So, you’re curious about those hidden corners of Essex during the Second World War, the secret airfields that played a huge part in the conflict but often don’t get the spotlight? Well, you’re in the right place. The short answer is that while Essex is brimming with well-known RAF bases like North Weald and Kenley (even though Kenley is technically in Surrey, it comes up a lot in the same discussions!) that anyone with even a passing interest in the Battle of Britain will know, the “secret” airfields were often less about outright secrecy and more about necessity – fields hastily adapted, often with little more than a bit of grass and a lot of grit, to keep aircraft flying when dedicated bases were under attack or simply weren’t enough. They were the unsung heroes, the places where determined individuals made do with what they had to keep the fight going.
Essex, with its relatively flat terrain and proximity to the continent, was always going to be a prime location for airfields during the war. The prevailing winds, the open spaces – it all made perfect sense. What made some of these spots “secret” wasn’t necessarily that the enemy didn’t know they existed, but rather that they weren’t formal, permanent RAF installations right from the outset. Instead, they were often civilian-owned farmland, or country estates, that were quickly commandeered and adapted. Think of it as a national emergency requiring a national effort, where everyone pitched in.
From Fields of Green to Fields of Greed… for the Enemy
When the war clouds gathered, the importance of airfields became glaringly obvious. The Battle of Britain, of course, highlighted this dramatically. Essex, being on the front line of potential bombing raids from occupied Europe, needed as many take-off and landing strips as possible. This meant that any suitable patch of land was a potential airfield, regardless of its original purpose. The “secret” aspect often lay in their temporary nature, their improvisation, and the fact that they weren’t always widely publicised to avoid giving the enemy too much positional intelligence.
The “Jobs” That Needed Doing
These improvised airfields weren’t just for fighter planes scrambling to meet incoming bombers. They served a multitude of purposes:
- Fighter Defence: The most obvious, of course. Keeping fighters aloft to intercept.
- Bomber Operations: Though less common for heavy bombers in Essex itself, smaller bomber units and reconnaissance aircraft were often based here.
- Training Grounds: The constant need for new pilots meant that any available space could be pressed into service for training operations, from basic flying to more advanced combat manoeuvres.
- Staging Posts: Aircraft could land, refuel, rearm, and then take off again, serving as vital jump-off points for missions or as safe havens during challenging sorties.
- Emergency Landings: When aircraft were damaged or ran out of fuel during operations, these fields provided a chance for survival.
The Civilian Touch: When Farms Became Foes’ Fears
This is where the “secret” really comes into play for many. These weren’t always gleaming concrete runways built by the Air Ministry. Often, they were simply fields that were levelled, drained, and perhaps had some basic landing strips marked out. The farmers themselves, and the local communities, were integral to their operation.
‘Allotment Airfields’ and the Role of the Home Guard
The term “allotment airfields” might conjure up images of someone tending their runner beans next to a Spitfire, but it points to the reality of it. Many of these sites were essentially civilian land repurposed. The Home Guard, often made up of local men too old or too young for active service, played a crucial role in defending these sites. They were the first line of defence against saboteurs or airborne landings.
The Ingenuity of Necessity
Think about it: wartime Britain was under immense pressure. There wasn’t always time or resources for grand construction projects. So, ingenuity kicked in.
- Grass Strips: The most common form of “runway” was simply well-maintained grass. This required constant upkeep to ensure it was firm enough to take the weight of aircraft.
- Temporary Hangars: Often tents or basic prefabricated structures were used instead of permanent hangars.
- Camouflage: To make them less obvious to aerial reconnaissance, these fields were often camouflaged. This could involve planting trees or hedges, or even using netting to disguise aircraft.
Not on the Official Map: Unveiling the Lesser-Known Sites
Now, the million-dollar question: which ones were these “secret” airfields? Pinpointing them precisely can be tricky because, by their very nature, records might be scarcer or less public. However, we can look at areas that were known to host these improvisations.
The “Auxiliary” Airfields Explained
The term “auxiliary” often covers these less formal sites. They were used to supplement the main RAF bases.
- Temporary Landing Grounds: These were often established with minimal infrastructure and were intended for short-term use.
- Emergency Landing Grounds: Explicitly set up for aircraft in distress, offering a chance to land safely.
