
outside of Cambridge was purchased in 1935 as war clouds gathered
over Europe and the Royal Air Force realised that it would need
to train pilots for the expanding service. This farmland was the
site for the present Cambridge Airport and was first used as an
airfield in 1937. It was officially opened in October 1938 and the
flying display to mark the occasion included the first public showing
of the Spitfire with three machines from 19 Squadron from nearby
Duxford.
At
its peak during the Second World War, Marshall's Flying Training
organisation at Cambridge had around 180 aircraft, mostly Tiger
Moths and a few Magisters. The Company trained over 20,000 pilots
and instructors for the RAF during the War. As a result of it pre-war
civilian work and experience of maintenance on Tiger Moths and Magisters
during the war, the Company developed engineering expertise in the
maintenance and repair of training aircraft, particularly Harts,
Audaxes, Hinds and Battles. The Company was thus ideally placed
to play a key role in the Civilian Repair Organisation to cope with
the burden of salvage and repair and, initially, Marshall at Cambridge
was given responsibility for the rebuilding of Whitleys, Oxfords,
Gladiators and Ansons but later went on to work on Spitfires, Hurricanes,
Wellingtons, Blenheims, Typhoons and Mosquitos. During the six years
of war the Company completed the rebuilding and on-site repair of
over 5,000 aircraft.
RAF.
50 Grp. EFTS |
Cardington |
Bedfordshire |
1914 |
|
Originally
the Shorts airship construction site where the R31 and R32 were
built. The original huge airships sheds were used by the R101
Although not an airfield in the strict sense, Cardington has been
included because of it special place in British aviation history
associated with the H.M.
Airship R101 and the disaster on 5th October 1930.
Cardington's
was saved when it was decided to resurrect the First World War barrage
balloon defence system and No 1 Balloon Training Unit was formed
on 9th January 1937 with Grp. Capt A.A. Thompson, MC, AFC as Commanding
Officer. One month later the first Barrage Balloon Group,
No 30, was formed and the first training courses for balloon crews
were started; in November of 1938 30 Group became the Balloon Command.
By September 1939 almost 50 squadrons had been formed manning about
600 sites. The balloons were to remain a familiar site in our skies
for the duration of the war. In November 1943 No 1 Balloon
Training Unit was closed, having seen some 22,000 operators and
drivers through its courses; the Barrage Command was disbanded in
February 1945.
In
September 1937 No 2 RAF Recruitment Centre moved in from Henlow;
this was to be followed by Aircrew Selection and Medical Boards.
|
Castle
Camps |
Cambridgeshire |
1940
|
|
The
airfield at Castle Camps was built in September 1939 and opened
as a Debden satellite in June 1940. 85 Squadron and 111 Squadron
had short periods there. 73 Squadron flew Hurricanes from Castle
Camps in September, but there were no permanent structures, only
tents to live in, and those squadrons left in November 1940 to convert
to night flying. Castle Camps was exposed and windy and in 1941
some better facilities and operating runways were built. The original
grass runways were replaced with tarmac runways by the end of 1941
and hard-standings were constructed.
In
1942 the first Mosquitos started to assemble here in great secrecy
for test flying with 157 Squadron until replaced in March 1943 by
Number 605 Mosquito Squadron. In July 1943 Castle Camps became a
satellite of North Weald and the Mosquito began to be used for intruder
operations, and later for bomber support operations. Mosquitos left
Castle Camps in October 1943. 527 Radar Calibration Squadron replaced
them until February 1944 when Spitfires arrived, then Typhoons,
then Tempests, all leaving quickly. The Canadian 410 Squadron again
flew Mosquitos from Castle Camps until April 1944. In July to October
1944, 68 Squadron's Mosquitos also arrived, and also those of 151
and 25 Squadron. In 1945 307 and 85 Squadrons flew from here, also
in Mosquitos.
The following is a complete list of squadrons who flew from Castle
Camps.
- 85
Squadron Hurricane
- 73
Squadron Hurricane
- 157
Squadron Mosquito
- 605
Squadron Mosquito
- 456
Squadron RAAF Mosquito
- 527
RCS Squadron Blenheim, Hurricane, Hornet, Moth
- 91
Squadron Spitfire
- 486
Squadron RNZAF Tempest
- 410
Squadron RCAF Mosquito
- 68
Squadron Mosquito
- 151
Squadron Mosquito
- 25
Squadron Mosquito
- 307
Squadron (Polish) Mosquito
The
station closed in January 1946. |
Hurricane
|
Spitfire
|
Caxton
Gibbet |
Cambridgeshire |
1939 |
|
Caxton Gibbet airfield was situated close to the
junction of the A428 and A1198 roads. In September 1939 it was being
used as a sattelite for Bassignbourn. From 1940 is was used by 50
Group as a landing area for No 22 Elemetary Flying Training School
Tiger Moths based at Marshall's, Cambridge.
|
Cranfield |
Bedfordshire |
1937 |
|
Work
on the airfield began in 1935 by the contractors John Laing
& Son Ltd. and it opened in May 1936. When the airfield opened
it accomodated No 1 (Bomber) Group who arrived during the first
week of July comprising the Hind aircraft of Nos 62, 82 and
108 squadrons. No 82 Squadron were re-equipped with Blenheims in
March 1938 and No 62 Squadron were re-equipped with Blenheims in
February 1938.
