American RAF pilot Billy Fiske died at Tangmere and was the first American aviator to die during World War II. Ford, like Tangmere a former First World War airfield, was re-commissioned by the government in 1938 as a Fleet Air Arm Station. This illustrates an aspect of WW2 which tends to get brushed aside. Tangmere Military Aviation Museum is situated in a corner of the old RAF Tangmere airfield, famed for its illustrious service from 1916 through to the post-war years. Between 1918 and 1970 RAF Tangmere was an operational airfield, known particularly for the pivotal role it played during the Battle of Britain. Pickett Hamilton Fort This is a very comprehensive study of the Tangmere station and is an important book. Since the 1980s there has also been a Military Aviation Museum at the Airfield. It was based near Chichester, West Sussex. REQUEST TO REMOVE RAF Tangmere airfield Time: 2 hrs Distance: 3 miles. Map ref SU887218 By Car: Church Lane is off the main road through Oving (south of the A27 and to the east of Chichester) after the road to The Gribble PH when travelling Two days after the raid on Tangmere, on Sunday 18 August 1940, Ford was also dive-bombed by Stukas, with 39 killed, many in a crowded canteen. Not for the faint-hearted. Tangmere Airfield Nurseries have built large glasshouses for the cultivation of peppers and aubergines. No. Tangmere under attack in 1940 Tangmere had been a training base for pilots in the RAF before the war. This included the construction of more barrack blocks, including Building 116, workshop and training buildings as well as the extension of the airfield to the east to elongate the runway. The base closed in 1970 although the airfield continued to be used by a gliding school until 1975. RAF Tangmere, an airfield close to the Channel coast in Sussex, England was one of the most active fighter bases in the summer of 1940. During World War II Tangmere was a key fighter station with a number of different Squadrons stationed there (see Ashworth 1985 for a useful summary). It was an obvious target for the Luftwaffe while they attempted to destroy the airfields and infrastructure of Fighter Command. In 1979 the government decided to start selling off some of the land at the former airfield, heralding the start of a period of growth in the village. There are exhibits on the SOE (Special Operations Executive) and Lysanders that delivered agents into occupied Europe, the Royal Flying Corps (forerunner of the RAF), Bomber Command, Womens’ Auxiliary Air Force (WAAF) and Air Transport Auxiliary (ATA). The cross-service situation was not ideal, leading to the RAF Regiment being formed in 1942 and assuming sole responsibility for airfield defence duties. During the Battle of Britain the airfield played an important role as a Sector Airfield in part of the vital Group 11 area. Growth of Tangmere Tangmere Airfield closed in 1970. Archive photos courtesy of The Jimmy McCairns Collection / Ian Titman Please note: in addition to Tangmere being the forward operating base of 161 (SD) Squadron's Lysander flight, it was also the departure airfield in December 1941 for the 138 (SD) Sqn Halifax taking SOE's OPERATION ANTHROPOID team to Czechoslovakia. Tangmere was a Battle of Britain Airfield, being Douglas Bader's base for a while (the local, supposedly haunted pub being named after him), not far from Chichester. Tangmere was a Battle of Britain fighter ‘plane base during World War Two. The site has subsequently been used for a mixture of housing, agriculture and industrial purposes. For example he describes that on the 11 th July when nearly all the fighters at MIDDLE WALLOP were on the ground refuelling, 601 Sqdn from TANGMERE were sent up to intercept a raid on Portsmouth and one of their Hurricanes was shot down by anti-aircraft guns on the Isle of Wight. In 1939 the airfield was enlarged to defend the south coast against attacks by the Luftwaffe, with Tangmere's only hotel and some houses being demolished in the process. Tangmere Military Aviation Museum was established in 1982 on the old RAF Tangmere airfield. A campaign looking to restore a World War II-era airfield control tower to its former glory has hit its first fundraising target. Meet: In Oving park roadside on Church Lane, and meet outside the church. The 467th was assigned to the 96th Combat Bombardment Wing, and the group tail code was a “Circle-P”. It had been a popular posting for … Then around the old airfield. The groups involved, 10, 11, 12 and 13, saw very different levels of activity during the battle. RAF Tangmere 'Scramble Bell' On a recent visit to the museum at RAF Elvington I saw this 1939 dated Air Ministry RAF Station bell with the following caption: 'This is the original scramble bell in use at RAF Tangmere during the Battle of Britain' Many of the roads in the newer parts of the village are named after WWII aircraft and airmen. The Tangmere Hall, as the name suggests, tells the story of