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
North Weald Airfield Museum is a registered charity, No.
1081157. Run and staffed by volunteers and Grant Aid
Funding assisted by EFDC
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 Friendship £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