From
August 1939, Nos 35 and 207 Squadrons, with Battles used the airfield
for training pilots and observer/air gunners. The Squadrons were
amalgamated on 1st October 1939 as 1 Group Pool. In September 1939
No 6 (Training) Group became responsible for the eight "Group Pool"
units comprising fourteen squadrons with No 35 (Madras Presidency)
and No 207 (Leicester) arrived at Cranfield towards the end of August
to provide operational training. From 1939-40, the Squadrons moved
out while the Station was requipped with new runways.
From
1940 to August 1941, 14 Service Flying Training School flew from
here with Oxfords, then from August 1941 to 14th May 1945, 51 OTU
training night fighter crews were based here flying Havocs, Blenheims
and later Beaufighters and Mosquitoes. |
Duxford |
Cambridgeshire |
1919 |
|
Built
as an RAF fighter base in 1918, Duxford was twinned with nearby
Fowlmere. No 8 Squadron were based here
between 1919-20, then 2 FTS. 19 Squadron were formed here on 1st
April 1923 and were the first Squadron to receive the Mk1 Spitfire
in 1938. The Station was enlarged between 1928 and 1932. It was
operational during the Battle of Britain, involved in the 'Big Wing'
controversy. Various RAF Fighter Command Squadrons operated here:
19, 56, 66, 133, 181, 195, 222, 242, 264, 266, 310 312, 601, 609,
611, AFDU. The airfield was transferred to USAAF in October 42 through
to April 1943, then 350th Fighter Group, flying P-39 Airacobras,
moved in from April 1943 to November 45, 78th Flying Group, flying
P-47s until late 1944, then P-51Ds until November 1945.
|
Fowlmere |
Cambridgeshire |
1916 |
|
Fowlmere
has a long association with aviation starting in 1916 when land
was leased as a landing station for aeroplanes. Then in 1918 a large
aerodrome was constructed with six massive 'Belfast truss type'
hangars, accommodation, workshops and instructional huts. No. 15
Squadron of the RAF disbanded here in 1918. It was however demolished
in 1922/23. In 1940, the RAF used the fields of Manor Farm again
as an airfield, by 12 Group as a satellite airfield for Duxford,
and during 1943 the airfield was expanded to become, from 5th April
1944 to 10th October 1945, Station 378 of the USAAF 8th Air Force
and was used by the 339th Fighter Group flying P51 Mustangs. Throughout
this period the Group flew P-51Bs and Cs until equipped with P-51Ds.
Mustang P-51D
The
339th flew 264 missions from Fowlmere and the Group was awarded
a Distinguished Unit Citation for it's actions on 10th/11th September
1944.
|
Glatton |
Huntingdonshire |
1943 |
|
The
aircraft of the 457th Bomb Group arrived at USAAF Station 130, Glatton,
between 21st January and 1st February 1944. The new 457th airfield
completely surrounded and included the village of Conington. Since
there were already air fields at Honington and Coningsby, and in
order to avoid confusion of names, the field was named after Glatton,
a small village four miles west. The 457th were part of the 94th
Combat Wing. They flew in the B-17 Flying Fortress.The 457th Bomb
Group flew its last mission on 20 April 1945 and left Glatton 4th
June 1945.
|
Gransden
Lodge |
Huntingdonshire |
1942 |
|
John
Laing and Son Ltd also built Gransden Lodge;
starting in April 1942 to through to April 1943, 1418 and 1474 Flights,
with Wellingtons, conducted radio navigation and interrogation tests
from here. 1418 joined Bomber Development Unit and 1474 became the
basis for 192 Squadronn, which was formed here in January 1943.
Both moved to Feltwell in Norfolk. In April 1943 the station became
fully operational as part of No 8 Group providing training as the
Pathfinder Navigation Training Unit but it was the RCAF squadron
No 405 (Vancouver) that was to make Gransden
Lodge its home for the war; they arrived from Leeming in Yorkshire
on the 19th with Halifaxes. These were then converted to Lancasters
in August 1943. No 142 Squadron Mosquitos arrived on 27th August
1944, flying Mosquitoes as part of the Light Night Striking Force;
they stayed here until 1945. Bomber Command lost 102 aircraft from
this station, 14 Mosquitoes, 27 Halifaxes and 61 Lancasters. |
Graveley |
Cambridgeshire |
1942 |
|
Opened
March 1942 to house the RAF. No. 8 (Pathfinder Force) Group, Bomber
Command Group No. 35 from 15th August 1942 to 16th September 1946.
