North Weald celebrates 90th anniversary – Sunday 20 August

As there is a current thread about old airfields, how about coming to North Weald this Sunday to help us celebrate its 90th anniversary?

This is a very special event for all of us based on the aerodrome, especially as the threat of turning it into a housing estate has hopefully receded and we can look forward to a good few more years aviating from here.

North Weald Aerodrome was first opened in 1916 to combat Zeppelins attacking London, and the first claim was made on 1 October, when 2nd Lt Tempest shot down Zeppelin L31 which was coned in some searchlights over Potters Bar. He was awarded a DSO.

On 19 May 1918, Lt Arkell, with his gunner Air Mechanic Stagg in a Bristol Fighter from 39 Squadron, intercepted a Gotha that had been in combat with Sopwith Camels of 78 Squadron and destroyed it over East Ham.

The field played a key role during the Battle of Britain, and in May 1942 the Norwegian 331 and 332 Squadrons moved in, flying Spitfires. This marked the start of a very special relationship which has lasted up to the present day. North Weald finally closed as an RAF staion in 1964.

Two F16s from 331 and 332 Squadrons of the Norwegian Air Force are due to attend this weekend, flown by their squadron commanders and will be arriving on Friday at about 1500. A party of Norwegian veterans is also attending, and there will be a dedicated veterans’ marquee on site. The F16s will be departing at about 1500 on Sunday.

The RAF are sending a Tucano from 72 Squadron – which also retains strong links with the field and continues to hold its annual reunions at The Squadron.

111 Squadron will be flying in a Tornado on Friday too at about 1400. Roger Topp the former leader of ‘The Black Arrows’ and who flew from North Weald with the Squadron in the fifties is one of the VIP guests.

We are also hoping to have Spitfire TA805 for static display as it’s at NW at the moment. Angie Soper’s Yak 11 ‘Novosibirskiy Komsomol’ is also there and may well stay for the weekend. Not sure what goodies Kennet will drag out of their hangar.

Peter Teichman is displaying at Rougham – either JJ or the P40, so that will be out and about on the airfield at some stage.

We are also planning a four-ship Bulldog ‘missing man’ flypast in honour of the Norwegians and all the other pilots who flew combat missions from the field.

And of course the famous red Cloudster may well make a guest appearance from Popham!

There will be a free shuttle bus from the airfield to the North Weald Museum. The Squadron’s legendary barbequed burgers will be available all day too.

For those driving in, there is an entrance fee of £5 per person. £2 of this will be donated to local charities.

We know that there are a number of other events that weekend, but it was the only date available, so hopefully some of you will be able to make it.

YR 😀