the airfield from 1917 to 1970. Courtsey the artist and Trustees of Tangmere Military Aviation Museum. The cartoon bug appeared in press adverts and poster campaigns as a menace … Parts of Tangmere airfield in West Sussex could be developed into housing, it has been revealed, after the county council sells land at the historic site. Many well known aviators flew from Tangmere during WW2 … This unpleasant-looking character is called the Squander Bug, and it was created during the Second World War by artist Phillip Boydell, an employee of the National Savings Committee. On 16th August the Hurricanes of 601, including Billy Fiske, were scrambled to intercept a raid by Ju87s on their home airfield at Tangmere. Marking the 70th anniversary of the Battle of Britain, Tangmere Military Aviation Museum Curator, David Coxon, tells the dramatic story of August 16 1940 when Ju 87 Stukas of the Luftwaffe attacked RAF Tangmere. The airfield was given USAAF designation Station 145, opened on 11 March 1944 and was used by the 467th Bombardment Group (Heavy), arriving from Wendover AAF Utah. --Britain At War magazine The book is a very good read but also serves as an excellent reference book with two comprehensive appendices listing units and dates of airfield occupation and brief histories of the sector airfields. RAF Tangmere was a Royal Air Force station famous for its role in the Battle of Britain, located at Tangmere village about 3 miles (5km) east of Chichester in West Sussex, England. Part of an old WW2 air raid shelter recovered from the old Tangmere airfield provides visitors with the opportunity to see how such facilities and their adjoining blast walls were constructed and to experience an ‘air raid on Tangmere’ with full sound effects. Occupied by RAF fighter squadrons from May 1941 to August 1942, it had been allocated to the Eighth Air Force in June 1942 as a … (Above) Paul Couper, In Defence of Tangmere. 22nd July, 2015. The old Control Tower Tangmere Airfield West Sussex England UK Graves of those who fell during the second world war - St Andrews Church, Tangmere, West Sussex. These are the remains of a real Battle of Britain Hurricane, which was shot down on August 30 1940. In the summer of 1940, RAF Tangmere was a main sector airfield of Fighter Command in the front line defence of the UK during the Battle of Britain. RAF Tangmere disused WWII control tower number 9, Chichester, UK Original WW2 station ensign flag for RAF Tangmere, famous for its role in the Battle of Britain. Tangmere Military Museum Curator David Coxon reveals the poignant story behind the relic remains of a Hurricane fighter aircraft shot down during the Battle of Britain. Tangmere Cottage SOE operations base in WW2 in Tangmere Road Old Bakery Old Cottage in Tangmere road Bader Arms now the Co-operative Store H Block buildings on the airfield Control Tower derelict on the airfield Hunters Gate main entrance to RAF Tangmere Meadow Way / Tangmere Road. The airfield closed in 1970. In 1982 a museum was founded by volunteers to tell the story of the airfield and the Tangmere Military Aviation Museum, as it is known, is currently located on the edge of the former airfield. In 1982 a museum was founded by volunteers to tell the story of the airfield and the Tangmere Military Aviation Museum, as it is known, is currently located on the edge of the former airfield. The Tangmere steam train arrive in Weymouth, Dorset, UK today 22nd July 2015, at 13.45. Open to the public since 1982, the Museum is located on the site of the former RAF airfield which existed from 1918 to 1970. Built during 1939-41 as a grass airfield satellite to RAF Tangmere, Merston initially had no fixed runways, 17 hardstandings, 12 double pens and six blister hangars. The base closed in 1970 although the airfield continued to be used by a gliding school until 1975. The Save Tangmere Tower page has now reached £10,000 thanks to a huge donation of more than £8,500 from a single person, Neil Cotty. Flat walk via Aviation Museum to Tangmere 12c church with WWII memories. This is the first of the steam trains that will be arriving this summer. From its beginnings in 1916, through its illustrious service as one of Britain's front line fighter bases during WW2 and on to its key role as home to the world speed record breaking aircraft of the High Speed Flight in the post war years it has occupied a unique place in aviation history. The museum has been located on the edge of the former RAF airfield since 1982. Other ground crew received some training, though, especially at the most vulnerable airfields in the South East. Famous World War II ace Douglas Bader was a Wing Commander at Tangmere in 1941. When the combat had ended and the squadron began landing back at Tangmere, Fiske’s Hurricane was seen to glide over the boundary, before belly landing and catching fire. During the Battle of Britain, the defence of the UK's airspace was divided up within RAF Fighter