Dishforth Airfield / RAF Dishforth

Military restructuring and consolidation. The closure was part of the MOD's 'A Better Defence Estate' strategy, which aimed to reduce the number of military sites, create more efficient 'super-bases', and release land for other uses, primarily housing. The departure of 9 Regiment Army Air Corps to a new base in 2016 was the primary event that ended flying operations, making the airfield redundant for its final military purpose.

The site is currently in a transitional phase. While some non-flying army units (such as elements of 6 Regiment, Royal Logistic Corps) have remained pending the final closure, the airfield itself is inactive. The site has been formally earmarked for disposal by the MOD. North Yorkshire Council has allocated the former airfield in its Local Plan as a strategic site for major redevelopment. The plan, often referred to as 'Dishforth New Village' or 'Claro Barracks', is to build approximately 1,300 new homes, a primary school, shops, and other community facilities on the land.

RAF Dishforth has a rich and varied history.

- **Pre-War and WWII:** Opened in 1936 as a bomber station for RAF Bomber Command. It was initially home to squadrons flying Armstrong Whitworth Whitley bombers, such as No. 10 and No. 51 Squadrons. These units participated in some of the earliest operations of the war, including leaflet-dropping missions over Germany. From 1943, its role shifted significantly when it became a key training base for No. 6 Group RCAF (Royal Canadian Air Force), responsible for the operational training of Canadian heavy bomber crews on aircraft like the Handley Page Halifax and Avro Lancaster before they were sent to front-line squadrons.

- **Post-War/Cold War:** After the war, Dishforth transitioned to a transport role within RAF Transport Command, operating aircraft such as the Handley Page Hastings. It also served as a major training centre for various RAF trades, including pilots, navigators, and the RAF Police. Its official ICAO code during its operational life was EGXD.

- **Army Air Corps Era (1992-2016):** In 1992, the station was transferred from the Royal Air Force to the British Army and was renamed Dishforth Airfield. It became the home of 9 Regiment Army Air Corps, which operated attack and utility helicopters, including the Westland Lynx and, later, the advanced Apache AH-64. Units from Dishforth were deployed on major operations in the Balkans, Iraq, and Afghanistan.

There are no prospects for the site reopening as an airfield. The commitment from the Ministry of Defence to sell the land, combined with its formal allocation for a large-scale housing and mixed-use development by the local planning authority, means its future is firmly set in redevelopment. The existing runways and airfield infrastructure are expected to be removed to facilitate the construction of the new settlement.