RAF Windrush
Airfield Code Letters - UR
RAF Windrush is located 4 miles west of the Cotswold town of Burford and came into operational use in the early summer of 1940 as a Relief Landing Ground (RLG). The first unit to use Windrush, 15 Service Flying Training School (SFTS), were based at RAF Kidlington near Oxford. The aircraft that initially flew from the airfield at this time were North American Harvards and Airspeed (AS) Oxfords, who were to be seen carrying out take offs, circuits, and landings.
RAF Windrush is located 4 miles west of the Cotswold town of Burford and came into operational use in the early summer of 1940 as a Relief Landing Ground (RLG). The first unit to use Windrush, 15 Service Flying Training School (SFTS), were based at RAF Kidlington near Oxford. The aircraft that initially flew from the airfield at this time were North American Harvards and Airspeed (AS) Oxfords, who were to be seen carrying out take offs, circuits, and landings.
North American AT-16 Harvard IIB - FT391
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Airspeed Oxford I - MP425
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Conditions on the airfield where somewhat primitive with just a few Nissen Huts to provide any kind of facilities for the air and ground crews. The airfield was used for both day and night flying, with the runway marked by goose neck flares.
Windrush was also used by 6 SFTS who were based at RAF South Cerney. This unit flew Avro Ansons and AS Oxfords and one of the airfields most well known incidents took place just before 6 SFTS took control of the airfield.
On the night of the 18 August 1940 (known as the Hardest Day during the Battle of Britain) the Luftwaffe where in the skies above Gloucestershire having on this day launched a number of attacks on airfields in Southern England. In the evening fifty German bombers crossed the English coast and began prowling through the skies looking for targets of opportunity. It was on this evening that Sergeant Bruce Hancock was airborne over Windrush in Anson I L9164 undertaking his final night solo flight before qualifying.
Windrush was also used by 6 SFTS who were based at RAF South Cerney. This unit flew Avro Ansons and AS Oxfords and one of the airfields most well known incidents took place just before 6 SFTS took control of the airfield.
On the night of the 18 August 1940 (known as the Hardest Day during the Battle of Britain) the Luftwaffe where in the skies above Gloucestershire having on this day launched a number of attacks on airfields in Southern England. In the evening fifty German bombers crossed the English coast and began prowling through the skies looking for targets of opportunity. It was on this evening that Sergeant Bruce Hancock was airborne over Windrush in Anson I L9164 undertaking his final night solo flight before qualifying.
Avro Anson N4877
Attracted by the airfields flare path, Heinkel He111P (1408) of 5/KG27 dropped ten 50kg bombs which caused no damage. The bomber then caught sight of the the Anson flown by Sergeant Hancock and gave chase. As the bomber closed with the unarmed Anson the Heinkel's front gunner opened fire on the aircraft which was then seen by observers on the ground to pull up and crash into the bomber. Both aircraft crashed near the airfield at Blackpits Farm and all on board were killed. It is to this day not known if Sergeant Hancock deliberately flew his aircraft into the bomber or if he was hit by gunfire that may have caused him to lose control of the Anson. Whatever happened Sergeant Hancock is remembered both at Windrush's Watch Office and at the local churchyard.
Further attacks were mounted by the Luftwaffe on 2 and 11 September 1940, but again the airfield was not hit and no damage was sustained. No 6 SFTS continued to use the airfield but they were then joined by 2 SFTS from Brize Norton again flying Harvards and Oxfords in 1941. Windrush at this time was being worked at full capacity and it was inevitable that accidents would occur due to the large number of aircraft present. During 1941 seven Oxfords were involved in accidents usually due to incidents during take offs and landings. One accident occurred on 30 July 1941 involving Oxford II W6619. During a dual night circuit, the pilot overshot the flarepath and prepared to carry out a go around for a further attempt to land. As he climbed away he retracted the flaps too soon and the aircraft struck a tree, this resulted in the death of the pilot LAC William Christie and injuries to the Instructor.
In 1942 Windrush was upgraded with a concrete perimeter track laid, the installation of two runways using Sommerfeld tracking, and the construction of a Watch Office. In addition a number of Blister hangars were erected along with other buildings, which formed accommodation and instructional sites at the airfield.
On 1 April 1942, 6 SFTS changed its name to 6 (Pilots) Advanced Flying Unit and flying continued at the usual busy pace. Training continued throughout 1943, 1944 and into 1945. However, with the end of hostilities in Europe training was eased back at Little Rissington which meant that Windrush was no longer required. The airfield closed as a flying station on 12 July 1945 after which it reverted back to agriculture.
Parts of the airfield can still be seen today and the following photographs show some of what is left to be seen.
In 1942 Windrush was upgraded with a concrete perimeter track laid, the installation of two runways using Sommerfeld tracking, and the construction of a Watch Office. In addition a number of Blister hangars were erected along with other buildings, which formed accommodation and instructional sites at the airfield.
On 1 April 1942, 6 SFTS changed its name to 6 (Pilots) Advanced Flying Unit and flying continued at the usual busy pace. Training continued throughout 1943, 1944 and into 1945. However, with the end of hostilities in Europe training was eased back at Little Rissington which meant that Windrush was no longer required. The airfield closed as a flying station on 12 July 1945 after which it reverted back to agriculture.
Parts of the airfield can still be seen today and the following photographs show some of what is left to be seen.
All Photos - Richard Hall