Orfordness
ORFORDNESS: Military aerodrome
Notes: I really cannot be certain if the site of the ORFORDNESS aerodrome appears on this picture, (taken by the author in July 2015), and I do believe it is possible that this straight stretch of the River Alde was used by seaplanes and similar, especially in the 1930s. According to the 1930s chart (see below) the aerodrome was in the area now full of ponds and over the river from the village of Orford.
Military users: WW1: Initially RFC/RAF (Royal Flying Corps / Royal Air Force)
37 [Home Defence] Sqdn (Very short stay, but probably with Royal Aircraft Factory B.E.12?)
Night LandingGround
Later used by the A&AEE (Aeroplane and Armament Experimental Establishment)
Note:RFC/RAF from 1916 to 1921 then placed under Care & Maintenance until?
Location: 11nm E of Woodbridge, 4nm SSW of Aldeburgh, on a spit across the river*, and ESE of Orford village
*(Oddly, the name of the river at this point changes on different maps, some list it as the River Ore, others the River Alde. I’d say the River Alde is more probably correct?)
Period of operation: 1916 to 1938 only?
Site area: WW1: 2527 acres (A huge aerodrome for that time but perhaps including part of the Range?) 1372 x 1280
NOTES: WW1 RFC Home Defence aerodrome. Some success is attributed to presumably RFC aircraft based here attacking Zeppelins at night during WW1.
On a 1930 Ordnance Survey Aviation Map listed as being a permanent Landing Ground
Used by aircraft of the A&AEE up until 1938, from MARTLESHAM HEATH, before the A&AEE moved to BOSCOMBE DOWN. However, it does appear the airfield might have continued in use into the 1960s, possibly longer? Probably used by communications aircraft or similar?
WORLD WAR TWO
During the Second World War (at least?) the site was used to develop bomb technology and also radar. This might seem an odd choice of location, being on a spot so close to Germany. It appears to have been something of a double-bluff in that it was thought the Germans would hardly credit anything much of importance going on there as it was so flat and exposed. It seems the idea was correct, the site was never attacked!
Perhaps this also partly explains why during the Cold War the site was used to develop atomic bomb technology and hardware. It appears the hardware was transported by a van with a single policeman to escort it. Incredibly low key security one might think today, but as pointed out, if you want to keep something secret, don’t advertise it’s presence. Today the site, and the remains of the buildings, are in the care of the National Trust.
We'd love to hear from you, so please scroll down to leave a comment!
Leave a comment ...
Copyright (c) UK Airfield Guide
