The Airfield
The
airfield
opened
in
1916,
to
defend
London
against
the
German
Airship
and
Bomber
raids
of
the
First
World
War,
Operational
flying
ceased
in
1919,
but
restarted
when
the
airfield
became
an
operational
RAF
Fighter
station
once
again
in
1927.
More
than
52
squadrons
from
seven
nations,
including
the
U.S.
and
Norway,
flew
from
the
base
before
the
last
operational
fighter
squadron
left
in
1958.
It's
role
in
the
Battle
of
Britain
inevitably
brought
the
community
into
the
firing
line
and during enemy raids on the airfield many bombs fell on North Weald village and the surrounding areas.
Several
buildings
received
direct
hits
and
in
one
of
these
air
raids
nine
young
soldiers
taking
cover
in
a
shelter
were
killed
and
the
Woolpack
pub
destroyed.
Throughout
the
war
local
people
continued
to
welcome
the
airmen
and
women
into
their
community,
many
of
who
returned
and
still
live
here
today.
A
lasting
reminder
of
those
epic
days
is
provided
by
the
Airfield
Memorial,
sited
at
the
former
main
entrance
to
the
airfield
and
dedicated
to
all
who
served
at
RAF
North
Weald
between
1916
and
1964.
It
incorporates
the
Norwegian
Memorial
Stone
erected
by
the
people
of
Norway
in
1952
and
a
Debt
of
Honour
to
the
264
people
who
died
while
serving
here.
The Airfield 1960
Owned
by
Epping
Forest
District
Council
this
385
acre
example
of
our
heritage
is
a
working
airfield
with
facilities
for
all
kinds
of
aviation
activities;
including
gliding,
veteran
and
executive
aircraft.
It
is
an
active
base
for
companies
involved
in
aircraft
restoration, maintenance and sales, providing a home for a number of classic aircraft collections and the unique ‘ Squadron’.
Add
to
this;
an
international
air
fair,
fly-ins,
model
aircraft
flying,
gymnastics,
a
golf
driving
range,
archery,
shooting,
various
motor
sports
/
training.
Couple
it
with
a
Saturday
and
Bank
Holiday
Market
that
is
reputed
to
be
the
biggest
in
the
U.K
[attracting
more
than
25,000
people
each
week]
and
a
thriving
business
community
on
the
south
side
of
the
airfield
and
it
becomes
abundantly
clear
that
the
old
fighter
station
continues
to
play
an
active
role
in
the life of the district, county and local community.
North
Weald
airfield
is
steeped
in
aviation
history
but
retains
its
vitality
through
the
people
that
continue
to
work,
live
and
play
there.
Over
the
years
it
has
become
the
very
heart
of
a
community
that
has
grown
around
it
–
an
RAF
Fighter
Station
that
has
had
a
great
past,
and
an
airfield
that
deserves
a
safe
future.
The Airfield Now
North Weald Airfield Museum
Friendship
WHY NOT BECOME A MEMBER OF NORTH
WEALD AIRFIELD MUSEUM?
●
Unlimited
access
to
the
museum
and
the
extensive
library during opening times.
●
Receive
“The
Hurricane”
A
regular
newsletter
detailing
events
at
the
museum
and
airfield
plus
entry
to
the
Christmas event!
●
Guest speaker evenings during the year.
●
And
you
help
to
preserve
your
aviation
heritage
for
the
future generations.
We have four options of friendship available.
1. Annual (12 month) Friendship £12.50
2. Junior Friendship (under 16) £7.00
3. Lifetime Frie
ndship £200
4. Family Friendship (2 Adults and up to 2 children
under16) £20
For New Membership
To Renew Membership
Any
of
the
above
can
be
purchased
in
the
museum.
Your
“friendship”
helps
keep
the
museum
in
the
condition
you
see
now
and
is
a
valuable
reminder
of
the
importance
of
North Weald Airfield and its’ squadrons!
North Weald Airfield Museum
