🇬🇧 RAF Winfield Airport

RAF Winfield, also known as Horndean Landing Ground, RAF Station, Winfield, RFC Horndean, or Winfield Aerodrome, operated from December 1916 to November 23, 1945, when it was transferred to the War Office. Although held by the military until the mid-1950s, including a period under USAF control, it was never used by the military again after 1945.

Historically, Winfield served as a landing ground for No. 77 Squadron during World War I, primarily using Royal Aircraft Factory BE2 aircraft. During World War II, it reopened in 1942 as a satellite for No. 54 Operational Training Unit, which used aircraft like Bristol Beaufighters, Beauforts, Blenheims, de Havilland Mosquitoes, and Vickers Wellingtons for night fighter and radar training. Nos. 88 and 222 Squadrons also had brief stays in August 1942, operating Douglas Bostons and Supermarine Spitfire Vbs.

Currently, the site is disused and primarily farmland or used for leisure activities. While the majority of the two original runways and the Second World War control tower remain, the watch office has fallen into disrepair. Motor sport activities have taken place on the site over the years, drawing large crowds on occasion.

*Sources researched: en.wikipedia.org, abct.org.uk, ukairfieldguide.net, aviationtrails.co.uk*