North Weald Airfield (Ex-RAF North Weald)
Gate guardian replica Hawker Hurricane Mk I V7313/US-F of RAF's 56 Squadron at North Weald airfield. Photo by Bob Franklin
North Weald Airfield based in North Weald Bassett was founded in 1916 by the Royal Flying Corps, it continued to develop as an airfield between the two wars, with the construction of hangars and accommodation for Royal Air Force personnel. North Weald played its own part during the Second World War, housing Hawker Hurricanes alongside Bristol Blenheim night fighters. North Weald's Hurricanes saw action over Dunkirk and played a key role in the Battle of Britain. Other aircraft operating from North Weald during the War were the Supermarine Spitfire. In later years the airfield was home to Gloster Meteors and de Havilland Vampire fighters. The last RAF squadron operating from North Weald was No. 111 squadron flying Hawker Hunters, who left North Weald in 1958, with the RAF withdrawing from the airfield in 1964. The airfield was bought by Epping Forest district council, who still own it today.
The airfield continues to be a home to many vintage and veteran aircraft, such as Spitfire, Mustang, Kitty Hawk, Hurricane, Dakota, Skyraider, Seafire and Harvard. Also North Weald is home to a Vampire, Gnats and Jet Provosts. North Weald is home to warbird operators such as the Hangar 11 Collection and Kennet Aviation.
North Weald Air-Britain fly-In 2010 - 19th & 20th June 2010
North Weald hosted a mixed event which included resident aircraft on static display, including Kennet’s Skyraider and Seafire, The Vampire Preservation Groups Vampire T11 (which also flew later in the day) and also included a line-up of Provosts and a Strikemaster. Early visitors included a DC-3 and Venom from Coventry and several Spitfires, a Hurricane and the Hispano Buchon from Duxford. Later in the day Maurice Hammond’s pair of Mustangs arrived. There were good photo opportunities to be had and a chance to talk to the aircraft owners and pilots. With a large display in the hangar, with the added bonus of a large gathering of WWII veterans, that were on hand to sign books, prints and share their experiences with the long queue of enthusiasts waiting to meet them, a well organised event.
Images courtesy of Bob Franklin
The Gathering of Warbirds & Veterans - departures - Sunday 25th April 2010
North Weald being an Ex-RAF station many years ago, was brought alive for the Warbirds fly-in. It was a nice pre-season warm up for the enthusiasts. The Aircraft Restoration Company (ARC) brought several aircraft in. One of which was the Bouchon, painted back in the colour scheme in which the aircraft was flown in the Battle of Britain film. A lot of interest was shown in this aircraft, which was flown by John Romain and out in the public domain for the first time. Charlie Brown brought in a Spitfire with Dave Harvey flying the HAC Hurricane.
Other pilots who supported the day were Cliff Spink, Rod Dean, John Beatty and Ray Corsten. Another Spitfire attending the event was the Spirit of Kent flown by Clive Denney. Other aircraft attending were Harvards and Maurice Hammond's pair of Mustangs, which arrived late in the day due to adverse weather conditions. The largest aircraft flying in was a DC-3 in Air Transport Command colours from Coventry, and of course North Weald's resident aircraft were on static display, including Jet Provosts, a Skyraider and the Seafire.
Images courtesy of Bob Franklin
It turned out to be a worthwhile day for the enthusiasts, with an estimated crowd of over 2,000 people. Proceeds from the entry fees were donated to Help for Heroes. Also of note were the World War II veterans who kindly gave up their time to meet the public and sign prints and books etc. Overall this event was a credit to those who gave their time to organise it.
The Gathering of Warbirds & Veterans - arrivals and static - Saturday 24th April 2010
Images courtesy of Bob Franklin
Images courtesy of Chris Cannon
Sir Sydney Camm Hurricane event at North Weald - Sunday 25th October 2009
This event was staged towards the end of the flying season and was organised by the Sir Sydney Camm Commemorative Society to help raise funds to buy and erect a Hurricane replica in Sir Sydney Camm's home town of Windsor to celebrate his life, 1893 - 1966.
This well organised event brought together four airworthy Hurricanes. Their owners and pilots and no less than twelve Wartime Hurricane pilots. The veterans were on hand to meet and talk to the large gathering of enthusiasts and also carry out interviews and were available for book and print signings. All four Hurricanes were available to photographers on static display and the three visiting aircraft carried out fly-pasts on their departure in the late afternoon.
Images courtesy of Ross Cannon
Many thanks to the Hurricane operators and event staff who helped to make this event possible.
Maybe this will become an annual event (a North Weald Hurricane meet).
Full credit is deserved by the Sir Sydney Camm Trust for organising this event at North Weald, a former World War II Hurricane base.
The Sir Sydney Camm Commemorative Society
Hurricane R4118 - The only Hurricane from the Battle of Britain still flying
Historic Aircraft Collection Limited