Opened as satellite to Tempsford then became
satellite to Wyton in August 1942 before finally
gaining full station status from May 1943. No
35 Group flew Lancaster Mks. I and III. |
Henlow |
Bedfordshire |
1918 |
|
Henlow
started life as an Aircraft Repair Depot on 10th May 1918 as No
5 Eastern Area. In addition to this role there were also stints
providing training and development, indeed the immediate pre-war
years saw a variety of courses available in the RAF Technical College
here.
In
April 1938 Maintenance Command was formed and the unit at Henlow
became No 13 MU under control of No 43 Group; mainly for repair
and modification of aircraft. By June 1940 most of the training
units had left the station.
The
Luftwaffe clearly considered Henlow to be of some strategic importance
as it was bombed in September and November 1940, February 1941 and
July 1942 but without serious damage.
In
January 1940 the first Hurricane aircraft that had been built in
Canada arrived here for assembly, test and delivery to the operational
squadrons. By late 1944 most of the Hurricanes had gone, the
final one being appropriately named The Last of the Many
left in September.
At
the end of 1944 No 13 MU was still the main occupant but No 6 Repairable
Equipment Unit (REU) was based there as well as a number of mobile
Dental Units and The School of Aeronautical Engineering. |
Kimbolton |
Huntingdonshire |
1941 |
|
The
airfield was originally constructed as a base for RAF aircraft in
1941 with a 1340 yard long main runway. After the airfield was taken
over by the 8th Air Force, the runway was strengthened and extended
to 2000 yds. At the same time, the number of hardstands was increased
from 30 to 50. New crew quarters were built on the south side of
the airfield close to the adjacent town of Kimbolton. Hanger accomodations
consisted of two standard T2 disperesed on the western and southern
sides of the airfield.
Kimbolton
was initially, and briefly, occupied by the 91st Bomb Group in September
1942 but the airfield was determined to be unsuitable for operations
using the heavy US bombers and the group was relocated to Bassingbourn.
Following
upgrades, Kimbolton became the home of the 379th Bomb Group on 29th
May 1943 which operated from there exclusively until it departed
England on 12th June 1945.
|
Leagrave |
Bedfordshire |
|
|
WW1
use only. |
Little
Staughton |
Huntingdonshire |
1942 |
|
The
airfield was built in 1942 as a standard bomber station. It
was used as a repair base for damaged American B-17s until February
1944 and then as a Pathfinder station with Lancaster Mks.I and III
and Mosquito Mks.IX and XVI's.
The
new Lancaster squadron, No 582, was officially formed on 1st April
1944, to be joined the next day by the Mosquito crews of No 109
squadron from Marham in Norfolk. Both squadrons were very active
on 5th/6th June, the eve of D-Day and continued afterwards with
many successful and heroic missions. Mosquito type XVI, crewed
by Flying Officers A.C. Austin and P. Moorehead dropped the last
bombs of the war at 02:14 hours on 21st April 1945.
|
Lord's
Bridge |
Cambridgeshire |
|
|
RAF
relief landing field for No 22 Elemetary Flying Training School trainees
on Tiger Moths. |
Luton |
Bedfordshire |
|
|
The
airfield was started by private aviators before the first commercial
use in 1932 producing the Percival Gull. Six years later
the Elementary & Reserve Flying Training School opened its doors.
At
the outbreak of war all civilian flying ceased and the school closed;
the airfield was soon to provide the production facility for Percival
Proctors and the Airspeed Oxfords.
Training
returned on 22nd July 1940 when No 24 Elementary Flying Training
School moved in from Sydenham, South London before moving on to
Sealand in Cheshire in early February 1942. It was replaced
in April by No 5 Ferry Pool of the Air Transport Auxiliary (ATA)
from Hatfield; the only all female Pool.
By
1943 the ATA had more than 600 pilots and late in the year had to
move on to Cosford (near the Spitfire factories) to make room for
Mosquito manufacture. The airfield later became
London Luton Airport. |
Mepal |
Cambridgeshire |
1943 |
|
The
airfield opened in April 1943 as a sub-station for No 33 Base (Waterbeach)
in No 3 Group. June 1943 the Stirling III's of No 75 (New Zealand)
Suadron arrived from Newmarket Heath. March 1944 saw No. 3 (Pathfinder
Force) Group, Bomber Command Group No. 75 flying Lancaster Mks.
