RAF Sedgeford
RAF Sedgeford | |
|---|---|
| Sedgeford, Norfolk in England | |
  RAF Sedgeford Shown within Norfolk | |
| Coordinates | 52°54′00″N 0°32′34″E / 52.90010°N 0.54290°E |
| Site information | |
| Owner | Air Ministry |
| Operator | Royal Navy Royal Flying Corps Royal Air Force |
| Site history | |
| Built | 1915 |
| In use | 1915-1919 1940-1942 |
RAF Sedgeford was a Royal Air Force airfield, located in the East of England county of Norfolk, East Anglia.
History
RAF Sedgeford was used as an airfield in the First World War, as a satellite airfield (officially called "Night Landing Grounds") of RAF Great Yarmouth.[1]
First World War
During the First World War, the airfield was used for home defence duties, and was initially attached to the Royal Navy.[2] By 1916, the Royal Flying Corps, a precursor to the current Royal Air Force, took over the facilities.[2]
After the conclusion of the war, RAF Sedgeford was abandoned around 1919 to 1920.[2]
- Units[3]
- No. 3 Fighting School
- No. 7 Training Squadron
- No. 9 Training Squadron
- No. 13 Squadron RAF
- 24th Aero Squadron
- No. 45 Squadron RAF
- No. 53 Reserve Squadron
- No. 64 Squadron RAF
- No. 65 Reserve Squadron
- No. 65 Training Squadron
- No. 72 Squadron RAF
- No. 87 Squadron RAF
- No. 110 Squadron RAF
- No. 122 Squadron RAF
Second World War
RAF Sedgeford was reused during the Second World War, when it was classified as a 'Q-type' and 'K-type' bombing decoy.[2]
The buildings and hangars on site made it a dummy airfield, which prevented nearby, functional airfields from being bombed by enemy bombers. At night, the airfield was lighted up, and made to look like an active airfield in order to trick the enemy, again to prevent nearby airfields from being bombed.[2]
Official records recorded RAF Sedgeford to be in operation from June 1940 to August 1942.
Present state
Smaller buildings, dating back to the First World War, survive, as does an air raid shelter that was built during the Second World War.[2]
See also
References
- ^ "Zeppelin". Archived from the original on 12 September 2012.
- ^ a b c d e f Historic England. "Sedgeford Airfield (1464403)". Research records (formerly PastScape). Retrieved 3 April 2017.
- ^ "Sedgeford". Airfields of Britain Conservation Trust. Retrieved 12 April 2020.