HISTORY:
Opened in 1937, it saw the peak of its activity during the years of the Second World War, when it served within the defence network of fighter bases of the RAF providing protection for the Leeds, Bradford, Sheffield and Humbleside industrial regions.
During September 1940 it became home to the first RAF "Eagle Sqaudren" of American volunteers being No. 71 Sqaudren RAF initially with the Brewster Buffalo I, for one month before changing to the Hawker Hurricane I.
The airfield was also home to both the first all-Canadian and all-Polish squadrons, with 242 squadron RAF for the Canadians and 306 squadron RAF for the Polish. 242 Squadron, first established in the First World War and then disbanded, was re-formed here in October 1939, using Canadian personnel.
EXPLORE:
After parking up we found access to the RAF base, it was a little sketchy as LEEDS EAST Airport is right next door and is still active, but we mooched around for a good few hours and didn't get disturbed. The explore is self was amazing and all the buildings tell a different story. After telling my father about it he mentioned that he spent quite some time at RAF Church Fenton, so that added a little more excitement!
The builds are still good to walk round and most of the site is still there!
Enjoy the photos!!
Thanks for Reading!
Canis.
Opened in 1937, it saw the peak of its activity during the years of the Second World War, when it served within the defence network of fighter bases of the RAF providing protection for the Leeds, Bradford, Sheffield and Humbleside industrial regions.
During September 1940 it became home to the first RAF "Eagle Sqaudren" of American volunteers being No. 71 Sqaudren RAF initially with the Brewster Buffalo I, for one month before changing to the Hawker Hurricane I.
The airfield was also home to both the first all-Canadian and all-Polish squadrons, with 242 squadron RAF for the Canadians and 306 squadron RAF for the Polish. 242 Squadron, first established in the First World War and then disbanded, was re-formed here in October 1939, using Canadian personnel.
EXPLORE:
After parking up we found access to the RAF base, it was a little sketchy as LEEDS EAST Airport is right next door and is still active, but we mooched around for a good few hours and didn't get disturbed. The explore is self was amazing and all the buildings tell a different story. After telling my father about it he mentioned that he spent quite some time at RAF Church Fenton, so that added a little more excitement!
The builds are still good to walk round and most of the site is still there!
Enjoy the photos!!
Thanks for Reading!
Canis.