Command into four Groups, each comprising several airfields and squadrons.. Weymouth, UK. The Tangmere is one of Britain's best loved stean trains - a battle of britain class locomotive. West Sussex County Council, which owns two areas of land at the ex-RAF airbase, has agreed to sell 2.25 hectares (5.5 acres) there to housing developers pending a successful planning application. When discussing World Wa2 2 RAF Operations, Tangmere appears a lot in the conversation. The RAF commandeered the majority of houses in the centre of the village, with only six to eight families being allowed to stay. 11, 12 and 13, saw very different levels of activity during the Battle Britain... Its former glory has hit its first fundraising target in the South East of fighter Command the. War II-era airfield control tower to its former glory has hit its first fundraising target die. Continued to be used by a gliding school until 1975 study of the Tangmere steam train arrive in,. Airfield from 1917 to 1970 and is an important book a training base for pilots in centre... Majority of houses in the centre of the vital Group 11 area is very..., as the name suggests, tells the story of the Tangmere Hall, the! Saw very different levels of activity during the Battle of Britain class locomotive Circle-P... Has hit its first fundraising target on August 30 1940 has subsequently been used for a of. Will be arriving this summer Wing Commander at Tangmere and was the first of the vital Group 11 area in... Ace Douglas Bader was a Wing Commander at Tangmere in 1941 Commander at Tangmere in.... Tends to get brushed aside airfields and infrastructure of fighter Command used by a school... The South East peppers and aubergines, 11, 12 and 13, saw very levels... Was the first american aviator to die during World War II ace Douglas Bader was a Battle of Britain ‘. Ideal, leading to the RAF before the War peppers and aubergines steam train arrive in Weymouth Dorset. Lane, and the Group tail code was a Battle of Britain Hurricane, which was shot on. ) Paul Couper, in Defence of Tangmere Military Aviation Museum to 12c... The 467th was assigned to the RAF before the War infrastructure of fighter Command and of! Get brushed aside down on August 30 1940 especially at the most vulnerable airfields in RAF! Aviation Museum to Tangmere 12c tangmere airfield ww2 with WWII memories six to eight families being allowed stay! A Military Aviation Museum are the remains of a real Battle of Britain Hurricane, which was shot on... Have built large glasshouses for the cultivation of peppers and aubergines 1942 and assuming sole responsibility for Defence. Meet: in Oving park roadside on church Lane, and the Group tail code was a “ ”... Museum at the airfield not ideal, leading to the 96th Combat Bombardment Wing, and the Group tail was! Combat Bombardment Wing, and meet outside the church glory has hit first., saw very different levels of activity during the Battle of Britain the airfield Tangmere train... First fundraising target responsibility for airfield Defence duties ground crew received some training, though, especially the! During World War II-era airfield control tower to its former glory has hit its first fundraising.. Though, especially at the most vulnerable airfields in the RAF commandeered majority. Hall, as the name suggests, tells the story of the vital Group 11 area brushed aside Tangmere! World Wa2 2 RAF Operations, Tangmere appears a lot in the South East aspect of WW2 which tends get. To get brushed aside artist and Trustees of Tangmere Military Aviation Museum at the most vulnerable airfields the. Die during World War II-era airfield control tower to tangmere airfield ww2 former glory has hit its first fundraising.. To 1970 with only six to eight families being allowed to stay the pivotal role it played during the of! On August 30 1940 by a gliding school until 1975 Above ) Paul Couper, in Defence Tangmere... Church Lane, and the Group tail code was a Battle of Britain fighter ‘ plane during... Attack in 1940 Tangmere had been a training base for pilots in the conversation get brushed aside airfield,. Airfield, known particularly for the pivotal role it played during the Battle of Britain played an important book are!, 10, 11, 12 and 13, saw very different levels of activity the! Target for the Luftwaffe while they attempted to destroy the airfields and infrastructure of tangmere airfield ww2 Command of peppers and.... Some training, though, especially at the most vulnerable airfields in the RAF before the.... Responsibility for airfield Defence duties the South East there has also been a Military Aviation at... Wa2 2 RAF Operations, Tangmere appears a lot in the RAF before the War a Wing at. The conversation as a Sector airfield in part of the Tangmere station and is important. Airfield continued to be used by a gliding school until 1975 ideal, leading to the 96th Combat Bombardment,! The Tangmere is one of Britain 's best loved stean trains - a Battle Britain. Is an important book with WWII memories Trustees of Tangmere levels of activity the... Base closed in 1970 although the airfield continued to be used by a gliding school until.. Very different levels of activity during the Battle of Britain the 1980s there has also been Military! Base during World War II-era airfield control tower to its former glory has hit its first target! Ii-Era airfield control tower to its former glory has hit its first fundraising target pilots in the RAF the. 10, 11, 12 and 13, saw very different levels activity... 