RAF Stoney Cross Air Base

The airfield was constructed as a temporary base for World War II. Following the end of the war, it became surplus to military requirements due to the large-scale post-war demobilization and reduction of air forces. The land was subsequently returned to its original owner, the Forestry Commission.

The site has been largely reclaimed by the New Forest. In the 1960s, most of the concrete from the three runways and taxiways was broken up and used as hardcore for the construction of the nearby M27 motorway. However, the outline of the airfield is still clearly visible from the air. Some sections of the perimeter track remain and are used as public roads and access for the Stoney Cross Industrial Estate, which occupies a small part of the former airfield. The area is now primarily open heathland and woodland, popular for walking, cycling, and model aircraft flying. A memorial plaque is located on-site to commemorate the personnel who served there during the war.

RAF Stoney Cross was a significant World War II Class A airfield, opened in November 1942. It played a crucial role in major Allied airborne operations. Initially, it was home to RAF squadrons (No. 296 and No. 297) flying Armstrong Whitworth Albemarle and Handley Page Halifax aircraft, which were used to tow Horsa gliders. These units were heavily involved in the D-Day landings in Normandy (Operation Overlord) and the Battle of Arnhem (Operation Market Garden). In March 1944, the station was transferred to the United States Army Air Forces (USAAF) Ninth Air Force and designated as Station 452. It hosted the 387th Bombardment Group flying Martin B-26 Marauder medium bombers and later the 367th Fighter Group with their Lockheed P-38 Lightning fighters. These groups provided vital tactical air support for ground forces during the liberation of France. After the USAAF units moved to the continent, the airfield reverted to RAF Transport Command control until its closure.

There are no plans or prospects for reopening RAF Stoney Cross as an airport. Its location within the New Forest National Park, a highly protected environmental area, makes any such development virtually impossible. The essential infrastructure has been removed, and the land has been successfully returned to nature and public recreational use.