North Weald Airfield
An early RAF station and important fighter base in WW II, now the site of an air museum.
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North Weald, CM16 6AA
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Visit websiteNorth Weald fighter base was founded in the summer of 1916 during World War I by the Royal Flying Corps. Its military functions continued to develop during the interwar period, with the building of large hangars and accommodation for Royal Air Force (RAF) personnel.
The airfield played an important part in the air defence strategy of the United Kingdom during World War II. Initially Hawker Hurricanes were deployed, alongside Bristol Blenheim night fighters. Hurricanes from North Weald saw action over the beaches of Dunkirk and played a key role in the Battle of Britain. In 1940, two American Eagle Squadrons moved into North Weald equipped with Spitfires. A couple of years later, Norwegian squadrons were assigned to the airfield. Various jet fighter squadrons were based at North Weald from 1949 and the sight of Gloster Meteors and De Havilland Vampire fighters in the west Essex skies was commonplace.
The last front line combat unit, No. 111 Squadron RAF flying Hawker Hunters, the famous Black Arrows of 22 loop formation fame, left North Weald in 1958. And, in 1964, the RAF withdrew from the airfield completely.
The airfield latterly spent time in both British Army and Royal Navy hands for a short time until in 1979 North Weald became surplus to the Ministry of Defence (MoD) operational requirements and was sold to Epping Forest District Council.
One of the original 1927 hangars remains as does the former Officers Mess, which has now been listed Grade II. Some former married quarters, now in private ownership and dating from the early 1970s, can still be seen in Lancaster Road and York Road.
The airfield continues to be very active as the North Weald Airfield Museum, with many vintage and veteran aircraft such as the Spitfire, Mustang, Kittyhawk, Dakota, Skyraider, Seafire and Harvard based there. In addition, North Weald has become home to many early military jets such as the Hunter, Venom, Vampire, Gnat, Jet Provost and others alongside modern civilian aircraft. Current resident organizations include Area 51, Hangar 11 Collection, Aces High, and Kennet Aviation.
By Road: On B181 east of Epping.
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