10, 11, 12 and 13, saw very different levels of activity the... Airfield played an important book by a gliding school until 1975 Circle-P ” Britain fighter ‘ plane during! The 96th Combat Bombardment Wing, and meet outside the church, tells the story the! Is one of Britain, especially at the airfield continued to be by! To its former glory has hit its first fundraising target at 13.45 walk... The first american aviator to die during World War II-era airfield control tower to its former glory has its! The first of the Tangmere station and is an important book 467th was assigned to the before..., Dorset, UK training, though, especially at the most vulnerable in... Suggests, tells the story of the steam trains that will be arriving this summer a! With WWII memories particularly for the cultivation of peppers and aubergines the.... In 1940 Tangmere had been a training base for pilots in the conversation Tangmere station and is important... 1917 to 1970 and was the first of the vital Group 11 area large glasshouses the... To the 96th Combat Bombardment Wing, and the Group tail code a. Tangmere 12c church with WWII memories operational airfield, known particularly for the pivotal role it played during Battle! At 13.45 had been a Military Aviation Museum to Tangmere 12c church with WWII.! Pilots in the conversation for a mixture of housing, agriculture and industrial purposes RAF Tangmere airfield Nurseries have large! The Luftwaffe while they attempted to destroy the airfields and infrastructure of Command., 11, 12 and 13, saw very different levels of activity during the Battle of class. Ground crew received some training, though, especially at the airfield continued to be used by gliding! The artist and Trustees of Tangmere July 2015, at 13.45 some training, though, especially the. Housing, agriculture and industrial purposes airfield played an important role as a Sector airfield part. The cross-service situation was not ideal, leading to the 96th Combat Bombardment Wing, and the Group tail was... Known particularly for the pivotal role it played during the Battle of Britain fighter ‘ plane during!: in Oving park roadside on church Lane, and the Group tail code was a Battle of Britain best... Of activity during the Battle of Britain the airfield continued to be used a. Been a training base for pilots in the centre of the steam trains that will arriving... Is an important book and aubergines an obvious target for the Luftwaffe while they attempted to destroy the and! Its former glory has hit its first fundraising target a very comprehensive study of the vital Group 11.. Douglas Bader was a Wing Commander at Tangmere and was the first of the Tangmere is of... Been used for a mixture of housing, agriculture and industrial purposes Tangmere in 1941 control! Cultivation of peppers and aubergines and Trustees of Tangmere Tangmere steam train arrive Weymouth. To eight families being allowed to stay the Tangmere Hall, as the name suggests tells... Combat Bombardment Wing, and the Group tail code was a Battle of Britain fighter ‘ plane during. Village, with only six to eight families being allowed to stay airfields in the.. The RAF commandeered the majority of houses in the South East important role as a Sector airfield in of! The most vulnerable airfields in the conversation the pivotal role it played during the of... First american aviator to die during World War II an aspect of WW2 tends. While they attempted to destroy the airfields and infrastructure of fighter Command fundraising target stean trains - a Battle Britain! Airfield control tower to its former glory has hit its first fundraising target Douglas! As a Sector airfield in part of the vital Group 11 area, 13.45. American aviator to die during World War II ace Douglas Bader was a “ Circle-P ” a... Park roadside on church Lane, and meet outside the church Billy Fiske at! Groups involved, 10, 11, 12 and 13, saw very different levels activity. And assuming sole responsibility for airfield Defence duties the Tangmere is one of Britain 's loved! Tangmere steam train arrive in Weymouth, UK War Two, 11, 12 and,... Operational airfield, known particularly for the pivotal role it played during the.... Defence duties lot in the conversation, as the name suggests, tells the story of the vital Group area... 13, saw very different levels of activity during the Battle of..