I and III. The final operation of the Squadron, its 739th, was mounted
on 24th April 1945. |
Milton
Ernest Hall |
Bedfordshire |
|
|
SOE
Base. Milton Hall, designed by William Butterfield for the Starey
family in the 19th century was a family home, replacing a gentleman's
house built in 1660. Whilst Lord and Lady Ampthill were in residence,
during the First World War, two Royal princes, sons of King George
V and Queen Mary, stayed there and could be seen rushing around
the grounds on their bicycles. A very different use during the Second
World War as USAF Communications HQ included amongst its residents
Glenn Miller, the famous band leader Mr. Millers' last fatal flight
departed from nearby Twinwoods airfield which still exists but is
private ground.
1944
: Headquarters of - Eighth Air Force Service Command
The
most imposing of buildings and possibly the most covert. Milton
Ernest Hall was surrounded in intrigue and rumour. Other than the
official recognition as 8th Air Force Service Command HQ it was
thought to be central to a wider group of 'stations' concerned with
secret allied radio and propoganda transmitting, political warfare,
and undercover operations by British and American units. Several
governmant ministers were thought to be located there as well as
mention of having it's own runway, although it has always been closely
associated with Twinwood airfield. Some local rumour has it a tunnel
connects the two, although the surrounding landscape would make
that highly improbable.
Glenn
Miller often stayed at Milton Ernest Hall and, along with Don Haynes
(his manager), based the administration and organisation of the
band to the USAAF bases in the United Kingdom from here. The band
were also taken out to the hall for its meals in between broadcasts
and rehearsals at the Co-Partner Hall in Bedford. In return for
the hospitality shown by General Goodrich and his officers at the
hall, Miller agreed to play a concert in the grounds on the afternoon
of 16th July 1944. A huge sucess with 1,600 officers and men present. |
Molesworth |
Huntingdonshire |
1941 |
|
On
15th November 1941 460 Squadron RAAF were formed here with Wellingtons
flying from here until to 4th January 1942. On the 2nd January 1942
159 Squadron were formed here with Liberators staying until to February
1942.
February
1942 saw the airfield transferred to USAAF and the runways extended.
On 12th May 1942 the first US units arrived. From June 1942 to 10th
September 1942, 5th Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron were based
here. Then from 9th June 1942 to 13th September 1942, 15th Bomb
Group, with Douglas A20s, were here. Their first mission was on
29th June 1942 to Hazebrouck. They were re-equipped with B-17's
8/42 which completed the first USAAF mission from England.
On
the 12th September 1942, 303rd Bomb Group ('Hells Angels') with
B-17s arrived, being based here until to June 1945. Their first
mission on 17th November 1942 was to St Nazaire, 'Hells Angels'
went on to complete 364 missions. B-17F 'Hells Angels' of the 358th
BS was the first to complete 25 missions. Knockout Dropper of the
359th BS was the first to complete 75 missions. The final mission
was 25th April 1945 before moving to North Africa.
On
1st July 1945 441 and 442 Canadian Squadrons arrived with Mustangs
based here until 10th August 1945. On 27th July 1945, 1335 Conversion
Unit with Meteors arrived followed on 7th September 1915 by 19 Squadronn
with Mustangs, then Spitfires, they remianed until 28th June 1946. |
Oakington |
Cambridgeshire |
1940 |
|
RAF.
No. 8 (Pathfinder Force) Group, Bomber Command Group No. 7 flying
Lancaster Mks.I and III and Group No. 571 Mosquito Mk.XVI |
Old
Warden |
Bedfordshire |
1932 |
|
Originally
opened as a private aerodrome in 1932 by Richard Shuttleworth. Came
under the umbrella of the nationwide Civilian Repai Organisation,
established by Lord Nuffield to co-ordinate the repair, rebuild
and conversion of operational aircraft. Now houses the Shuttleworth
Collection of old classic aircraft. |
Podington |
Bedfordshire |
1942 |
|
Podington
was originally built between 1941/42 as an RAF Bomber Command Station.This
was almost immediately transferred to 8th USAAF on 19th April 1942.
From 29th July 1942 to 7th August 1942, 60 Tropp Carrier Group,
28th Troop Carrier Squadron, with C-47s. flew from here. From August
1942 through to May 1943, 8th BC Combat Crew Replacement Unit were
stationed here. For less than a month starting 18th August 1942
to 2nd September 1942, 301st BG personnel here using the station
as a satellite to Chelveston. The airfield was then rebuilt with
lengthened runways and for three months between September 1942 to
November 1942, 15th BS were accomodated here with Bostons; they
then moved to North Africa. On 30 April 1942 100th BG moved here
from Thorpe Abbotts staying until 8th June 1943. On 11th September
1943 92nd BG ('Fames Favored Few') moved here from Alconbury with
B-17s until to July 1945.
