RAF Hawkinge

Post-war military reorganisation and strategic obsolescence. As the RAF transitioned into the jet age, Hawkinge's grass runways and geographical constraints made it unsuitable for the longer, paved runways required by modern jet fighters. Its role as a forward fighter base diminished with the changing nature of air defence, leading to its closure as part of the broader downsizing of the British military.

The site of the former airfield has been extensively redeveloped. The majority of the area is now a large residential housing estate, which has transformed Hawkinge into a sizeable village. However, significant parts of its history are preserved. The most notable current use is the **Kent Battle of Britain Museum Trust**, which is located on a section of the original airfield and utilises some of its original wartime buildings. This museum houses the world's largest collection of Battle of Britain artefacts. Several other original structures, such as the former Officers' Mess (now the Hawkinge Community Centre), hangars, and defensive pillboxes, are still extant and integrated into the modern landscape, serving as a reminder of the site's historic past.

RAF Hawkinge was one of Britain's most important and frontline airfields, particularly during the Second World War.

- **First World War:** Established in 1915 as Royal Flying Corps Station Folkestone, it was one of the first airfields to defend against Zeppelin raids and Gotha bomber attacks. It also served as a crucial aircraft acceptance park, preparing and dispatching aircraft to the Western Front.

- **Second World War:** As a key Sector Airfield in No. 11 Group, Fighter Command, RAF Hawkinge was at the forefront of the Battle of Britain. Due to its location just a few minutes' flying time from occupied France, it was the closest operational airfield to the enemy. It was home to numerous famous squadrons flying Hawker Hurricanes and Supermarine Spitfires, which were scrambled constantly to intercept Luftwaffe raids over Kent and the English Channel. The airfield was heavily and repeatedly bombed throughout the battle. It also played a vital role in air-sea rescue operations, with squadrons of Westland Lysanders and Supermarine Walruses based there to rescue downed pilots from the sea.

- **Post-War:** After the war, its operational flying role decreased. It became an Initial Training Centre for WRAF (Women's Royal Air Force) recruits and later housed an RAF Regiment depot before its eventual closure.

There are no plans or prospects for reopening RAF Hawkinge as an airport. The extensive residential development covering the former runways and airfield grounds makes any such proposal physically and logistically impossible.