Second World War and Cold War military airfield, RAF Wethersfield (EHER 16658)

A former Second World War and Post-War/Cold War period military airfield. Wethersfield was established during 1941. During World War Two it was an operational Fighter Command airfield, equipped with three concrete runways and two aircraft hangars (Type T2). There was temporary accommodation for 2040 male and 388 female personnel. Wartime construction methods typically involved the use of "temporary" building materials for many types of buildings. Post-War from the early 1950s it was reoccupied by the United States Air Force who remained there until April 1991. During this time the character of the airfield was greatly altered, including the addition of new runways and bomb stores. The airfield is currently occupied by a police training centre all the airfield structures survive in good condition.

Original HER entry merged with NRHE data import: Wethersfield opened in December 1941 as a little used satellite for Ridgewell under the RAF. In February 1944 the USAAF 416th Bomb Group arrived and in July 1946 the station was put on Care and Maintenance. The Americans returned in 1952 with the 20th Fighter Bomber Wing as a result of the intensification of the Cold War but they left again in 1991 and the station returned to Care and Maintenance. The airfield was equipped with 3 runways connected by a perimeter track around which were placed 50 loop dispersals. The bomb stores were located to the north, extending to TL7230 3456. This area is now a hardened aircraft shelter complex (HAS) although some bomb stores may survive. The east-west runway has been extended in both directions but the original WWII layout survives including many dispersals. Two T-2 hangars were built at TL7307 3325 and TL7197 3310 both of which remain. The main technical site was built around this latter hangar. Several Nissen huts and a Blister hangar survive within the modern airfield complex. The control tower (type 13726/41) stands in front of this site at TL7198 3327. Dispersed sites were located to the west of the airfield. Although this airfield has been developed, several buildings and the original airfield layout remain. Threat of MoD cuts and subsequent sell off for redevelopment, or dereliction through disuse. Importance **. <1> <2> Wethersfield Airfield was opened in 1941, but its present character derives from its post-war occupation by the United States Air Force. In the early 1950s it came under the control of the UK based US 3rd Air Force and was occupied by the 20th Fighter-Bomber Wing a tactical aircraft unit. In preparation for its arrival the 1000 ft (304.8m) over-runs were added to each end of the wartime 6000 ft (1828.8m) runway and strengthened bomber type hardstandings added, each was capable of taking two fighters. Also added at this date was a bomb store with characteristic 'Igloo' munitions stores. In April 1970 the airfield was downgraded to a stand-by base, it was probably at this time that eight open, Dutch barn like aircraft weather shelters were built at the eastern end of the airfield. On 29 January 1991 it was announced that RAF Wethersfield was to close and on 19 April 1991 it was handed back to the RAF. The base is currently used as police training centre, most of the airfield structures appear to be in good condition. <3> Wethersfield was established during 1941. During World War Two it was an operational Fighter Command airfield, equipped with three concrete runways and two aircraft hangars (Type T2). There was temporary accommodation for 2040 male and 388 female personnel. <4> For a full account of the airfield's history, its units and development, see Bowyer's updated Action Stations volume. Bowyer states that after the departure of the US forces it became a Ministry of Defence police depot. <5> See also: <6> - <17>