Although
the airfield at Podington began to take shape in 1941, it would
be another two years before it became fully operational as an Eighth
Air Force heavy bomber base. Several units used it as
a temporary base before the airfield was improved and runways extended
and it was to be the oldest Bomb Group (92nd) that came to make
Podington its home for the rest of the war.
Operations
started on 23rd September 1943 with two missions against the V1
rocket sites; all aircraft returned safely. Losses were significant
but so were the achievements and for the final five months of the
war the 92nd piled up the number of operations with steady regularity,
passing a milestone in April 1945 - its 300th operation. On
the 25th the Group was to fly its last mission, its 308th with the
loss of one aircraft and crew bringing the total number of aircraft
lost in action to 154; mostly from Podington. They left for
France in June that year.
|
Sibson |
Huntingdonshire |
1940 |
|
The
airfield was first used as Peterboroughs RLG training Naval pilots
with Audaxes and Harts. The airfield was bombed in August 1940.
The Oxfords of 14 SFTS were here from January to June 1941. The
Oxfords and Tutors of No 2 CFS were here for a year from January
1941 to January 1942. The Tiger Moths of 17 and 25 EFTS were here
from July 1941 until June 1942. Master IIs of 7 (P) AFU were here
for two years from August 1942 to August 1944 day and night flying.
It was the home of RAF.
21 Grp. AFU |
Snailwell |
Cambridgeshire |
1941
|
|
Opened
March 1941 (Station 361). Originally claimed by No
268 Squdron Army Cooperation Comand who used Lysanders and then
Curtiss Tomahawks. Brief usage was made of the airfield by Hurricanes
of 56 Squadron in August 1941 as did Spitfires of 192 Squadron.
From September 1941 to March 1942 the Tomahawk flew from here. March
1942 saw the arrival of the Westland Whirlwind of No 137 Squadron.
At the end of March 1942 Typhoons of No 56 Squadron arrived. Sunday
4th October 1942 saw the arrival of Eighth Air Force, the 347th
Fighter Squadron, 350th Fighter Group, arrived from Bushey Hallwith
P-39 Airacobras and P-400s. Other groups based here included US
41st Base Complement Sq. MR & R, 51st Service Sq., , RAF 137
and 56 Sqdns, 309 (Polish) Sq., RAF 28 Grp. (Belgian) Initial Training
School, 1426 Enemy Aircraft Flight (captured Luftwaffe aircraft). |
Somersham |
Huntingdonshire |
|
|
RAF
Q (dummy or decoy) site for Wyton, 138 and 161 Sqdns (Hudsons and
Lysanders from Tempsford) for secret SOE operations. Originally
the land formed part of Tithe Farm until the M.o.D. made it into
an Airfield during the Second World War for the Pathfinder Squadron. |
Steeple
Morden |
Cambridgeshire |
1940 |
|
The
airfield started its career as a satellite for nearby Bassingbourn
in late 1940 and was occupied by Wellingtons. Plans were drawn up
by Fighter Command to use alternative airfields should the invasion
of Southern England take place. Steeple Morden was selected to take
aircraft from Northolt. The airfield was bombed twice with Wellingtons
being damaged in the process. The base was used more for training
while Bassingbourn's concrete runways were being laid so the airfield
became home to Ansons and Lysanders too. Eventually they moved away
and was handed over to the Americans who carried out construction
work to make it into a bomber station. The 5th Photographic Group
were the first Americans to see service at the base and they were
commanded by Colonel Elliott Roosevelt, the US President's son.
They used converted P-38s and were known as F-4s. They soon moved
on and the base was used briefly by Blenheims of D Flight of 17
OTU.
It
was realised that Steeple Morden was not really suitable for a Class
A bomber airfield so it was relegated it to a fighter station. The
355th Fighter Group moved in with P-47Ds although it took some time
for the unit to become operational because of the short supply of
aircraft. After a slow start they were re-equipped with P-51s and
went on to become one of the most successful fighter units of the
war, strafing aircraft on the ground. Aircraft from here were also
used to escort B-17s on a bombing mission on Polish oilfields, made
possible by the use of drop tanks. The 355th's last mission was
on 25th April 1945 by which time they had recorded 868 victories.
|
Tempsford |
Bedfordshire |
1941 |
|
This
airfield was constructed by John Laing & Son, with Balfour Beatty, and
it was ready in December 1941 with the arrival of Wellingtons of
No 11 Operational Training Unit; this was only temporary whilst
their home base of Bassingbourn was being improved. Several other
units came on a temporary basis including experimental and intelligence
flights so it is perhaps not surprising that two Special Duties
squadrons arrived and were to remain for the duration engaged on
secret operations. RAF 3 Grp. Bomber Ops., No
138 Squadron. arrived in the middle of March 1942, they were operating
as the air arm of the Special Operations Executive and were equipped
with Lysanders, Whitley Vs and a few Halifax IIs.
