Helmond Airfield B.86

The airfield was a temporary Advanced Landing Ground (ALG) built for a specific military purpose: to support the Allied advance into Germany. With the cessation of hostilities in May 1945, the tactical airfield became redundant and was no longer required for military operations.

The site of the former airfield has been completely returned to agricultural use, primarily consisting of farmland and fields. There are no visible remnants of the runway, which was constructed from Pierced Steel Planking (PSP), or any other airfield infrastructure. The only physical reminder of its wartime past is a memorial monument located at the corner of Bakelsedijk and Vliegveldweg (Airfield Road), which was erected to commemorate the airfield and the personnel who served there. The ICAO code NL-0062 likely refers to a more recent, but also closed, private ultralight or glider airstrip that existed in the same general area post-war, which is now also defunct.

B.86 Helmond was a significant Allied Advanced Landing Ground constructed by the British Royal Engineers in late 1944. It was operational from November 1944 until the end of the war in Europe in May 1945. The airfield served as a crucial forward base for the Royal Air Force's 2nd Tactical Air Force. It primarily hosted fighter and fighter-bomber squadrons flying Hawker Tempests (No. 122 Wing, including squadrons 3, 56, 80, 274, and 486 [RNZAF]) and Supermarine Spitfires (No. 125 Wing, including squadrons 132, 451 [RAAF], and 602). These units flew missions providing close air support for ground troops during the final push into Germany, conducting armed reconnaissance, and engaging the remnants of the Luftwaffe. Its operations were vital during major offensives like Operation Veritable (the battle for the Rhineland).

There are no known plans or prospects for reopening the airfield. The land is privately owned farmland, and its original purpose was temporary and specific to World War II. Its reopening is not considered feasible or necessary.