RAF Tholthorpe

The airfield was closed as part of the massive post-World War II demobilization. As a purpose-built wartime bomber base, it was deemed surplus to the peacetime requirements of the Royal Air Force and its allies. Its closure was a direct result of the end of hostilities and the subsequent strategic downsizing of military forces.

The site has largely reverted to agricultural land. The classic triangular runway pattern is still visible in aerial photography, but the concrete surfaces are heavily degraded, broken up, or have been removed for aggregate. Some sections of the perimeter track remain, used as farm access roads. A number of original wartime buildings, including two T2-type hangars and various smaller structures, survive in various states of repair, with some being used for farm storage or light industrial purposes. A memorial dedicated to the RCAF squadrons that served at Tholthorpe is located in the nearby village. The ICAO code GB-0607 is noted in some unofficial aviation databases but does not correspond to any formal, active airfield or gliding club on the site; there is no regular aviation activity.

RAF Tholthorpe was a significant World War II heavy bomber station, constructed as a 'Class A' airfield with three concrete runways. Opened in 1943, it was a key base within No. 6 Group, which was uniquely operated by the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) as part of RAF Bomber Command. The station primarily hosted Canadian squadrons, including No. 420 'Snowy Owl' Squadron, No. 425 'Alouette' Squadron, and No. 434 'Bluenose' Squadron. These units operated Handley Page Halifax and, later, Avro Lancaster heavy bombers. From Tholthorpe, they played a crucial role in the strategic night bombing campaign against industrial and military targets in Nazi Germany, contributing significantly to the Allied war effort. The station stands as a memorial to the hundreds of Canadian airmen who were based there and lost their lives during operations.

There are no known plans or prospects for reopening RAF Tholthorpe as a public or private airport. The essential aviation infrastructure, such as intact runways, lighting, and air traffic control facilities, has been removed or has fallen into ruin. The land is privately owned and integrated into local farming operations, making any potential redevelopment for aviation purposes highly improbable and economically unviable.