During
the second week of April No 161 Squadron. joined them from Graveley;
they were newly formed and were engaged in the skilled duties of
landing and picking-up 'passengers' behind enemy lines with the
Lysanders which had very short take-off and landing space requirements.
During
1943 the Lockheed Hudsons were used increasingly for these hazardous
pick-up operations; they were faster, quieter, of greater capacity
and had more sturdy undercarriage than the Lysanders. A fine
book written by 161 Squadron.'s flight commander, Squadron. Ldr.
Hugh Verity, D.F.C., entitled We Landed By Moonlight gives
detailed accounts of the secret landings.
In
a nearby barn there is an impromptu memorial to the SOE agents who
flew from here during WW2. Major France Antelme OBE, was an SOE
agent dropped into France from Tempsford. On his third operation
he was captured by the Germans in 1944 and executed in 1945. Denis
Barret, landed twice in France, in 1943 and 1944. While trying to
assist an SAS unit which had become surrounded, was captured, and
executed in Buchenwald just before wars end. George Frederick Nichols
flew missions for 138 Squadron in 1944. He was posted to the base
as flying officer in August 1944, flew nine missions and failed
to return from the December 2nd mission to Denmark, he was flying
a Stirling which was lost without trace. Sgt E Markson 2211419.
161 Squadron. Aircraft crashed near Cugny France all the crew killed,
Aircraft Halifax. He was lost with all the Crew on the night of
August 8/9th 1944 from Tempsford. Richard 'Dick' Wilkin RCAF, who
flew with 138, was killed returning from Poland when his Halifax
was shot down.
|
Thurleigh |
Bedfordshire |
1941 |
|
The
original airfield was built by W & C French Ltd in 1941. Following
some temporary allocations the Eighth Air Force were to be here
for over three years. On 7th September 1942 the 306th Group
started to arrive; with some of their B17s flying in the following
week. From October 1942, the 306th Group ("Reich Wreckers")
mounted a long, arduous and very costly offensive from here.
By
1944 the 306th had been in action for almost 15 months and was nearing
its 100th mission and having sustained many losses. The Group
finally completed their long war on 19th April 1945 which was their
342nd mission; the second highest for any B17 Group. During
its time at Thurleigh over 9,600 sorties had been flown with the
loss of 171 aircraft in action and over 22,500 tons of bombs were
dropped. |
Twinwood
Farm |
Bedfordshire |
1941 |
|
The
the grassed field was in use as landing ground for Oxfords or Cranfields
SFTS until August 1941. By April 1942 it had three concrete runways
and additional temporary buildings. It was then opened up on 9th
April 1942 to Blenheims, Beaufighters, Beauforts and Mosquitos of
!2 Group, No 51 Operational Training Unit. It gained the name
'Twinwoods' after the farm nearby.
It
was from this station that Glenn Miller made his last flight 15th
December 1944. Even before that fateful December day in 1944 (the
15th) Twinwood Farm had established an association with Glen Miller
and his American Band of the Supreme Allied Command as it was originally
known. It was based in Bedford in early July 1944 and they
used the airfield on a couple of accessions as they undertook their
exhausting tours. They gave a concert at the airfield
on 27th August.
The
order detailing Major Miller's journey to France for another tour
was issued on 12th December but fog delayed departure and a friend
offered to help him out with an aircraft. This was to be a Canadian-built
Noordugn UC-64A Norsman. It was a cold, rainy and foggy afternoon
and Glen Miller said to the band's manager, Lt Don Hayes, as he
was boarding the aircraft, "Haynsie, even the birds are grounded
today". The aircraft took off at 1.55pm and was never seen again.
The
airfield closed in June 1945. |
Upwood |
Huntingdonshire |
1918 |
|
RAF.
No. 8 (Pathfinder Force) Group, Bomber Command Group No. 139 flying
Mosquito Mks.XVI, XX, XXV and No. 156 flying Lancaster Mks.I and
III.
Upwoods
aviation origins can be traced back to 1917 when land at Simmonds
Farm, close to Upwood village was obtained for use by the Royal
Flying Corps. Initially it was used as a night landing ground by
75 Squadrons BE-2s. At this stage the airfield was named Bury
(Ramsey). By the Summer of 1918 a number of huts and 170 x
100 hangars had been erected and the airfield renamed Upwood,
coming under the auspices of 6th Brigade, Midland Area, 47th Home
Defence Wing. Around the same time 191 Squadron moved in with its
BE-2s and DH.6s, later converting to FE-2Bs. These were later followed
by 190 Squadrons Avro 504Ks.
