North Weald Airfield
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| North Weald Airfield | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| IATA: N/A - ICAO: EGSX | |||
| Summary | |||
| Airport type | Private | ||
| Operator | Epping Forest District Council | ||
| Serves | North Weald | ||
| Elevation AMSL | 321 ft (98 m) | ||
| Coordinates | |||
| Runways | |||
| Direction | Length | Surface | |
| ft | m | ||
| 02/20 | 6,332 | 1,930 | Asphalt |
| 13/31 | 3,005 | 916 | Asphalt |
North Weald Airfield (IATA: N/A, ICAO: EGSX) is an operational airfield, near the village of North Weald Bassett in Epping Forest, Essex. It was an important base during the Battle of Britain, when it was known as the RAF Station RAF North Weald. At the present time it is the home of North Weald Airfield Museum. It is currently unlicensed but is home to many private aircraft and historic types, and is host to a wide range of events throughout the year, including the Air-Britain Classic Fly-in and smaller airshows.
Contents |
[edit] History
North Weald fighter base was founded in the summer of 1916 during the First World War. 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 the Second World War. Initially Hawker Hurricanes were deployed at the airfield, alongside Bristol Blenheim night fighters. The 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 Squadron moved into North Weald and supplied with Spitfires. A couple of years later, Norwegian squadrons were re-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 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, who still own the airfield to this day.
[edit] Today
One of the original 1927 hangers still remains as does the former Officers Mess, which has now been given Grade 2 listed buildings status. The airfield continues to be very active with veteran aircraft such as Spitfire, Mustang and Harvards based there as well as early jets alongside modern civilian aircraft.
The airfield was granted listed status in 2005.[1]
Intrepid Aviation is based here.
[edit] Future development controversy
The East of England Regional Assembly on its Draft Regional Spatial Strategy for the East of England examination in public exercise asked members of the public over the possibility of the airfield location being used as the site for a development plan for 6,000 houses. It received over 6800 objections and followed on strong lobbying against the project by local residents.[2]
[edit] References
- ^ Prudames, David. "Historic First & Second World War Airfields Granted Listed Status", 24 Hours Museum, 02-12-2005. Retrieved on August 21, 2006. (in English)
- ^ Enquiry in public report rejects housing development on North Weald Airfield (English) (HTML). North Weald Airfield Users Group (2006). Retrieved on August 21, 2006.
[edit] External links
- North Weald Airfield
- North Weald Airfield Museum
- The Runway magazine
- Photos of North Weald Airfield
- General information at Epping Forest District Council website
- Vampire Preservation Group web site. They operate WZ507, the last airworthy de Havilland Vampire T11 in the world, based at North Weald
- World Aero Data airport information for EGSX