Regions of Reliance: Areas with a High Concentration of Improvised Sites
Certain areas in Essex, due to their geography, were particularly suited for hosting these auxiliary fields:
- The Coastal Belt: Offering good visibility and access from the sea (though not for friendly aircraft!).
- Inland Plains: Flat, open spaces were ideal for creating makeshift runways.
Beyond the Spitfires: The Variety of Aircraft and Operations
These airfields weren’t just for the iconic Spitfires and Hurricanes. A variety of aircraft used these more informal sites, depending on the mission and the available facilities.
From Trainers to Reconnaissance
The types of aircraft you’d find might surprise you:
- Training Aircraft: De Havilland Tiger Moths, Miles Magisters – these were the workhorses for trainee pilots, and many a farmer’s field saw them practicing their landings.
- Viking and Queen Bee: Early radio-controlled target drones used for anti-aircraft gunnery practice.
- Lysanders: These versatile aircraft were used for reconnaissance and artillery spotting. They were known for their short take-off and landing capabilities, making them ideal for rougher terrain.
The Unseen Missions
The operations carried out from these fields were often less glamorous than a fighter sweep but just as vital:
- Patrols: Coastal patrols and inland reconnaissance to spot enemy activity.
- Air-Sea Rescue Support: Assisting in locating downed airmen at sea.
- Communications Relays: Acting as points for aircraft to communicate with ground stations.
The Legacy That Lingers: What Remains Today?
| Airfield Name | Location | Runway Length | Operational Period |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boreham Airfield | Boreham | 1,800 metres | 1942-1945 |
| Great Dunmow Airfield | Great Dunmow | 1,280 metres | 1943-1945 |
| Matching Airfield | Matching | 1,280 metres | 1943-1945 |
Many of these secret airfields have faded back into the landscapes they once served. Yet, their legacy isn’t entirely gone. You can often find subtle clues if you know where to look.
Faint Traces in the Fields
What should you be looking for if you’re exploring the Essex countryside?
- Unusual Field Shapes: Sometimes, the historical layout of a field will reveal signs of longer, straighter sections that wouldn’t occur naturally.
- Drainage Ditches: Airfields often required extensive drainage work. Look for more formal or organised ditch systems.
- Local Lore: The best clue is often in the stories passed down through generations. People who remember their parents or grandparents talking about “the field where the planes used to be.”
The Memorials and Memories
While not always grand monuments, there are often smaller memorials or plaques that acknowledge the existence of these wartime sites. Visiting local historical societies or archives can sometimes unearth photographs or personal accounts that shed light on these forgotten corners of history. The very act of remembering and researching them helps to keep their story alive.
When you think about the sheer scale of the war effort, it’s easy to focus on the big, well-known bases. But the truth is, the war effort was fuelled by countless individuals and countless pieces of land that stepped up when needed. The “secret” airfields of Essex are a testament to that collective spirit, a reminder that even in times of immense conflict, ingenuity and determination could transform the ordinary into something extraordinary. These were the places where ordinary farmers became guardians of the skies, and where fields of wheat became launchpads for freedom.
FAQs
What were the secret airfields of Essex used for during World War 2?
The secret airfields of Essex were used as bases for RAF (Royal Air Force) and USAAF (United States Army Air Forces) squadrons during World War 2. They were used for launching bombing raids, reconnaissance missions, and air defense operations.
How many secret airfields were there in Essex during World War 2?
There were approximately 30 secret airfields in Essex during World War 2. These airfields were strategically located to support the war effort and were often camouflaged to avoid detection by enemy aircraft.
What types of aircraft operated from the secret airfields in Essex?
A variety of aircraft operated from the secret airfields in Essex, including bombers such as the B-17 Flying Fortress and the Lancaster, as well as fighter planes like the Spitfire and the P-51 Mustang. These aircraft played crucial roles in the air war over Europe.
How were the secret airfields in Essex kept hidden from enemy detection?
The secret airfields in Essex were camouflaged to blend in with the surrounding countryside. They were often constructed with grass runways and dispersed aircraft parking areas to minimize their visibility from the air. Additionally, blackout measures were implemented to prevent enemy aircraft from spotting the airfields at night.
What is the legacy of the secret airfields in Essex today?
Many of the secret airfields in Essex have been returned to agricultural use or have been redeveloped for other purposes. However, some of the airfields have been preserved as historic sites, and there are efforts to commemorate the contributions of the RAF and USAAF personnel who served at these airfields during World War 2.