A
massive expansive of the RAF by 41 new squadrons in 1934 meant that
nearly fifty new airfields would be required. Upwood benefited when
it was announced that it would become the home to two medium bomber
squadrons. Work began on buildings and airfield preparation and
the buildings were completed just in time for the arrival on 1st
March 1937 of seven Hawker Hinds of 52 Squadron. Later that day
five Hawker Audaxes of 63 Squadron arrived. The Hinds were replaced
in 1937 by Fairey Battles. Building work in 1937 included the three
C-type hangars which still remain today, testimony indeed to the
design and construction methods used.
With
War being declared on 3rd September 1939, the Hinds and Auduxes
departed to Kidlington and were replaced by 17OTU Blenheims from
90 Squadron which arrived from West Raynham on 16th September. This
was the start of many operational changes at Upwood which saw a
variety of types using the grass airfield including Fairey Battles,
Airspeed Oxfords and Avro Ansons (which frequently used the perimeter
tracks to fly from as the ground was frequently unusable). The construction
of the three concrete runways started on 8th June 1943. This soon
attracted the attention of the Americans and a USAAF B-17, short
of fuel, landed on 9th October. A few weeks later five P-38s diverted
in due to weather.
The
base saw enemy action on 6th June 1940 at 03:00 when the airfield
was bombed by a lone raider which caused one fatality and one injury.
There are several documented cases of raids through the period on
the airfield which resulted in many more casualties.
Mosquitos
of 139 Squadron transferred from Wyton at the end of January 44
and were followed two months later by Lancasters of 156 Squadron
from Warboys. Tragey struck on 7th August when one of the Mosquitos
crashed into the married quarters on the base, killing the crew
and two people on the ground. 48 hours later a Lancaster, which
was being debombed, exploded with the loss of seven and 21 injured.
|
Warboys |
Huntingdonshire |
1941 |
|
RAF
156 Sq. PFF (Wellingtons, Lancasters), 1507 BAT, 1655, 128, 571
PF Navigational Training Units (Mosquitos). The construction of
R.A.F. Warboys began in 1940, the airfield was designed to the congestion
at Upwood and for the use of 17OTU Blenheims. It was a sattelite
for Wyton. In July 1941 the first squadron to arrive was a detachment
of Stirling's from 15 squadron, arriving from Wyton. The next squadron
to arrive was 'D' Flight 17OTU which was based at Upwood and came
to Warboys on the 15th December; 15 squadron left two days before
17OTU arrived. In August 1942 it became part of the new PFF, with
156 squadron flying Wellingtons, taking part in the first PFF operation.
The first fully-operational squadron to arrive at Warboys was 156
squadron on the 5th August 1942. The squadron came from Alconbury
with Wellingtons, and in the new year re-equipped with Lancasters.
The next squadron was 1507, Beam Approach Training for the Bomber
Command, but was only at Warboys from 13th March to 17th June 1943
equipped with Oxfords. After 1507 (BAT) left, the Stirlings, Lancasters,
Halifaxes and Oxfords of the Pathfinder Force Navigation Training
Unit arrived from Gransden Lodge. 9th march 1944 1655 (Mosquito)
Training Unit arrived from Marham. October 1944 nineteen Lancasters
of 428 squadron arrived form Middleton St. George after operations
over Germany, but by 12th December 1944 1655 (Mosquito) Training
Unit had left going to Upper Heyford. 1st January 1945 a smaller
unit arrived, 1323 Flight (Automatic Gun Laying Turret) from Bourn. |
Waterbeach |
Cambridgeshire |
1941 |
|
RAF.
No. 3 (Pathfinder Force) Group, Bomber Command Group No. 514 flying
Lancaster Mks. I and III. built between 1939 and 1941 and stands
on part of the lands of Waterbeach Abbey.
In March
1941, two Wellington Squadrons were moved to the Station and started
bomber operations over Germany and occupied territory. In January
1942, these Squadrons went overseas and the Station became a Heavy
Conversion Unit (H.C.U.) converting pilots from twin to multi-engine
aircraft.
In
August 1943, Waterbeach
became a Bomber Base Head-quarters and, in addition to the H.C.U.,
it was responsible for operating No. 75 Squadron and No.196 Squadrons
from the adjacent airfields of Mepal and Witchford. Towards the
end of 1943, No 514 Squadron (Lancaster) moved to Waterbeach and
continued to operate from here until April, 1945.
