The Wartime Memories Project - RAF Newchurch

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Information. RAF Newchurch was one of 26 Advanced Landing Grounds (or ALGs) a series of temporary airfields built in 1943, in preparation for a possible invasion of France. All ALG`s were built on farmland, with two intersecting runways (often called strips) constructed of a heavy metal mesh (or tracking) laid on grass, while personnel were housed in tented camps or local requisitioned houses. The first occupants at Newchurch were Nos 19 and 132 Squadrons who arrived in July 1943, flying Spitfires. 19 Squadron replaced by 602 Squadron (Spitfires), in August and were accompanied by 184 Squadron flying Hurricanes. In Oct 1943 all the Squadrons moved to Detling, whilst Newchurch was closed for upgrading. In April 1944 Newchurch reopenened with the formation of the ‘Newchurch Wing’ consisting of Nos 3 and 486(NZ) Squadrons, flying Tempests and 56 Squadron with Spitfires and Typhoons, led by Wing Commander R.P. Beamont. In June the Squadrons provided air cover during D-Day landings. On the 16th June 44, Sergeant Bruce Cole of No.3 squadron (flying as Beamont’s No. 2) shoot down the first V1 by the Newchurch Wing. which exploded in a field near Maidstone. During the V1 attacks, these three squadrons of the Newchurch Wing destroyed no less than 638 ‘doodlebugs’ In September 1944 after four months of intense activity, the Newchurch Wing moved to Belgium, then Holland. They were the last aircraft to use RAF Newchurch the site being. de-requisitioned, in December 44 and the site returned to agriculture. Today little trace of the airfield remains, the main evidence being the gaps in established hedgerows, telegraph wires routed underground and a small concrete bridge crossing a dyke. Regrettably the Black Bull - the local pub where pilots from the airfield drank - closed several years ago, Photographs If you have any Photographs you would like to share please get in touch. List of those who served here. If you have any names to add to this list, or any recollections or photos of those listed, please get in touch. If you have a story which you would like to share, or a website dedicated to an airfield or aircrew, please get in touch. Send an E-mail to The Wartime Memories Project Links Flying Visit A walk around an Advanced Landing Ground. Airfields Index The Wartime Memories Project is a non profit organisation. This website is run out of our own pockets and from donations made by visitors. The popularity of the site means that it is far exceeding available resources. If you are enjoying the site, please consider making a donation, however small to help with the costs of keeping the site running. Or by cheque to: PO Box 325, Stockton on Tees, TS20 1XL. Website and ALL Material © Copyright MM - All Rights Reserved