RAF Birch

Military drawdown and redundancy following the end of World War II. As a temporary wartime airfield, it was built for a specific purpose and was deemed surplus to the peacetime requirements of the Royal Air Force after the departure of the United States Army Air Forces.

The site has been almost entirely returned to agricultural use. While the main runways have been removed, the ghostly outline of the airfield is still clearly visible from the air, with many of the perimeter tracks and some concrete hardstands remaining as farm tracks. A few of the original Nissen huts and other airfield buildings survive, repurposed for agricultural storage. A memorial dedicated to the men of the 397th Bombardment Group who served at RAF Birch has been erected near the site to commemorate its wartime history.

RAF Birch was a significant World War II airfield, constructed in 1942 as a 'Class A' heavy bomber airfield. Its primary and most notable role was as a base for the United States Army Air Forces (USAAF). From April 1944, it was designated USAAF Station 149 and became home to the 397th Bombardment Group of the Ninth Air Force. This group operated Martin B-26 Marauder medium bombers. From RAF Birch, the 397th flew tactical bombing missions over occupied France, targeting V-1 flying bomb launch sites, bridges, and airfields in preparation for the D-Day invasion. They continued to support the Allied advance across Northwest Europe until they moved to a forward base in France in August 1944. After the Americans departed, the airfield was returned to the RAF and was briefly used by No. 298 Squadron for transport operations before being relegated to a storage and maintenance role until its closure.

None. The site is a historical landmark that has been in private ownership and used for agriculture for over 75 years. The essential aviation infrastructure, such as runways and control towers, is either derelict or has been completely removed. There are no plans, proposals, or economic justifications for reopening the site as an airport.