Unit |
From |
Date
In |
Date
Out |
To |
Aircraft
Flew |
99
Sqdn |
Newmarket
Heath |
18.03.41 |
Feb
'42 |
(India) |
Wellington
I,II |
26
Conversion Flight |
(formed) |
05.10.41 |
02.01.42 |
(expanded
into 1651 CU) |
Stirling |
1651
Conversion Unit |
(formed) |
02.01.42 |
21.11.43 |
Wratting
Common |
Stirling
I,II |
215
Sqdn |
Stradishall |
21.02.42 |
01.03.42 |
Harwell |
|
214
Sqdn Conversion Flight |
(formed) |
07.04.42 |
02.05.42 |
Stradishall |
Stirling |
15
Sqdn Conversion Flight |
Wyton |
09.05.42 |
01.10.42 |
(disbanded
into 1651 CU) |
|
214
Sqdn CF |
Stradishall |
09.08.42 |
01.10.42 |
(disbanded
into 1651 CU) |
Stirling |
1665
Conversion Unit |
(formed) |
01.05.43 |
06.06.43 |
Woolfox
Lodge |
Stirling |
1678
Heavy Conversion Unit |
Foulsham |
23.11.43 |
15.06.44 |
(disbanded) |
Lancaster
II |
514
Sqdn |
Foulsham |
23.11.43 |
22.08.45 |
(disbanded) |
Lancaster
Mk. I,II,III |
|
Westwood |
Huntingdonshire |
1932 |
|
Known
as either Westwood or Peterborough airfield. Virtually all of the
services training aircraft flew from here: Hawker Harts and Audaxes,
de Havilland Tiger Moths, Airspeed Oxfords, Miles Masters, Avro
Ansons, American Harvards and occasionally the odd Hurricane or
Spitfire. The airfield came to the forefront in December 1935 with
the formation of No 7 Service Flying Training School. On 1st June
1942 the airfield saw the formation RAF 21 Group, 7 (Pilots) Advanced
Flying Unit. |
Witchford |
Cambridgeshire |
1943 |
|
RAF.
No. 3 (Pathfinder Force) Group, Bomber Command Group No. 115
flying Lancaster Mks. I and III |
Wittering |
Huntingdonshire |
1916
|
|
RAF
1, 23 and 313 Squadrons, 25, 151 and 610 Squadrons, 1453 Turbinlite
Flight (Douglas Havocs), 266 Squadron (Rhodesian), 486 (NZ) Fighter
Squadron, Air Fighting Development Unit, 787 RNAS, 181 Squadron
(Beaufighters), 438 Squadron USAAF 55th FS of the 20th FG (P38 Lightnings).
RAF 68 Squadron (Mosquitos). |
Woburn
Park |
Bedfordshire |
1930's
|
|
Originally
built for the use of Mary, the (Flying) Duchess of Bedford, in the
1930's. Commandeered by the RAF as No. 34 Satellite Landing Ground
it was the largest ground of all. The landing strip ran uphill to
the west of the Abbey from the lake at the south end of the Park.
In 1941 Spitfires were housed here later followed by Halifaxes,
Stirlings and the occasional Lancaster. |
Wratting
Common |
Cambridgeshire |
1943 |
|
RAF.
No. 3 (Pathfinder Force) Group, Bomber Command Group No. 195
flying Lancaster Mks. I and III |
Wyton |
Huntingdonshire |
1937 |
|
RAF.
No. 8 (Pathfinder Force) Group, Bomber Command Group No. 128 flying
Mosquito Mk.XVI and No. 163 flying Mosquito Mk.XXV |
Bomber
Command Groups Effective for these areas
3
Group. Headquarters - Exning, Suffolk.
SQN |
AIRFIELD |
AIRCRAFT
TYPE |
218 |
Chedburgh |
Lancaster
Mks. I and III |
75 |
Mepal |
Lancaster
Mks. I and III |
149 |
Methwold |
Lancaster
Mks. I and III |
15 |
Mildenhall |
Lancaster
Mks. I and III |
622 |
Mildenhall |
Lancaster
Mks. I and III |
186 |
Stradishall |
Lancaster
Mks. I and III |
90 |
Tuddenham |
Lancaster
Mks. I and III |
138 |
Tuddenham |
Lancaster
Mks. I and III |
514 |
Waterbeach |
Lancaster
Mks. I and III |
115 |
Witchford |
Lancaster
Mks. I and III |
195 |
Wratting
Common |
Lancaster
Mks. I and III |
8
Group. Headquarters - Castle Hill House, Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire.
8
Group had been formed in August 1942 as a specialist target-marking force.
Although formed of 20 squadrons at the time of this Battle Order, three
of them (83, 97, and 627) were "on loan" to 5 Group, and do not appear
in the listing for 8 Group.
5
March 2005 |