Second World War military airfield, USAAF Earls Colne, Earls Colne Business Park (EHER 14395)

A former World War Two military airfield, now used for civil light aircraft. The military airfield was established in 1942 but did not become active until 1943. It was provided with three concrete and tarmac runways and two type T2 aircraft hangars. During World War Two, it was used both by the Royal Air Force and by the 9th United States Army Air Force. The airfield was designated by the Americans as station 358. Earls Colne was home to both Bomber and fighter units, later also transport aircraft. In 2000-2001 the former military airfield area was reported as being partly in use for light aircraft, partly used as Earls Colne Business Park, also a golf course, sports centre and for agriculture. Part of the perimeter track, hangars are said to have survived to 2001. The control tower was demolished in 2003.

Original HER entry merged with NRHE data import: Airfield (disused), TL 848 270 (NAT). <1> Earls Colne was one of the first airfields built by the US army in Britain, becoming operational in May 1943 with the 94th Bomb group flying B-17s. The RAF took over in September 1944 with Halifax and Horsa gliders for Operation varsity. In 1946 the airfield was put on care and maintenance. <2> The airfield was equipped with three runways linked by a perimeter track, with 36 frying pan dispersals and 15 loops. Two T-2 hangars were built at opposite sides of the airfield; TL8552 2680; TL8436 2667 both of which were in industrial use. The control tower stands at TL8479 2660 (type 12799/41, 343/43) and the main technical site was built south west around Honeywood farm. Bomb stores were built around the edge of 'Witch Wood' (TL857 254) and fragmentary evidence remains. Fusing sheds were positioned along the connecting track (TL852 259) . SHQ/Ops was built at TL8414 2645 but this and the other main site have been destroyed and the site became woodland. The dispersed sites were located south-west but all trace has been removed through forestation. The northern half has been developed into an industrial park. Site assessment: The Control Tower and hangars remain as does one runway layout. The site has already been substantially developed which suggests limited further alteration in the short term. Importance - **/*** depending on the conditions of buildings. <3> Earls Colne Airfield, Essex, TL 848 270, opened 1943, closed 1947. The airfield had three concrete and tarmac runways and two type T2 aircraft hangars, there was temporary accommodation for base personnel. <4> Bowyer notes that although the base became active in 1943, the RAF already had established the airfield in 1942, under the control of number 3 Group Bomber Command The Americans of 94 Bombardment Group who were transferred to the 9th United States Army Air Force used the airfield. The group attempted to destroy V1 bases and were also involved in preparations for Operation Overlord. The base was also used again by the RAF (fighter command and later transport aircraft). The Special Operations Executive also use the airfield. At the time of publication in 2000 light aircraft were reported to use part of the former military airfield. <5> The control tower was demolished in 2003. This was built to a mixture of 1941 and 1943 specifications. For a period of 20 years prior to 2001 the control tower had been used as a house, it was ruin in 2001. In 2001 the hangars and part of the perimeter track were said to survive. Use of the airfield said to be Earls Colne Business Park- agriculture, golf, sports centre, industry. <6> Of the airfield site, one runway is in use for light aircraft while the other runway and perimeter track remain at reduced width. All the dispersals have gone but a cluster of 6 frying-pan types show as vegetation marks in Thrift Wood (TL8468 2617). <7> See also: <8> - <15>