A brief history of RAF Driffield
RAF Driffield is a former Royal Air Force station 1.7 miles (2.7 km) south west of Driffield, East Riding of Yorkshire.
It was first opened as RAF Eastburn in 1918, before closing in early 1920. In 1935 a new airfield was built for the RAF, first for training bomber crews then taking a very active part in World War Two - on Thursday, 15 August 1940 it was badly damaged by a huge raid by German bombers during the Battle of Britain. The airfield was closed for a while for repairs, but reopened in early 1941, with fighters replacing bombers for a short period as Spitfires and Hurricanes from No.13 Group Fighter Command moved in.
Bomber Command returned in April 1941, with Halifaxes from No.4 Group now taking to the skies on an almost nightly basis to attack mainland Europe, inevitably suffering heavy losses.
After the war, RAF Driffield continued as a training base, even becoming home to Thor nuclear missiles aimed at Russia during the height of the Cold War.
The base eventually closed in 1977, after which the British Army made use of the old runways as a driving school, with the base becoming known as Alamein Barracks.
The Explore
I went here with my dad and local newbie explorer for a second visit and the place is amazing. We spent a full afternoon there and still not sure we saw it all. Finding an old stretcher in top condition has to be the highlight! All photos a credit to my dad @Dek
RAF Driffield is a former Royal Air Force station 1.7 miles (2.7 km) south west of Driffield, East Riding of Yorkshire.
It was first opened as RAF Eastburn in 1918, before closing in early 1920. In 1935 a new airfield was built for the RAF, first for training bomber crews then taking a very active part in World War Two - on Thursday, 15 August 1940 it was badly damaged by a huge raid by German bombers during the Battle of Britain. The airfield was closed for a while for repairs, but reopened in early 1941, with fighters replacing bombers for a short period as Spitfires and Hurricanes from No.13 Group Fighter Command moved in.
Bomber Command returned in April 1941, with Halifaxes from No.4 Group now taking to the skies on an almost nightly basis to attack mainland Europe, inevitably suffering heavy losses.
After the war, RAF Driffield continued as a training base, even becoming home to Thor nuclear missiles aimed at Russia during the height of the Cold War.
The base eventually closed in 1977, after which the British Army made use of the old runways as a driving school, with the base becoming known as Alamein Barracks.
The Explore
I went here with my dad and local newbie explorer for a second visit and the place is amazing. We spent a full afternoon there and still not sure we saw it all. Finding an old stretcher in top condition has to be the highlight! All photos a credit to my dad @Dek
